Hawks loom large as final stretch awaits

Adelaide 36ers are back at home for the first time in 2023 and will welcome Illawarra Hawks to Brett Maher Court on Friday night.

In what Sunday Dech has labelled “a must win game”, Adelaide face a Hawks side which have lost their past seven matches.

But the 36ers should not underestimate the Hawks, who are 2-17 for the season, as Illawarra boast some major weapons in key positions.

The 36ers have defeated Illawarra twice so far in NBL23, 90-80 at home on October 15 and 96-80 on the road on November 3.

THE KEY
Sam Froling is a huge focus for the Hawks side, at both ends of the court.

Froling, who is averaging 13.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per night in NBL23, almost singlehandedly go the Hawks across the line against Cairns on Monday night.

The 208cm centre had a game-high 25 points, 13 rebounds and five assists and he has the ability to take a game over by himself.

Froling has crafty moves around the basket, but can also stretch the defense and has the ability to knock down the open three-point shot.

Containing Froling, which Adelaide has done successfully in the last, will go a long way to getting back to winning ways.

THE SECRET
The health of Hawks import duo Peyton Siva and Michael Frazier remains uncertain after both missed Illawarra’s loss to Cairns on Monday.

Frazier, who has come back into the league as a replacement for George King, can fill up the scoresheet at a rapid rate, especially from the three-point line.

The former Perth Wildcats swingman, who is averaging 18,1 points and 4.3 rebounds per night, has already shown his wares this season, with 27 points against Melbourne United on December 18, and 26 points and Cairns on December 10.

Siva is a point guard who can both distribute the ball and create points by himself, averaging 9.3 points and 6.3 assists per night in NBL23, but was ruled out for the rest of the season on Tuesday.

THE FINAL WORD
Adelaide should be breathing fire after how the final five minutes played out in Cairns, but the 36ers need to be wary of the crafty Hawks outfit.

Expect to see the Hawks in full court defensive pressure and how Adelaide responds to this will go a long way in the outcome of this match.

“For us, every game is a must win right now, we have got a one game at a time mentality,” shooting guard Sunday Dech said.

“We were on a roll and we want to get back to that winning feeling and get rolling again.”

Adelaide has won their past four games at home and will want to continue that trend.

DEPTH CHART
Harvey | Mudronja | White
Hickey | Dent
Frazier | Grida | Coenraad
Deng | Gak 
Froling | Mathiang