NBL finals run home: Updates on how each team is placed in the battle for the top four

We’re right at the pointy end of the NBL season. And it doesn’t get much bigger than a pair of clashes between state rivals Sydney and Illawarra. Ladder predictor.

Melbourne United just keeps winning.

The reigning champs seemingly cannot be stopped.

Even with an 12-game winning streak, Sydney Kings still have it all in front of them.

Illawarra makes up a triumvirate of teams that look unbeatable in the run home to the finals.

Problem for the Kings and Hawks is they play each other twice. Good prep for a potential finals meeting.

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What of the Wildcats? They should have enough in the tank to finish fourth, but the surprise packet Tasmania JackJumpers are putting plenty of pressure on — and the stumbling South East Melbourne got back on the winners’ list on the weekend, just to make things interesting.

We take a look at each team’s draw to finish the regular season, and who will be best placed for a shot at the championship.

1: MELBOURNE UNITED

Run home: Bullets (H), Taipans (H) and JackJumpers (A)

Predicted finish: 1st

Melbourne United has locked in another playoff berth, so the final games are about building momentum before the post-season. United should win their remaining three games against teams outside the top four. It could also give coach Dean Vickerman a chance to rest key stars for the playoffs.

Can anyone catch Melbourne United?

2: SYDNEY KINGS

Run home: Hawks (A), 36ers (H), Taipans (A) and Hawks (H)

Predicted finish: 2nd

The Kings play two games against the in-form Illawarra Hawks, which will define their final position on the ladder. I expect the Kings to win at least one of their games against Illawarra, which will be enough to lock in second position heading into the finals.

The Hawks and Kings play a pair of huge clashes as the NBL season comes to a close.

3: ILLAWARRA HAWKS

Run home: Kings (H), Wildcats (A), Kings (A)

Predicted finish: 3rd

Illawarra’s finish to the regular season is far from easy. Two games against the Kings and one versus the Wildcats in Perth, but the Hawks in their current form are more than capable. I’m just not sure they can beat the high-flying Kings twice.

4: PERTH WILDCATS

Run home: Taipans (H), Hawks (H) and Phoenix (H)

Predicted finish: 4th

I’m tipping Perth to rebound and finish the season strongly, but it won’t be enough to jump Sydney, United and the Hawks on the standings.

The Perth Wildcats will be hard to dislodge from the top four, with superstars like Vic Law and Bryce Cotton. Picture: Getty Images

5: TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS

Run home: Breakers (A), Phoenix (A) and United (H)

Predicted finish: 5th

Coach Scott Roth has done a tremendous job to have the Tasmania JackJumpers competing for the finals in the franchise’s maiden season. The JackJumpers can finish as high as fifth, especially if they can beat the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

The JackJumpers and Phoenix fell further back in their slim pursuit of an NBL finals berth.

6: SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX

Run home: JackJumpers (H), 36ers (H) and Wildcats (A)

Predicted finish: 5th

South East Melbourne could finish below the Tasmania JackJumpers – a statement that would have attracted laughs if you had floated it at the start of the season. Yet sadly for the Phoenix, it is a real possibility. Your move, SEM.

Six doesn't fit into four, so who will be the teams standing when the NBL finals begin.

Originally published as NBL finals run home: Updates on how each team is placed in the battle for the top four