South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks Tips – NBL Round 16
- South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks expert predictions for Thursday’s Round 16 NBL matchup
- Tip-off is at 7:30 PM AEDT at State Basketball Centre
- Phoenix favored due to depth and scoring efficiency.
- Expect a high-scoring game surpassing 187.5 points.
- Key player insight: Angus Glover anticipated for a standout contribution.
Angus Glover of the Phoenix. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)
Phoenix vs Hawks NBL Tips & Predictions
- Phoenix vs Hawks NBL Tips & Predictions
- Match Details: Phoenix vs Hawks
- Best Betting Tips - Phoenix vs Hawks
- South East Melbourne -5.5
- Over 187.5 Total Points
- Angus Glover 10+ Points & Angus Glover 15+ Points (value ladder)
- Key Matchup to Watch
- Phoenix Depth vs Hawks Bench Defence
- South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks Frequently Asked Questions
The Battle of the Birds reaches its decider on Thursday night, with South East Melbourne tipped to take the final game of the series and strengthen their grip on a top two ladder position.
The first two meetings this season couldn’t have been more different. The Phoenix dominated the opener by 40 points before Illawarra responded with an overtime win in December, despite South East Melbourne shooting below 30 percent from three.
Those margins tell an important story heading into the final matchup.
Match Details: Phoenix vs Hawks
- Competition: NBL26
- Match: South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks
- Date: Thursday, 8 January 2026
- Start Time: 7:30 PM AEDT
- Venue: State Basketball Centre
Best Betting Tips - Phoenix vs Hawks
South East Melbourne -5.5
South East Melbourne remain the more complete team across the full rotation. They lead the league in scoring, protect the ball at an elite level and consistently win the possession battle. Illawarra’s improvements are real, but they still rely heavily on shooting efficiency to stay competitive.
Over 187.5 Total Points
This matchup continues to produce offence. Both teams rank in the bottom four for opponent points across recent games, and the last three meetings have all pushed into high-scoring territory.
Angus Glover 10+ Points & Angus Glover 15+ Points (value ladder)
Glover has been a consistent contributor in this matchup, scoring 26 and 15 in the two previous games this season. Illawarra concede the third most bench points in the league, creating a clear pathway for another productive night.
Key Matchup to Watch
Phoenix Depth vs Hawks Bench Defence
South East Melbourne’s ability to score across multiple units continues to separate them from the pack. If Illawarra struggle to contain second-unit scoring again, the margin can open quickly.
South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks Frequently Asked Questions
What time does South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks start?
Tip-off between South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks is at 7:30 PM AEDT, Thursday, January 8
What channel is South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks on?
You can watch South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel.
Verdict
Illawarra have taken steps forward with Froling and Harvey back on the floor, but South East Melbourne still hold the edge in pace, depth and ball security. With momentum coming off a perfect Round 15 and a proven scoring profile in this matchup, the Phoenix are well positioned to clinch the Battle of the Birds and cover at home.
SE Melbourne -5.5
Line
@9/10 - 2 Units
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Over 187.5
Game Total
@9/10 - 2 Units
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A Glover 10+
Points
@7/13 - 3 Units
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A Glover 15+
Points
@9/4 - 1 Unit
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