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ADELAIDE has its NBL finals fate in its own hands - just as it did last round - but so too do Perth and Melbourne in their quest for the regular season championship and the playoff advantages that go with it.

The ultimate round of NBL pre-playoffs action is shaping as a huge finale, but our rankings reflect more what happened in the penultimate round where Brisbane eliminated Illawarra from finals contention, then got rolled in Cairns.

Melbourne lost its way in Sydney, then found it again when it mattered to come-from-behind and best the 36ers in Adelaide.

The Kings then squandered a golden opportunity in Perth, beaten in overtime to lose any chance at finishing at the pinnacle.

Who is in form, who isn't and how does this last round impact?

Hugely. If Adelaide beats Perth, Brisbane's Final Four chance is shot and it easily could fly the white flag against New Zealand. Should the Wildcats win, expect the Bullets to come out firing.

Perth at Melbourne in the last round for top spot?

Wow. Roll on Round 18!

NBL RANKINGS This Wk-Prev (Record)

8 (8) TAIPANS 5-21: Can still shape the top of the table with road games in Melb/Sydney.

7 (6) HAWKS 12-15: Farewell match for this team in this form and easily could upset NZ.

6 (7) BREAKERS 11-15: Hawks game decides final position, Briz game might decide Four.

5 (4) 36ERS 14-13: Finals fate rests in their own hands and must beat Wildcats in Perth.

4 (5) BULLETS 13-14: Will watch Per-Adl with interest and it will affect NZ showdown.

3 (3) KINGS 17-10: Had Perth on toast, then left them toasting victory. Must beat Cairns.

2 (1) UNITED 17-9: Regular season ch'ship easily could come down to Perth clash.

1 (2) WILDCATS 17-9: Need a third import!! Yeah. Right. Tough final round though.