Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks NBL Round 13 Game Preview

Tip-Off: 8:30 PM AEDT, December 25 | Qudos Arena

Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks Expert Analysis

The Sydney Kings and Illawarra Hawks face off in a highly anticipated Christmas Day showdown that could define their seasons.

The Hawks sit atop the ladder with an 11-5 record, thanks to their league-best offence, while the Kings are second at 11-7, relying on resilience and clutch performances. Both teams come into this game on three-game winning streaks, but their paths to success differ.

Illawarra’s dominant scoring, led by Trey Kell and Tyler Harvey, has made them the championship favourites. Sydney, meanwhile, has leaned on a balanced attack and strong defensive efforts, spearheaded by Jaylen Adams and their deep roster. This matchup is set to be a thriller, with the Kings eager to reverse the trend after dropping both prior meetings this season to the Hawks.

Key Players to Watch

• Sydney Kings:

  • Jaylen Adams: The star guard is finding form at the right time, contributing across the board. His ability to control the tempo and score in clutch moments will be pivotal if the Kings hope to stop the Hawks’ high-powered offence.

  • Alex Toohey: The Next Star had his first double-double of his NBL career with 21 points and 11 rebounds against NZ Breakers and is becoming a vital piece to the Kings system.

    
    

• Illawarra Hawks:

  • Trey Kell: Averaging 19.5 points against Sydney this season, Kell is the focal point of the Hawks’ offence. His ability to score from anywhere on the floor makes him a matchup nightmare.

  • Sam Froling: Dominating in the paint, Froling provides the Hawks with inside scoring and rebounding. His recent form has elevated Illawarra’s already potent attack.

    
    

Key Stats

• Illawarra have won both games against Sydney this season by an average margin of 7 points.

• The Hawks lead the league in scoring, averaging 99.2 points per game, while Sydney’s defence ranks second, allowing just 83.2 points per game.

• Illawarra’s shooting efficiency stands out, with a league-best 49.5% field goal percentage.

• Trey Kell has been a standout against Sydney, averaging 19.5 points in two matchups.

• Sydney have struggled in first quarters, particularly against the Hawks, conceding 27 points in their last meeting’s opening term.

  
  

Why Sydney Wins

Sydney’s success hinges on their defence. If Xavier Cooks and Alex Toohey can slow down Illawarra’s high-octane offence and force them into contested shots, the Kings will have a strong chance. Additionally, a balanced offensive approach featuring Adams, Cook, and Toohey are critical to exploiting the Hawks’ defensive gaps. Strong starts have been an Achilles' heel for Sydney, but if they can stay competitive early, their depth and resilience in the clutch could seal the deal.

Why Illawarra Wins

The Hawks’ offensive firepower and versatility make them difficult to stop. Trey Kell’s ability to score from anywhere, combined with Tyler Harvey’s sharpshooting and Sam Froling’s dominance inside, creates mismatches across the board. Illawarra has consistently overwhelmed opponents with explosive starts, and if they establish an early lead, their disciplined defence will make it hard for Sydney to mount a comeback.

Prediction

This game promises to be a battle of contrasting styles, with Illawarra’s offence clashing against Sydney’s defence. While the Kings have the talent to compete, the Hawks’ recent dominance and ability to dictate the pace give them the edge. Expect a close contest, but Illawarra’s firepower and versatility should see them come out on top.