Round 5: Bullets vs Hawks

It's a trip to the river city for your Hawks as they look to make amends for a disappointing showing at home against the Bullets on Monday night.

The squad had little time to lick their wounds and has set their sights on a much-improved performance when they hit the Nissan Arena floor on Thursday evening.

Tim Coenraad was strong in his conviction post-game, and the message to his teammates called for a return to the side's effort and physicality of the early rounds.

The Hawks will welcome new signing Peyton Siva to the line-up for the first time against the Bullets. Siva trained with the squad on Tuesday and will form a three-pronged attack from the guard position along with Dent and Harvey.

While the Hawks have been solid at the defensive end of the floor, it will be an improved offensive output and the ability to compete with the tall timber of the bullets on the glass that will provide our best chance of returning to the winner's column.

Keep a Hawk eye on

Peyton Siva.

The return clash with the Bullets will be Hawk nation's first chance to see Siva in club colours.

Coach Jackomas quickly pointed out that Siva's arrival was no silver bullet for his side's recent form. However, another ball handler, experienced head, and elite decision-maker will have a positive impact on our connectivity at the offensive end.

Siva will partner Tyler Harvey in the backcourt, allowing Lachie Dent to provide a spark off the bench and lead the second unit.

While Siva's minutes will be managed, look for his presence to bring a level of excitement and energy to a Hawks squad looking to return to the winner's column for the second time in NBL23.

 Opposition Watch

 It was a total team effort on Monday night as the Bullets secured their first win of the season.

The big names of Baynes, Cadee, Johnson, and Sobey led the way for the visitors in their most complete performance to date.

Boomers’ veteran Baynes seems to have found his feet after an indifferent start, leading all scorers with 17 points to go with 14 rebounds.

Coach Duncan returned to the all-Aussie backcourt of Sobey and Cadee in the recent road trip, and they will be a duo the Hawks must contain if they are to keep the home crowd out of the game on Thursday evening.

 How to Watch

Catch all the action from 7:30pm AEDT on ESPN via Kayo & Foxtel.

Hawks Socials

Follow all the action from Saturday night’s game, on the Hawks social media channels @illawarrahawks and use the hashtag ‘Hawk Nation’ when you share your pics and stories.