Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks Tips – NBL Round 17
- Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks expert predictions for Friday’s Round 17 NBL Hoops Fest matchup
- Tip-off is at 9:30 PM AEDT at RAC Arena
- The Wildcats face the defending champion Illawarra Hawks at home.
- Illawarra struggles with defense, ranking last in opponent scoring.
- Perth favored to win with Jo Lual-Acuil expected to score over 16.5 points.
Jo Lual-Acuil of the Wildcats. (Photo by Russell Freeman/Getty Images)
Wildcats vs Hawks NBL Tips & Predictions
Hoops Fest tips off in Perth on Friday night, with the Wildcats headlining the opening game against the defending champion Illawarra Hawks.
- Wildcats vs Hawks NBL Tips & Predictions
- Match Details: Wildcats vs Hawks
- Best Betting Tips - Wildcats vs Hawks
- Perth -6.5
- Perth Over 94.5 Team Total
- Jo Lual-Acuil Over 16.5 Points
- Key Matchup to Watch
- Perth Interior Scoring vs Illawarra Defence
- Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks Frequently Asked Questions
Perth return home after their longest road trip of the season, finishing 4–1 away from RAC Arena. While their home record has been poor overall, this spot is far more favourable, with four straight games now scheduled in Perth and basketball firmly in the spotlight.
Illawarra arrive in rough form, having dropped two straight and continuing to struggle defensively. The Hawks currently rank last in the NBL for opponent scoring, allowing over 97 points per game, while also committing the most turnovers in the league. Their fast pace often inflates totals, but without defensive discipline, games quickly get away from them.
Match Details: Wildcats vs Hawks
- Competition: NBL26
- Match: Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks
- Date: Friday, 16 January 2026
- Start Time: 9:30 PM AEDT
- Venue: RAC Arena
Best Betting Tips - Wildcats vs Hawks
Perth -6.5
Perth have covered in ten straight wins in this matchup, and the Hawks’ defensive issues make it difficult to see them slowing the Wildcats in this spot. With momentum and crowd support, Perth should control the game.
Perth Over 94.5 Team Total
Illawarra allow the most points in the league and struggle to defend the paint. Perth’s scoring profile and pace of this matchup point strongly toward a high team total.
Jo Lual-Acuil Over 16.5 Points
Lual-Acuil has scored 18 and 22 points in two meetings against Illawarra this season. With the Hawks allowing high-percentage looks inside, this remains a strong matchup for him.
Key Matchup to Watch
Perth Interior Scoring vs Illawarra Defence
Illawarra’s inability to protect the rim or limit turnovers continues to hurt them. Perth’s ability to generate efficient looks inside should be decisive.
Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks start?
Tip-off between Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks is at 9:30 PM AEDT, Friday, January 16
What channel is Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks on?
You can watch Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel.
Verdict
Hoops Fest sets the stage for Perth to reassert themselves at home. Against an Illawarra side struggling defensively and short on confidence, the Wildcats are well placed to deliver a statement win. Expect Perth to cover the line, push their team total over, and lean heavily on Jo Lual-Acuil to set the tone.
Perth -6.5
Line
@9/10 - 3 Units
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Perth Over 94.5
Team Total
@9/10 - 2 Units
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J Lual-Acuil over 16.5
Points
@7/8 - 2 Units
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