‘Nowhere to hide’: Parkinson on Perth’s Finals test

16 Feb 2026

perth wildcats

Friday night’s Round 22 fixture between Perth and Adelaide at RAC Arena has a lot riding on it.

Once again, the Hungry Jack’s NBL will come down to the final game to determine the exciting post-season matchups.

With Melbourne defeating South East Melbourne on Thursday, there is a lot riding on Friday night’s double-header.

Firstly, if Sydney defeats Brisbane, they claim top spot, but if they lose, it leaves the door open for Adelaide to leapfrog them.

For the latter to do so, they would need to defeat Perth at RAC Arena.

That result, if by around 10 points or more, depending on the scoreline, would also see United move into fourth and Perth fall to fifth.

But the Wildcats can avoid the Play-In Qualifier against Tasmania by simply defeating the 36ers, a task made easier with five-time MVP Bryce Cotton ruled out due to a back injury.

One man who knows how crucial the fixture is for John Rillie’s side is two-time Andrew Parkinson.

“Tonight's game is crucial for them [Perth], not just to try and get in that top four spot, but if they beat Adelaide, then they'll be very high on themselves,” Parkinson said on Friday’s episode of NBL Now.

“To beat a team that is likely to finish second on the ladder is the perfect preparation leading into Finals.

“There's a lot riding on this game tonight for Perth, and if they win, they then have a free swing to get into the Playoffs.”