Game Preview: Hawks @ JackJumpers | RD22 NBL26

The Spoiler Tour Moves South: Hawks Look to Repay the Jackies in Hobart

After a clinical dismantling of Melbourne United on Sunday, the Illawarra Hawks "Spoiler Tour" heads across the water to Hobart for the final game of the NBL26 season. The narrative between these two clubs has come full circle; the JackJumpers spoiled our championship banner-raising night in Round 2, and now we have the chance to spoil their final regular-season home game and potentially end their playoff aspirations.

While the Hawks are playing for pride and history, the JackJumpers are fighting for momentum heading into a probable 6th play-in spot. against Melbourne United.

The Matchup: A History of Heartbreak

The history between the Hawks, JackJumpers, and United is the stuff of NBL legend. Just as we beat United in five games for the NBL25 title, the JackJumpers did the same in NBL24. Both clubs have used miracle moments to sink United, but both have also suffered the "Championship Hangover," missing playoffs the following year.

Season Series History: The Jackies took a narrow 5-point win in the season opener, but the Hawks responded with a gritty 101–91 win in Hobart back in January.

The Previous Meeting: In that RD18 victory, JaVale McGee was a force with 23 points on 90% shooting, while Sam Froling stayed clinical off the bench with 16 points. The Hawks went small to match Tassie’s speed, a tactic Coach Tatum might employ again to neutralize their perimeter threats.

Scouting the JackJumpers: Culture and Grit

Despite battling significant injuries over the last month, the JackJumpers remain a dangerous, culture-driven outfit under Scott Roth.

Majok Deng: Coming off a career-best 36-point masterpiece in his 280th game against the Phoenix, Deng is in blistering form. He dropped 20 points in a single quarter and is shooting with elite efficiency.

Josh Bannan & Nick Marshall: This duo has spearheaded a recent resurgence for the Jackies, providing the interior toughness and scoring punch that keeps them in every contest.

The Culture Factor: Coach Roth recently praised his squad for a "culture win" during their Teal Game, noting their ability to show pride in the game that's "bigger than basketball".

Keys to Victory

Own the Interior: The Hawks lead the league in rebounds (44.3 per game) and blocks (4.5 per game). With JaVale McGee coming off a historic 22-point, 13-rebound afternoon in Melbourne, we must punish the Jackies in the paint where we average 47.8 points.

Bench Firepower: Our second unit outscored United’s reserves 51-37 on Sunday. With Todd Blanchfield coming off a team-high +24 +/- and Johny Narkle providing a an additional defensive spark, our depth is our greatest weapon.

Game Details

Who: Illawarra Hawks @ Tasmania JackJumpers

When: Wednesday, Feb 18, 7:30 pm AEDT

Where: MyState Bank Arena, Hobart

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