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Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks NBL Game Preview

Sep 28

2 min read

Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks

Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks Analysis

The Illawarra Hawks are on a roll and look to extend their winning streak to 3-0 in NBL25 with a win over the Sydney Kings on Sunday. The Hawks have been dominant in the paint, which could be the deciding factor against Sydney, who struggled under the rim in their opening game. With a balanced attack featuring the size of Sam Froling, Lachlan Olbrich, and Darius Days down low, along with sharp shooters on the perimeter, Illawarra is poised to overpower Sydney. The challenge will be containing Sydney’s hot scorer Jaylen Adams in what’s shaping up to be a high-scoring showdown.


Key Matchups


  • Illawarra’s Bigs vs. Sydney’s Paint Defense: The Hawks have dominated the paint, scoring 10 points more than any other team in the opening round. Sam Froling, Lachlan Olbrich, and Darius Days will challenge Sydney’s big men, particularly after Sydney's struggles under the basket against Adelaide.

  • Jaylen Adams vs. Illawarra’s Defence: Sydney’s star guard Jaylen Adams has been electric, averaging 26 points and 6.5 assists. Illawarra will need to put their best defenders on him to slow down Sydney’s offensive engine.

  • Perimeter Shooting: Both teams have shown strong scoring ability early in the season. Illawarra will look to continue their sharpshooting from deep, while Sydney relies on Adams and Cam Oliver to space the floor.


Why Illawarra Wins

Illawarra has been imposing in the paint, and their size will be a significant advantage against a Sydney team that struggled in that area against Adelaide. The Hawks' ability to spread the floor with three-point shooters complements their interior dominance. If they can contain Jaylen Adams even moderately, their balanced offense should be enough to see them through. Trey Kell and Darius Days have been standouts, and the Hawks’ high-scoring attack, averaging 107.5 points per game, looks set to exploit Sydney’s defence.


Why Sydney Wins

Sydney’s strength lies in their backcourt, led by Jaylen Adams, who has been on fire to start the season. If Adams continues his strong form and Sydney’s inside players like Cam Oliver and Xavier Cooks step up, they have the firepower to match Illawarra in a shoot-out. Sydney’s defence will need to improve against Illawarra’s big men, but if they can win the battle on the boards and hit timely threes, they could pull off the win.


Key Stats

  • Illawarra has averaged 107.5 points per game in their first two matches, scoring 100 points or more in both.

  • Sydney’s Jaylen Adams is averaging 26 points and 6.5 assists in the opening two rounds.

  • Illawarra has dominated the paint, scoring 10 more points in the paint than any other team in Round 1.

  • Sydney’s Cam Oliver and Xavier Cooks have combined for impressive performances, with Cooks averaging 20.5 points and 9.5 rebounds.


This matchup between Illawarra and Sydney has all the makings of a thrilling, high-scoring game. Illawarra’s size and inside presence will be key to their success, while Sydney will rely on their backcourt and the scoring power of Jaylen Adams. If the Hawks continue their dominant play in the paint, they should have the edge, but Sydney has the firepower to make this a close contest. Expect a tight, exciting game with both teams looking to establish themselves as early contenders.

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