The Run Home: Who gets home court advantage?

With top spot and sixth spot seemingly locked away, now the race to host a home Play-In game is crucial.

While Perth can still finish second, it is more likely that they will be fighting off challengers for third spot and a chance to play at home for their first post-season game.

If the early results of the round fall the right way, the last game of the regular season could have everything to play for in the Throwdown. 

18 wins, 9 losses, 110.53 per cent
(Games remaining: 2)

The Hawks are now just one game away from locking away top spot and it’s the position they deserve after being the best team all season. If they take care of business against New Zealand, their game against Sydney may not mean much other than bragging rights. Having said that, the chance to sweep your biggest rival will be enticing enough for Justin Tatum to have his men fired up.

The run home
R20: @ New Zealand
R20: Vs Sydney

18 wins, 10 losses, 104.26 per cent
(Games remaining: 1)

It may not have been the prettiest win, but nevertheless it was an important one for United to take care of Tasmania in their return to John Cain Arena. While the Wildcats could still claim second spot if results play out that way, Melbourne has destiny in its own hands in the Throwdown.

The run home
R20: Vs South East Melbourne

17 wins, 11 losses, 103.1 per cent
(Games remaining: 1)

After their two shock losses in Round 18, the Wildcats bounced back with two big wins to put themselves in a great position to the end of the season. Their game against Adelaide has become very important because of their loss to Cairns and if they can win big a considerable margin, second spot is up for grabs.

The run home
R20: Vs Adelaide

 South East Melbourne 16 wins, 12 losses, 105.52 per cent
(Games remaining: 1)

It’s the last game of the season for the Phoenix that will likely dictate their fate in the post-season. They have won the last two Throwdowns and now will be out to win the season series and jump into the top four with a win over Melbourne. Nothing else matters for Josh King’s men than doing all they can to avoid a single elimination Play-in.

 The run home
R20: @ Melbourne 

16 wins, 12 losses, 103.78 per cent
(Games remaining: 1)

The Kings are one of those teams who face a tricky proposition entering Round 20, as they could finish as high as second or stay in fifth spot where they currently reside. Unfortunately for them, they face the best team in the league in the Hawks to try and climb into the top four. The positive for the Kings is that if the Hawks win on Wednesday in New Zealand, this game will not mean too much for them as they would have top spot secured.

The run home
R20: @ Illawarra

13 wins, 15 losses, 98.06 per cent
(Games remaining: 1)

While the 36ers had a chance to lock in sixth position last round, they ended up losing both and raised some significant questions around their form entering to post-season. While it still looks very likely they will finish sixth, they haven’t done themselves any favours by limping towards the finish line. A big test in Perth awaits for their final hit out before the real stuff begins.

The run home
R20: @ Perth

12 wins, 16 losses, 94.94 per cent
(Games remaining: 1)

While the reigning champions battled hard against Melbourne to keep their post-season chances alive, they ultimately fell short once again. The positive entering the last round for the JackJumpers is that Adelaide plays on Friday night, so if they lose that game, Tasmania will know exactly the target score to win by to leapfrog into sixth. While unlikely, the NBL always produces some chaotic finishes. 

 The run home
R20: Vs Cairns

12 wins, 16 losses, 94.59 per cent
(Games remaining: 1)

They may not make the post-season once again, but that win in Adelaide last round should be everything that this team thrives from moving forward. Heavily depleted with injuries, the Bullets went into Adelaide and played an inspired brand of basketball to come out with a massive win to end their season with. One last chance to finish it all off on a positive note as they head to Cairns.

The run home
R20: @ Cairns

10 wins, 18 losses, 94.09 per cent
(Games remaining: 1)

It will still be a disappointing second half of the season for a team that was second at the mid-way point, but the Breakers scored a big win over Cairns last round to make the pain hurt slightly less. Now they get one more chance to give their fans a parting gift to a season they would quickly like to forget.

The run home
R20: @ Illawarra

7 wins, 20 losses, 91.78 per cent
(Games remaining: 2)

There are just two games left for the Taipans to try and finish on a positive note as well. After they took two big scalps in Round 18, they had another subpar performance last weekend and will want to give their fans a reason to smile heading into the off-season.

The run home
R20: Vs Brisbane
R20: @ Tasmania