Kings' post-season path explained

Now that the Sydney Kings have locked in a spot in the NBL25 post-season, following the weekend's results, it's time to look at exactly where the team could finish at the end of round 20 and what it means.
As it stands, Brian Goorjian's outfit sits in third spot on the ladder, with a 16-11 record - just one win behind top two sides Illawarra and Melbourne.
If the Hoops Capital side were to win both its remaining two clashes, against Perth (at Qudos Bank Arena on February 2) and against Illawarra (at the WIN Entertainment Centre on February 7), there is a real chance they can finish in the top two, ensuring their spot in the playoffs (semi-finals) and bypassing the play-in tournament.
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But if results don't go the way of the harbour city side, they will likely finish between third and sixth, meaning they will have to earn their way into the playoffs.
Below is what will happen if they finish third to sixth:
- THIRD: Will host a one-game play-in seeding qualifier game against fourth, with the victor progressing to take on second in a three-game playoff series. The loser of the seeding qualifier will host the winner of the play-in qualifier (fifth vs sixth).
- FOURTH: Will play away at third place's home in the seeding qualifier, with the outcome of the winner/loser explained above.
- FIFTH: Will host sixth-place in the sudden-death play-in qualifier, with the winner progressing to play the loser of the seeding qualifier. The NBL25 season for the loser is over.
- SIXTH: Travels to fifth-placed's home for the sudden-death play-in qualifier, with the potential outcomes explained above.
PLAY-IN GAME: Loser of third vs fourth will host the winner of fifth vs sixth, with the victor of this fixture progressing to take on first place in a three-game playoffs series.
Following the play-in tournament, the NBL will progress into the playoff series and championship series - with the NBL set to announce the dates soon.
Tickets to the Kings' clash with Perth on Sunday, February 2 at Qudos Bank Arena, with tickets still available here.