Illawarra Hawks vs Sydney Kings NBL Round 20 Game Preview

Feb 6

2 min read

Tip-off is at 7:30 PM AEDT, Friday, February 7 at WIN Entertainment Centre

Illawarra Hawks vs Sydney Kings Expert Analysis

The Illawarra Hawks will look to complete a clean sweep of the Sydney Kings in their final matchup of the NBL25 regular season.

With the minor premiership already secured, the Hawks are expected to play their full roster to maintain rhythm ahead of their semi-final clash. Sydney, on the other hand, has struggled against top-tier teams, a trend that could continue in this contest.

The Kings have had a tough time defensively against high-scoring teams, allowing 94.3 points per game to top-six opponents. Illawarra, the league’s highest-scoring team, has taken full advantage of this, surpassing 96 points in two of their three meetings with Sydney this season. Expect another high-scoring battle, with Tyler Harvey likely leading the charge for the Hawks once again.

Key Matchups

Tyler Harvey vs. Jaylen Adams

Harvey has been a consistent scoring threat for Illawarra, putting up 20+ points in two of three games against Sydney this season. Adams, ranked 10th in league scoring at 18.2 points per game, will need to match Harvey’s offensive output to give Sydney a chance.

Frontcourt Battle: Illawarra’s Rebounding vs. Sydney’s Interior Defence

The Hawks lead the league in rebounding at 43.9 per game, while the Kings rank near the bottom in this category. If Illawarra can dominate the boards, second-chance opportunities could prove costly for Sydney, especially considering the Kings’ struggles in containing high-powered offences.

Three-Point Shooting

Illawarra ranks fourth in three-point percentage (35.7%), while Sydney sits second in three-point defence (33.0%). If the Hawks get hot from deep, it could spell trouble for the Kings.

Key Stats

Illawarra has won all three matchups against Sydney this season
Sydney is 5-11 against top-six teams, allowing 94.3 points per game in those contests
The Hawks lead the league in scoring (101.6 PPG) and have the fewest turnovers (9.6 per game)
Tyler Harvey has scored 20+ points in two of three games against Sydney this season

Why Illawarra Wins

Illawarra has had Sydney’s number all season, and with the Kings’ defensive woes against high-scoring teams, it’s hard to see that changing. The Hawks’ offensive efficiency, rebounding dominance, and ability to limit turnovers make them a tough matchup. Tyler Harvey is in excellent form, and with the team likely playing at full strength, Illawarra has the firepower to control the game from start to finish.

Why Sydney Wins

Sydney’s best chance lies in pushing the tempo and matching Illawarra’s scoring output. If Jaylen Adams and Kouat Noi can lead an efficient offensive performance, and the Kings can tighten up defensively, they have an outside shot. Sydney has averaged 98.8 points per game over their last five outings, so if they continue that trend and get a few key stops, they could pull off an upset.

Conclusion

Illawarra has been dominant against Sydney this season, and all signs point to another strong performance. The Kings' defensive struggles against elite teams, combined with the Hawks’ potent offence, make Illawarra the clear favourites. Expect a high-scoring contest, with Tyler Harvey once again leading the way as the Hawks close out their regular-season campaign with a statement win.