Round 8 of NBL26 begins on Wednesday night with a Championship Series rematch between the Illawarra Hawks and Melbourne United. It’s their first meeting of the season and it’s sure to be a spicy one, with Hawks currently sitting last and United clear at the top. We bring you our full game preview and best bet below!
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Illawarra Hawks vs Melbourne United Prediction & Betting Tips: NBL26 Round 8
Hawks Defence is a Big Issue
The Illawarra Hawks find themselves in unfamiliar territory heading into this crucial Round 8 fixture. The defending champions are languishing at the bottom of the NBL ladder with a tough 2-6 record, struggling to find their rhythm early in the season. Their recent form has been concerning, capped by a narrow two-point loss to the Adelaide 36ers in Round 7, which highlighted the team’s defensive struggles. A significant issue for the Hawks has been their inability to contain opposition in pick-and-roll situations, a vulnerability the league's best teams will look to exploit. The return of guard Will Hickey is a boost, offering much-needed stability and defensive intensity, but the Hawks face a monumental task in hosting the league leaders.
United out for Revenge
Melbourne United remain the benchmark of the competition, sitting atop the standings with an imposing 9-1 record. Despite coming off a tight three-point loss against the Sydney Kings—their first defeat of the season—United's roster is stacked with talent and depth, making them a consistent threat on both ends of the floor. Their high-powered offence has been on full display and their stingy defence has stifled opponents throughout the opening rounds. The loss to the Kings will only serve to sharpen their focus, ensuring United arrives in Wollongong with a fierce determination to bounce back immediately and reassert their dominance.
Recent H2H History
This contest carries an added layer of drama as it is a rematch of last season's Championship Series. The Hawks famously stunned United, securing their second NBL title in a thrilling five-game epic, culminating in a Game 5 victory on their home court. That defeat is undoubtedly a fresh and painful memory for the United camp, with coach Dean Vickerman and his players eager to exorcise those demons. Historically, the head-to-head record favours United, but the recent history, especially last season’s series, shows that Illawarra, even as underdogs, can produce a stunning performance when it matters most against their rivals.
Hawks or United? Here’s Our Tip!
The current form and defensive chasm between the two sides make a repeat upset highly unlikely. While Will Hickey's presence will aid the Hawks' perimeter defence, the overall defensive structure, particularly against the pick-and-roll, remains a major concern that a quality team like United will exploit relentlessly. Given their league-best record and motivation for championship series revenge, Melbourne United is seemingly too strong, too motivated, and too well-drilled to falter in this match-up. Expect United to control the tempo, capitalise on the Hawks' defensive weaknesses, and ultimately cover the -4.5 spread.
Melbourne United –4.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Hawks vs United Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Wednesday, November 5th, 2025
Time: 7:30pm AEDT
Location: WIN Entertainment Centre
Odds: Hawks $2.55 vs United $1.52
Line: United -4.5
Points: 180.5
Where to Watch Hawks vs United
You can watch the Hawks vs United clash live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
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