Brisbane Bullets vs Illawarra Hawks NBL Round 14 Game Preview

Tip-off is at 7:30 pm AEDT on Friday 27th December at Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

Brisbane Bullets vs Illawarra Hawks Expert Analysis

Two of the hottest teams in the league face off this Friday night as the Brisbane Bullets host the ladder-leading Illawarra Hawks.

Brisbane has hit its stride with six wins from their past eight games, including a dominant performance against Adelaide on Christmas Eve. Meanwhile, the Hawks continue to assert themselves as championship favourites, riding a wave of form that has seen them win six of their last seven games.

For the Hawks, this will be their third game in six days—a potential letdown spot for a young team that thrives on energy and momentum. On the other side, the Bullets are without James Batemon for the rest of the season, but their depth has been tested before, and they’ll back themselves to rise to the challenge.

Key Matchups

Casey Prather vs Trey Kell III

This battle between two elite scorers will be pivotal. Casey Prather has been unstoppable lately, averaging 29.4 points over his last seven games, while Trey Kell III continues to lead Illawarra’s potent offence with consistent high-scoring performances. Both players possess the ability to take over games, and whichever star shines brighter could tilt the result in their team’s favour.

Brisbane’s Perimeter Shooters vs Illawarra’s Perimeter Defence

Brisbane leads the league in three-point percentage (39.8%), making their outside shooting a critical component of their success. Illawarra’s perimeter defence, ranked third in the league, will be tested as they try to contain Brisbane’s sharpshooters and prevent the Bullets from gaining momentum from beyond the arc.

Brisbane’s Interior Defence vs Sam Froling

Sam Froling’s dominance in the paint will be a major challenge for Brisbane. The Hawks’ big man has been in exceptional form, contributing on both ends with his scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence. Brisbane’s ability to limit Froling’s impact inside could prove decisive, especially as the Hawks often feed off his energy and inside-out play.

Key Stats

• Illawarra have lost 3 of 4 games this season when conceding 100+ points.

• Brisbane is averaging 102.8 points per game over their last 10, showcasing their offensive firepower.

• Casey Prather is on a hot streak, averaging 29.4 points over his last seven games.

• Brisbane leads the league in three-point shooting, hitting 39.8% from deep.

Why Brisbane Wins

Brisbane’s offence has been firing on all cylinders, led by the unstoppable Casey Prather and supported by sharpshooters who capitalise on the league’s best three-point shooting percentage. If the Bullets can push the pace and score big—something they’ve done consistently against Illawarra in the past—they have a real shot at an upset.

With Illawarra playing their third game in less than a week, fatigue could become a factor, especially if Brisbane applies pressure with their high-scoring, fast-paced style.

Why Illawarra Wins

The Hawks boast the best offence in the league, with Trey Kell and Tyler Harvey orchestrating an attack that seems nearly impossible to stop. Illawarra’s bench has also been a standout, as seen in their recent win over Sydney, where the reserves turned the game around.

Their depth and ability to dictate the tempo give them a significant edge, even against a high-scoring team like Brisbane. If Illawarra can slow down Casey Prather and dominate the boards through Sam Froling, they’ll be in prime position to secure another win.

Prediction

This matchup pits two red-hot offences against one another, but Illawarra’s gruelling schedule could play into Brisbane’s hands. Expect a high-scoring affair, with Casey Prather continuing his dominant form to push the Bullets to the brink of an upset.