Round 5 in the NBL27 season continues on Sunday with a double-header, and the concluding game will see Melbourne United face the Illawarra Hawks at John Cain Arena. United have been the much better side to far this season and will start as the clear favourites on their home deck.
Check out our United vs Hawks preview below and head to our NBL tips page for tips for every match this season!
Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks Prediction and Betting Tips: NBL27 Round 5
Melbourne United Building Momentum
Melbourne United return to John Cain Arena with consecutive wins behind them and a chance to move above 3–3. Victories over Adelaide and South East Melbourne suggest Jacob Chance’s side is starting to find its rhythm, with Josh Oduro delivering 22 points, a double-double, four steals and four blocks in the 104–99 win over the Phoenix. Cole Anthony’s ability to attack the basket gives Melbourne another reliable scoring avenue, while Luke Travers adds versatility at both ends. Chris Goulding remains sidelined with a calf injury, but United are finding ways to win without their captain.
Illawarra Hawks Paying for Defensive Lapses
Illawarra arrive with a 1–6 record and four defeats from four road games. Scoring has hardly been the issue, with the Hawks averaging 99.7 points, but conceding 108 per game has repeatedly undone their good work. Kelan Martin, Tyler Harvey and Sam Froling give Justin Tatum enough offensive talent to trouble opponents, yet the defensive breakdowns leave little room for an ordinary shooting night. Their foul discipline is another concern against Anthony, who averages 10.2 free throw attempts. Giving Melbourne easy points at the line would make an already difficult assignment considerably tougher.
United Can Make the Hawks Pay
A double-digit line demands a convincing performance, but Melbourne have the tools to expose Illawarra’s weaknesses. Anthony’s penetration should force difficult defensive decisions, while Oduro’s finishing and work on the offensive glass can punish missed rotations. United must protect the ball and limit the Hawks’ transition opportunities, because allowing an open shootout would keep the visitors interested. If Melbourne make Illawarra work for their baskets, I expect their improving combinations and more dependable defence to tell over four quarters. I’m backing United to build on their recent wins and pull clear.
Melbourne United -10.5
$1.90 (1 Unit)
United vs Hawks Dabble Pick‘Em
We’ve put together a 3-Leg Dabble Pick’Em for the United vs Hawks clash that you can follow via the link below! You can also learn more about Dabble’s Pick’Em feature here.
Josh Oduro - Over 17.5 Points
Sam Waardenburg - Over 11.5 Points
Tyler Harvey - Over 14.5 Points
Dabble Pick‘Em Odds Multiplier: 6.5x ($10 to win $65) - Click here to get involved!
United vs Hawks Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Sunday, October 18th, 2026
Time: 5:00pm AEDT
Location: John Cain Arena, Melbourne
Odds: United $1.20 vs Hawks $4.60
Line: -10.5
Points: 199.5
Where to Watch United vs Hawks
You can watch the United vs Hawks live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
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