Game Preview: Hawks @ Bullets | RD18 NBL26

Hawks Storm into Brisbane Looking to Extinguish Bullets

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Hawkheads, the season is officially alive and kicking! After taking care of the JackJumpers in Hobart on Saturday night, our boys are heading to the Sunshine State with a massive head of steam. We are currently 8th on the ladder, but importantly, we are now equal on losses with 6th place, and the Hawks have played three less games than the JackJumpers.

The Bullets are sitting at the bottom of the barrel and are currently mired in a seven-game losing streak. While they are desperate, the Hawks are dangerous. With our big guns firing and a bench that provides a massive punch, we are ready to build a win streak.

The Matchup

Season series: Hawks lead 2–0

Round 4: A total eclipse in the Gong as the Hawks soared to a 116–89 victory.

Round 12: Our boys proved they have the clutch gene, closing the game on a ruthless 16–2 run to secure a 100–85 win.

Interior Dominance: JaVale McGee has been a nightmare for Brisbane, recently dropping 30 points and 10 rebounds on a scorching 68% from the field in our last meeting.

Scouting the Bullets

Jacob Holt (The Rising Threat): With several key players out, Holt has emerged as a major scoring option, recently dropping a career-high 23 points against Melbourne United.

Tyrell Harrison (The Twin Tower Threat): Their only real answer inside, averaging 15.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. He’s a shot-blocking machine, but JaVale has already shown he can take him to school.

Hunter Maldonado (Lead Facilitator): A primary playmaker for Brisbane who will be expected to generate points in the absence of their star imports.

Terry Taylor (Interior Force): A critical piece of Brisbane's remaining rotation who will need to step up his scoring to keep the Bullets competitive.

Keys to Victory

Frontcourt Dominance: JaVale McGee and Sam Froling need to continue their reigning terror in the paint. We lead the league in blocks (4.9 per game) and rebounds (45.0 per game), and we need to use every bit of that size to crush Brisbane's spirit.

Protect the Rock: It’s no secret we’ve struggled with turnovers (14.2 per game), cutting those down against an injury depleted team with nothing to lose is critical.

Bench Punch: Whether it's Davo Hickey, Sam Froling, Daniel Grida, or Tyler Harvey coming off the pine, the new look bench depth could be our superpower. We need that second unit to come in and provide a "clinical dismantling" of the Bullets' reserves.

Game Details

Who: Illawarra Hawks vs Brisbane Bullets

When: Monday, Jan 26, 7:30 pm

Where: Brisbane Entertainment Centre

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