Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United NBL Game Preview
Tip-off is at 9:30 PM AEDT, Wednesday January 22 at RAC Arena
Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United Expert Analysis
Perth Wildcats will aim to extend their winning streak to six games and cement their spot in the top two when they host Melbourne United at RAC Arena on Wednesday night.
The Wildcats have been in scintillating form, particularly on the offensive end, where they have been nearly unstoppable, averaging over 110 points per game in their last 10 outings. Their home-court dominance has also been a major factor, with the team winning seven of their past eight games at RAC Arena.
On the other hand, Melbourne United are coming off a challenging stretch, struggling to find consistency on the road during a grueling seven-game away run. This game presents a crucial opportunity for both teams as Perth looks to lock in a top-two finish, while Melbourne fights to stay in the hunt for playoff positioning amidst a crowded standings table.
Head-to-Head
2024/25 Match Results:
Nov 9: Melbourne 106-97 Perth
Oct 4: Perth 68-97 Melbourne
2023/24 Season Series:
Melbourne United won 2-1
Key Matchups
Kristian Doolittle vs Melbourne’s Interior Defence
Since his return from injury, Kristian Doolittle has quickly made his presence felt, most recently posting a double-double with 27 points and 10 rebounds against Adelaide. Melbourne’s defence in the paint ranks just sixth in the league, allowing 41.2 points in the paint per game. Doolittle’s inside scoring and rebounding will be a key factor for Perth.
Bryce Cotton vs Melbourne’s Perimeter Defence
Bryce Cotton leads the league in scoring with 27.68 points per game and remains the heart of Perth’s offence. Melbourne will need to disrupt his rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc, where Perth ranks second in the league at 37.3%.
Key Stats
Perth’s Offensive Dominance: The Wildcats are averaging 110.4 points per game over their last 10 matches.
Melbourne’s Offensive Slump: United are averaging just 86.8 points per game in their last five outings.
Perth at RAC Arena:Â The Wildcats have won seven of their past eight home games.
Kristian Doolittle’s Impact: In just 24 minutes last game, Doolittle contributed 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Perth Wildcats Form & Team News
Perth are on a five-game winning streak, their most recent victory coming in a 110-103 triumph over Adelaide. Kristian Doolittle’s return has been a massive boost, adding a dynamic presence in the paint to complement Bryce Cotton’s offensive firepower.
With four of their final five games at home, Perth are poised to lock in a top-two finish. The Wildcats’ balanced attack and depth make them one of the hottest teams in the NBL heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
Melbourne United Form & Team News
Melbourne are coming off a disappointing 117-95 loss to Illawarra, where they were thoroughly outplayed in every quarter. Defensive lapses, particularly on the glass, allowed the Hawks to dominate with 19 offensive rebounds and 25 second-chance points.
Offensively, United have struggled during their road-heavy schedule, averaging just 86.8 points over their last five games. Their drop in form has seen them slide to fourth in the standings, making this game a critical opportunity to regain momentum.
Why Perth Will Win
The Wildcats are playing with confidence and efficiency on offence, led by the dynamic duo of Bryce Cotton and Kristian Doolittle. Their home-court advantage at RAC Arena, combined with Melbourne’s recent struggles on the road, sets them up well for another strong performance.
Why Melbourne Will Win
If Melbourne can tighten up their interior defence and crash the boards more effectively, they have the potential to contain Perth’s high-powered offence. A strong defensive effort paired with a return to form from their perimeter shooters could give them a chance to cause an upset.
Conclusion
Perth’s red-hot offence and home-court advantage make them the favourites in this matchup. With Kristian Doolittle returning to form and Bryce Cotton leading the charge, expect the Wildcats to outpace Melbourne United and secure another statement win.
Related Posts
