NBL27 Preview - CODE Sports Blitz v Illawarra Hawks

Melbourne United are set to go into their second game of the CODE Sports NBL Blitz against the Illawarra Hawks with the potential to claim the Loggins-Bruton Cup.

Taking away six points from their first game against the Perth Wildcats, United will be eager to see if they can outpace the Hawks and take home the first piece of silverware available ahead of the start of the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season.

Having secured a thrilling one-point win in their previous game, Illawarra will also be aiming to depart Bendigo with a perfect 2-0 record.

WHAT’S THE WORD?

With so much being made about United’s roster construction coming into the season, NBL legend Lanard Copeland broke down how impressed he was with the pairing of Luke Travers and Sam Waardenburg last night.

“(Travers) has been a quality player since he left (the NBL after NBL24),” Copeland said.

“His size, his athleticism, he’s not forcing anything, and he’s strong enough to take what he wants.

“Waardenburg’s been impressive as well, he’s not rushing anything, he’s just taking what the defence gives him. I think with those two guys playing in that forward position… they’re going to be tough all year long.”

The pair combined for 32 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and three blocks against the Wildcats.

WHO’S HOT, WHO'S NOT

Supporting the previously mentioned pair since his arrival in Australia has been import big-man Josh Oduro, who had another stellar showing against Perth.

The stout American tallied four blocks and three steals to go along with his 12 points and 10 rebounds, four of which came on the offensive glass.

Across three pre-season contests, Oduro is averaging four O-boards per game in just over 23 minutes, a number that would have led the entire NBL last season.

For the Hawks, they will be hoping to ride the hot-hand of former United guard Milton Doyle, who scored 23 points, including a game-winning three-ball in their first Blitz game.

DETAILS

Who: Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks

Tip-off: 2:30pm AEST, Sunday 6 September, 2026

Where: Bendigo Stadium, Bendigo

Watch: ESPN via Kayo or Disney+