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Cairns Taipans vs Illawarra Hawks Betting Tips – Hawks to Spring an Upset

jeremy-darke
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Last updated: Tue. 03 Nov. 2026 08:53

Illawarra Hawks are tipped to upset Cairns Taipans at the Cairns Convention Centre, with Makur Maker expected to score at least 15 points and Sam Froling to collect 7 or more rebounds. The Hawks’ recent away form, including two consecutive road wins and three victories in their last four visits to Cairns, supports their underdog status despite a 3-8 record. Cairns have been strong at home but continue to struggle defensively, conceding 96.5 points per game, which could allow Illawarra’s offence to capitalise.

Jeremy Darke 2 hours ago
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  • Illawarra Hawks are tipped to upset Cairns Taipans on the road.
  • Makur Maker is predicted to score 15+ points; Sam Froling to collect 7+ rebounds.
  • Illawarra have won their last two away games and three of their last four visits to Cairns.
Cairns Taipans vs Illawarra Hawks Betting Tips
Cairns Taipans vs Illawarra Hawks Betting Tips

Cairns Taipans vs Illawarra Hawks Betting Tips – Hawks to Spring an Upset


Illawarra Hawks are backed to upset Cairns Taipans at the Cairns Convention Centre on Thursday, with Makur Maker tipped for 15+ points and Sam Froling to collect 7+ rebounds.

Illawarra have struggled for consistency this season, but their recent away form makes them an interesting underdog. The Hawks have won their last two road games and three of their previous four visits to Cairns, giving them reason to be confident despite their 3-8 record.

The player markets also offer opportunities. Maker has scored 15+ points in four of his last five appearances, while Froling collected 10 rebounds in the Hawks' previous meeting with Cairns, making his 7+ rebounds line appealing.

Cairns have been competitive at home, winning three of their four games, but their defensive struggles remain a concern. The Taipans concede 96.5 points per game, while Illawarra have the offensive firepower to take advantage despite their own defensive problems.

Key Stats


  • Illawarra have won three of their last four visits to Cairns.
  • The Hawks have won their last two away games.
  • Makur Maker has scored 15+ points in four of his last five matches.
  • Sam Froling collected 10 rebounds in the previous meeting with Cairns.

DateHome teamResult
11 Oct 2026IllawarraCairns 110-100
3 Jan 2026IllawarraIllawarra 96-78
6 Dec 2025IllawarraCairns 93-76
7 Nov 2025CairnsIllawarra 107-90
23 Jan 2025CairnsCairns 100-94

Cairns Taipans vs Illawarra Hawks Head to Head


Cairns won the most recent meeting 110-100, but Illawarra have won three of the last five encounters between the teams.

Cairns Taipans Form


Cairns have struggled to establish consistency this season, sitting at 5-6 after 11 matches. The Taipans have lost their most recent game but remain a difficult opponent at home, where they have won three of four.

Their offence averages 92.2 points per game, ranking eighth in the NBL, although their ball movement has been a strength. Cairns lead the competition with 22.0 assists per game.

Defensively, the Taipans have been less convincing, conceding 96.5 points per game and allowing opponents to shoot 47.7% from the field. Their rebounding has also been a weakness, with Cairns ranking last in the league at 35.6 per game.

Illawarra Hawks Form


Illawarra have endured a difficult start to their campaign, winning just three of their opening 11 matches. However, their recent 105-98 victory over Perth provided some encouragement after consecutive defeats to Brisbane and Sydney.

The Hawks average 96.1 points per game, ranking fourth in the competition, but their defensive performances have been a major problem. They concede a league-high 104.5 points per game, making it difficult to turn strong offensive displays into victories.

Maker has been one of their more reliable scoring options recently, reaching 15+ points in four of his last five games. Froling also remains an important presence inside, particularly on the glass, and his previous 10-rebound performance against Cairns supports another productive outing.

Verdict

Illawarra are backed to cause an upset on the road, with Makur Maker tipped for 15+ points and Sam Froling to collect 7+ rebounds.
Best Bet1: Illawarra Hawks Money Line $2.35 at BetRaven - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Makur Maker 15+ Points $1.66 at dabble - 3 Units
Best Bet3: Sam Froling 7+ Rebounds $2.05 at BetRaven - 2 Units
Illawarra Hawks
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Makur Maker
15+ Points
$1.66 - 3 Units
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Sam Froling
7+ Rebounds
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