NBL26 Round 20 gets underway on Thursday night with a juicy double-header filled with playoffs implications. Second up on the slate is an important clash between the Illawarra Hawks and the Adelaide 36ers. We bring you our game preview, best bet, and Dabble Pick’Em 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 Adelaide 36ers Prediction & Betting Tips: NBL26 Round 20
All But Over for the Hawks
The NBL26 season enters its critical final stretch as the Illawarra Hawks host the league-leading Adelaide 36ers at the WIN Entertainment Centre this Thursday night. For the Hawks, the dream of a post-season berth has all but evaporated. Currently sitting eighth on the ladder with a 10-18 record, they find themselves three wins behind the sixth-placed Tasmania JackJumpers with only a handful of games remaining. Last week's disappointing results served as the final blow, leaving Justin Tatum’s men playing primarily for pride and the chance to play spoiler.
Will the 36ers Respond?
Conversely, the Adelaide 36ers arrive in Wollongong occupying top spot but looking uncharacteristically vulnerable. Despite their 21-8 record, the Sixers are weathering their roughest patch of the season, having dropped four of their last six games which includes a stinging 20-point loss to South East Melbourne last Saturday. Defensive lapses have been the primary culprit, with the team's defensive rating sliding significantly compared to their early-season dominance. Rumours of internal disharmony and pressure on coach Mike Wells have added an unwelcome distraction at the worst possible time. However, with MVP candidate Bryce Cotton leading the charge, Adelaide remains the team to beat, provided they can rediscover the identity that saw them dominate the first half of the year.
Recent H2H History
The recent head-to-head history heavily favours the visitors, who have established a psychological stranglehold over the Hawks. Adelaide has won the last seven meetings between these two sides, an active streak that stretches back into last season. Their most recent encounter in December saw the 36ers escape Wollongong with an 84-78 victory, a game defined by late-game execution from Isaac Humphries and Bryce Cotton. Illawarra has struggled to find an answer for Adelaide’s offensive depth, often keeping games competitive for three quarters before falling away in the clutch.
Hawks or Sixers? Here’s Our Tip!
Looking at the betting markets, the 36ers are firm favourites, and there is a strong case for them covering the -3.5 spread. Adelaide holds the best road record in the league at 10-3 and will be desperate to stop their current slide to secure the minor premiership. Given the Hawks’ recent defensive struggles and Adelaide's historical dominance in this fixture, expect the 36ers to tighten up and win this by at least two possessions.
Adelaide 36ers -3.5
$1.91 (2.5 Units)
Hawks vs 36ers Dabble Pick‘Em
Popular sportsbook Dabble have launched Pick’Em - a new a simpler way to combine player markets from the same game for bigger odds. We’ve put together a 3-Leg Pick’Em for the Hawks vs 36ers clash that you can follow via the link below! You can also learn more about Dabble’s Pick’Em feature here.
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Hawks vs 36ers Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Thursday, February 5th, 2026
Time: 7:30pm AEDT
Location: WIN Entertainment Centre
Odds: Hawks $2.40 vs 36ers $1.58
Line: 36ers -2.5
Points: 185.5
Where to Watch Hawks vs 36ers
You can watch the Hawks vs 36ers clash live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
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