Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks Tips – NBL Round 14 Christmas Day Preview
- Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks expert predictions for Thursday’s Round 14 NBL matchup
- Tip-off is at 5:30 PM AEDT at Qudos Bank Arena
- Sydney Kings hold a strong home advantage with a 4-game winning streak.
- Illawarra Hawks bring the fastest pace, aiming to upend Sydney's rhythm.
- Key bets: Sydney -7.5, Over 181.5 points, Kendric Davis 25+ points.
Xavier Cooks of the Kings drives to the basket. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks NBL Tips & Predictions
Christmas Day basketball doesn’t get much better than the Freeway Series, with Sydney hosting Illawarra in one of the marquee matchups of the NBL season.
- Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks NBL Tips & Predictions
- Match Details: Kings vs Hawks
- Best Betting Tips - Kings vs Hawks
- Sydney Kings -7.5
- Over 181.5 Total Points
- Kendric Davis 25+ Points
- Xavier Cooks 6+ Rebounds
- Key Matchup to Watch
- Head-to-Head Snapshot
- Key Trends:
- Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks Frequently Asked Questions
Sydney enter this matchup in elite form, riding a four-game winning streak that includes victories over Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide. Their most recent win, a 119–77 demolition of Cairns, highlighted just how dominant they’ve become at both ends of the floor.
Illawarra, meanwhile, continue to search for consistency. While effort hasn’t been the issue, their offensive output fluctuates heavily depending on shooting efficiency.
Match Details: Kings vs Hawks
- Competition: NBL26
- Match: Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks
- Date: Thursday, 25 December 2025
- Start Time: 5:30 PM AEDT
- Venue: Qudos Bank Arena
Best Betting Tips - Kings vs Hawks
Sydney Kings -7.5
Sydney are the more efficient team and protect the ball better than anyone in the league. Illawarra have failed to cover this number in eight of their 12 losses this season, and Sydney’s discipline gives them a strong edge.
Over 181.5 Total Points
Illawarra play at the fastest pace in the NBL, and both Christmas Day meetings between these sides have cleared this total. Expect tempo, transition scoring and plenty of possessions.
Kendric Davis 25+ Points
Davis is averaging 28 points per game over his last four outings and remains the focal point of Sydney’s offence. His ability to break down defences makes him a strong scoring option again.
Xavier Cooks 6+ Rebounds
Cooks has averaged over nine rebounds per game in recent meetings with Illawarra, who are giving up the second most boards since the international break.
Key Matchup to Watch
Sydney Ball Control vs Illawarra Pace
The Hawks want chaos. Sydney want control. If the Kings dictate tempo and limit turnovers, this game swings firmly their way.
Head-to-Head Snapshot
Most Recent Christmas Day Meeting:
25 Dec 2024: Illawarra won 111–108
Key Trends:
- Both Christmas Day matchups have gone over the total
- Sydney now rank first in scoring defence
- Illawarra highest pace team in the league
Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks start?
Tip-off between Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks is at 5:30 PM AEDT, Thursday, December 25
What channel is Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks on?
You can watch Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel.
Verdict
Expect fireworks on Christmas Day. Illawarra’s pace should lift the scoring, but Sydney’s efficiency, defence and form make them the team to beat at home.
Sydney -7.5
Line
@9/10 - 2 Units
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Over 181.5
Game Total
@9/10 - 2 Units
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K Davis 25+
Points
@21/20 - 1 Unit
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X Cooks 6+
Rebounds
@19/25 - 1 Unit
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