DrinkWise Preview: NBL25 - Round 12, Game 1 v Illawarra Hawks

In a battle of the top-two teams in the NBL table, we will host the Illawarra Hawks at John Cain Arena on Friday evening.

We have enjoyed success over the Hawks over the past few seasons, winning seven of our past eight meetings, including in the only previous clash this season, a Round 6 win on the road.

For Illawarra, three straight 100-plus point games have shown how dangerous their offence can be if they’re allowed to get out in the open court.

WHO’S HOT, WHO’S NOT

(Past five games)
United - W, W, W, W, L

Hawks - L, W, W, L, W

While the Hawks are the league’s highest scoring team, no club has put up better offensive numbers since Round 8 than Melbourne United.

We have registered an NBL25-high 130.9 offensive rating and a 5-1 record since Round 8, blowing teams out of the water with our offensive firepower.

Over the same stretch, Illawarra is 3-2, which has included both their highest and lowest scoring games of the season.

STARS COLLIDE

In Round 6, Jack White was absolutely dominant on the glass as we outlasted the Hawks for a five-point victory.

The league’s leading rebounder pulled down 19 boards, while also swatting three shots, dishing two dimes and coming away with two steals.

White will likely spend extended time up against former United championship teammate Mason Peatling, who has thrived since being injected into Illawarra’s starting lineup.

Over his last three games, all starts, Peatling is averaging 7.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and a plus/minus of +15.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks

Tip-off: 7:30pm AEDT, Friday 13 December, 2024

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: ESPN

Tickets: Via Ticketek