The Central championship race is "wide open"

Feature image via: Dan Cowley

A wild scramble for playoff positions will highlight a frantic final round of the NBL1 Central Conference in Adelaide tonight.

Three teams are tied for top spot in the men’s division and all five playoff positions could change in the women’s championship chase.

“It’s wide open and all of the top five teams can win it,” South Adelaide men’s coach Graham Kubank said.

“We’re in a good spot knowing we are guaranteed a double-chance, but we won’t be taking our opponents lightly.

“All our rivals bring something different to the table and it should be a very interesting finals series,” Kubank added.

South Adelaide has a tricky away trip to Central District tonight with top spot hinging on the result in both the men’s and women’s games.

The remaining round 15 fixtures tonight are: Forestville hosting West Adelaide, Eastern Mavericks taking on Sturt and Southern Tigers against North Adelaide.

All games can be streamed LIVE via the nbl1.com.au website.

Surprisingly, Kubank doesn’t covet the regular season title, arguing momentum is more valuable.

“Finishing top and having the week off isn’t necessarily the best path,” Kubank suggested.

“I’d rather keep playing and I’m more interested in locking down home-court advantage because we are unbeaten at our place this season and feel confident playing anyone in front of our loyal fans.

“The stats say we are the best defensive team and that is crucial in the playoffs,” Kubank continued.

The NBL1 Central Conference playoffs begin next week and run for four weeks using the McIntyre finals system (same as the SANFL). The Grand Finals will be played Saturday August 10 at Adelaide 36ers Arena.