Game Preview: Hawks vs Bullets | Rd4 NBL26

The Illawarra Hawks return to the WIN Entertainment Centre this Saturday night ready to get their 2025/26 campaign rolling when they host the Brisbane Bullets in Round 4 of Hungry Jack’s NBL26 action.

It’s been a rocky start to the Championship defence for the Hawks, sitting at 0-3 after a tough opening stretch that’s included road trips to NBL's two most distant destinations (Perth and New Zealand) in a week. But if history tells us anything, Hawks won't stay down for long. Even the great 2000/01 championship side stumbled to 1-3 and 2-5 before start after raising the banner before rattling off ten straight wins.

Head coach Justin Tatum has backed his veteran core to find their rhythm, with JaVale McGee continuing to dominate inside (25.7 points, 10 rebounds, 2.3 blocks per game). The seven-footer has been a nightly double-double machine, while Tyler Harvey (20.0 ppg, 4.7 apg) continues to shoulder the offensive load. Expect both to be heavily featured again against a Bullets side struggling with consistency and injuries.

Wani Swaka Lo Buluk has provided a two-way spark averaging 11 points and strong perimeter defence.

The Opponent: Brisbane Bullets
The Bullets arrive in Wollongong at 1-3 and under an injury cloud. Last week, they were without leading scorer Casey Prather (21.7 ppg), Javon Freeman-Liberty (ankle), and Sam McDaniel (ankle). Former Hawk Mitch Norton remains sidelined with a knee injury. When healthy, Brisbane boasts plenty of punch — with Tyrell Harrison averaging a strong 10.3 rebounds per game and former Sydney King and NBL MVP Jaylen Adams running the offence at 5.8 assists per night.

The Context
While the 0-3 start stings, the reigning champs are hungry to respond, and with a home crowd behind them, this could be the night the turnaround begins.

Next Game
📅 Saturday, October 11
🏟️ WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
🆚 Brisbane Bullets
⏰ Tip-off: 5:30 pm

🎟️ Get your tickets now via Ticketmaster