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Cairns Taipans vs Illawarra Hawks Tips & Live Stream - Value on a Hawks upset win in NBL

jeremy-darke
Jeremy Darke
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Last updated: Tue 03 Nov 2026 21:16
Illawarra Hawks are tipped to upset Cairns Taipans in the NBL, with supporting bets on Makur Maker to score 15 or more points and Sam Froling to collect at least 7 rebounds. Illawarra have won three of their last four visits to Cairns and have claimed their last two away games. Makur Maker has scored 15+ points in four of his last five matches, while Froling recorded 10 rebounds in the previous meeting. Cairns have struggled defensively and on the boards, which could favour the Hawks despite their own defensive issues.
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Jeremy Darke 03 Nov 2026
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  • Illawarra Hawks are tipped to win away at Cairns Taipans.
  • Makur Maker is backed for 15+ points; Sam Froling for 7+ rebounds.
  • Illawarra have won three of their last four visits to Cairns.
illawarra hawks
Illawarra Hawks to win (Getty Images)
brand Cairns Taipans v Illawarra Hawks Live StreamWatch live online at bet365 > Basketball > NBL. T&Cs apply. Watch and bet Geo-restrictions apply. You must have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. Over 18s only. T&Cs apply.

Cairns Taipans vs Illawarra Hawks Verdict


Illawarra Hawks are value to cause an upset in the NBL and win on the road at Cairns Taipans. Other recommended bets on the game include Makur Maker 15+ points and Sam Froling 7+ rebounds.

  • Illawarra have won three of their last four visits to Cairns.
  • The Hawks have won their last two away games.
  • Makur Maker has scored 15+ points in four of his last five matches.
  • Sam Froling collected 10 rebounds in the previous meeting with Cairns.

Head to Head


Cairns won the most recent meeting 110-100, but Illawarra have won three of the last five encounters between the teams.

Cairns Taipans Form


Cairns have struggled to establish consistency this season, sitting at 5-6 after 11 matches. The Taipans have lost their most recent game but remain a difficult opponent at home, where they have won three of four.

Their offence averages 92.2 points per game, ranking eighth in the NBL, although their ball movement has been a strength. Cairns lead the competition with 22.0 assists per game.

Defensively, the Taipans have been less convincing, conceding 96.5 points per game and allowing opponents to shoot 47.7% from the field. 

Their rebounding has also been a weakness, with Cairns ranking last in the league at 35.6 per game.

Illawarra Hawks Form


Illawarra have endured a difficult start to their campaign, winning just three of their opening 11 matches. However, their recent 105-98 victory over Perth provided some encouragement after consecutive defeats to Brisbane and Sydney.

The Hawks average 96.1 points per game, ranking fourth in the competition, but their defensive performances have been a major problem. 

They concede a league-high 104.5 points per game, making it difficult to turn strong offensive displays into victories.

Maker has been one of their more reliable scoring options recently, reaching 15+ points in four of his last five games. 

Froling also remains an important presence inside, particularly on the glass, and his previous 10-rebound performance against Cairns supports another productive outing.

Verdict

Illawarra are backed to cause an upset on the road, with Makur Maker tipped for 15+ points and Sam Froling to collect 7+ rebounds.

Best Bet1: Illawarra Hawks Money Line @23/17 at bet365 - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Makur Maker 15+ Points @4/6 at Star Sports - 3 Units
Best Bet3: Sam Froling 7+ Rebounds @21/20 at bet365 - 2 Units
Illawarra Hawks
Money Line
@23/17 - 1 Unit
Bet £10 Get £30
with bonus code NEWBONUS

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad

Bet at bet365
Makur Maker
15+ Points
@4/6 - 3 Units
Bet £20 Get £10
Use promo code NEWBONUS

18+ New customers only. Bet £20 (or more) EVS (2.0) or greater Get 2 x £5 Free Bets. 1 x £5 Free Bet paid automatically & following £5 Free Bet after 24hrs. Min Free Bet odds 4/1 (5.0) on accumulators Trebles & upwards. Expires after 24hrs. Full T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

Bet at Star Sports
Sam Froling
7+ Rebounds
@21/20 - 2 Units
Bet £10 Get £30
with bonus code NEWBONUS

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad

Bet at bet365
jeremy-darke
Jeremy Darke

Sports Editor & Betting Analyst • Sports Writer & Expert Betting Analyst

Jeremy is a freelance journalist who is a true sports activist. A die-hard fan of the NRL all his life and also has a passion for all the major American sports.


From when he was a little fella he has played most sports ranging from rugby, ice hockey, tennis and football, just to name a few. His interest in analytics and statistics helps him find the edge while writing previews and being a regular tipster.

Tipster and presenter on YouTube and a co-founder of The Sports Cap and The Basketball Fix.

You can find Jeremy on Muckrack and LinkedIn.

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