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Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United NBL26 Round 18 Tips - Wildcats To Take Jump Into Top Four
The Perth Wildcats are poised to surpass Melbourne United in the standings in their upcoming NBL25 Round 18 match. With Perth currently holding a five-game winning streak, their offense remains formidable, particularly at home. Despite Melbourne's recent improvement, they still struggle defensively, allowing a high opponent 3-point percentage. Elijah Pepper stands out with a strong shooting performance, making him a player to watch. Experts predict a Perth victory, covering the -3.5 line and exceeding 181.5 total points.
- 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 Wildcats are on a five-game win streak.
- Melbourne United struggles defensively, posing a challenge.
- Elijah Pepper's shooting is pivotal for Perth's chances.
Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United
Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United NBL25 Round 18 Expert Tips
Perth will leapfrog Melbourne United in the standings as they take a second straight win against United on Sunday afternoon thanks to their potent offence and current form.
- Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United NBL25 Round 18 Expert Tips
- Head to Head
- Last 5 Match Results
- Offensive & Defensive Rankings
- Perth Wildcats Form & Team News
- Melbourne United Form & Team News
- Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United Frequently Asked Questions
The Wildcats enter this matchup on a 5 game win streak with the most recent 2 being at RAC Arena. It is important to note that only 1 of those 5 wins has come against a top 6 opponent but in the scheme of the league, wins are still very important no matter who you play.
Melbourne have strung together back to back wins for the first time since mid November. Whilst the swing in form could not come at a better time, with 6 matches remaining in the regular season, they still have a long way to go to find the scoring form that had them at the number 1 ranking earlier in the season.
Perth have won the two most recent matchups against United at RAC Arena and while their home record isn’t as strong as in recent years, they have still proven they are able to score the ball when they need to.
United’s defence isn’t the complete lockdown defence we have come to know over the past few NBL seasons, they are allowing the highest opponent 3pt% and are ranked 5th in opponent points. This presents an opportunity for the Wildcats who are 3rd in the NBL in 3pt% over the last 5 games.
Take Perth to win and cover the -3.5 line, the Game Total to go Over 181.5 and Elijah Pepper to hit 2+ threes in the game.
- Perth have won the 2 most recent matchups against United in Perth, covering this line in both. They are also 15-11 ATS on the season and 11-5 straight up as the favourite.
- 6 of the last 7 games between these teams have gone Over this total, the one that didn’t finished on 180 pts.
- Elijah Pepper had a season high 25 pts in his last game, hitting 7-9 from deep. He is averaging 5.2 shots from 3pt range per game this season.
- Melbourne are allowing the highest opponent 3pt% in the league this season.
Head to Head
Last 5 Match Results
| Date | Home Team | Score | Line | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04/12/2025 | PER | PER 96-84 | PER +3.0 | U 184.5 |
| 23/11/2025 | MEL | MEL 98-87 | MEL -6.0 | O 183.5 |
| 04/03/2025 | MEL | MEL 113-112 | PER +3.5 | O 194.0 |
| 01/03/2025 | PER | PER 96-89 | PER -3.5 | U 198.0 |
| 27/02/2025 | MEL | MEL 105-93 | MEL -3.5 | O 197.5 |
Offensive & Defensive Rankings
| PER Off | Rank | Stat | Rank | MEL Def |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90.5 | 5 | PPG | 5 | 87.9 |
| 43.3 | 2 | RPG | 3 | 40.7 |
| 45.4% | 5 | FG% | 5 | 44.6% |
| 32.7% | 6 | 3P% | 10 | 36.9% |
| 11.5 | 5 | TOV | 2 | 13.5 |
| PER Def | Rank | Stat | Rank | MEL Off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 86.1 | 2 | PPG | 3 | 93.4 |
| 40.7 | 3 | RPG | 3 | 42.9 |
| 43.2% | 1 | FG% | 7 | 44.7% |
| 33.0% | 7 | 3P% | 8 | 32.3% |
| 10.6 | 8 | TOV | 7 | 11.8 |
Perth Wildcats Form & Team News
Perth are on a 5 game win streak and have started their 4 game home stand in style with a 92-87 win over Illawarra at Hoops Fest before demolishing Cairns 106-69 on Thursday.
Elijah Pepper had a career high 25 pts, hitting 7 of 9 shots from downtown with all Wildcats starters reaching double digits. The bench players all saw significant minutes in the blowout win.
The win keeps Perth in touch with the top 4 just a half a game back from Melbourne United but with a worse Points Differential. They are currently the number 2 ranked defensive team in the league, restricting opponents to 86.1 pts per game.
Melbourne United Form & Team News
Melbourne took care of business on Wednesday in Bendigo, beating the Brisbane Bullets 98-66, securing their first back to back win since the middle of November.
United ensured court time was shared amongst the whole roster in the win over the Bullets. No player had more than 24 minutes of play and Tyson Walker top scored with 17 pts.
Despite the low total against the JackJumpers in Round 17, it seems like Melbourne are starting to rediscover their form especially on the offensive end. There is still a long way to go before they are able to reach the top again but they have begun.
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
Take Perth to win and cover the -3.5 line, the Game Total to go Over 181.5 and Elijah Pepper to hit 2+ threes in the game.
Perth -3.5
Line
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Over 181.5
Game Total
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