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Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks NBL26 Round 17 Tips - Wildcats Headline Hoops Fest with Big Win Over Champs
In the NBL25 Round 17 clash, the Perth Wildcats are anticipated to secure a commanding victory over the Illawarra Hawks at RAC Arena. The Wildcats are coming off a successful road trip and are expected to capitalize on their home court to boost their record. Meanwhile, the Illawarra Hawks continue to struggle defensively, conceding a high number of points per game. Key players like Jo Lual-Acuil are projected to deliver standout performances. Perth will likely cover the -6.5 spread, exceeding their team total of 94.5 points.
- Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks expert predictions for Friday’s Round 17 NBL Hoops Fest matchup
- Tip-off is at 9:30 PM AEDT at RAC Arena
- Perth Wildcats expected to win at RAC Arena against Illawarra Hawks.
- Hawks struggle defensively, allowing high opponent scores.
- Key player Jo Lual-Acuil anticipated to exceed 16.5 points.
Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks NBL26 Round 17 Tips
Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks NBL25 Round 17 Expert Tips
The Wildcats will excite the home crowd on Friday night with a big win over the Illawarra Hawks.
- Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks NBL25 Round 17 Expert Tips
- Head to Head
- Last 5 Match Results
- Offensive & Defensive Rankings
- Perth Wildcats Form & Team News
- Illawarra Hawks Form & Team News
- Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks Frequently Asked Questions
Perth return home from a big road trip looking to improve on their losing record at RAC Arena this season. With basketball descending on the city for Hoops Fest the Wildcats will be sure to deliver a performance worthy of hosting the NBL’s premier week of games.
Illawarra are all but out of contention for finals thanks to their poor defensive showing this season. They now rank last in the NBL for opposition points per game, creeping over 97 pts per game while also offering their opponents extra possessions with the highest turnover rate of any team.
They also play with the highest pace which can account for some of these numbers but without a solid defensive plan and players that are locked in, the result is high scoring matches with results being decided by shooting percentage.
The Wildcats have been poor at home this season with a 4-8 record but have shown over the last month of travelling that their team is starting to lock in with 9 games left of the regular season. Kristian Doolittle is becoming more consistent and Dylan Windler continues to deliver on both ends of the court.
Their weakness is around the perimeter, at both ends of the court and they will need to at least try to pressure the Hawks outside shooters to ensure the scoring doesn’t get away from them.
In any case Perth are likely to win this one as the home favourite, covering the large line of -6.5 and going Over their team total of 94.5 pts. Jo Lual-Acuil to go over 16.5 pts.
- The winning team has covered the line in 10 straight meetings between these two teams.
- Perth rank top 4 in all major defensive categories except opponent 3pt% where they are 7th. Illawarra allow the most points to opponents of any team in the NBL at 97.1 per game.
- Perth won the first matchup this season 92-84 and lost the second by 1pt despite shooting 15.6% from 3pt range.
- Jo Lual-Acuil had 18 and 22 pts in his two games against Illawarra earlier this season.
Head to Head
Last 5 Match Results
| Date | Home Team | Score | Line | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25/10/2025 | PER | ILL 85-84 | ILL +4.5 | U 185.5 |
| 2/10/2025 | PER | PER 92-84 | PER -5.0 | U 182.0 |
| 22/12/2024 | ILL | ILL 120-88 | ILL -6.0 | O 205.0 |
| 06/12/2024 | PER | ILL 121-111 | ILL +2.0 | O 192.5 |
| 01/11/2024 | PER | PER 113-105 | PER +2.5 | O 180.5 |
Offensive & Defensive Rankings
| PER Off | Rank | Stat | Rank | ILL Def |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89.8 | 6 | PPG | 10 | 97.1 |
| 43 | 2 | RPG | 7 | 42.1 |
| 45.0% | 4 | FG% | 4 | 43.9% |
| 32.2% | 7 | 3P% | 8 | 33.8% |
| 11.6 | 5 | TOV | 9 | 10 |
| PER Def | Rank | Stat | Rank | ILL Off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 86.8 | 4 | PPG | 5 | 90.3 |
| 40.9 | 3 | RPG | 1 | 45 |
| 43.7% | 2 | FG% | 2 | 46.5% |
| 32.7% | 7 | 3P% | 5 | 32.8% |
| 10.8 | 6 | TOV | 10 | 14.7 |
Perth Wildcats Form & Team News
Perth return home from the biggest road trip of the season, spanning 5 games and almost a full calendar month since playing their last game at RAC Arena. They finished the trip with a 4-1 record which puts them at 10-4 on the road this season, the best record in the NBL.
At home though, they are just 4-8 which ranks 8th in the league. They now embark on a 4 game home stand with 7 of their last 9 being played at RAC.
The most recent outing for the Wildcats was a 107-97 win over SE Melbourne Phoenix at the Victorian State Basketball Centre, Kristian Doolittle posting a double double with 24 pts and 12 rebounds. Only 4 bench players saw minutes, contributing 15 pts to the win.
Illawarra Hawks Form & Team News
Illawarra are on a 2 game skid after losing 101-96 in their second Round 16 game which followed a 124-113 OT loss to the SE Melbourne Phoenix. They can mathematically still make 6th spot with 2 matches of their remaining 10 being against the 6th placed Tasmania JackJumpers who are currently 4 wins ahead.
The back to back losses though severely dent the confidence of the defending champions who have had a rollercoaster season. Sam Froling had his worst game since returning from injury, totalling just 4 pts on 2-5 shooting and 4 boards. The Hawks allowed New Zealand to shoot 67% from 2pt range and despite reaching 71% themselves couldn’t do enough to seal the win.
Illawarra now rank 10th in the league in opposition scoring, giving up 95.1 pts per game to their opponents and give up the most turnovers with 14.7 per game.
Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks start?
Tip-off between Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks is at 9:30 PM AEDT, Friday, January 16
What channel is Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks on?
You can watch Perth Wildcats vs Illawarra Hawks on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel.
Verdict
Perth are likely to win this one as the home favourite, covering the large line of -6.5 and going Over their team total of 94.5 pts. Jo Lual-Acuil to go over 16.5 pts.
Perth -6.5
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