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Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers Tips - NBL Round 22

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Last updated: 18 Feb 2026
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Ryan Tucker 18 Feb 2026
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  • Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers expert predictions for Friday’s Round 22 NBL matchup
  • Tip-off is at 9:30 PM AEDT at RAC Arena
  • Game influenced by earlier round results affecting playoff positioning.
  • Expect defense with Perth averaging just 86.4 points against.
  • Betting focus: under 183.5 points for potential results.
perth wildcats v adelaide 36ers
Bryce Cotton of the 36ers and Elijah Pepper of the Perth Wildcats. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)

Wildcats vs 36ers NBL Tips & Predictions


This Round 22 clash is heavily dependent on earlier ladder results.

By tip-off, both teams will know their possible finishing positions. That information dramatically alters rotation management and urgency.

If South East Melbourne win earlier in the round, Adelaide must defeat Perth to secure a top two finish. In that scenario, expect full intensity and star minutes.

If SEM lose, Adelaide’s seeding may already be locked, increasing the likelihood of controlled minutes.

Perth can finish fourth at best, guaranteeing a second chance in the Play-In tournament. A loss combined with a Melbourne win could see them drop to fifth.

This is a ladder-sensitive betting spot.

From a tactical perspective, Perth remain the number one scoring defence in the league, allowing just 86.4 points per game. Adelaide rank third in scoring and lead the NBL in three-point percentage.

All three matchups this season have been controlled by defence, with totals landing lower than market expectations.

Match Details: Wildcats vs 36ers


  • Competition: NBL26
  • Match: Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers
  • Date: Friday, 20 February 2026
  • Start Time: 9:30 PM AEDT
  • Venue: RAC Arena

Best Betting Tips - Wildcats vs 36ers


Conditional Line Play


If SEM win earlier in the round:
Adelaide +1.5

If SEM lose earlier in the round:
Perth -1.5

Under 183.5 Total Points


All three matchups this season have trended toward defensive control. Perth’s ability to slow pace and defend the paint keeps totals suppressed.

Kristian Doolittle 15+ Points


Doolittle has averaged 17 points per game against Adelaide this season and has cleared 16+ in all three meetings. He remains Perth’s most consistent offensive option.

Key Matchup to Watch


Perth Defence vs Adelaide Perimeter Shooting

The Wildcats protect the paint and control defensive rebounds. Adelaide’s elite three-point shooting must fire to unlock their offence. If shots are contested effectively, scoring slows considerably.

Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers start?

Tip-off between Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers is at 9:30 PM AEDT, Friday, February 20

What channel is Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers on?

You can watch Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel.

Where can I livestream Perth Wildcats vs Adelaide 36ers?

If you are outside of Australia, the NBL allows you to stream live on YouTube via the official NBL channel

Verdict

This is not a game to bet blindly early in the week.
Monitor the Throwdown result and ladder permutations before committing to a side. The one consistent angle remains the Under, given historical trends and Perth’s defensive profile.
Best Bet1: Adelaide +1.5 Line @-117.65 at Betnow - 2 Units
Best Bet2: Perth -1.5 Line @-117.65 at PlayUP - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Under 183.5 Game Total @-111.11 at dabble - 2 Units
Best Bet4: K Doolittle 15+ Player Points @-111.11 at Ladbrokes Australia - 1 Unit
Adelaide +1.5
Line
@-117.65 - 2 Units
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Perth -1.5
Line
@-117.65 - 2 Units
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Bet at PlayUP
Under 183.5
Game Total
@-111.11 - 2 Units
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K Doolittle 15+
Player Points
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