Game Preview - Hawks v Bullets

The FIBA break came at a great time for the Hawks, allowing interim head coach Justin Tatum to hit the training floor and build on the adjustments made in the team's win against New Zealand.

A much-improved defensive effort underpinned the Hawks win against the Breakers, an important first step for the side who ranked 10th in defensive rating in the season's early rounds. Coach Tatum has made it clear that this is the new standard moving forward, and the team effort on the ball and the defensive glass will need to be a point of emphasis against a big and deep Bullets roster.

The Hawks will take a full complement of players north after welcoming Todd Blanchfield back to the squad after a two-game absence.

Blanchfield's scoring punch off the bench will add further depth at the wing position and another perimeter threat to Tatum's rotations in Brisbane.

Gary Clark and Sam Froling will look to continue their strong run of form, while the guard play of Robinson, Harvey, and Johnson will be out to quell the influence of Sharp, Sobey, and Norton on their home floor.

A well-rested Hawks side will be out to apply the pressure early on a Bullets outfit backing up from an away game against Cairns just 48 hours earlier with a win seeing the Hawks stay within striking distance of the play-in pack.

Opposition Watch

The Bullets were able to put a string of late-game fadeouts to the side and close out an important win against their Sunshine State rivals in Cairns on Friday night.

Coach Schuller welcomed back import point guard Shannon Scott to a line-up searching for consistency after a hot start to the season.

The household names of Sobey and Baynes get the headlines in Brisbane, but it’s been the play of import shooter Chris Smith, rookie Josh Bannan and improved big man Tyrell Harrison, who has led the Bullets improvement in Schuller’s first season.

The Bullets are .500 on their home floor in NBL24 with a 3-win 3-loss record. The Hawks will be out to chase down a second straight win on the road before returning to face the Wildcats at home next Friday night.

Where to Watch

Catch all the action Live from 4:00pm AEDT on ESPN via Kayo l 10 Peach & 10 Play