Match Preview: Sixers prepared for “pumped” Hawks

The Adelaide 36ers will be looking to return to the winners’ list when they face off against Illawarra in Wollongong on Thursday night.

Having returned home at the weekend to play South East Melbourne after four straight away games, the Sixers are back on the road for a double header this week, starting against the Hungry Jacks’ NBL’s reigning Champions.

The Sixers have an impressive record against the Hawks, particularly in recent times when they have registered eight straight wins.

The last time the Hawks beat the Sixers was back in December 2023 at WIN Entertainment Centre, coincidentally the scene of Thursday night’s game, but also the venue where Mike Wells’ outfit beat the Hawks in their most recent clash in December.

On that occasion, Adelaide had nine scorers including five in double figures in an even spread. Nick Rakocevic impressed in the absence of Hawks big man JaVale McGee, hitting 11 points and pulling down 11 rebounds.

The Sixers will receive a welcome boost this week with Rakocevic returning from suspension having missed the weekend’s clash with South East Melbourne.

Sixers co-captain DJ Vasiljevic said the side would treat the game as a play-in of sorts.

“Illawarra are the reigning champs,” Vasiljevic said. “I still classify them as one of the best teams in the league.

“When you’ve got pretty much 70 per-cent of your roster from last year who had that championship experience, and Justin Tatum is a great coach and obviously (they’ve been) unlucky this year with a couple of the games.

“But they’re fighting for their lives and every time someone fights for their lives they’re always going to be playing Adelaide next so we’re going to get their best shot.

“We’ve got to come prepared. Wollongong is not an easy place (to play). They play really good at home.

“You saw last game what they did to Perth. They nearly got there but just lost so I know they’re going to be pumped.”

Vasiljevic’s side will have the chance to strengthen its grip on top spot on the ladder if it can improve its 21-8 record against the 10-18 Hawks.

Thursday night’s game gets underway at 7:00pm ACDT.

 
ILLAWARRA HAWKS vs ADELAIDE 36ERS
WIN Entertainment Centre, Thursday 5 February, 7:00pm ACDT / 7:30pm AEDT
Live on ESPN via Kayo Sports or Disney+

OVERALL
Played 141, Adelaide 84, Illawarra 57

At WIN Entertainment Centre
Played 52, Adelaide 21, Illawarra 31

LAST FIVE MATCHES
Dec 20, 2025 – 36ers 84 def Hawks 78 at WIN Entertainment Centre
Nov 19, 2025 – 36ers 97 def Hawks 85 at AEC
Nov 2, 2025 – 36ers 90 def Hawks 88 at AEC
*Aug 27, 2025 – 36ers 104 def Hawks 83 at AIS Arena, Canberra (*Blitz)
Jan 13, 2025 – 36ers 91 def Hawks 88 at AEC
Nov 10, 2024 – 36ers 93 def Hawks 79 at AEC

KEY STATS

·     Adelaide has won each of its last eight Thursday night games.

·      Adelaide has won each of its last seven games against Illawarra.

·       Heading into Round 20, Adelaide ranks 1st in the league for three-point percentage this season (36.4%).

·       Zylan Cheatham has recorded 7+ rebounds in 13 consecutive appearances - longest active streak of any player in the league.

·       Isaac Humphries has career averages of 13.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game against Illawarra - most against any opponent.

·       Illawarra has lost each of its last 10 games when losing the rebound count.

·       Illawarra holds a 5-1 record when allowing fewer than 90 points this season.

·       Illawarra has lost each of its last four Thursday night games.