Three rounds into the NBL season, and the top teams have begun to separate themselves from the rest, seen in this week's Friday night matchup.
Melbourne United are off and flying this year, currently holding top spot with a 4-1 record, and will look to keep that going when they travel to Illawarra.
The Hawks will be after a much-needed win after stumbling out of the gates, with only one win in their first four games.
Illawarra Hawks vs Melbourne United prediction
- Prediction: Melbourne United to win
While it's still early in the season, there has been enough basketball played to know that at least on paper, this game is heavily tilted in one direction.
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Melbourne United have won four of their first five games, looking every bit the dominant title favourite that they were touted as before the season began.
Fine tuning. pic.twitter.com/1QsoGHGLk1
— Melbourne United (@MelbUnited) October 18, 2023
On the flipside, it seems that the Illawarra Hawks' 2022/23 season struggles have continued; they have only won one game so far this season, and have struggled on both sides of the ball, including a thrashing against Tasmania that saw their opponents equal the record for most points ever scored on their court.
While the Hawks definitely have the talent to turn their season around, it's hard to see this happening against the juggernaut that is Melbourne United.
Illawarra Hawks vs Melbourne United key matchup
- Key matchup: Gary Clark vs Luke Travers
Gary Clark has been a bright spot in a tough start to the season for the Hawks, his talent on both sides of the ball showing why Illawarra was so eager to bring him in.
But he will face a tough task this Friday, as he matches up with Luke Travers, the Cleveland Cavaliers draft pick and young star lighting it up since moving east from the Wildcats.
4 more dunks for Luke Travers in R3. He's averaging 2x as many with @MelbUnited as he did last season pic.twitter.com/Nn7JloYuv5
— Jordan McCallum (@jordanmcnbl) October 16, 2023
While both teams have significant guard talent, it will be the battle of the wings that could determine this contest, as elite import takes on homegrown star in Wollongong.
Illawarra Hawks vs Melbourne United player to watch
- Player to watch: Justin Robinson
Justin Robinson played the worst game of his NBL career to date in Round 3 - three points on 1-15 shooting in 33 minutes against Adelaide.
What makes this so shocking is that before this, Robinson had easily been the Hawks' best player, providing highlight plays and red-hot scoring despite their limited success.
Come for the Justin Robinson handle, stay for the Gary Clark jam 😤
— NBL (@NBL) October 14, 2023
Catch the action live on ESPN via Kayo 📺 pic.twitter.com/1Tap1eB5ai
If Robinson can get back to his best, the Hawks could be every chance to win this game. If his tough form continues, they don't stand a chance.
When is Illawarra Hawks vs Melbourne United?
The Illawarra Hawks take on Melbourne United on Friday, October 20, at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong.
The game is set to tip off at 7:30 pm AEDT.
How to watch Illawarra Hawks vs Melbourne United
The Friday night clash between the Illawarra Hawks and Melbourne United will be shown live on ESPN, via Foxtel.
The game can also be streamed on Kayo.
| TV channel | ESPN |
| Streaming | Kayo |
*Available on Friday, 5-10pm until 18th February 2024. Participating stores only. Min spend $15. Service fees apply
