MELBOURNE United and Sydney Kings will tip off the National Basketball League finals series this Thursday at Melbourne Arena. The three-game semi-final series poises two of the competition’s more fancied line-ups against each other, with their strong rivalry set to resume. While United lays claim to bragging rights as it stands having gone 3-1 in meetings with the Kings this season, anything can happen come the post-season and the Andrew Bogut-led Sydney will count themselves in with a decent chance of an upset win. Reigning premiers, Melbourne will have the added confidence of knowing this will be Sydney’s first finals appearance in six seasons, as well as earning the advantage of a second home game if required.

On the same night, Perth Wildcats host Brisbane Bullets at RAC Arena in what will be the Bullets’ first finals appearance since 2008. Perth’s home court advantage may count for more in this fixture, with the sides going 2-2 in four clashes this season in what looks like an even match-up.

The winners of each tie will meet in a best of five grand final series next week, with dates yet to be confirmed. Fixtures for the semi-final series can be found below.

Semi Final Series 1

Thursday 28th Feb 10.20pm AEDT / 7.20pm Local – Perth v Brisbane. RAC Arena – Live FOX Sports. 9Go! from 11.20pm.

Saturday 2nd Mar 2.50pm AEDT / 1.50pm Local – Brisbane v Perth. Brisbane Entertainment Centre – Live 9Go! and FOX Sports. Live on Nine in Perth from 11.30am (local)

Monday 4th Mar 9.50pm AEDT / 6.50pm Local (if required) – Perth v Brisbane. RAC Arena – Live FOX Sports. 9Go! from 11.20pm

Semi Final Series 2

Thursday 28th Feb 7.50pm – Melbourne v Sydney. Melbourne Arena – Live FOX Sports. 9Go! from 11.20pm

Sunday 3rd Mar 2.20pm – Sydney v Melbourne. Qudos Bank Arena – Live 9GO! and FOX Sports

Tuesday 5th Mar 7.50pm (if required) – Melbourne v Sydney. Melbourne Arena – Live FOX Sports. 9Go! from 11.20pm.