Round 10 of the NBL26 seasons continues on Friday night with a double-header for fans to enjoy. First up on the night is a Grand Final rematch between the Illawarra Hawks and Melbourne United at the WIN Entertainment Centre. 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 NBL26 season, so make sure to head over to our NBL Tips page regularly to keep up to date with all of our content.
And if you’re looking for a bookmaker to place your NBL bets on this season, look no further than Dabble – The official wagering partner of the NBL!
Illawarra Hawks vs Melbourne United Prediction & Betting Tips: NBL26 Round 10
Hawks Lacking Chemistry
The Illawarra Hawks host league-leaders Melbourne United in a massive Round 10 clash at the WIN Entertainment Centre, but the reigning champions are facing serious turbulence. The Hawks are coming off a 12-point loss to the Adelaide 36ers, making it two defeats in a row, a streak that has seen them drop to 4-8 and fourth-last on the NBL ladder. Coach Justin Tatum’s side has struggled for team chemistry and consistency, with their star-studded roster often failing to fire as a cohesive unit. For Illawarra to turn their season around, they need to quickly find a rhythm and translate individual brilliance into team success, starting with a statement win against the competition's benchmark.
United a Cut Above
Melbourne United sits comfortably at the summit of the NBL ladder with an imposing 11-2 record. After stumbling briefly with a rare two-game losing skid a few weeks ago, Dean Vickerman’s squad has quickly re-established their dominance, securing two consecutive wins. Their last outing saw them overcome a physical Brisbane Bullets team by a narrow six-point margin, showcasing their ability to grind out wins even when not at their explosive best. United’s depth and collective defensive mindset have been key to their stellar start, consistently overwhelming opponents across the league.
Recent H2H History
Despite Melbourne’s superior season form, the Hawks hold a significant edge in recent head-to-head history that cannot be ignored. When these two teams met back in Round 8, the Hawks secured an impressive 14-point victory over United, reminding the league of their potential. More notably, Illawarra also delivered the ultimate blow last season, defeating Melbourne United in the Grand Final series to claim the NBL25 Championship. This recent history means the Hawks know they can beat United, and the league leaders will be walking onto the court with revenge firmly in mind.
Hawks or United? Here’s Our Tip!
The current form and ladder positions suggest United are too strong to be tripped up again, especially with Illawarra struggling for consistency and confidence. Melbourne's potent offense and relentless defense are built to dismantle teams who are still trying to find their identity. While Illawarra's home crowd and history will give them a boost, United has the firepower and execution to weather any Hawks run. Expect United to lean on their league-best record and recent momentum to secure the win and cover the -3.5 point spread against the faltering champions.
Melbourne United –3.5
$2.00 (1.5 Units)
Hawks vs United Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Friday, November 21st, 2025
Time: 7:30pm AEDT
Location: WIN Entertainment Centre
Odds: Hawks $2.30 vs United $1.64
Line: United –2.5
Points: 185.5
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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