NBL26 Finals Race: The Final Regular Season Round
With just one game left for each team in the NBL26 regular season, the finals picture is a lot clearer.
For a full breakdown of how the Play In works and what sixth place actually means, the NBL26 Finals Format guide explains the structure in detail.
Round 22 is likely to decide the seedings of the top 5 teams. Check out the full slate of Matchups for Round 22.
Preliminary Dates for the NBL26 Finals Series have been released.
Who Finishes On Top?
Sydney Kings - Predicted Finish 1st
Sydney currently sit 1st on the ladder with a 7% better points differential. They take on the last placed Brisbane Bullets on Friday and are big favourites to win, ensuring they finish on top.
Adelaide 36ers - Predicted Finish 2nd
Adelaide matchup gainst Perth in the final game of the round on Friday night. It is no easy feat trying to beat the Wildcats at RAC, even if Bryce Cotton knows that hardwood like the back of his hand. They should win but won't be able to make up the points difference.
South East Melbourne Phoenix - Predicted Finish 3rd
The Phoenix would need Adelaide to lose to have any chance of finishing in the top 2. They have a better points percentage than the 36ers and would leapfrog them in that situaiton should they beat Melbourne United on Thursday. If Sydney were also to lose they would need to make up 3% in differential to take top spot, not impossible but unlikely.
Perth Wildcats - Predicted Finish 4th
Perth can't finish higher than 4th but can fall to 5th if they lose against Adelaide and Melbourne United beat the Phoenix. It will be interesting to see what lineup John Rillie throws out and how he uses his rotations against Adelaide.
Melbourne United - Predicted Finish 5th
United are currently 5th and are in a spot of poor form. They would need to win by a margin over SEM and for Perth to lose by a few points at home vs Adelaide to have any hope of jumping up to 4th. With the loss to Illawarra still in their minds, its likely they lose to SEM and finish 5th.
Tasmania JackJumpers - Finish 6th
Tasmania cannot go up or down in the seeding and may rest players in their final game against the Hawks on Wednesday. While it is the final regular season home game and they would have a long break until their elimination play-in game, the risk of injury to an already thin squad could be too high.