Melbourne United secured a crucial 2-1 lead against the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL25 Championship series with a win in the ‘Gong in Game 3. The series now heads back to Melbourne and John Cain Arena for Game 4, with United looking to close the best-of-five series out with a win. We bring you our full betting preview for this crucial Wednesday night clash below!
Season record: 95-69 +31.2 Units
NBL25 Championship Series Preview & Betting Tips
Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks (Game 4)
Wednesday 7:30pm AEDT (March 19), John Cain Arena
Melbourne United have the chance to secure the NBL25 Championship on Wednesday night at John Cain Arena, taking a 2-1 series lead into Game 4 against the Illawarra Hawks. This Championship Series has taken an unexpected turn, with the away team winning all three games so far, a complete reversal from the semi-finals where home teams went unbeaten. United’s experience in big moments has been the key difference, particularly in fourth quarters, where they have outscored the Hawks by a combined 33 points across the series. Illawarra have led at three-quarter time in every game but have struggled to close out contests, a trend they must reverse to force a deciding Game 5.
A major issue for the Hawks has been the underwhelming performances of their star backcourt. Tyler Harvey and Trey Kell, expected to be the team’s offensive leaders, have yet to find their rhythm, struggling with efficiency and consistency. Illawarra have shown they can compete for three quarters, but their inability to generate offence in clutch moments has been costly. Their Game 2 victory only came after Harvey hit a go-ahead three in the dying moments, and they cannot afford to rely on late-game miracles again. To keep their championship hopes alive, the Hawks need a much-improved performance from their backcourt and must find a way to execute more effectively against United’s tough defence in crunch time.
United, meanwhile, have shown their ability to step up in big moments. Jack White, who struggled in the first two games, responded with a near-flawless 20-point performance in Game 3. Matthew Dellavedova has been a steadying presence throughout the series, delivering 16 points, 11 assists, and no turnovers in Game 3, while making key plays down the stretch. The concern for the Hawks is that Chris Goulding, one of United’s most dangerous offensive threats, has yet to make a major impact in the series. If he finds his shooting touch at home in Game 4, United could be even tougher to stop.
With United’s composure in pressure situations and the Hawks struggling in fourth quarters, Melbourne will enter Game 4 as favourites to close out the series. Unless Illawarra can dramatically improve their offensive execution late in games, United’s experience and defensive resilience should be enough to see them lift the championship trophy on their home floor.
Melbourne United to Win
$1.72 (1.5 Units)
