Game Preview - Hawks v Phoenix

Justin Tatum's squad will be searching for their third consecutive win, a feat that hasn't been achieved since the 2021/22 season.

Over 5000 fans packed WIN Entertainment Centre on New Year's Eve to witness the Hawks use a 23-4 third-quarter run to pull away from the 36ers in the second half.

Justin Robinson delivered his best performance of the NBL24 season with 19 points on 80% shooting from the field, while Gary Clark continued to fill the stat sheet with 14, 12 and 3 steals on the night.

Mason Peatling, like Lachie Olbrich, the week prior, single-handedly sparked the side in the second quarter with his relentless pursuit on the glass and crafty finishing around the rim, keeping the home side in the mix at the half.

Wani Swaka Lo Buluk chimed in with 12 points and has been one of the club's most consistent performers this season. While he continues to guard the best scorer on the opposition team, his offensive game has gone to another level this season. It is another that has flourished under Tatum's tutelage.

The Hawks enter tonight's game with the best defence in the league across the last six weeks, allowing just 81.6 points per game while elevating the offensive output at the other end of the floor, ranking 1st in fast break points per game.

The Phoenix is 0-3 against the Hawks in their last three outings, and while the Hawks continue to be one of the hottest teams in the competition in recent times, South East Melbourne will take to the floor with a point to prove after a disappointing round 13 loss to Brisbane.

Opposition Watch

No team has been harder hit with the injury bug than the South East Melbourne Phoenix in NBL24.

Mike Kelly's team arrived at the Sage Hotel missing two of their import bigs, Alan Williams [knee] and recruit Abdel Nader [hand], after sustaining injuries in Brisbane last week.

Mitch Creek will again be the focus for the Phoenix, with the MVP candidate in the top 10 in the league in scoring and rebounds and again in the Boomers' selection in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics.

Despite missing some starters, the Hawks will not be able to take the Phoenix lightly in what is a must-win game should the home side continue to stay in the play-in conversations.

Don't Miss the Action 

Tickets are available via Ticketmaster for tonight's match at www.hawks.com.au/tickets 

Be in your seats by 7.15 pm for lights out, with the action to tip-off at 7.30 pm.

Bring your Illawarra Mercury Autograph book and stick around post-game for a signing session in the Premiers Room.