South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks Live Stream & Tips - Hawks too strong for Phoenix in NBL

Jeremy Darke

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Last updated: 29 Nov 2024

Jeremy Darke 29 Nov 2024

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South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks expert predictions for Saturday’s Round 10 NBL matchup
Hawks aim for second win of round 10
Illawarra covered line in last 4 matches vs S.E.M.

Expired

Hawks backed for victory (Getty)

South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks Preview

The Hawks are backed to get their second victory of round 10 and fifth away win of the season. A 38-point victory over the New Zealand Breakers on Thursday sets them up nicely to take down the Phoenix.

South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks Preview
Head to Head
South East Melbourne Phoenix Form
Illawarra Hawks Form

Illawarra have covered the line in their previous 4 matches against S.E.M
Illawarra have an average winning margin of 17.75 in NBL25.
The past 12 S.E.M games have all hit the under on the game total.
Illawarra are ranked 3rd in the NBL with a 42.6 OFG% and 33.4 O3P%

Head to Head

2024/25 Match Results

26-10-24: South East Melbourne 88 - 82 Illawarra

2023/24 Season Series

Illawarra Hawks won 3-0

South East Melbourne Phoenix Form

The honeymoon period for new head coach Josh King is now over and the expectation rises on the new Phoenix head coach after the FIBA break after SEM going 5-3 after the departure of Mike Kelly.

The Phoenix created a new identity for themselves after their first 5 losses to start the season, becoming a defensive power, before Perth dusted them 97-84 in round 9 before the week off.

In the 7 games prior to the blowout against the Wildcats, S.E.M averaged just 76.4 points against, holding their opponents to 77 points or less in 4 straight matches.

King had to deal with an injury to star import Derrick Walton Jr. and got the most out of his key man Nathan Sobey, who averaged 15.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG and 5.8 APG in his past 5 matches.

The offensive production also came from Angus Glover, who took his opportunity while Walton Jr. was sidelined, averaging 16.75 PPG.

Illawarra Hawks Form

The Illawarra Hawks came out with intention after the FIBA break, putting up 32 points in the first quarter and 37 in fourth in their 109-71 win over the visiting New Zealand Breakers on Thursday night to open round 10 of the NBL.

The Hawks did not get distracted by the debut game of Tacko Fall, unafraid to drive to the basket, but still finding most room hitting mid-range jumpers over the former Boston Celtic forward and finding their lanes closer to the rim when he was off the court.

The Hawks spread the ball on offence with five players hitting double-digits, led by agile center Lachie Olbrich who dropped 21 points in 13:11 minutes on the court and Trey Kell III who sank 17 points along wth 4 rebounds and 4 assists.

Illawarra outscored the Breakers with 52-29 bench points and 27-3 in fast break points, two categories where they are top three in the NBL this season.

Verdict

South East Melbourne Phoenix v Illawarra Hawks

The Hawks have plenty of depth on the bench and that will be key. They can cover the line as the 1.5-point favourite while the game total stays under 175.5 points.

Illawarra -1.5

Handicap/Line

@9/10 - 3 Units

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Under 175.5

Game Total

@9/10 - 3 Units

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