Game Preview: Hawks vs 36ers | RD20 NBL26

Two home games remain in the Sandpit for the NBL26 Regular Season

The postseason race has reached fever pitch, and for our Illawarra Hawks, the mission is crystal clear: win every game. With only two home games remaining at the Sandpit (and three on the road), Justin Tatum’s squad is still mathematically in the hunt for that sixth spot currently held by the JackJumpers. Coming off a heartbreakingly close battle against the Wildcats where our boys showed incredible heart in front of an energetic Wollongong crowd.

We aren't just playing for a result; we are playing for survival. It’s time to protect home court and keep the championship defense alive.

Don't believe we can still pull off the miracle? Jump onto the NBL ladder predictor to see exactly how the cards need to fall for our boys to sneak into that sixth spot:

👉 NBL Ladder Predictor: See our chances here

The Matchup: Breaking the 36ers Hoodoo

Adelaide currently holds a 3–0 season series lead, meaning our boys are fighting to avoid a clean sweep and finally crack the code against the league's pace-setters.

RD7 @ Adelaide (90-88): A literal heartbreaker. William "Davo" Hickey was a force with 20 points and 9 boards, but a late Harvey floater just wouldn't drop, and we fell by a bucket.

RD10 @ Adelaide (97-85): A game of two halves. We led at the main break behind QJ Peterson’s 19-point first-half explosion, but a turnover-heavy third term allowed Bryce Cotton to snatch the momentum away.

RD13 vs Adelaide (84-78): Despite being down JaVale McGee and Tyler Harvey, the Hawks showed ultimate "next man up" spirit. Wani Swaka Lo Buluk put on a defensive clinic and scored 19, but the Sixers' depth eventually told in the final minutes.

Recent Form: Both teams have felt the grind of the schedule, dropping 3 of their last 5 outings. Expect a physical, high-stakes shootout.

Scouting the Adelaide 36ers

The 36ers arrive in the Gong sitting pretty at the top of the ladder (21-8), but they are far from invincible.

Bryce Cotton (The MVP Threat): Coming off a massive 25.3 PPG season average, Cotton is the ultimate threat. Wani Swaka Lo Buluk will likely get the primary assignment again to try and silence the league's most dangerous scorer.

Isaac Humphries (Frontcourt Anchor): Averaging 1.6 blocks per game, Humphries provides a monstrous impact in the paint. He put up 16 points in their last visit to the Sandpit.

Zylan Cheatham: A double-double threat (10.1 RPG) who provides the athletic versatility that tests our perimeter-to-paint rotations.

Flynn Cameron: Watch out for the Kiwi spark plug; he's been providing crucial secondary scoring (12.4 PPG).

John Jenkins: A high-caliber NBA veteran (171 games) and elite sharpshooter who has wasted no time making an impact, already averaging 17.3 points and shooting a lethal 48% from deep since arriving as an injury replacement player last month.

Hawks Keys to Victory

Frontcourt Dominance: JaVale McGee leading the team in Points (19.93), Rebounds (9.85), and Blocks (1.89). We need the three-time NBA champ to own the glass against Humphries and Cheatham.

The Grida Spark: Daniel Grida has been nearly automatic lately. His energy off the bench is the "lightning bolt" that ignites the crowd and teammates alike.

Perimeter Lockdown: While we forced Cotton into a 6/18 shooting night in RD13, the 36ers still found ways to win. Keeping their outside shooters—specifically John Jenkins and Flynn Cameron—under wraps is non-negotiable.

Game Details

Who: Illawarra Hawks vs Adelaide 36ers

When: Thursday, Feb 5, 7:30 pm AEDT

Where: WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong (The Sandpit)

Check our social media for more game highlights and photos.

This is our second-to-last home game of the season, and we need every Hawkhead in the building to help us hunt for the postseason!

Tickets: Get your tickets now at Ticketmaster!

‍