NBL Semi-Finals: Perth Wildcats vs. Melbourne United – A Clash of Heavyweights

Feb 25

4 min read

Perth Wildcats vs. Melbourne United Series Preview

The NBL semi-finals are set, and the stage is primed for a blockbuster showdown between the Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United. With Melbourne finishing second and Perth securing third place, this best-of-three series promises to be a high-intensity battle between two of the league’s most successful franchises.

Melbourne and Perth both boast deep rosters filled with elite scorers, defensive anchors, and experienced leaders. The question remains—which team will rise to the occasion and punch their ticket to the Grand Final?

Series Schedule:

• Game 1: February 27 – Melbourne (John Cain Arena)

• Game 2: March 1 – Perth (RAC Arena)

• Game 3 (if necessary): March 4 – Melbourne (John Cain Arena)

Bryce Cotton: The Five-Time MVP Looking for Another Title

The biggest storyline heading into the series is Bryce Cotton’s dominance. Fresh off winning his fifth NBL MVP award, Cotton is the heart and soul of the Wildcats, averaging an impressive 28.5 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game on 45.2% shooting this season.

Cotton’s ability to take over games, especially in the clutch, is unmatched in the NBL. His quick release, elite ball-handling, and deep shooting range make him a nightmare for defenders. Melbourne’s defense, led by Shea Ili, will have the difficult task of slowing him down. If Cotton gets rolling, Perth will be hard to stop.

Chris Goulding: Melbourne’s Three-Point Assassin

On the other side, Chris Goulding will lead the charge for Melbourne United. The veteran guard has been one of the league’s premier shooters, averaging 18.4 points, 1.6 assists, and 2 rebounds per game this season.

Goulding’s ability to light it up from deep makes him United’s primary scoring weapon. If he gets into a rhythm, Melbourne will have the upper hand. His battle with Perth’s perimeter defenders, including captain Jesse Wagstaff, will be crucial.

Battle of the Supporting Casts: Depth and Versatility on Display

While Cotton and Goulding are the marquee names, both teams have deep and balanced rosters that will play a major role in deciding the series.

Perth Wildcats:

• Kristian Doolittle – A versatile forward who can stretch the floor and create mismatches in the paint.

• Keanu Pinder – A high-energy big man who brings toughness and rebounding.

• Jesse Wagstaff – The experienced captain, known for his leadership and ability to set crucial screens that free up Cotton.

• Tai Webster – A reliable scorer off the bench who can step up in big moments.

Melbourne United:

• Matthew Dellavedova – The former NBA champion, known for his tough defense, playmaking, and leadership. His matchup against Cotton will be a key factor in the series.

• Jack White – A strong, physical forward who brings elite rebounding and hustle. His ability to crash the boards and defend multiple positions will be critical.

• Shea Ili – A lockdown defender who will have the challenge of containing Cotton while also providing secondary scoring for United.

Can Perth Win on the Road?

One of the biggest questions heading into this series is whether the Wildcats can steal a game on the road. Perth has struggled with consistency away from home, but they did show glimpses of road success late in the season.

With Game 1 in Melbourne, the Wildcats will need a strong performance to avoid putting themselves in a must-win situation for Game 2 in Perth. If they can steal Game 1, they’ll have the chance to close out the series at RAC Arena, where they have been dominant all season.

Game-by-Game Breakdown

Game 1: February 27 – Melbourne (John Cain Arena)

The series opener will be a crucial tone-setter. Melbourne, playing on their home floor, will look to push the tempo and get Goulding going early. Dellavedova and Ili will be tasked with slowing down Cotton, while Perth will need Doolittle and Pinder to step up in the paint.

Key to the Game: Can Melbourne contain Cotton’s scoring, or will he explode for a massive performance to give Perth the upper hand?

Game 2: March 1 – Perth (RAC Arena)

Perth’s home-court advantage at “The Jungle” has historically been one of the toughest environments for opposing teams. If Melbourne wins Game 1, Perth will face a must-win scenario to force a Game 3.

Cotton thrives in front of the Wildcats’ home crowd, and expect a physical battle inside, with Pinder and Doolittle going head-to-head with White and Dellavedova.

Key to the Game: Can Perth’s role players provide enough support for Cotton to get them over the line?

Game 3 (If Necessary): March 4 – Melbourne (John Cain Arena)

If the series goes to a deciding Game 3, it will be played in Melbourne’s home arena, giving United the home-court advantage in a winner-takes-all scenario.

By this point, fatigue will be a factor, and whichever team executes better under pressure will move on to the Grand Final.

Key to the Game: Who steps up as the X-factor? Will it be a clutch performance from Goulding or a signature takeover game from Cotton?

Final Prediction: A Series for the Ages

This matchup has all the ingredients for an instant classic. The MVP brilliance of Cotton, the shooting of Goulding, and the defensive toughness of Dellavedova and Ili make for a compelling battle.

If Perth can steal a game in Melbourne, they have a strong chance of closing out the series at home. However, if Melbourne can contain Cotton and control the tempo, they’ll have the upper hand in a potential Game 3 decider.

One thing is certain—basketball fans are in for an incredible series. Who will rise to the occasion and book their spot in the NBL Grand Final? We’re about to find out.