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Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United Tips – NBL Round 18

Ryan Tucker

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Last updated: 24 Jan 2026

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Ryan Tucker 24 Jan 2026

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Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United expert predictions for Sunday’s Round 18 NBL matchup
Tip-off is at 4:30 PM AEDT at RAC Arena
Perth aims to surpass Melbourne in standings.
Wildcats boast strong recent form and home advantage.
Key factors: Perth's shooting vs. Melbourne's defense.

Expired

Kristian Doolittle of the Wildcats acknowledges Elijah Pepper during the round 18 NBL match between Perth Wildcats and Cairns Taipans at RAC Arena, on January 22, 2026, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Wildcats vs United NBL Tips & Predictions

Perth are positioned to leapfrog Melbourne United in the standings with a second straight win over United on Sunday afternoon, fuelled by strong recent form and a favourable matchup at RAC Arena.

Wildcats vs United NBL Tips & Predictions
Match Details: Wildcats vs United
Best Betting Tips - Wildcats vs United
Perth Wildcats -3.5
Over 181.5 Total Points
Elijah Pepper 2+ Three-Pointers
Key Matchup to Watch
Perth Perimeter Shooting vs Melbourne Defence
Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United Frequently Asked Questions

The Wildcats enter Round 18 on a five-game winning streak, including two dominant home performances. While only one of those wins came against a top-six opponent, the consistency and margin of victory point to a team building confidence at the right time of the season.

Melbourne, meanwhile, have put together back-to-back wins for the first time since November, but defensive concerns remain. United are allowing the highest opponent three-point percentage in the NBL and rank fifth in opponent scoring, a troubling combination against a Perth side trending upward offensively.

Perth have won the two most recent meetings against Melbourne at RAC Arena, and with the Wildcats ranking third in three-point efficiency over their last five games, this matchup shapes as an opportunity to apply scoreboard pressure early.

Match Details: Wildcats vs United

Competition: NBL26
Match: Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United
Date: Sunday, 25 January 2026
Start Time: 4:30 PM AEDT
Venue: RAC Arena

Best Betting Tips - Wildcats vs United

Perth Wildcats -3.5

Perth have covered this line in their last two home wins over Melbourne and are 11-5 straight up as favourites this season. Current form and venue advantage favour the Wildcats.

Over 181.5 Total Points

Six of the last seven meetings between these teams have gone over this number, with the lone under finishing just one point short. Perth’s offensive efficiency and Melbourne’s defensive leaks support another high total.

Elijah Pepper 2+ Three-Pointers

Pepper is averaging over five three-point attempts per game and is coming off a career-high seven makes. Against a defence allowing the league’s highest opponent three-point percentage, this prop holds strong value.

Key Matchup to Watch

Perth Perimeter Shooting vs Melbourne Defence

Melbourne’s inability to consistently defend the arc has been exposed all season. Perth’s recent shooting surge could be decisive if the Wildcats get early rhythm looks.

Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United start?

Tip-off between Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United is at 4:30 PM AEDT, Sunday, January 25

What channel is Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United on?

You can watch Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel.

Verdict

Perth Wildcats v Melbourne United

This is a defining spot in the ladder race. Perth’s form, shooting profile and home-court edge line up against Melbourne’s ongoing defensive issues. If the Wildcats control the perimeter, they should not only win — they should jump into the top four.

Perth -3.5

Line

@9/10 - 2 Units

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Over 181.5

Game Total

@9/10 - 2 Units

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E Pepper 2+

Threes made

@11/17 - 1 Unit

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Threes made

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