The NBL24 Play-In Tournament Final will play out on Monday night with the Illawarra Hawks taking on the New Zealand Breakers. A spot in the final four is up for grabs which makes this absolute must see TV. We bring you our full game preview and best bet below!
Also, we’re providing previews and expert betting tips for every game of the NBL24 playoffs, so make sure to head over to our NBL Tips page regularly to keep up to date with all of our content.
NBL24 Play-In Tournament Preview & Betting Tips
Illawarra Hawks vs New Zealand Breakers
Monday 7:30pm AEDT, March 4th, WIN Entertainment Centre
Game scenario
The winner of this game will take on Melbourne United in a three-game semi-finals series starting this weekend in Melbourne. The loser will be eliminated from the NBL24 playoffs.
Game preview
The Illawarra Hawks were no match for the Tasmania JackJumpers in the Seeding Qualifier last week, but have a second chance to make the semi-finals due to finishing in the top four.
The Hawks could never really get their game flowing against the Jackies as they scored only 76 points which is their lowest total since Round 9.
First Team All-NBL selection Gary Clark was easily the best Hawk on the night with his 21-point, 10 rebound double-double. He was joined by Tyler Harvey (15 points) and Sam Froling (10 points) as the only double-digit scorers in the loss.
The Hawks will lick their wounds and head back to the ‘Gong for Monday night’s game where they’ve been in terrific form of late. They’ve won each of their last three games on their home deck by an average margin of 11 points.
Defying the odds to make it to the final five, the New Zealand Breakers will be looking to go one step closer to getting back to the NBL Grand Finals series in 2024.
They managed to come out on top in the Play-In Qualifier against the Sydney Kings last weekend when holding their opposition to 76 points for the second straight outing.
Import guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright was the star of the show and certainly let everyone know about it. He finished the game with 34 points and six assists, including a number of tough and timely buckets down the stretch.
The Breakers have played five of their last seven games on the road and will continue their travels on Monday when they cross the border to NSW. They’ll be looking to improve on their 2-3 record in that span in order to keep their season alive.
Match prediction: These clubs met three times during the NBL24 regular season and it was the Illawarra Hawks who won the series 2-1. The Hawks defeated the Breakers in Games 1 & 2, while the Breakers were able to get one back on their home floor in Game 3.
Both teams have been in great form since around the halfway mark of the season, although the Breakers have a number of key injuries which severely limits their ability in these big games. Their best player in Anthony Lamb remains out, while important guard Will McDowell-White is handicapped by an ongoing shoulder issue.
With better health and homecourt advantage on their side, I expect the Hawks to be coming out on top in this do-or-die battle.
Illawarra Hawks -3.5
$1.93 (2 Units)
