Illawarra Hawks vs Adelaide 36ers Verdict
The Adelaide 36ers and Bryce Cotton should be too good for the Illawarra Hawks, who have started the season with a leaky defence. A -5.5 line is within the Sixers' reach and Cotton's three-pointers are also value.
- Illawarra have conceded a league-high 106.3 points per game.
- Illawarra's games have averaged 198.3 total points.
- Bryce Cotton leads the NBL with 30.3 points per game.
- Adelaide have won seven of their past eight games against Illawarra.
Head to Head
Adelaide lead the all-time series 84-58 and have had the better of this matchup recently, winning seven of the past eight meetings. The 36ers won three of four last season, although Illawarra's lone victory was a convincing 100-99 home win in their most recent clash.
Illawarra Hawks Form
Illawarra return home for the first time this season at 0-3 following road losses to New Zealand, Brisbane and Sydney.
Their latest defeat was a 121-100 loss to the Kings, with the Hawks allowing Sydney to shoot 56% from the field and score 98 points through three quarters.
The Hawks are still producing 92.0 points per game themselves, but their defence has been the major problem.
They have allowed at least 95 points in all three games and now face Adelaide and the league's leading scorer in Cotton.
Adelaide 36ers Form
Adelaide improved to 2-1 with an 83-69 home victory over Cairns on Sunday, responding well after their buzzer-beating loss in Perth.
The 36ers held the Taipans to just 69 points and 38 points in the paint, while Nick Rakocevic led the way with 21 points and 12 rebounds.
Cotton added 25 points and is averaging 30.3 through his first three games for Adelaide. The 36ers are also allowing just 87.3 points per game, giving them a significant defensive advantage heading into Friday's matchup.