We have a doubleheader on Thursday night in Round 13 of the NBL26 season, which begins with a mouth-watering matchup between Melbourne United and the Illawarra Hawks. It’s a Grand Final rematch from a season ago, so there should be plenty of spice involved. Catch our full preview and betting tips below!
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Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks Prediction & Betting Tips: NBL26 Round 13
Did United Peak Too Early?
Melbourne United set the early pace in NBL26, but their grip near the top of the ladder has loosened significantly over the past fortnight. Four straight losses have dropped United to 13–6 and second position, raising questions about both form and cohesion heading into Round 13. The absence of Jesse Edwards in their last outing was keenly felt at both ends of the floor, and his availability again looms as a major factor as he remains a game-time decision. United have also struggled to generate consistent offence, with Milton Doyle enduring a lean shooting stretch and captain Chris Goulding likewise searching for rhythm after a strong start to the season.
Hawks are Tough to Read
The Illawarra Hawks arrive in Melbourne knowing their title defence has fallen well short of expectations so far. Sitting 6–10 and third last on the ladder, the Hawks have struggled to build momentum or consistency, often following promising performances with sharp drop-offs. Their 15-point win over a depleted Brisbane side last time out was an important circuit-breaker, particularly after being humbled by 17 points against last-placed Cairns the week prior. That contrast has defined much of Illawarra’s campaign, flashes of their championship calibre undone by lapses in execution and energy.
Recent H2H History
Recent head-to-head history between these sides adds intrigue. The Hawks famously got the better of United in last season’s Grand Final series, a result that still resonates whenever these teams meet. That confidence carried into the current campaign, with Illawarra winning the first meeting by 14 points in a commanding performance. United responded in the second clash, edging the Hawks by three points in a far tighter contest that swung late. Those results suggest the matchup remains finely balanced despite the disparity in ladder positions.
United or Hawks? Here’s Our Tip!
From a betting perspective, the Hawks appeal with the +6.5 spread. United’s current four-game skid does not justify such short odds, particularly given their offensive struggles and uncertainty around Edwards’ availability. Even with Illawarra’s inconsistencies, their physicality and interior presence pose problems, and if Edwards is sidelined again, JaVale McGee could dominate the paint. In what shapes as a scrappy contest, the Hawks look well placed to at the very least, keep it close.
Illawarra Hawks +6.5
$1.85 (2 Units)
United vs Hawks 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 United vs Hawks that you can follow via the link below! You can also learn more about Dabble’s Pick’Em feature here.
- JaVale McGee 23.5 Points (MORE)
- Shea Ili 9.5 Points (LESS)
- Mason Peatling 6.5 Points (MORE)
Dabble Pick‘Em Odds Multiplier: 6.5x ($10 to win $65) - Click here to get involved!
United vs Hawks Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Time: 7:30pm AEDT
Location: John Cain Arena, Melbourne
Odds: United $1.46 vs Hawks $2.75
Line: United -6.5
Points: 190.5
Where to Watch United vs Hawks
You can watch the United vs Hawks clash live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
Back In our United vs Hawks Tips at Dabble!
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