Round 9 in NBL25 begins on Friday night with a double-header for fans and punters to enjoy. Second up will be over at RAC Arena where the Perth Wildcats are set to play host to the South East Melbourne Phoenix. It’s a huge clash for both clubs, and we have you covered with our full game preview and best bet below!
Also, we’re providing previews and expert betting tips for every game of the NBL25 season, so make sure to head over to our NBL Tips page regularly to keep up to date with all of our content.
NBL25 Round 9 Preview & Betting Tips
Perth Wildcats vs South East Melbourne Phoenix
Friday 9:30pm AEDT, RAC Arena
The Perth Wildcats fought hard but eventually succumbed to the Chris Goulding show last outing as they fell to United by nine points on enemy territory. They simply had no answer for the flamethrower that was CG43 who finished the game with 46 points.
In positive news, the Wildcats sharpshooter and all-around superstar, Bryce Cotton, is a big chance to return in Round 9 after missing the last five games with a rib injury. The 4x MVP successfully got through training on Thursday and is currently listed as a game-time decision, as is point guard Tai Webster.
The Wildcats will also return to RAC Arena on Friday night where they’ve been lighting it up of late. They’ve won each of their last three games at home, with wins coming against the defending champion JackJumpers, as well as the Hawks and the Kings.
Meanwhile, the South East Melbourne Phoenix will enter Round 9 full of confidence on the back of wins in five of their past seven games, all of which have occurred since the sacking of Mike Kelly. Interim head coach Sam Mackinnon enjoyed success in two of his three games in charge, while the Phoenix have saluted in three of their four games since new permanent head coach Josh King took over.
The Phoenix also had their star point guard in Derrick Walton Jr return from a hamstring injury last weekend, and he successfully navigated his return against the Snakes where he played 18 minutes and scored eight points off the bench.
Game Prediction: There’s a lot to like about how the Phoenix have been playing under Coach King, particularly on the defensive end where they’ve been holding teams to only 75.3 points per game under his reign, compared to 87.2 ppg in the eight games prior.
However, they face a significant challenge against the Wildcats on Friday night who have put up 87+ points in five of their six games at RAC Arena this season, including 106+ points twice. They’re also set to regain Cotton which adds a whole new dynamic to their offence. And while I have enjoyed the way the Phoenix have been operating under King, I think the Wildcats will be too strong at home.
Wildcats -2.5
$1.87 (2.5 Units)
