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Illawarra Hawks vs Adelaide 36ers Tips – NBL Round 20

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  • Illawarra Hawks vs Adelaide 36ers expert predictions for Thursday’s Round 20 NBL matchup
  • Tip-off is at 7:30 PM AEDT at WIN Entertainment Centre
  • Adelaide 36ers maintain a 7-game win streak vs Illawarra Hawks.
  • Adelaide excels in road games, boasting a 10–3 record.
  • Key betting advice: Back Adelaide -3.5 and over 93.5 team total.
Bryce Cotton
Bryce Cotton of the 36ers and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk of the Hawks. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Hawks vs 36ers NBL Tips & Predictions


Adelaide are tipped to continue their dominance over the Illawarra Hawks on Thursday night, extending one of the longest active head-to-head winning streaks in the NBL.

The 36ers have won seven straight against Illawarra and 11 of the last 12 overall, with an average winning margin of 6.5 points during the current streak. Even when games have remained competitive, Adelaide’s scoring efficiency and late-game execution have consistently separated them.

This matchup also plays perfectly into Adelaide’s strengths away from home. The 36ers own the best road record in the league at 10–3, while Illawarra have dropped consecutive games at WIN Entertainment Centre and continue to struggle defensively.

The earlier meeting in Wollongong finished 84–78 in Adelaide’s favour, but both teams are now playing at a faster tempo. Over the past three rounds, Illawarra rank 3rd in pace and Adelaide 5th, while both sit outside the top five defensively. That combination opens the door for higher scoring and gives Adelaide’s offensive weapons plenty of upside.

Match Details: Hawks vs 36ers


  • Competition: NBL26
  • Match: Illawarra Hawks vs Adelaide 36ers
  • Date: Thursday, 5 February 2026
  • Start Time: 7:30 PM AEDT
  • Venue: WIN Entertainment Centre

Best Betting Tips - Hawks vs 36ers


Adelaide 36ers -3.5


Adelaide’s consistency in this matchup is difficult to ignore. Their seven-game winning streak against Illawarra includes multiple road victories, and the average margin during that run clears this number.

Adelaide Over 93.5 Team Total


Illawarra rank 9th in opponent points allowed and are playing at one of the fastest paces in the league over recent rounds. Adelaide’s shooting efficiency and transition scoring should push them beyond this number.

Bryce Cotton 25+ Points


Cotton is the NBL’s leading scorer and averages nearly 25 points per game against Illawarra across his last five matchups. In an up-tempo setting, his volume and usage remain elite.

Sam Froling 7+ Rebounds


Froling continues to be a focal point inside for the Hawks. He pulled down 13 rebounds in his most recent game against Adelaide and averages nine boards across his last four meetings with the 36ers.

Key Matchup to Watch


Adelaide Shot-Making vs Illawarra Pace

Illawarra want to turn this into a track meet. Adelaide are comfortable playing fast, but the difference lies in shot quality. If the 36ers convert efficiently in transition, they can quickly take control.

Illawarra Hawks vs Adelaide 36ers Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Illawarra Hawks vs Adelaide 36ers start?

Tip-off between Illawarra Hawks vs Adelaide 36ers is at 7:30 PM AEDT, Thursday, February 5

What channel is Illawarra Hawks vs Adelaide 36ers on?

You can watch Illawarra Hawks vs Adelaide 36ers on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel.

Where can i livestream Illawarra Hawks vs Adelaide 36ers?

If you are outside of Australia, the NBL allows you to stream live on YouTube via the official NBL channel

Verdict

Illawarra’s urgency is undeniable, but their defensive limitations and inconsistent shooting make this a difficult matchup against an Adelaide side in peak form. With elite road performances, reliable scoring and historical dominance, the 36ers are well placed to extend their winning streak and cover the short number.
Best Bet1: Adelaide -3.5 Line @9/10 at Pandabet - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Adelaide over 93.5 Team Total @9/10 at Elitebet - 2 Units
Best Bet3: B Cotton 25+ Points @7/8 at PlayUP - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: S Froling 7+ Rebounds @9/8 at dabble - 1 Unit
Adelaide -3.5
Line
@9/10 - 3 Units
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Adelaide over 93.5
Team Total
@9/10 - 2 Units
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Bet at Elitebet
B Cotton 25+
Points
@7/8 - 1 Unit
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Bet at PlayUP
S Froling 7+
Rebounds
@9/8 - 1 Unit
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