DREWITT'S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix out for revenge against reigning champs Hawks

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (2-2) 5th v. ILLAWARRA HAWKS (1-3) 9th
Where: The Fire Pit, John Cain Arena
When: Saturday, October 18 at 8pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

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The Phoenix will celebrate Tradies with their inaugural Tools Down Round, thanks to STANLEY, when they take on the Illawarra Hawks.

The players have built impressive chemistry on court, but what have they built off it? 🔨

Make sure you check out our Tools Down Round, with $10 tickets available! 🎟️

Tradies get your $10 GA Ticket: https://t.co/JFhlul6HPs
All other ticket categories: https://t.co/bync6A3sIt pic.twitter.com/I8Yr93HXVO

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) October 16, 2025

They’ll also honour co-captain Nathan Sobey, who reached his 300th NBL game milestone in Adelaide on Thursday, with a special recognition planned during Saturday night’s pre-game show.

The Phoenix return home after going 1-2 on their road trip to New Zealand and Adelaide.

Head coach Josh King’s side will be determined to bounce back after an un-Phoenix-like performance against the 36ers on Thursday night.

The Hawks, meanwhile, are coming off a week’s break following their first win of the season - a 27-point victory over the Brisbane Bullets.

Justin Tatum’s side will be eager to build on that result as they look to gain momentum and mount a push toward back-to-back championships after a slow start to their NBL26 campaign.

TEAMS

Phoenix

New import Wes Iwundu will suit up for his first game with the Phoenix.

Hawks

The Hawks will go in unchanged from their round 4 game. Will Hickey remains out with an eye injury.

KEEP AN EYE ON

The Big Battle: Jordi Hunter vs JaVale McGee

NBA Champion JaVale McGee has made an immediate impact in the NBL, leading the league in rebounds (10.5 rpg) and blocks (2.3 bpg).

Phoenix captain Jordi Hunter faces a huge test coming up against the 213cm centre on Saturday night. Staying out of foul trouble will be key if he’s to contain McGee’s influence around the rim.

The players have built impressive chemistry on court, but what have they built off it? 🔨

Make sure you check out our Tools Down Round, with $10 tickets available! 🎟️

Tradies get your $10 GA Ticket: https://t.co/JFhlul6HPs
All other ticket categories: https://t.co/bync6A3sIt pic.twitter.com/I8Yr93HXVO

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) October 16, 2025

HISTORY

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 12-9 Hawks

Last time out – Playoff Game 3, NBL25
Phoenix 96-126 Hawks

Phoenix
Wieskamp 25p
Sobey 19p
Foxwell 13p

Hawks
Kell 30p
Blanchfield 28p
Harvey 12p

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