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Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks Betting Tips & Live Stream - United and Overs the play in NBL

ryan-tucker
Ryan Tucker
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Last updated: Tue 16 Dec 2025 14:47
Melbourne United faces the Illawarra Hawks in a highly anticipated Grand Final Series rematch. Despite Melbourne's recent four-game losing streak, they remain strong at home and are expected to prevail against the Hawks, who have shown inconsistency since the international break. Key players like Javale McGee and Chris Goulding are expected to have standout performances. The game is predicted to be high-scoring due to both teams' defensive weaknesses, with Melbourne aiming to halt their skid and the Hawks seeking stability.
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Ryan Tucker 16 Dec 2025
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  • Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks expert predictions for Thursday’s Round 13 NBL matchup
  • United on a 4-game losing streak but still strong at home
  • Expect a high-scoring game, with key players McGee and Goulding in form
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Melbourne United (Getty Images)

Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks Preview


Former league leaders Melbourne have lost their way in recent rounds, but they can win a high-scoring affair against the inconsistent Illawarra Hawks. United can win this Grand Final Series rematch and cover the line with the game going over the total.

  • Despite Melbourne’s run of poor form they are still the 2nd best team on home court. 
  • Illawarra are the 10th ranked defence on the season, Melbourne are the 10th ranked defence over the past 4 games. Expect points.
  • Javale McGee has scored 37 and 28 in his two matchups against Melbourne.
  • Chris Goulding has hit 4+ three pointers in 7 of his last 8 matchups against Illawarra at John Cain Arena.

Melbourne United On A 4-Game Skid


Melbourne are on a 4 game skid in one of their most intensive parts of the schedule. United were a league leading 13-2 heading into the international break, coming off a good win at home against the Wildcats. 

Losses then racked up against Perth, Phoenix and 36ers in 3 straight road games before their last start loss to the Kings back on home court 92-86. They are 6th in scoring over that 4 game stretch with the 8th ranked 3pt% while giving up 103.3 pts per game to opponents, the worst in the league.

They have another double game matchup this week before a brief reprieve of single game weeks in Rounds 13 and 14.

Illawarra Hawks Continue To Be Unpredictable


What is there to say about Illawarra, come out of the International break and beat the Phoenix, scoring 113 points. Then go out and get bashed by Cairns 2 days later reaching only 76 pts. Then they back it up last week with a 100-85 victory over the Bullets.

The epitome of inconsistency and now they will play their first road game since 19th November, hopeful that the event of a Grand Final Series rematch will awaken the spirits. 

The Hawks are still top 4 in scoring since the break despite the poor showing to Cairns but their defence stinks. They are allowing 95.7 per game to opponents, only one team worse during the stretch - Melbourne United.

Verdict

Take Melbourne to win and cover at home with the Game Total going Over. Javale McGee to grab 25+ pts and Chris Goulding to hit 3+ three pointers.

Best Bet1: Melbourne -5.5 Line @9/10 at Hollywood bets - 2 Units
Best Bet2: Over 189.5 Game Total @9/10 at bet365 - 2 Units
Best Bet3: J McGee 25+ Points @11/10 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: C Goulding 3+ Threes made @17/23 at Hollywood bets - 1 Unit
Melbourne -5.5
Line
@9/10 - 2 Units
£30 Free Bet
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Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.

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Over 189.5
Game Total
@9/10 - 2 Units
Bet £10 Get £30
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Bet at bet365
J McGee 25+
Points
@11/10 - 1 Unit
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Bet at Star Sports
C Goulding 3+
Threes made
@17/23 - 1 Unit
£30 Free Bet
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Claim £30 free bet & 20 Free Spins. Use the promo code NEWBONUS. New Hollywoodbets account holders. 18 years or older. United Kingdom residents only. T&Cs apply.

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18 Dec 2025

Melbourne United v Illawarra Hawks

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