Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks Tips & Predictions - NBL27 Round 2

Ryan Tucker

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Last updated: Sun. 27 Sep. 2026 07:22

Ryan Tucker 27 Sep. 2026

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Sydney Kings tipped to cover -9.5 against Illawarra Hawks
Over 191.5 total points is also recommended
Sydney have a 10-game home win streak while Illawarra's defense is struggling

Expired

Kendric Davis of the Kings drives to the basket. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks NBL27 Expert Tips

The first Freeway Series clash of NBL27 has the Sydney Kings tipped to cover the -9.5 line against the Illawarra Hawks at Afterpay Arena on Sunday, with over 191.5 points also backed.

Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks NBL27 Expert Tips
Key Stats
Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks Head to Head
Sydney Kings Form
Illawarra Hawks Form

Sydney were dominant in their opener, beating Cairns 111-90 while shooting 54.9% from the field and 44.4% from three. They have now won 10 straight games at Afterpay Arena and face an Illawarra side sitting 0-2 after allowing 95+ points in both defeats.

That makes over 191.5 total points the second bet. Sydney have scored 12+ three-pointers in six consecutive games, while Illawarra are allowing 99.0 points per game and conceded 103 to Brisbane on Friday. The Hawks' short turnaround should only make containing Sydney's offence more difficult.

Back Sydney -9.5 in the opening Freeway Series clash of the season, with over 191.5 points also tipped in a matchup featuring plenty of scoring potential.

Key Stats

Sydney scored 111 points in their Round 1 win over Cairns.
Sydney have won their past 10 games at Afterpay Arena.
Illawarra have conceded 99.0 points per game through their opening two matches.
Sydney have made 12+ three-pointers in each of their past six games.

Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks Head to Head

Sydney lead the all-time series 69-55 and dominated the matchup last season, winning four of the five meetings. The Kings won the final three clashes by 24, 18 and 26 points respectively, including a 120-94 road victory in their most recent meeting.

Date	Home Team	Score	Line	Total Points
13/02/2026	ILL	SYD 120-94	SYD -13.5	O 200.0
29/01/2026	SYD	SYD 122-104	SYD -8.0	O 191.5
25/12/2025	SYD	SYD 108-84	SYD -8.5	O 185.0
16/11/2025	ILL	SYD 98-71	SYD +3.0	U 185.5
07/02/2025	ILL	ILL 95-75	ILL -4.0	U 193.5

Sydney Kings Form

Sydney made an impressive start to NBL27 with a 111-90 home victory over Cairns last Sunday. The Kings scored at least 21 points in every quarter and pulled away after half-time, outscoring the Taipans 52-37 across the final two periods.

Kendric Davis led the way with 26 points and six assists, while Xavier Cooks contributed 18 points and seven rebounds. Sydney were particularly efficient offensively, shooting 54.9% from the field and 44.4% from three.

Illawarra Hawks Form

Illawarra enter the Freeway Series at 0-2 following losses to New Zealand and Brisbane. After falling 95-81 to the Breakers in Round 1, the Hawks went down 103-95 to the Bullets on Friday night.

Tyler Harvey scored 20 points against Brisbane, but Illawarra struggled defensively and were outscored 60-48 in the paint. The Hawks now have to travel again on a short turnaround to face a Sydney side that has been extremely difficult to beat at home.

Verdict

Sydney Kings v Illawarra Hawks

Back Sydney -9.5 in the opening Freeway Series clash of the season, with over 191.5 points also tipped in a matchup featuring plenty of scoring potential.