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Illawarra Hawks vs Melbourne UnitedSunday March 23, 2:30pm |
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Game Five is almost well and truly upon us as both the Illawarra Hawks and Melbourne United compete to win the 2024/25 NBL Championship. With both rivals playing some scrappy, but never-say-die Basketball in the leadup to this matchup, in the respective absences of Australian Big Man Sam Froling and New Zealand Guard Shea Ili. No Froling bar 8:38 minutes of playing time meant Illawarra had to get creative in their Game Four, 80-71 victory at JCA, as young Center Lachlan Olbrich put up 13PTS, 6REB and 3AST off the bench. Whilst Ian Clark was inserted into Melbourne’s starting lineup as he posted a stat-line of 16PTS, 2REB, 2AST and 2STL. Olbrich and Clark are far from the biggest names on their teams, however with both sides desperately vying for a shot at glory, it’s often the unexpected that take on the biggest role. With all four games so far this Grand Final series having been decided by an average of 6.25 points, this scintillating affair should prove to be no different. At last we will have a winner from what has been a series worthy of representing the NBL on the biggest stage!
For the Hawks at the WIN Entertainment Centre I think it’s safe to say their chances depend on the play of Will Hickey. In their Game Four victory he shot 2/4 from deep en route to a game-high 22PTS + 6REB + 8AST + 3STL. His determination to drive to the basket late in the game helped Illawarra create some breathing room over United. His 9/20 converted shots was also far better than that of his starting teammates, as the next best was 2/5 from Sam Froling before he was hurt at a 40% clip. He shot the ball consistently when others didn’t and that helped keep the Hawks in a game that at some stages it didn’t look like they were going to win. He’s also incredibly gritty on the defensive end. And regardless of whether his side wins or loses, he should be primed for another big performance.
Meanwhile for United Jack White has been incredibly inconsistent all series long. Just a snapshot of the former Memphis Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets Forward stats show that he went from 20PTS in Game Three down to 6PTS in Game Four. For the season he’s putting up a very solid 13.2PPG and 8.9RPG. Whilst in his sides one-point elimination win versus Perth he put up 15PTS & 9REB that day. Melbourne can’t just rely on Chris Goulding and Ian Clark getting hot all the time. They need White to step up to the plate because he’s a capable playmaker disguised as a Big Man who can create his own shot. He can also fire off from deep as well when he’s playing solid Basketball and has shot it for 35.1% this campaign. This is where the dynamic Victorian needs to add a different element to United’s game plan. Look for a commanding rebound performance on his end.
I expect this will be a very tough and gruelling matchup that’s equally as entertaining, with neither side willing to give up an inch. Grab the popcorn on Sunday afternoon because this will be incredible!
Betting tips:
Back Will Hickey and Jack White to score 10+ PTS a piece at $1.34 and $1.47 (Bet365)
Also back Darius Days and Marcus Lee to collect 5+ REB each at $1.23 and $1.26 (Bet365)
Also look for Illawarra to win Q1 at $1.82 (BetRight)
And for Melbourne to win Q4 at $2.02 (UniBet)