DrinkWise Preview: NBL26 - Play-In Game v Perth Wildcats

We are set to hit the road for a chance to progress into the Playoff Series this Saturday when we face off against the Perth Wildcats inside RAC Arena from 8:00pm.

Having gutted out a hard-fought single-elimination matchup against Tasmania on Thursday, our stars will look to build on our strong form inside RAC Arena, where we have won 13 of our last 16 games.

For Perth, they will be hoping their disappointing 17-point loss on Wednesday evening will help galvanise the team on their home court.

WHAT’S THE WORD?

Coming off his best game in United colours (33 points, six rebounds), Finn Delany touched on his mindset and excitement ahead of Saturday’s contest.

“It’s obviously the time of year that you love as a player where your back's up against the wall and it's all or nothing,” Delany explained.

“It brings out the best in yourself and your team, so it's exciting. You know, I've always wanted to play (in games like this), everyone always wants to play at this time of year with a good team and a chance to progress. I can't wait.”

WHO’S HOT, WHO'S NOT

While Delany’s career night got the majority of the headlines, Milton Doyle produced another tremendous performance to help lift us over the line against the JackJumpers.

Doyle finished with 19 points, six assists and five rebounds, while knocking down five three-pointers.

No player who came off the bench more than twice this season has averaged more points than the Chicago native.

On the Wildcats side, David Duke Jr will look to do what he can to match Doyle from the guard position.

Since returning from injury, Duke Jr has averaged 10.5 points per game, but has only connected on 15.4% of his three-point looks.

DETAILS

Who: Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats

Tip-off: 8pm AEDT, Saturday 7 March, 2026

Where: RAC Arena, Perth

Watch: ESPN

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