Forget about waiting until late February for the NBL finals because they have already begun, according to star Wildcats import Bryce Cotton.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Just one win separates the top five teams, making for a thrilling finish to the NBL regular season.
Sydney (13-8) sit on top of the table.
But the tightness of the competition means they are still in danger of missing the finals altogether.
Melbourne United (12-8), Perth (13-9), Brisbane (12-9) and Adelaide (12-10) are all scrapping for top-four berths, with sixth-placed Illawarra (10-11) an outside chance.
The finals hopes of New Zealand (8-12) are over barring a late miracle while Cairns (4-17) have been out of the play-offs picture since December.
The Wildcats are aiming to notch a world record 33rd straight finals appearance and their hopes were boosted by Sunday's 84-79 win over Melbourne.
Perth face a tough run home with two matches each against Adelaide and Sydney, as well as one-off fixtures against Melbourne and Illawarra.
Four of those six matches are at home and Cotton said it was crucial for Perth to treat every game as a make-or-break fixture.
"There are six regular-season games left, but it's play-off time," Cotton said.
"Just seeing how close the records are ...every game is going to matter.
"So, as far as I'm concerned the playoffs have started and I'm pretty sure the other teams feel the same.
"You get a sneak peek for what you're competing for and hopefully you'll be a part of it in March."
Melbourne face Illawarra on Wednesday night with Brisbane to host Sydney on Friday.
The Wildcats play Adelaide in Perth on Friday before they take on the Kings in Sydney on Sunday.
Perth had lost eight of their previous 10 matches before their win over defending champions Melbourne.
Cotton said that victory had given the Wildcats vital confidence heading into the defining period of the regular season.
Australian Associated Press
