Updated to match(es) played on 18 August 1985. Source: NBL.com.au
The NBL tie-breaker system as outlined in the NBL Rules and Regulations states that in the case of an identical win–loss record, the results in games played between the teams will determine order of seeding.
1Head-to-Head between Brisbane Bullets and Adelaide 36ers (1-1). Brisbane Bullets won For and Against (+19).
2Head-to-Head between Nunawading Spectres and Canberra Cannons (1-1) & For and Against (0). Nunawading Spectres won Overall Points Percentage (+0.90%).
There were two Elimination Finals, two Semifinals, and then one Grand Final. All three of these finals were sudden death. The top two teams of the regular season, the Brisbane Bullets and Adelaide 36ers, automatically qualified to host their respective Semifinals.