The second edition of the 2022/23 'Freeway Series' is upon us, as the Sydney Kings travel down to Wollongong to take on the Illawarra Hawks.
When these two teams met to start the NBL season, it was the Kings who drew first blood, winning by 15 points.
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Since then, the Kings have gone on to achieve a 4-3 record, while the Hawks have struggled, currently 2-5.
Can the Hawks get revenge on their upstate rivals, or will the Kings make it two in a row on Illawarra's homecourt?
Illawarra Hawks vs Sydney Kings prediction
- Prediction: Sydney Kings to win
On the quest for their third-straight NBL Championship, the Sydney Kings have gotten off to an inconsistent start, tallying four wins and three losses to land them fourth on the ladder.
They come into this game riding a two-game losing streak, dropping games to Cairns and Tasmania, but a game against close rivals Illawarra should see them bring the energy.
BRO PULLIN' UPPPP @10jadams
— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) October 28, 2023
Watch #NBL24 live on ESPN via Kayo Sports#LetItReign pic.twitter.com/ns9eeZDPFu
The Hawks have once again struggled to open their season, notching only two wins across their first seven games — one of which came at the hands of a Tyler-Harvey game-winner.
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They will no doubt be eager to defend home court, but Sydney have consistently had their number and they will need to impress on Friday to avoid another loss.
Illawarra Hawks vs Sydney Kings key matchup
- Key matchup: Denzel Valentine vs Tyler Harvey
Two players who play majorly different roles for their teams, Denzel Valentine and Tyler Harvey will nonetheless be the key matchup to watch in this game.
Harvey carries the majority of the Hawks' offensive load, and despite some inconsistent shooting of late, he has proved he has the ability to show up when needed, as evidenced by his game-winner over the Cairns Taipans.
TYLER. HARVEY.
— NBL (@NBL) October 26, 2023
THAT'S GAME. pic.twitter.com/axjDhicK6r
Valentine is Sydney's key facilitator, averaging five assists per game which is good enough for sixth in the league, and is crucial to the Kings' offence running smoothly.
While neither possesses lockdown defensive chops, Harvey and Valentine will be two offensive focal points for both teams, and the one that prevails will likely bring their team with them.
Illawarra Hawks vs Sydney Kings player to watch
- Player to watch: Jonah Bolden
It's been an inconsistent start to Jonah Bolden's NBL career - the former NBA player experiencing high highs, like 13 points and 15 rebounds against Perth, and low lows, fouling out with one point in nine minutes when playing Tasmania.
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Playing the Hawks, he should have the chance to shine, with Illawarra lacking a truly talented defensive big to shut him down.
Had to shoot it from the LOGO🎯 @Jonahbolden43
— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) October 28, 2023
Watch #NBL24 live on ESPN via Kayo Sports.#LetItReign pic.twitter.com/IkuKs3N1PM
If Bolden can go to work, he makes Sydney look that much more dangerous, both in this game and going forward this season.
When is Illawarra Hawks vs Sydney Kings?
The Illawarra Hawks host the Sydney Kings on Friday, November 3, 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 Sydney Kings
The Friday night clash between the Illawarra Hawks and the Sydney Kings will be shown live on ESPN, via Foxtel.
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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
