It’s been a see-sawing NBL25 Championship series and it all comes down to this – Game 5 in Wollongong on Sunday afternoon. The series is all square at 2-2 after the Hawks pulled off one of the gutsiest wins in finals history in Melbourne on Wednesday night. So, who holds their nerve in Game 5 and secures this season’s NBL Championship? We bring you our thoughts and best bet for the clash below!
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NBL25 Championship Series Preview & Betting Tips
Illawarra Hawks vs Melbourne United (Game 5)
Sunday 2:30pm AEDT (March 23), WIN Entertainment Centre
Melbourne United and the Illawarra Hawks are set to battle in a decisive Game 5 of the NBL25 Championship Series at WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong. With the series tied at 2-2, the title is on the line in what has been an unpredictable matchup. Notably, neither side has been able to win at home, with the away team emerging victorious in all four previous contests. Illawarra stunned United in Game 4, pulling off a courageous 80-71 victory in Melbourne despite major setbacks. However, heading into Sunday’s clash, injuries could play a decisive role.
The Hawks will be without key big man Sam Froling, who suffered an Achilles injury in Game 4 and has been ruled out. His absence is a huge blow, as he has been a crucial presence in the paint throughout the season. On the bright side, Illawarra are set to regain Trey Kell, who missed Game 4 with an injury. The Hawks defied the odds last game with outstanding performances from Will Hickey, who stepped up with 22 points, six rebounds, and eight assists, and Lachie Olbrich, who provided a strong inside presence with 13 points and six rebounds. Olbrich will need to take on an even bigger role in Froling’s absence, while the returning Kell must find a way to contribute despite recent injury and poor form.
Melbourne United, meanwhile, struggled offensively in Game 4, with Matthew Dellavedova the only consistent performer, finishing with 17 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. The rest of the squad failed to find rhythm, which played a big part in their home-court loss. United will be hoping to get a boost from the potential return of Shea Ili, who missed Game 4 due to concussion symptoms. He is expected to undergo a fitness test before tip-off, and his availability could have a significant impact on Melbourne’s ability to control the pace of the game and limit Illawarra’s perimeter scoring.
Despite the Hawks’ resilience and strong defensive showing in Game 4, United hold the advantage heading into Game 5 in my opinion. With superior depth and a healthier lineup, Melbourne should have the edge, particularly against an Illawarra side missing one of its most important players in Froling. Adding to this, the road team has won every game in the series so far, making United an appealing pick to claim the NBL25 championship on enemy territory.
United to Win
$2.30 (2 Units)
