NBL25 Round 16 continues on Monday night with yet another tasty double-header for fans and punters to enjoy. Second up on the slate is a pivotal matchup between the Adelaide 36ers and the Illawarra Hawks in the City of Churches. We have you covered with a full game preview and best bet below!
Also, we’re providing previews and expert betting tips for every game of the NBL25 season, so make sure to head over to our NBL Tips page regularly to keep up to date with all of our content.
NBL25 Round 16 Preview & Betting Tips
Adelaide 36ers vs Illawarra Hawks
Monday 7:30pm AEDT (Jan 13), Adelaide Entertainment Centre
The Adelaide 36ers face a tough test at home against the ladder-leading Illawarra Hawks, who boast a 15-7 record in the NBL25 season. The Hawks have been the standout team this year and will be out for revenge after losing both previous meetings against the 36ers. Adelaide, sitting at 9-12, will be eager to defend their home court and keep their faint finals hopes alive.
Adelaide has shown glimpses of promise, averaging 93 points per game, but their defence has been a concern, conceding 97.1 points on average—the worst in the league. The 36ers' inability to contain opposition offences has cost them in several close contests, including a recent overtime loss to the JackJumpers. To pull off another win against the Hawks, they’ll need to tighten up defensively and make the most of their scoring opportunities.
Illawarra has been the benchmark of NBL25, combining an explosive offence with solid defence. They average a league-best 101.3 points per game while conceding 92.6. Their ability to dictate games with their pace and execution has made them a nightmare for opponents. Despite their losses to Adelaide earlier this season, the Hawks have shown they can adjust, and their defensive efficiency on the road has been key to their success.
Kendric Davis has been having an MVP-calibre season for the Adelaide 36ers, putting up big numbers and leading the charge for his team. His scoring, playmaking, and ability to step up in key moments have kept the 36ers competitive, even when things haven’t always gone their way. On the flip side, Trey Kell has been a standout for the Illawarra Hawks, playing a huge role in their success this season. Kell’s ability to score and defend has been vital for the Hawks, and he’s really thrived as part of their well-rounded lineup.
This matchup promises to be a high-scoring and competitive affair. While Adelaide’s home advantage and previous wins over the Hawks give them hope, Illawarra’s consistency and firepower make them the deserving favourites. If the Hawks can impose their game plan and maintain their defensive discipline, they should come away with a hard-fought victory to extend their lead at the top of the ladder.
Hawks to Win
$1.82 (1.5 Units)
