Game Preview - Hawks v JackJumpers

The new-look Hawks will take a three-game winning streak into the Round 15 match-up at My State Bank Arena, with the side looking to hold its place in the top six of the competition standings.

Despite a 1-4 record in the Apple Isle, the trip south will hold no fear for the Hawks, who recorded a 38-point victory over the Phoenix in their last outing.

Coach Tatum believes the Hawks should not only be targeting a place in the NBL24 finals, rather, the competitiveness of the group also means they should be looking at a title run.

If the Hawks are to continue their winning ways, the dominance of their bigs will need to be a mainstay.

The side ranks first in points in the paint this season at just over 45 points per game. The starting duo of Sam Froling and Gary Clark and the second unit brut of Mason Peatling and Lachie Olbrich have developed into one of the more formidable and consistent front lines in the competition.

Froling was a perfect 9-9 against the Phoenix and is now 57% from the field on the season. At 7.8 rebounds per game, Sam sits second in the league, and his match-up with the twin towers of Marcus Lee and Will Magnay will provide an insight into the eventual result come full-time.

Justin Robinson has found the hot hand in recent weeks, and his constant pressure on the rim will be important again tonight as his penetration will look to create opportunities for the likes of Harvey, Lee, and Blanchfield from beyond the three-point line.

Starter Wani Swaka Lo Buluk hasn’t made the trip to Tasmania due to illness, and with Dan Grida still a week or two away, the wing depth of Hickey and AJ Johnson will be called on to fill the void at the defensive end against a deep and dangerous JackJumpers line-up.

Opposition Watch

The JackJumpers will be suiting up for their third encounter within seven days and looking to repent a disappointing loss in Brisbane on Wednesday night.

Tasmania’s loss on Wednesday sees them hold an 11-10 record, sitting third on the ladder.

The JackJumpers are the last side to defeat the Hawks 100-89 in late December, and a Jordan Crawford masterclass led the way for the team from Tassie.

Crawford’s 18 first-half points and the dominance of Will Magnay on the glass set up a commanding win on the road.

The JackJumpers have come under some scrutiny and questioning in recent weeks but are a dangerous commodity on their home floor, and Coach Tatum’s men will be up for the challenge if they are to march out of My State Bank Arena with the W.

Where to Watch

Catch all the action Live from 7:30 pm AEDT on ESPN via Kayo.