Game Preview: Hawks @ United | RD13 NBL26

The Illawarra Hawks have their swagger back.

Fresh off an emotional and dominant victory on Alumni Night against the Bullets, Justin Tatum’s men are hitting the road with renewed confidence. The task? A Thursday night blockbuster at John Cain Arena against our recent finals rivals, Melbourne United. 

We know the history. We know the stakes. It’s a Grand Final rematch, and if the first two meetings of NBL26 are anything to go by, fans are in for another heart-stopping contest.

The State of Play: No Rest for the Wicked
The Hawks (6-10) breathed life back into their season last round, with a 100-85 drubbing of Brisbane. The vibes at the WIN Entertainment Centre were immaculate, with the bench unit—led by Biwali Bayles and Daniel Grida—providing the spark.

But the celebrations were short-lived. Coach Justin Tatum hasn’t let the group take their foot off the gas, putting the squad through another punishing week of training. The coaching staff has ramped up the intensity, demanding that the standard set late against Brisbane becomes the baseline, not the exception.

The result? A palpable sense of renewed optimism within the group. There is a genuine belief that the pieces are finally clicking and that the second half of the season with the impending return of Co-captain Sam Froling is where this team makes its real run.

The Matchup: McGee vs. The World
If there is one team JaVale McGee loves playing against, it’s Melbourne United. The NBA veteran has been an absolute nightmare for United’s interior defence this season.

United simply hasn’t found an answer for him. While they have talented bigs in Jesse Edwards and the versatile Finn Delany, McGee’s size, athleticism, and championship pedigree have tipped the scales in the paint every time. Coming off a 30-point masterclass against Brisbane on 13-of-19 shooting, expect the big fella to demand the ball early and often.

Key Battles
William "Davo" Hickey vs. Shea Ili
Davo has been nothing short of sensational. The unofficial 2025 Grand Final MVP continues to stuff the stat sheet, putting up 18 points and 8 assists last game. He faces a tough test against Shea Ili (4.7 apg), one of the league's premier perimeter defenders. Davo’s ability to break the paint and find shooters like Tyler Harvey or dump it off to McGee will be the key to unlocking United’s defence.

Wani Swaka Lo Buluk vs. Chris Goulding
Wani, best defender in the NBL. His assignment will likely be United’s sharpshooter Chris Goulding (14.0 ppg). In our Round 8 win, Wani and the team held Goulding to just 5 points. If we can cut the head off the snake and limit Goulding’s perimeter looks, United’s offence becomes much more stagnant.

The Verdict
The ladder suggests a United victory, but the recent form line tells a different story. Melbourne are vulnerable, having lost four straight games coming into this contest, while the Hawks have played them close and tough all year. With the season series tied at 1-1, this is anyone's game.

We need the bench to bring the same "Next Man Up" energy they showed against Brisbane. If QJ Peterson (19 points last game) and Tyler Harvey can catch fire from deep to complement McGee’s inside dominance, we are leaving Melbourne with the W.

It’s time to spoil their party. Let’s fly.

Game Details
Opponent: Melbourne United
Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne
When: Thursday, December 18
Tip-off: 7:30 pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN on Disney

Next Home Game
The boys return to the Sandpit this Saturday for a massive clash against the ladder-leading Adelaide 36ers! We need the WIN Entertainment Centre rocking to help us knock off the top team.

🎟️ Get your tickets now at Ticketmaster!

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