The upcoming NBL26 Round 13 matchup sees Melbourne United hosting the Illawarra Hawks at the John Cain Arena. This game is crucial for both teams as they seek to improve their standing in the league.
Matchup Overview
This contest marks the second-to-last home game for Melbourne United in the 2025 season. Currently, Melbourne has a home record that could tie for the most wins in the competition if they secure a victory. On the other hand, the Illawarra Hawks hold a challenging 6-10 record, placing them outside the Play-In contention as the season reaches its midpoint.
Coaches’ Strategies
Head Coach Dean Vickerman of Melbourne United emphasized the necessity of controlling the pace against the Hawks. “They’re back playing at a pretty high pace and really trying to run in as many transition baskets as possible,” Vickerman noted. He stressed that avoiding live ball turnovers will be critical, as Illawarra capitalizes on such mistakes.
Conversely, Hawks Head Coach Justin Tatum highlighted the need to limit Melbourne’s offensive rebounds. Their previous encounter in Round 12 demonstrated that controlling the glass is vital. “When we understand that we’re giving guys 10 to 12 extra shots, so if we limit that somehow, we give ourselves a shot,” Tatum stated.
Defensive and Offensive Highlights
Defensively, Melbourne has struggled recently, giving up the highest points per game over the last four matches. However, their bench has been impressive, averaging 38 points per game, which is the leading figure in the league.
On the offense, the Hawks are aiming to improve their performance from the three-point line, having averaged only 5.3 three-pointers per game at a 23.5% success rate in their last two games.
Game Details
- Match: Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks
- Tip-off: 7:30 PM AEDT, Thursday, December 18, 2025
- Venue: John Cain Arena, Melbourne
- Watch: ESPN
- Tickets: Available here
This matchup is set to offer both excitement and crucial implications for the season standings, as Melbourne and Illawarra battle it out on the court.
