Illawarra Hawks v Melbourne United
Friday, November 21, 7.30pm AEDT
WIN Entertainment Centre
How to watch
Watch every game live on ESPN.
>> How to watch ESPN
Tickets
>> Ticketing information
How to follow & live scores
Live scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.
>> Visit Game Centre | Download the free NBL App now
Talking points
Champs need to respond
A week is a long time in basketball.
This time last week, the Hawks were rolling after two straight wins. But since then, they’ve suffered tough defeats to Sydney and Adelaide.
Those losses have seen Justin Tatum’s side drop to eighth on the ladder, with a 4-8 record.
With every loss, their finals chances slip away, so it’s up to the Hawks to respond in a big way, against one of their biggest rivals.
Not a happy hunting ground
Melbourne United hasn’t tasted defeat a lot over the past nine months in the Hungry Jack’s NBL.
But two of United’s three most losses have come at the hands of Illawarra at the WIN Entertainment Centre, including losing by 14 points earlier this month.
Numerous players on Dean Vickerman’s side would also be keen to avenge the pain of last season’s Championship Series.
What they’re saying
Hawks guard Tyler Harvey on how his side can fix their fourth quarter fades:
“We’re just going to have to follow the scout for four quarters.
“Every single game for us is tough, we’ve had a tough go this whole year and wins are so valuable. We’re going to do everything we can to play consistently for four quarters.
“If things don’t go right, we can’t sulk, we’ve just got to get right back to it. I think if we do that we give ourselves a chance against anybody.”
United coach Dean Vickerman on his side’s Championships Series rematch:
“The pace and ball movement, we thought we were pretty good last time and created really good open shots, so hopefully we can have a process that creates those types of shots again.
“I think we really have to defend at a much higher level early in the game.
“Take away some keys (for Illawarra) and reduce the ability of the crowd to get into the game.”
Missing in action
Illawarra
Daniel Grida – Concussion – TBC
Sam Froling – Achilles – TBC
Melbourne
Shea Ili – Hamstring – Round 12
>> View full injury list
