We’re heading towards the business end of the 2025/26 NBL season as Round 19 kicks off with a Wednesday night double header where the feature game sees the South East Melbourne Phoenix travel west to take on the Perth Wildcats.
Both teams are already looking ahead to Playoffs. While the Phoenix seem to be steamrolling their way into Championship contention, the Wildcats stuttered last round with a frustrating loss full of internal tension that aroused plenty of public scrutiny.
A Wednesday night heavyweight battle in the west! Who will come out on top?
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Perth Wildcats vs South East Melbourne Phoenix Prediction & Betting Tips: NBL26 Round 19
Cats in the Wild
It was a brutally tough loss last round for the Wildcats to burst a recent five-game win streak. They looked in control early against United, but ultimately the clutch moment to win the game was missed by Kristan Doolittle, handing them a one-point defeat. Sure, taking a contest three wasn’t the best option in the moment by Doolittle, but clearly it upset teammate Jo Lual-Acuil Jr as the two had to be separated after the match in what was a disappointing look for their fans.
How they bounce back here will be a big test of character for the Cats.
They now sit clear in 5th spot and it looks unlikely they’ll shift from there. So clearly the focus will be on planning and structure towards the Play-ins over the final rounds of the season.
Phoenix Rising
According to the best Australian sportsbooks, there’s three contenders for the NBL26 Championship - the Adelaide 36ers, the Sydney Kings and the South East Melbourne Phoenix. It’s been an incredible season so far for the Phoenix, and one would understand if they were already satisfied with their progress this year. However there’s an undeniable hunger in this Phoenix camp that smells a chance to win it all.
They sit second on the ladder and their recent form has been excellent, winning six out of their last seven. Their only loss in that period was to the Wildcats on January 10th.
Their scoring power has been phenomenal with their fast pace and multiple scoring options proving massive headaches for opposition defence. Nathan Sobey is having an All Star season, while Ian Clark is now finding his groove with this unit.
The Phoenix have plenty to play for. They will want to make sure of a Top 2 spot, and while top spot is still possible, they also have United and the Kings breathing down their necks should they slip up.
Recent History
The Wildcats got the better of the Phoenix last time they met, coming away with a 107-97 victory on January 10th, however the Phoenix are ahead 2-1 in their meetings this season.
The Wildcats haven’t been great at home this season with a modest 6-7 record this season, while the Phoenix have been good on the road with a 9-4 record.
Fast Paced or Slow and Steady? Here's our Match Prediction
If the Phoenix can keep the game open and fast-flowing then it will suit their style of offence and they will be hard to beat. They have been scoring 100+ points with regularity, and have only had real trouble when facing a slow style of play and rabid defence as shown by the JackJumpers a couple of times this season. Perth will no doubt be trying to control the speed of play.
While I think the Phoenix win, backing the points overs for Phoenix games has been very profitable in recent times. They’ve covered the line of 190.5 in their last seven games, and while the Wildcats will be working hard on pace and defence, the Phoenix are comfortably the highest scoring team of the NBL season and have enough fire power to score at will.
Total Points over 190.5
$1.82 (2 Units)
Wildcats vs Phoenix Dabble Pick‘Em
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Wildcats vs Phoenix Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Wednesday, January 28th, 2026
Time: 9:30pm AEDT
Location: RAC Arena, Perth
Odds: Wildcats $2.02 vs Phoenix $1.80
Line: Phoenix -2.5
Points: 190.5
Where to Watch Wildcats vs Phoenix
You can watch the Wildcats vs Phoenix clash live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
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