Adelaide 36ers vs Illawarra Hawks NBL Round 8 Game Preview

Tip off is at 4:30 pm AEDT

Adelaide 36ers vs Illawarra Hawks Analysis

The Illawarra Hawks will look to bounce back from their recent loss to Perth and take down the Adelaide 36ers in Round 8’s closing matchup. The Hawks fell just short in their previous face-off with the 36ers in Round 3, losing 102-100, and will be motivated to exact revenge.

Illawarra’s league-leading offence is averaging 98.6 points per game, while Adelaide’s defence ranks last, conceding 94 points per game and struggling particularly against three-point shooting and assists. With both teams well-rested, expect Illawarra to bring a high-intensity effort and cover the line as favourites.

Key Matchups

• Illawarra’s Offence vs. Adelaide’s Defence: Illawarra has been a powerhouse on offence, ranking third in three-point shooting at 36.4% while dominating in points in the paint. Adelaide’s defensive issues, particularly against perimeter shooters and in the paint, align perfectly with Illawarra’s strengths. Hawks big man Sam Froling, who is averaging 13.6 points with most of his scoring coming inside, should be able to take advantage of Adelaide’s interior.

• Adelaide’s Bench vs. Illawarra’s Depth: Adelaide’s bench has underperformed recently, adding just 15 points in their last game against the Breakers. With injuries to key players like Lat Mayen, their rotation depth has been thin, putting pressure on their starters. Illawarra’s deeper rotation could be a deciding factor, particularly in limiting fatigue and bringing fresh legs into key moments.

Key Stats

• Illawarra Scoring Prowess: The Hawks lead the NBL in scoring, averaging 98.6 points per game.

• Adelaide’s Defensive Struggles: Adelaide concedes a league-high 94 points per game and allows the most assists and highest opposition three-point percentage.

• Sam Froling’s Consistency in the Paint: Froling has been a steady contributor down low, with 11.8 of his 13.6 points per game coming from the paint.

• High-Scoring Series Trend: Four of the last six matchups between these teams have gone over the total.

Why Illawarra Wins

Illawarra’s offensive firepower and Adelaide’s defensive weaknesses create a favourable matchup for the Hawks. With a high-scoring offence that excels in the areas where Adelaide struggles defensively, Illawarra should be able to dictate the pace and dominate both inside and beyond the arc.

After a week to address their recent defensive lapses, expect a focused effort from the Hawks to clamp down and secure a comfortable win.

Why Adelaide Wins

Adelaide can win if they exploit Illawarra’s occasional inconsistencies on defence, which were evident in their recent loss to Perth. If the 36ers can control the tempo and get solid performances from their key scorers like Isaac Humphries, while also finding contributions off the bench, they could keep the game close.

A strong rebounding effort and increased perimeter pressure will be essential if they hope to neutralise Illawarra’s shooters.

Conclusion

Illawarra’s potent offence and Adelaide’s defensive woes suggest the Hawks are well-positioned to win and cover the line as favourites. Expect Illawarra to take advantage of Adelaide’s perimeter and paint vulnerabilities, putting up another high-scoring display. Both teams have shown a tendency to go over the total, so a high-paced game is likely, with the Hawks emerging victorious in a statement game.