The Adelaide 36ers will look to return to the winning list when they take on Illawarra in Wollongong on Saturday night.
The Sixers remained on the road following Wednesday night’s Ignite Cup loss to Sydney and will hope to return home with victory against reigning NBL champions Hungry Jack’s.
Mike Wells’ team has an impressive record against the Hawks, especially in recent times where they have recorded seven straight wins.
The last time the Hawks beat the Sixers was in December 2023 at the WIN Entertainment Center, coincidentally the scene of Saturday night’s game.
The Sixers will receive a welcome boost with the return of big man Nick Rakocevic from suspension after missing the clash against the Kings.
Saturday will see Wells in charge of his 50th NBL game, all for the 36ers.
His team will have the chance to strengthen its grip on the top spot if it can improve to 14-4 against the 6-11 Hawks.
Justin Tatum’s team has a few players dealing with injuries heading into the game.
In Thursday night’s loss to Melbourne United, Hawks captain Tyler Harvey left the field but returned and played despite pain from a lower back problem and star JaVale McGee was sent off in the fourth quarter after receiving a poke in the eye.
Harvey (21 points, two rebounds, one assist) and McGee (12 points, 10 rebounds) were among Illawarra’s best players in the last game against the Sixers and will be significant contributors again if they can suit up on Saturday night.
McGee has been an impressive rookie, averaging 22 points per game and leading the competition in rebounds (10.6 per game) and blocks (2.1 per game), although he has only averaged 14.5 points in his two games against the Sixers this season.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 5:00 p.m. ACDT.
ILLAWARRA HAWKS v ADELAIDE 36ERS
WIN Entertainment Centre, Saturday December 20, 5:00 p.m. ACDT / 5:30 p.m. AEDT
Live on ESPN via Kayo Sports or Disney+
OVERALL
Played 140, Adelaide 83, Illawarra 57
At the WIN entertainment center
Played 51, Adelaide 20, Illawarra 31
LAST FIVE GAMES
November 19, 2025 – 36ers 97 defeat Hawks 85 at AEC
November 2 2025 – 36ers 90 beat Hawks 88 at AEC
*August 27, 2025 – 36ers 104 defeat Hawks 83 at AIS Arena, Canberra (*Blitz)
January 13, 2025 – 36ers 91 defeat Hawks 88 at AEC
November 10, 2024 – 36ers 93 defeat Hawks 79 at AEC
October 5, 2024 – 36ers 102 defeat Hawks 100 at WIN Entertainment Center
