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The Illawarra Hawks, who currently sit third on the NBL ladder, are out to add to their seven straight home wins when they face Melbourne United. Join The Roar for all the action from 7:30pm (AEDT).
Melbourne, coming off a thrilling overtime win over the Wildcats, are looking to solidify top spot at the Sandpit, where they are yet to win this season.
After a career-best performance against the league leaders, United will again be looking to talented guard Steven Holt to produce.
United are one game clear of the chasing pack, and have three games remaining this regular season. With a superior head-to-head record over second place, a win here will all but see them clinch top spot leading into the playoff series.
For the Hawks, Kirk Penney still hasn’t surfaced from a hamstring injury, which puts huge pressure on Keven Lisch. They are desperate for the talented scorer to return, having missed his 20-PPG production in recent fixtures.
If Illawarra are to cause the upset, they need someone to take some of the load off Lisch’s shoulders. AJ Ogilvy is the man most likely – he loves the big stage and will be keen to post massive numbers to help his team chase a home-ground advantage in the postseason.
The two hottest offensive teams this season will ensure a high-scoring, entertaining game, and I’m tipping a similar result to the last fixture between these sides, on January 7, where Melbourne fought hard for a 1-point victory.
Prediction
United to edge the Hawks by single digits. If Penney is included in the side, the gap will be smaller, but Melbourne will be too strong.
Melbourne by 6.
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