Hawks to face defending champion Wildcats in blockbuster semi-final

The Hungry Jack’s NBL has announced the schedule for the semi-finals of the Hungry Jack’s NBL Finals.

PERTH WILDCATS V ILLAWARRA HAWKS

Game 1: Thursday 10 June
Perth Wildcats v Illawarra Hawks, RAC Arena, 9:30pm AEST / 7:30pm local
ESPN, SBS VICELAND SBS On Demand, Sky Sport, Twitch
 

Game 2: Saturday 12 June
Illawarra Hawks v Perth Wildcats, WIN Entertainment Centre, 5:30pm AEST
ESPN, SBS VICELAND SBS On Demand, Sky Sport, Twitch
 

Game 3 (if required): Monday 14 June
Perth Wildcats v Illawarra Hawks, RAC Arena, 9:30pm AEST / 7:30pm local
ESPN, SBS VICELAND SBS On Demand, Sky Sport, Twitch

MELBOURNE UNITED v SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX
 

Game 1: Friday 11 June
Melbourne United v South East Melbourne Phoenix, Qudos Bank Arena, 7:30pm AEST
ESPN, SBS VICELAND SBS On Demand, Sky Sport, Twitch
 

Game 2: Sunday 13 June
South East Melbourne Phoenix v Melbourne United, Qudos Bank Arena, 3:00pm AEST
ESPN, SBS VICELAND SBS On Demand, Sky Sport, Twitch
 

Game 3 (if required): Tuesday 15 June
Melbourne United v South East Melbourne Phoenix, Qudos Bank Arena, 7:30pm AEST
ESPN, SBS VICELAND SBS On Demand, Sky Sport, Twitch

Illawarra Hawks coach Brian Goorjian said: "We are looking forward to the challenge of playing the defending champions in a best of three series in semi-final basketball. We can't wait to get over to Perth and play in front of the Red Army - and we know once we return to the Illawarra our fans will make their presence felt. These type of games and series are the reason you play the game. I can't wait, this team can't wait, bring it on."

Hungry Jack’s NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said: “We congratulate Melbourne United, Perth Wildcats, Illawarra Hawks and South East Melbourne Phoenix on making the Finals in what has been a season filled with challenges.

“We have always said you can expect the unexpected this season but one thing that has remained constant is the world class basketball on display in the NBL. These four teams have had sensational seasons and will now battle it out for the championship in what promises to be a thrilling Finals series.

“Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix will each host their home games in New South Wales for the duration of the semi-finals to ensure that they can compete in their respective away games uninterrupted by travel restrictions

“We would love to be playing all of our games in front of fans but we also need to account for the ongoing uncertainty caused by COVID and the need to remain flexible from a scheduling point of view to preserve the integrity of the finals as best we can and give a chance for home fans to experience the finals.

“Out of an abundance of caution, Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix are going to play their home semi-finals in New South Wales without crowds.

“The health and safety of players, coaches, referees, staff and fans remains the NBL’s number one priority and, as always, the league’s decisions on Finals scheduling will be guided by the advice of each State Government and relevant health authorities.”