After a thrilling Game 1 where Melbourne United defended homecourt with an overtime win, this semi-finals series now heads to Wollongong where the Illawarra Hawks will get their chance to play hosts. As always, 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 regularly to keep up to date with all of our content.
NBL24 Semi-Finals Preview & Betting Tips
Illawarra Hawks vs Melbourne United (Game 2)
Sunday 3pm AEDT, March 8th, WIN Entertainment Centre
There are cruel and bitterly disappointing losses, and then there’s the loss the Illawarra Hawks suffered at John Cain Arena on Friday night. They were fast starters and led at the end of each of the first three quarters, including a 10-point lead at three-quarter time, but were eventually overrun in the fourth quarter and overtime to go down by nine points (106-115).
On the flip side, the poise, determination, and pure ability that Melbourne United displayed to fight back from the death cannot be overlooked. United found themselves down by 16 points in the fourth quarter with less than seven minutes remaining, but managed to secure stop after stop to cut into the lead and eventually come out on top.
Matthew Dellavedova was enormous in the win, pouring in 30 points to go along with 10 assists and seven rebounds. Luke Travers was also a key factor with 24 points, while Chris Goulding knocked in four threes for his 18 points.
For the Hawks, Sam Froling dominated the paint with 26 points and also connected on his only three-point attempt, while Gary Clark had a much-improved performance compared to his recent Play-In game, scoring 22 points and collecting 12 rebounds.
Match prediction: The series now heads to Wollongong where the Hawks will be aiming to keep their season alive with a win. However, that will be no easy feat considering they’ve lost to United in all four meetings this season, including last time at home by 10 points (91-101).
United have been the best team all season for a reason and there’s a feeling that the Hawks blew their one and likely only shot in Game 1. And while the Hawks will likely put up another big fight and push United, I expect the travelling side to close out the series with another win.
Melbourne United -2.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
