Phoenix vs Hawks NBL Tips & Predictions
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.