Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks NBL Round 12 Game Preview
Tip-off is at 7:30pm AEDT on Friday 13th December at John Cain Arena.
Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks Expert Analysis
Illawarra Hawks and Melbourne United face off in a highly anticipated rematch, with the Hawks seeking redemption after a narrow five-point loss earlier in the season.
Illawarra boasts the league’s top offense, while Melbourne remains a defensive powerhouse despite recent struggles. With both teams featuring standout talent and strategic minds at the helm, this clash is set to deliver another thrilling contest as the Hawks aim to snap Melbourne’s dominance in the season series.
Key Matchups
Sam Froling vs. Jack White: Froling, who has consistently performed against Melbourne, will challenge United’s rebounding ace White, who is averaging a double-double this season.
Illawarra Offense vs. Melbourne Defense: The Hawks lead the league in scoring, while Melbourne’s defense ranks 4th in points allowed. The battle between Illawarra’s pace and Melbourne’s discipline will be crucial.
Three-Point Shootout: Illawarra ranks 2nd in three-point percentage, but Melbourne’s perimeter defense, despite losing Chris Goulding, has been solid.
Key Stats
Illawarra leads the league in scoring at 98.7 PPG and FG% (49.6%).
Melbourne averages 96.8 PPG (2nd in the league) and is the top rebounding team (42.4 RPG).
Six of Melbourne’s last seven games and Illawarra’s last three have gone Over the game total.
Sam Froling has scored 15+ points in four straight games against Melbourne.
Why Illawarra Wins
Illawarra’s offense is firing on all cylinders, with the team scoring 100+ points in their last three games. Their efficiency is unmatched, leading the league in FG% and excelling from beyond the arc. Sam Froling has been a consistent threat, and his ability to dominate the paint will be key.
The Hawks’ ball security, with the league’s fewest turnovers, ensures they maximize scoring opportunities. With Melbourne’s defensive cracks showing in their recent loss to Brisbane, Illawarra has the firepower and adjustments to exploit these weaknesses and secure a vital road win.
Why Melbourne Wins
Melbourne remains one of the league's most balanced teams, excelling in scoring, rebounding, and defense. Despite missing Chris Goulding, they have shown resilience and depth, with Jack White anchoring both ends of the court. Their ability to dominate the boards and limit second-chance opportunities will be crucial against Illawarra’s high-paced offense.
United’s defense has proven capable of frustrating the Hawks before, as seen in their earlier matchup, and with tactical adjustments, they can once again neutralize Illawarra’s strengths. Playing at home with strong recent form gives Melbourne a significant edge.
Conclusion
This game pits Illawarra’s league-best offense against Melbourne’s disciplined defense and rebounding dominance. The Hawks are determined to overturn their earlier loss, while Melbourne seeks to solidify their spot at the top of the ladder.
Expect a high-scoring affair where momentum swings will play a pivotal role. If Illawarra can break Melbourne’s defensive schemes, they have a strong chance to win, but Melbourne’s composure and depth make them formidable. Prediction: Illawarra 97, Melbourne 94.
Related Posts
