THE National Basketball League (NBL) semi-finals kick off tonight, with Melbourne United set to host the Illawarra Hawks at John Cain Arena in the first of a best-of-three series between the two sides.

Over the past week, the league held the play-in tournament, which saw the Hawks bounce back after an opening loss to the Tasmania JackJumpers on Wednesday night. However, they advanced through to the semi-finals after defeating the New Zealand Breakers in the elimination match.

Now a clash between the ladder-leaders and the fairytale of the season awaits, as they battle it out for a spot in the decider.

Melbourne United (1st) vs. Illawarra Hawks (4th)

Game One – Thursday, March 7 @7:30pm, John Cain Arena
Game Two – Sunday, March 10 @3:00pm, WIN Entertainment Centre
Game Three (if needed) – Wednesday, March 13 @7:30pm, John Cain Arena

THE TEAMS

Melbourne United have undoubtedly been the best team of the 2023/24 NBL season, storming to the top of the ladder in the early stages of the fixture and never giving up the position. There was a lot of expectation for the team coming into NBL24 after stacking the roster with domestic and international talent over the off-season, and Melbourne has not disappointed to date. Heading into the postseason, the minor champions are the side to beat and favourites for the title, and that quest continues against Illawarra.

The Hawks’ fairytale run continued when they defeated the Breakers in a thrilling affair. Under the guide of newly signed head coach Justin Tatum, Illawarra is riding the wave of belief that saw it go from last place with a 2-7 record, up to a fourth place finish and just two games away from a Grand Final appearance. Although the Hawks will undoubtedly be more fatigued than their opponents in this series, they will also be more game-ready given there is just three days between their outings. It would be an upset, but the team is capable of pushing their opponents in this series.

LAST TIME THEY MET

These two sides last locked horns in Round 20, in a game where United emerged five-point winners in a cracking contest. Melbourne won three of the four quarters, but solid bench production from Illawarra ensured the Hawks stayed in the game long enough to make things interesting. However, Melbourne performed strongly in the clutch to snag a 92-87 triumph at John Cain Arena.

KEY PLAYERS

Illawarra’s defensive struggles have emerged in the form of being unable to lock down big men, as demonstrated by Will Magnay‘s dominance in the play-in last Wednesday. If the trend continues, Jo Lual-Acuil could have himself a massive game tonight. The former MVP finalist appeared to get back to his best late in the fixture, as demonstrated by some big numbers, including a seven-block performance. If United’s guards can feed him in the pick and roll and he can get free under the hoop, it may spell trouble for the Hawks.

Star Illawarra guard Tyler Harvey had just seven points against the Breakers on Monday, but the team still managed to do enough to get the win. With the capability to showcase his range from behind the arc and the best floater game in the NBL, Harvey is a seriously dangerous weapon, but he has not been able to string together effective performances in the play-in. If the Hawks can get 20-25 points from the talented scorer, it will go a long way towards knocking off United.

PREDICTION

Melbourne United 2-0.