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Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United NBL26 Elimination Final Tips - Perth bounce back at RAC Arena

jeremy-darke
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Last updated: Fri 06 Mar 2026 13:46

The Perth Wildcats will face Melbourne United in the NBL26 Elimination Final, with Perth favored to advance to the semifinals against Sydney. Despite Perth's previous sluggish performance against South East Melbourne, they are expected to shine on their home court. Key players like Kristian Doolittle remain crucial in the Wildcats' lineup, showing impressive stats against Melbourne. Melbourne United, facing injury challenges including Chris Goulding and Shae Ili, will struggle to contain Perth's offensive strategies, especially on the perimeter with Dylan Windler as a threat.

Jeremy Darke 06 Mar 2026
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  • Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United expert predictions for Saturday’s Elimination Final NBL matchup
  • Tip-off is at 5:00 PM AEDT at RAC Arena
  • Key performances expected from Kristian Doolittle and Dylan Windler.
  • Melbourne United faces player injuries, weakening their lineup.
Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United NBL26 Elimination Final Tips

Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United NBL26 Elimination Final Expert Tips


Perth will book their place in the semifinals against Sydney, downing a beaten up Melbourne United lineup. 

United got through with relative ease against the JackJumpers in the end but at a cost, with Jesse Edwards, Chris Goulding and Shae Ili all carrying injuries on the trip to Perth on a short turnaround. 

The Wildcats were underdone against South East Melbourne, playing a very sluggish Finals match where they made 17 turnovers. A repeat performance will not be accepted and is not expected on their home court where they have had strong results of late. 

Despite the loss, Kristian Doolittle was still in MVP calibre form and will also be the one to lift the Wildcats past United on Saturday. The versatile forward will find his spots against Melbourne who will struggle to contain him for 40 mins. 

Perth will need second-hand scoring and Dylan Windler will be a strong option from the perimeter where Melbourne defend the worst of any team in the league with an opposition three-point percentage of 35.2%. 

  • Perth have won their last 4 games at RAC Arena
  • Kristian Doolittle has 20+ points in 4 of his last 6 games.
  • Kristian Doolittle’s average of 18.1 points against Melbourne is the most of any opponent.
  • Dylan Windler has 2+ made threes in 7 of his last 10 games.

Head to Head 


Last 5 Match Results
DateHome TeamScoreLineTotal Points
25/01/2026PERMEL 74-73MEL +3.5U 181.0
04/12/2025PERPER 96-84PER +3.0U 184.5
23/11/2025MELMEL 98-87MEL -6.0O 183.5
04/03/2025MELMEL 113-112PER +3.5O 194.0
01/03/2025PERPER 96-89PER -3.5U 198.0

Offensive & Defensive Rankings
PER OffRankStatRankMEL Def
90.87PPG588
42.93RPG240.5
45.7%5FG%645.1%
32.0%83P%1035.2%
114TOV213.3

PER DefRankStatRankMEL Off
86.11PPG492.2
414RPG243.1
43.1%1FG%943.9%
33.4%63P%732.1%
10.86TOV711.9

Perth Wildcats Form & Team News


11 turnovers in the first half and 18 less shot attempts put the Wildcats on the back foot from the get-go against the Phoenix, eventually going down to South East Melbourne 111-94 in their Seeding Qualifier.

The 17 total turnovers certainly didn’t help, however, it was more the fact that SEM took 28 more shot attempts than what the Wildcats put up. The Phoenix also worked Perth on the inside dropping 62.1% of their 2p field goals. 

John Rillie’s men looked flat at times and were not ready for the pace that South East Melbourne came at them with.

Kristian Doolittle still had a day in a well beaten side with 22 points and 6 rebounds, but there was no real other threat on the offensive side of the ball. 

Melbourne United Form & Team News


Finn Delany had a career-best night against the JackJumpers in their play-in final on Thursday night, dropping 13-19 for 33 points along with 6 rebounds and 2 assists to lead United to a comfortable 82-68 victory over the JackJumpers.

A 9-point halftime lead had United in full control heading into the second half, however, they let their lead slide to just 1-point heading into the final quarter. Melbourne needed a fast start and got it, outscoring Tasmania 26-13 in the final term. 

United are carrying some injuries heading into their do-or-die match with Chris Goulding being managed for knee fluid, Shae Ili playing only 8 minutes with a hamstring concern and now Jesse Edwards suffering back pain that saw him withdraw late from the game against Tassie. 

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 8:00 PM AEDT, Saturday, March 7

Where can I livestream Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United?

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

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 will cover as 4.5-point favourites with Kristian Doolittle dropping 20+ and Dylan Windler finding 2+ three pointers.
Best Bet1: Perth -3.5 Handicap/Line $1.90 at Neds - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Kristian Doolittle 20+ Points $1.88 at NextBet - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Dylan Windler 2+ Threes $1.70 at dabble - 3 Units
Perth -3.5
Handicap/Line
$1.90 - 3 Units
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20+ Points
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Dylan Windler
2+ Threes
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