MORE National Basketball League (NBL) action is set to take place tonight, with Round 11 set to continue with a clash between the Illawarra Hawks and the SEM Phoenix at WIN Entertainment Centre in what could be a big matchup between two title hopefuls.

Although the Hawks are sitting in ninth spot on the ladder and not performing as well as they would have hoped, it would be remiss to rule out the reigning champions on a late run into the postseason action given their winning pedigree and talented roster.

On that note, the Phoenix have emerged as sneaky contenders in their own right, with South East Melbourne establishing a strong identity on the defensive end while proving productive offensively as well, so they will give the Hawks a strong challenge on their own deck in what is shaping as a blockbuster clash tonight.

Illawarra Hawks vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix

WIN Entertainment Centre
Thursday, December 4 @ 7:30pm

The Hawks entered the season of their title defence as one of the teams most likely to take out the 2025/26 championship, which would see them go back to back in a dominant two-year period. However, Illawarra has fallen below these expectations, winning only four of its 13 games prior to the recent international break, and sitting well behind the group of contenders.

The Hawks do have the capability to make a charge in the final months of the season, and if they even make the play-in, they can cause some serious damage if playing to their potential. However, it all starts with tidying up their play, with Illawarra leading the NBL in turnovers per game at 15 a match, which is far too high. If they can hold onto the ball at a more reliable rate, it will allow their talent to truly shine through.

Fresh off making a ridiculous game-winner against New Zealand at FIBA level earlier in the week, William Hickey looms as a central figure in tonight’s clash. The Hawks have admittedly looked much stronger since he joined the lineup midseason, and he has shown the ability to impact the game in a plethora of ways and play winning basketball. If he can provide production on both sides of the ball, it typically holds Illawarra in good stead.

Although they were not expected to be among the heavy-hitters coming into the season, the Phoenix have surpassed expectations in the first half of the fixture. At the international break, South East Melbourne sat in third position and looks a strong chance to make the semi-finals at the minimum in the coming months.

The Phoenix are doing a lot right, starting with their gritty nature on the defensive end, often scrapping and forcing the opposition into bad shots, while their scoring power is proving valuable as well, largely thanks to the efforts of Nathan Sobey. The veteran guard is among the best offensive players in the competition this season, and will likely be the driving force behind South East Melbourne’s scoring punch tonight.

One way the Phoenix can elevate their game to the next level is to get some more production out of their imports, with the team’s off-season recruits not quite firing on the offensive end. With starting point guard Owen Foxwell and Next Star Malique Lewis sidelined, expect the likes of John Brown III and Wes Iwundu to step up and take more scoring responsibility.

It is the first of two clashes for tonight, with the Perth Wildcats hosting the ladder-leading Melbourne United at RAC Arena in a blockbuster matchup. In what could be a finals preview, expect fireworks and a thrilling contest out west.