The NBL regular season has drawn to it’s conclusion, with the top four not being locked in until the final game of the season. This is The Roar‘s guide to the key information for the semi-finals.
The Adelaide 36ers have had their spot in the finals for weeks after securing the minor premiership, however the other three spots weren’t decided until this weekend as the Cairns Taipans, Illawarra Hawks and Perth Wildcats – in the last game of the season no less – booked their spot in the playoffs.
Game 1: Thursday February 16, 7:30pm at Titanium Security Arena
Game 2: Sunday February 19, 3pm at WIN Entertainment Centre
Game 3: Thursday February 23 7:30pm at Titanium Secutiry Arena
Game 1: Friday February 17, 7:30pm at Cairns Convention Centre
Game 2: Monday February 20 9:30pm at Perth Arena
Game 3: Friday February 24, 7:30pm at Cairns Convention Centre
The NBL semi-finals series are played over a best of three, in the home-away-home format, meaning the higher ranked team plays two games at home.
In a change from the last number of seasons, the final, between the two winners will be played in a best of five game format, again under the home-away-home-away-home model.
There is no doubting exactly how close the season has been, with the finals only decided thanks to series splits throughout the season, and just two victories separating second to seventh on the table.
The 36ers have been off the boil over the last couple of weeks, but it should be a high scoring, free flowing series against the Hawks, with both sides having some of the best offensive talent in the competition.
In the other semi-finals series, the Cairns Taipans will be looking to continue a run that no one saw coming against the Perth Wildcats who have made the finals for the 31st time in-a-row.
The Roar will have a live blog of every match in the NBL finals series.
Ian
Guest
As per Wikipedia: The Perth Wildcats' run of 31 straight NBL finals appearances since 1987 is unmatched in major Australian professional sports. It is bettered in the major North American sports only by the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League, which qualified for the playoffs for 34 consecutive years between 1972 and 2005. The Wildcats' 31 still trails Israeli professional basketball club Maccabi Tel Aviv's world record of 35 straight post-season appearances, with their 35th appearance coming in 2015–16
Nudge
Guest
Adelaide?
Beni Iniesta
Guest
I have a trivia question - which is the last NBL team (apart from recently dominant teams Perth or New Zealand) which has played continuously in the NBL under their current name since their last NBL Championship to win the NBL Championship?
Beni Iniesta
Guest
Cairns v Illawarra would be a blockbuster Grand Final - the biggest for many years.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
I have lost track of the season in recent months, so seeing Adelaide make it was a bit of a shock to me. My prediction though is Illawarra and Cairns to get through 2-1 and then Illawarra to take it all 3-1
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
I believe they broke the record last year with number 30. It was held by the Boston Bruins who had 29 straight from 1967-1968 to 1995-1996. I am not sure if an amateur league somewhere in the world has a longer streak though.
Scott Pryde
Expert
The finals are a different beast to the regular season, and while I agree for the last three months Adelaide have been head and shoulders above everyone else, i'm just not sure their offence will hold down against the Perth defence in a high pressure grand final series. Going to be extremely interesting.
Nudge
Guest
You know a lot more about it than me Scott, so I'd imagine that every chance your going to be closer with prediction than me. I'm not totally sure what the season series was between Perth and Adelaide but got a feeling Adelaide won comfortably in 3 games and Perth won the other in a cliff hanger with a controversial Randle charging foul at the death deciding the game. Got a feeling Creek didn't play either. Just think that if Adelaide can get back to their best, and yes that is an IF, that they are, and have been the best team in the comp by a pretty big distance. I am perhaps biased though
Scott Pryde
Expert
I couldn't confirm it either way, but I did overhear something that it is.
Alex
Guest
Is 31 finals series in a row a serious record worldwide? Especially in comps with salary caps etc?
Scott Pryde
Expert
Big call for the 36ers to beat Perth (presumably you think that) 3-1... Think it will go to 5 either way.
Josh
Expert
As inevitable as the tides ;)
Nudge
Guest
36ers 3-1 in the GF
Scott Pryde
Expert
Ah yes, knew you would be lurking around here somewhere Josh.
Josh
Expert
Taipans all the way!!
Scott Pryde
Expert
Agree 100%
Scott Pryde
Expert
I'm really not sure. I think Adelaide will get back to their best and win 2-1. Cairns will win the first game and then go down 2-1. Then probably Perth to beat Adelaide in 5.
Joey
Guest
Great decision by the NBL Hierarchy in bringing the grand final series to a best of 5.
Nudge
Guest
Thanks Scott. Who's your tip for both semi's and then the grand final?