Illawarra Hawks vs Tasmania JackJumpers NBL Round 15 Game Preview
Tip-Off: 7:30PM, January 7 | WIN Entertainment Centre
Illawarra Hawks vs Tasmania JackJumpers Expert Analysis
The Illawarra Hawks return to action after a rare back-to-back losing streak, taking on a Tasmania JackJumpers side aiming to bounce back from their first defeat in nine matches.
With the Hawks sitting atop the NBL ladder, they’ll be looking to reassert their dominance against a JackJumpers team struggling to defend the paint in the absence of Will Magnay.
This clash at WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong will showcase the league’s best offence in the Hawks against Tasmania’s top-ranked defence. However, the Hawks’ ability to exploit Tasmania’s weaknesses inside the key could prove decisive.
Key Matchups
Sam Froling vs Tasmania’s Interior Defence
Sam Froling has been a standout in the paint, averaging 15.28 points over his last seven games. With the JackJumpers ranked 9th in the league for opposition points in the paint, Froling is likely to be the focal point of Illawarra’s attack.
Milton Doyle and Jordon Crawford vs Illawarra’s Perimeter Defence
Tasmania’s backcourt duo will need to step up to keep pace with the Hawks’ firepower. If either player struggles, the JackJumpers lack the secondary scoring options required to stay competitive.
Key Stats
Illawarra’s Paint Dominance: The Hawks lead the NBL with 51.4 points in the paint per game.
Tasmania’s Scoring Struggles: The JackJumpers are last in the league for scoring, averaging just 84.1 points per game.
Turnovers:Â Illawarra are the best in the league at protecting the ball, averaging just 10.4 turnovers per game.
Head-to-Head History:Â Illawarra thrashed Tasmania 109-76 in their first matchup this season.
Illawarra Hawks Form & Team News
The Hawks faced a tough stretch over the holiday period, dropping consecutive games to South East Melbourne and Cairns at home. Against the Phoenix, they looked fatigued defensively, and a third-quarter lapse against the Taipans proved costly.
Despite the setbacks, Illawarra remain the league’s most potent offensive team, averaging 101.6 points per game. They excel at forcing turnovers and dominating the paint. With four days’ rest and no travel to contend with, the Hawks are well-positioned to return to form. Sam Froling and Try Kell, who has been averaging over 20 points per game in his last five outings, are expected to lead the charge.
Tasmania JackJumpers Form & Team News
The JackJumpers’ eight-game winning streak came to an end with a 105-91 loss to South East Melbourne, exposing some key weaknesses. Without Will Magnay, Tasmania were dominated inside, giving up 58 points in the paint while managing just three second-chance points. Turnovers were also a major issue, with the Phoenix capitalising for 24 points off 16 JackJumpers’ mistakes.
Tasmania’s lack of interior defence and reliance on Milton Doyle and Jordon Crawford for scoring is a concern. To pull off an upset, they’ll need a near-perfect performance, particularly on the defensive end.
Why Illawarra Will Win
The Hawks’ dominance in the paint is a clear advantage against a JackJumpers side struggling without Magnay. Illawarra’s high-powered offence and ability to force turnovers make them a nightmare matchup for Tasmania, who rely heavily on defensive stops. With Froling and Kell leading the way, the Hawks should control the game from start to finish.
Why Tasmania Will Win
Tasmania’s defence remains their greatest strength, and if they can turn this into a low-scoring, grind-it-out contest, they’ll give themselves a chance. Limiting turnovers and nailing their outside shots will be critical. Milton Doyle and Jordon Crawford will need to deliver big performances to keep the JackJumpers in it.
Conclusion
This is a tough matchup for Tasmania, whose weaknesses in the paint play directly into Illawarra’s strengths. With the Hawks refreshed and playing at home, they should exploit the JackJumpers’ interior defence and win comfortably, covering the 5.5-point line in the process.
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