Game Preview: Hawks @ Wildcats | RD17 NBL26

Third Time’s the Charm: Hawks Head Back to the Jungle for HoopsFest!

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The Illawarra Hawks are officially touching down in Perth for the third time this season, but this trip hits differently. It’s HoopsFest—the biggest week on the NBL calendar—and while this clash is technically a "neutral" game on the schedule, we know the reality. We’re walking back into the RAC Arena to face the Wildcats on their regular home floor. It’s a tough draw, but this Hawks team has never backed down from a challenge in the West.

We’ve already split the season series in Perth at 1–1, and after a heartbreaking narrow loss at home to the Breakers last round, the boys are hungry to bounce back. Mathematically, the Playoffs are still within reach, but more importantly, the Hawks are now in the ultimate spoiler seat. A win here might just steady our ship, and it sends a shockwave through the top six and keeps the rest of the league looking over their shoulders. We aren't just making up the numbers; we're here to shake up the ladder.

The Matchup

Season Series: Tied 1–1 (Both games played in Perth)

• Oct 2 (RD2): Wildcats def. Hawks 92–84. A tough start to the season series where we couldn't quite contain their late surge.
• Oct 25 (RD6): Hawks def. Wildcats 85–84. JaVale McGee (24 PTS) and Tyler Harvey (24 PTS) were clinical, with JaVale’s rim protection proving the difference in a one-point thriller.

Note: Our only scheduled home game against Perth isn't until Jan 31.

Scouting the Wildcats

The Wildcats are finding their groove at the right time, currently sitting 5th and riding a three-game winning streak after a big road win over the Phoenix.

• Kristian Doolittle: The danger man. He just dropped a 24-point, 12-rebound double-double and is the engine room of their recent success.
• Dylan Windler: On a serious heater. He’s fresh off a season-high 27 points and is the man we have to find in transition.
• Jo Lual-Acuil Jr: The focal point inside. Averaging 16.8 PPG, he’ll be looking to assert himself against the Hawks big front line headed by Javale McGee and Sam Froling.
• Backcourt News: With David Duke Jr sidelined long-term and Jaron Rillie nursing a new knee injury, their guard depth is being tested—a clear area for Harvey and Peterson to exploit.

Keys to Victory

• The Spoiler Mindset: With the pressure of the top-four race weighing on Perth, the Hawks can play free and aggressive. If we embrace the "spoiler" role, we can disrupt their rhythm and force them into mistakes.
• Control the Paint: In our RD6 win, we dominated the interior. JaVale McGee (20.6 PPG, 9.7 RPG) needs to be the anchor again, forcing JLA into tough shots and limiting second-chance points.
• Guard the Arc: Perth shot a blistering 42% from deep in their last outing. Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Dan Grida and Davo Hickey will have the defensive assignments of the night to keep Windler and Pepper under wraps.

Game Details

• Who: Illawarra Hawks @ Perth Wildcats (HoopsFest)
• When: Friday, Jan 16
• Where: RAC Arena, Perth
• Broadcast: ESPN, Kayo Sports

Check our social media for more game highlights and photos!

We return to the WIN Entertainment Centre on Jan 31—get your tickets via Ticketmaster now!