Match Preview: Wollongong win on Wells’ wish list

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

The Sixers stayed on the road after Wednesday night’s Ignite Cup loss to Sydney and will be hoping to return home with the win against the reigning Hungry Jack’s NBL Champions.

Mike Wells’ side boasts an impressive record against the Hawks, particularly in recent times when they have registered seven straight wins.

The last time the Hawks beat the Sixers was back in December 2023 at WIN Entertainment Centre, coincidentally the scene of Saturday evening’s game.

The Sixers will receive a welcome boost with the return from suspension of big man Nick Rakocevic after he missed the clash with the Kings.

Saturday will see Wells in charge of his 50^th NBL match, all of them for the 36ers.

His side will have the chance to strengthen its grip on top spot on the ladder if it can improve its 14-4 record against the 6-11 Hawks.

Justin Tatum’s side has a couple of players under injury clouds going into the game.

In Thursday night’s loss to Melbourne United, Hawks captain Tyler Harvey left the court but returned and played through the pain of a lower back issue and star import JaVale McGee was forced out in the fourth quarter after being poked in the eye.

Harvey (21 points, two rebounds, one assist) and McGee (12 points, 10 rebounds) were among the better performers for Illawarra in the last game against the Sixers and will be important contributors again should they be able to suit up on Saturday evening.

McGee has been an impressive recruit, averaging 22 points per game and leading the competition for rebounds (10.6 per game) and blocks (2.1 per game), though he has only averaged 14.5 points in his two games against the Sixers this season.

Saturday’s game gets underway at 5:00pm ACDT.
 

ILLAWARRA HAWKS vs ADELAIDE 36ERS
WIN Entertainment Centre, Saturday 20 December, 5:00pm ACDT / 5:30pm AEDT
Live on ESPN via Kayo Sports or Disney+

OVERALL
Played 140, Adelaide 83, Illawarra 57

At WIN Entertainment Centre
Played 51, Adelaide 20, Illawarra 31

LAST FIVE MATCHES
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
Oct 5, 2024 – 36ers 102 def Hawks 100 at WIN Entertainment Centre