Game Preview - Hawks v Wildcats

After a four-game win streak, the Hawks have dropped their last three, and with matches against Perth and New Zealand this weekend, it's a pivotal weekend in our NBL24 season.

The Wildcats are the hottest team in the country, having lost just two games in their last 15 outings. It's a familiar proposition for the Hawks, and the Red Army won't hold any fears for a Hawks side who put a stop to Perth's early season win streak with a dominant 100-82 home win in Round 10.

The Hawks enter Round 17 eighth on the standings but sit only two wins out of fifth place and continue to have 2 to 3 games to make up on the rest of the competition.

For the Hawks to return to the winner's list, Coach Tatum will need the defensive intensity to lift, especially with the league's leading scorer Bryce Cotton on a tear recently.

Gary Clark and Hyunjung Lee had career nights in our two outings against Cairns and Adelaide, and both will be called on to establish an inside and outside threat against a talented Wildcats outfit.

AJ Johnson saw more minutes in Round 16, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk continued to show his development at the offensive end, and Todd Blanchfield and Mason Peatling are the steady hands off the bench that regularly deliver for the second unit.

The Wildcats have lost only twice at home this season, and the flight home to the East Coast will be an enjoyable one if the Hawks can add a third defeat to the ledger on Thursday night.

Opposition Watch

The Wildcats are the talk of the competition, rocketing into second place in the standings, just one win behind Melbourne United.

John Rillie's side wants for nothing talent-wise, and they will round out their roster by welcoming Next Star Alex Sarr back, having not played since Round 13.

Bryce Cotton remains the competition's benchmark, leading all scorers with 24.2 points per game on an average of three made triples.

Rillie reminded us that Tai Webster was a noticeable absentee from the Wildcats line-up the last time these sides met and has been the perfect backcourt partner for Bryce since his return.

Hyrum Harris has established himself as a difference-maker since being inserted into the starting line-up. Jordan Usher, Keanu Pinder, Jesse Wagstaff and Kristian Doolittle join Harris in the league's most influential front court.

Where to Watch

Catch all the action Live from 9:30 pm AEDT on ESPN via Kayo.