Game Preview: Hawks @ 36ers | RD7 NBL26

The Illawarra Hawks will look to move on quickly from a bruising Indigenous Round loss on Friday night, putting that performance firmly in the rearview mirror as they turn their attention to Sunday’s clash with the high-flying Adelaide 36ers.

Despite the 102–60 defeat to New Zealand — the club’s toughest night in recent memory — the occasion carried deep meaning as the Hawks honoured culture, connection, and community at The Sandpit. Now, with the emotion of Indigenous Round still fresh, the focus shifts to resilience and response.

The Illawarra Hawks will have little time to lick their wounds after Friday night’s Indigenous Round defeat to New Zealand, as they head south to face the high-flying Adelaide 36ers — led by reigning MVP Bryce Cotton, who’s once again setting the league alight.

Sunday’s matchup in Adelaide looms as a major test of resilience and character. The Hawks, now 2–5, are determined to respond after a historically cold shooting night (2-of-23 from deep) and the club’s largest home loss in 48 seasons at The Sandpit.

Scouting the 36ers

The 36ers sit comfortably inside the NBL’s top three with a 5–2 record, thanks to a blistering start from Bryce Cotton, who leads the entire league in scoring at 29.4 points per game. The five-time MVP has been every bit as lethal in Adelaide blue as he was in Perth, also averaging 6.0 assists per game and orchestrating one of the NBL’s most efficient offences.

Around him, Zylan Cheatham has been a force on the glass (10.7 rebounds per game), while Isaac Humphries adds 16.6 points and a team-best 1.4 blocks. Adelaide’s balanced attack ranks among the NBL’s best in field-goal percentage (47.3%), free-throw accuracy (82.2%), and points per game (92.2).

Hawks’ Focus: Rebound and Respond

Despite Friday’s loss, JaVale McGee continues to be a nightly double-double anchor — posting 13 points and 10 boards against the Breakers, and still one of the league leaders in rebounds (10.6) and blocks (2.1).

Will ‘Davo’ Hickey a strong return from injury and earned the Tyson Demos Medal as Hawks Indigenous Game MVP, while new import QJ Peterson logged his first minutes in Hawks colours. Both will be crucial in Adelaide, where Hickey’s defensive grit and QJ’s scoring spark will be tested immediately by Cotton and the 36ers’ perimeter depth.

Head Coach Justin Tatum is expected to demand a tougher response after the 42-point loss, with a renewed emphasis on physicality, discipline, and energy — trademarks of Illawarra basketball.

Key Storylines

• QJ Peterson’s Baptism of Fire – the Hawks’ newest import guard faces MVP Bryce Cotton in his second NBL appearance.
• Hickey’s Comeback Trail – after earning Indigenous Round MVP honours, Will ‘Davo’ Hickey continues to work back to full form.
• McGee vs Cheatham – a battle of league-leading rebounders that could dictate the tempo.
• Pride and Response – following their toughest loss in years, how will Illawarra answer the challenge against a title favourite?

Game Details

📆 Sunday, November 2

🏟️ Adelaide Entertainment Centre

🕒 4:30 PM Tip-Off (AEDT)

📺 Catch it live on ESPN, Kayo and Channel Ten.

🎟️ Hawks fans — we’re back home Wednesday, Nov 5 vs Melbourne United. Grab your tickets now via Ticketmaster.

📲 Don’t forget to follow our socials for behind-the-scenes footage, highlights, and photos from both Indigenous Round and this weekend’s road trip to Adelaide.