Game Preview - Hawks v NZ Breakers

The Hawks have won nine of the last 12 games against the Breakers, and with play-in and playoff positions still to be decided, tonight's result could be season-defining for both squads.

The Justin Tatum era began with a win in New Zealand back in Round 8, and the Hawks were again victors in the return fixture in Wollongong, with an 89-85 scoreline.

Tyler Harvey has relished the Breakers match-up in recent times with his career average of 21.8 points per game against New Zealand - the most against any opponent.

Justin Robinson had his best game since moving to the second unit with 16 points and will join Harvey in matching up with Breaker's star Parker Jackson-Cartwright, one of the front runners for the All-NBL first team.

Gary Clark continues to lead the Hawks frontline and, along with Sam Froling, will be called upon to battle an athletic and physical Breakers frontline.

Clark's team-high 19 points against Brisbane saw him move into the top 15 in the league in points, rebounds, and blocks. His head-to-head with Zylan Cheatham pits two of the league's best imports against each other, with Clark looking to continue his hit form and a late charge for league MVP honours.

The run home will see the Hawks play four games in nine days, and the side's depth will be called on, with the likes of Peatling, Hickey, Johnson, Olbrich, Blanchfield, and Lee expected to make their mark in both New Zealand and Sydney this weekend.

Opposition Watch

 New Zealand sit just one win out of the play-in calculations at 11 wins and 13 losses.

 A massive road win against the Perth Wildcats was soured with the news that star forward succumbed to a season-ending leg injury.

Although Lamb is a rare talent in the league, if any team can cover for players in the front line, it might just be Mody Maor’s men.

Zylan Cheatham is starting to show why he was one of the biggest signings in NBL24 free agency, and former Hawk Mangok Mathiang has been a valuable contributor at both ends of the floor in recent weeks.

Veterans Finn Delaney and Tom Abercrombie will look to share the minutes left by Lamb, and Will Mcdowell-White will have more opportunity to have the ball in his hands, which could spell danger for the Hawks.

The previous two matchups have been close encounters, and expect nothing less in tonight’s edition, with a win for both teams pivotal in the make-up of the NBL standings.

Where to Watch

Catch all the action Live from 5:30 pm AEDT on ESPN via Kayo.

Out and about? Why not join the watch party at Hotel Illawarra, 160-164 Keira St, Wollongong, from 5:30 pm AEDT.