The must-watch playoff series between the Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United continues on Saturday night when they meet at RAC Arena in Perth for Game 2. United took the lead in the semi-final series with a win on their home deck on Thursday – can the Wildcats also protect home court? We bring you our full game preview and best bet below!
Season record: 92-64 +33.5U* (pending Friday result)
NBL25 Semi-Finals Preview & Betting Tips
Perth Wildcats vs Melbourne United (Game 2)
Saturday 8:00pm AEDT (March 1), RAC Arena
Melbourne United will look to secure their place in the NBL Grand Final when they face the Perth Wildcats in Game 2 of their semi-final series at RAC Arena. United took control of the best-of-three series with a 105-93 win in Game 1 on their home floor, continuing their dominance over the Wildcats this season. United have now won all four matchups with Perth in NBL25 and five in a row overall. More importantly, they have a strong track record in Perth, winning nine of their last ten visits to RAC Arena. That history, combined with the momentum from their Game 1 victory, puts them in a strong position to close out the series on Saturday night.
United’s win in Game 1 was built on a record-equalling shooting display from veteran sharpshooter Chris Goulding. After a relatively quiet first half, he erupted for 32 points in the second half, finishing with 41 points and an incredible 10 three-pointers. His shooting performance tied the NBL playoff record for most threes in a game and proved to be the decisive factor. Beyond Goulding’s heroics, United’s depth proved to be a major advantage. Ian Clark provided a huge spark off the bench, scoring 22 points in just 24 minutes, including 16 in the first half. Jack White also made key contributions, particularly in the second half, where he finished with a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double. Defensively, two-time reigning Defensive Player of the Year Shea Ili played a crucial role, limiting five-time league MVP Bryce Cotton to 22 points.
For Perth, the loss in Game 1 highlighted some of their biggest concerns. While Kristian Doolittle had an impressive outing with 22 points and nine rebounds, and Keanu Pinder added 24 points, their overall efficiency was lacking. Pinder, in particular, struggled with his shot, going just 10-of-24 from the field. Perhaps the most concerning issue for the Wildcats was their lack of bench production. They managed only 13 bench points compared to United’s 37, exposing their lack of depth and secondary scoring options. That could be a critical factor again in Game 2, especially against a United side that has multiple scoring threats beyond Goulding. If the Wildcats are to force a deciding Game 3, they will need to find more reliable offensive contributions beyond their main stars, as well as improve their perimeter defence to limit United’s three-point shooting.
With United holding all the momentum and boasting a strong record in Perth, they deserve to head into Game 2 as favourites to close out the series. Unless the Wildcats can make significant adjustments, particularly in defending the three-point line and generating more production off the bench, United should be well placed to wrap up the series and book their spot in the NBL Grand Final.
United to Win
$2.25 (2 Units)
