DrinkWise Preview: NBL26 - Round 8, Game 1 v Illawarra Hawks

We are set to take the court for our second Ignite Cup game of the season this Wednesday when we face the Illawarra Hawks on the road.

Sitting at opposite ends of the competition table, the first meeting between last year’s Championship series opponents carries varying meaning.

After dropping our first game of the season on Monday evening, a win would see us continue to build on our buffer at the top of the ladder.

For the Hawks, a 2-6 start to the season has them looking to find some consistency in hopes of climbing back into playoff contention.

WHAT’S THE WORD?

Looking at how we can bounce back quickly, Head Coach Dean Vickerman said containing Hawks big-man Javale McGee will go a long way towards picking up the road victory.

“McGee’s a different animal, there’s not anything like him in the league,” Vickerman explained.

“First time up against him, (it will be interesting to see) how we deal with a mobile seven-footer who’s super long. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Illawarra Hawks Head Coach, Justin Tatum, said despite a close loss to Adelaide in Round 7, he is feeling confident going into the Ignite Cup showdown.

“I’m excited to get to the Snakepit and play the best team in the league right now,” Tatum said.

“If my team plays like this with a full, healthy roster for the rest of the season, we can beat anybody… I’m very happy with the effort my guys gave and I’m hoping they will give it for the rest of the season.”

WHO’S HOT, WHO'S NOT

10 games into his NBL career, import guard Tyson Walker has showcased how elite he can be when he’s in an aggressive offensive mode.

The Michigan State product scored 22 points on nine of 11 shooting from the field on Monday evening, while also pulling down nine rebounds and dishing out five assists.

He will look to use his incredible speed to overcome the Hawks talented backcourt featuring Davo Hickey and QJ Peterson.

The pair debuted in Round 7, showcasing the different dimensions they each add to Illawarra’s lineup.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks

Tip-off: 7:30pm AEDT, Monday 5 November, 2025

Where: WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong

Watch: ESPN

‍