Illawarra Hawks vs Brisbane Bullets Predictions & Tips - NBL 2026
Illawarra Hawks are tipped to cover the spread against Brisbane Bullets in NBL Round 6, despite both teams on the end of heavy defeats earlier in the week. Brisbane lead the league in Rebounds and Assists while Illawarra are the league's worst ranked defence.
- Illawarra Hawks are backed to cover the spread (-2.5) against Brisbane Bullets in NBL Round 6.
- Brisbane have lost 13 consecutive away games, while Illawarra have won seven of their last eight meetings.
- Max Mackinnon 5+ assists presents a valuable alternative in player markets due to Brisbane's strong assist numbers.
Illawarra Hawks vs Brisbane Bullets Predictions & Betting Tips
Illawarra Hawks are backed to cover the spread against Brisbane Bullets in NBL Round 6, while Max Mackinnon offers value in the assists market..
The Hawks currently sit at the bottom of the standings with a 2-7 record and have lost six of their last seven games, including Thursday's 108-82 defeat to Sydney Kings. Makur Maker was a bright spot with 24 points and seven rebounds, but Illawarra struggled offensively and were beaten 47-38 on the boards.
- Illawarra Hawks vs Brisbane Bullets Predictions & Betting Tips
- Key Stats
- Illawarra Hawks vs Brisbane Bullets Head to Head
- Illawarra Hawks Form
- Brisbane Bullets Form
Defence remains their biggest concern, with the Hawks conceding a league-high 105.9 points per game.
Brisbane have also struggled for consistency, losing four of their last five games. Their latest setback was a 106-85 defeat to Tasmania JackJumpers on Wednesday, despite Max Mackinnon scoring 21 points. The Bullets are now 3-4 for the season and have lost all three away games, extending their road losing streak to 13 matches.
Despite those results, Brisbane lead the NBL in rebounds (46.7) and assists (22.3) per game, suggesting they can still create scoring opportunities against Illawarra's struggling defence.
Key Stats
- Brisbane have lost 13 consecutive away games.
- Illawarra have won seven of their last eight meetings against Brisbane.
- Illawarra concede a league-high 23.1 assists per game.
- Max Mackinnon has recorded 5+ assists in two of his last four games, including eight against South East Melbourne.
Illawarra Hawks vs Brisbane Bullets Head to Head
Brisbane lead the all-time series 62-49, but recent results have heavily favoured Illawarra. The Hawks won seven consecutive meetings before Brisbane ended that run with a 103-95 victory in September.
With the Bullets struggling away from home, Illawarra have a favourable opportunity to improve their record.
Illawarra Hawks Form
Illawarra suffered another disappointing defeat on Thursday, losing 108-82 at home to Sydney Kings.
The Hawks struggled offensively, shooting just 40% on two-point attempts, while Sydney dominated the rebounding battle 47-38. Makur Maker led Illawarra with 24 points and seven rebounds.
Illawarra are now 2-7 and sit bottom of the NBL ladder, having lost six of their last seven games. Their defence remains a major concern, conceding a league-high 105.9 points per game.
The Hawks have been competitive in patches but have struggled to put together complete performances, particularly against the competition's stronger teams.
Brisbane Bullets Form
Brisbane suffered their fourth defeat in five games on Wednesday, going down 106-85 to Tasmania JackJumpers in the Ignite Cup.
The Bullets fell behind early and never recovered, trailing by 12 points at quarter-time and 21 by the final buzzer. Max Mackinnon was Brisbane's leading scorer with 21 points.
Brisbane are now 3-4, with their biggest problems coming away from home. The Bullets have lost all three road games this season and 13 consecutive away matches overall.
Despite those results, Brisbane continue to lead the competition in rebounding and assists, averaging 46.7 boards and 22.3 assists per game. Those numbers provide some encouragement for their individual player markets against Illawarra's struggling defence.
Verdict
We're backing Illawarra -2.5, with Max Mackinnon 5+ assists offering a higher-priced alternative in the player markets.
Illawarra -2.5
Line
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M Mackinnon 5+
Assists
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Ryan is an Australian sports content writer, producing insights and analysis for NRL, AFL and Basketball. He is also our YouTube host and presenter, can be found on Bets.com.au and is also a co-founder of The Sport Cap and The Basketball Fix.
From humble beginnings in Western Sydney growing up playing and refereeing Rugby League to running European wide Australian Rules Football tournaments there is a mountain of experience in between.
Multiple trips to North America has also deepened the love for the four major US sports and a continuing dream to catch as much live action as possible.
Stats and data analysis has now outgrown the hobby tag and the countless models and simulations are now being put to good use writing previews and predictions for NRL.
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