ALTHOUGH it is all but season over for the reigning champions in the National Basketball League (NBL), the Illawarra Hawks will still be looking to knock off their contending rival in the Sydney Kings as the two sides clash tonight.

The Hawks have fallen out of playoff contention unless a minor miracle happens, in what has been a disappointing campaign for last year’s winners. In a season that showed so much promise by adding an NBA champion to their roster, they have been unable to live up to expectations.

However, they will be looking to still get one up on their state rivals, taking on a Kings side that has emerged as championship favourites in recent weeks, and if Illawarra can cause some chaos in Sydney’s title chase, it will be a big positive in its campaign.

Illawarra Hawks vs. Sydney Kings

WIN Entertainment Centre
Friday, February 13 @ 7:30pm

The Hawks are now only a very slim chance of making their way into the postseason action, relying on a dream scenario to remain in the hunt for a play-in spot. Winning tonight is required to keep this alive, but even still, they will need other results to go their way if they are to sneak into an unlikely finals berth in the coming weeks.

Regardless, they will be relishing the opportunity to throw a spanner in the works of Sydney’s title aspirations, as the race for top spot in the standings is still as close as ever. Illawarra will be playing like a side with nothing to lose tonight, and has shown the ability to perform with its backs against the wall in recent seasons.

The Hawks have been well-served by big man JaVale McGee throughout the season, as he has proven to be a force when he is firing, although a lack of consistency has prevented him from being in MVP talks. Regardless, if he can become a lob threat and continue to take position in the paint, it boosts Illawarra’s chances.

The Kings are seemingly peaking at the right time of year, coming into tonight’s clash fresh off defeating the SEM Phoenix in a heated encounter last round. It was a good test for Sydney as the Phoenix have their own championship aspirations, but the Kings passed with flying colours and seem the favourites to win it all.

Another test comes tonight in the form of the Hawks, and this is certainly looming as a danger game for the visiting side, given the rivalry and history between the two teams. The Kings are more than good enough to get the job done, but will need to still bring their best.

It is an extremely even MVP race heading towards the end of the season, with superstar King Kendric Davis engaged in an enthralling battle with five-time winner Bryce Cotton. If Davis can continue his good form tonight, it could tip him over the edge for the top individual honour.