DrinkWise Preview: NBL25 - Playoff Series Game 3 v Perth Wildcats

It all comes down to this!

The stakes couldn’t be any higher for our Playoff Series Game 3 showdown with the Perth Wildcats on Tuesday night from 7:30pm at John Cain Arena. Win, and we advance to the Championship Series. Lose, and our season is over.

After a thrilling Game 1 victory, Game 2 in Perth slipped from our grasp down the stretch, creating this do-or-die scenario for both teams.

Having won both games against the Wildcats on our home court this season, our guys will take confidence into the must-win matchup.

WHO’S HOT, WHO’S NOT

(Past five games)
United - W, W, W, W, L

Wildcats - W, W, W, L, W

As we look to secure the pivotal Game 3 victory, defending three three-point line like we did in Game 1 will be crucial.

After restricting Perth to just seven long-range makes at around 30% shooting in Game 1, the Wildcats shooters caught fire in big moments in Game 2, connecting on 11 of their 21 attempts.

When allowing 10 or less three-pointers, we hold a 17-4 record this season.

Perth will also have a long-range-focussed gameplan heading into Tuesday, as they look to stop Chris Goulding from catching fire from beyond the arc.

In two games against Perth inside John Cain Arena, Goulding is averaging 43.5 points per game and has made 20 three pointers.

STARS COLLIDE

In a series full of stars, the performances of each team’s reserves have been massive.

The duo of Marcus Lee and Ian Clark has been strong for us, combining for over 27 points per game and providing a consistent punch when our starters hit the bench.

For Perth, Jesse Wagstaff has made the most of his minutes, registering as a +10 per game, while Tai Webster has made over 60% of his shots in the two previous games.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats

Tip-off: 7:30pm AEDT, Tuesday 4 March, 2025

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: ESPN

Tickets: Available here