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New Zealand Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks NBL26 Round 20 Tips - Hawks stay alive
As the NBL25 season heads into Round 20, the Illawarra Hawks look to keep their playoff dreams alive against the struggling New Zealand Breakers. While the Breakers have had a difficult streak, losing four of their last five home matches, the Hawks are coming off an inspiring 100-99 win over Adelaide. Experts suggest Illawarra's strong offensive performance could help them surpass the Breakers, posing a serious threat to the latter's hopes of making it to the finals. Illawarra's dynamic offensive form may just edge out New Zealand's inconsistent defense.
- New Zealand Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks expert predictions for Saturday’s Round 20 NBL matchup
- Tip-off is at 5:30 PM AEDT at Spark Arena
- Illawarra aims to keep playoff hopes alive while Breakers struggle.
- Hawks coming off a close 100-99 win over Adelaide.
New Zealand Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks NBL26 Round 20 Tips
New Zealand Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks NBL25 Round 20 Expert Tips
Illawarra will keep their dream alive while ending New Zealand’s hopes of making the NBL Finals.
- New Zealand Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks NBL25 Round 20 Expert Tips
- Head to Head
- New Zealand Breakers Form & Team News
- Illawarra Hawks Form & Team News
- New Zealand Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks Frequently Asked Questions
It may be too little too late for the Hawks, but they are starting to find the season’s-best form right at the tail end of the year. They may run out of games depending on Tasmania’s results but they are showing grit and hope, trying to give themselves a chance to defend their title in the playoffs.
Huge 1-point victory over Adelaide gives the Hawks momentum coming into this contest against New Zealand who have lost all the wind in their sails after a heavy defeat against the Phoenix on Thursday.
The defence of the Breakers has been their biggest letdown during their 1-4 patch while it is the complete opposite for the Hawks, with their offence firing in their 3-2 patch in their last 5 games.
I usually fall on the side of ‘Defence wins Championships’ but I’m backing the offence of Illawarra to blow past the Breakers, going over their team total and covering the line.
- New Zealand has lost 4 of their last 5 home matches.
- Illawarra has won 2 of their last 3 away matches.
- Illawarra have scored 99+ points in each of the last 5 matches.
- New Zealand has conceded 90+ points in each of their last 5 matches.
- Q.J Peterson has hit 3+ threes in 7 of his last 8 games.
Head to Head
Last 5 Match Results
| Date | Home Team | Score | Line | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/01/2026 | ILL | NZB 101-96 | NZB +5.0 | O 183.5 |
| 31/10/2025 | ILL | NZB 102-60 | NZB +7.5 | U 185.0 |
| 8/10/2025 | NZB | NZB 117-88 | NZB +5.5 | O 179.0 |
| 05/02/2025 | NZB | ILL 96-82 | ILL -8.5 | U 189.0 |
| 11/01/2025 | ILL | ILL 108-100 | NZB +15.0 | O 186.5 |
Offensive & Defensive Rankings
| NZB Off | Rank | Stat | Rank | ILL Def |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90.4 | 7 | PPG | 9 | 97.2 |
| 41.4 | 7 | RPG | 5 | 41.4 |
| 45.7% | 4 | FG% | 6 | 44.8% |
| 30.1% | 9 | 3P% | 8 | 34.0% |
| 11.9 | 6 | TOV | 9 | 10.3 |
| NZB Def | Rank | Stat | Rank | ILL Off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92.9 | 7 | PPG | 5 | 92.5 |
| 41.6 | 6 | RPG | 1 | 44.4 |
| 46.5% | 7 | FG% | 2 | 47.2% |
| 33.1% | 7 | 3P% | 5 | 33.3% |
| 12.2 | 4 | TOV | 9 | 13.7 |
New Zealand Breakers Form & Team News
The Breakers started off their match against the Phoenix superbly on Thursday evening, but it all went downhill from there. A three-point lead after the first quarter turned into a 114-83 defeat, getting completely outplayed in the second half with South East Melbourne doubling their Breakers output scoring just 31 points to the Phoenix 62 points.
New Zealand couldn’t compete with the three-point barrage from the Phoenix, sinking just 5 of 20 from the perimeter, which was basically where the game was won and lost.
With Illawarra getting an upset against Adelaide, the Breakers finals hopes are getting slimmer by the day, now dropping behind the Hawks into 8th and also having one less game to play. A loss to Illawarra on Saturday would all but rule the Breakers out of the postseason.
Illawarra Hawks Form & Team News
What a win for the Hawks, keeping their playoff hopes alive with a 100-99 win over Adelaide on Thursday night. It was the last second drama with Hawks defensive lockdown king Wani Swaka Lo Buluk tipping in a late rebound to give Illawarra the go-ahead points then protecting the rim to seal victory at his own end of the court.
The win was the Hawks third in five matches in what is their best patch of victories this season, still giving them a slim hope of catching the JackJumpers in sixth place.
How the won was just as important as they attempt to build momentum in the final three games of the season. Will Hickey and Tyler Harvey both popped on the same night with 22 points each while JaVale McGee took his post in the paint collecting 14 rebounds.
New Zealand Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks Frequently Asked Questions
What time does New Zealand Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks start?
Tip-off between New Zealand Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks is at 5:30 PM AEDT, Saturday, February 7
What channel is New Zealand Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks on?
You can watch New Zealand Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel.
Where can I livestream New Zealand Breakers vs Illawarra Hawks?
If you are outside of Australia, the NBL allows you to stream live on YouTube via the official NBL channel
Verdict
Illawarra will cover the line of 4.5 points as the away favourite by scoring over 95.5 points with Q.J Peterson dropping at least 3 threes.
Illawarra -4.5
Handicap/Line
$1.91 - 2 Units
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Illawarra Over 95.5
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Q.J Peterson
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