DrinkWise Preview: NBL26 – Round 13, Match 1 vs Illawarra Hawks

We’re set to take the field for our penultimate home game of 2025 on Thursday night when the Illawarra Hawks travel to Melbourne.

Having split our two games against the Hawks so far this season, the matchup is shaping up to be a massive contest for both teams.

After four consecutive defeats, a win would give us our eighth home win, which would be the highest tie in the competition.

For the Hawks, a 6-10 record keeps them out of the Play-In playoffs at mid-season.

WHAT’S THE WORD?

While watching the game, head coach Dean Vickerman emphasized the importance of controlling the pace of the game.

“They’re playing at a pretty high tempo again and really trying to score as many transition baskets as possible,” Vickerman said.

“We can’t have live turnovers with them, they really punish you.”

On the other side, Hawks head coach Justin Tatum said we need to limit our work on the offensive glass; the area in which they give in the most in the league will be crucial, as was the case in their matchday 12 victory.

“The guys were really committed to chasing the ball (on Day 12), and that’s something we really worked on and made an impact on,” Tatum said.

“When we understand that we’re giving guys 10 to 12 extra shots, so if we limit that in any way, we’re giving ourselves a chance.”

WHO’S HOT, WHO’S NOT

Defense will be the priority in our lineup on Thursday, as we look to reverse a trend that has seen us give up the most points per game over the last four games.

Our bench, however, has been powerful offensively in these contests, leading the league with 38 points per game.

Illawarra will hope to become the latest team to catch fire from beyond the arc against us, with the Hawks averaging just 5.3 three-pointers per game at 23.5% over the last two rounds.

DETAILS

Who: Melbourne United v Illawarra Hawks

Notice: 7:30 p.m. AEDT, Thursday 18 December 2025

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: ESPN

Tickets: Available here

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