The Perth Wildcats will be hoping to continue their red-hot form when they take on the Illawarra Hawks this Friday.
Riding a six-game winning streak, the Wildcats have turned their season around in a big way going into their game against the Hawks.
Illawarra struggled to start their season, but since moving from Jacob Jackomas to Justin Tatum as head coach, have won one game convincingly and came within a shot of winning a second, showing they're not to be taken lightly.
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Can the rising Wildcats add another notch to their belt, or will the revitalised Hawks gain a second win for their new interim head coach?
Illawarra Hawks vs Perth Wildcats prediction
- Prediction: Perth Wildcats to win
After a shocking 2-5 start, the Wildcats have gone on a tear, claiming six straight wins, including victories over heavyweights Melbourne and Sydney.
Off the back of MVP-level play from Bryce Cotton, the Wildcats look back to their world-beating selves, as they roll into Wollongong to face the Hawks.
It was a tough season start for the Hawks, going 2-7 start before head coach Jacob Jackomas was fired.
They have looked energised since replacing him with Justin Tatum; they beat the New Zealand Breakers in Tatum's first game as coach, and lost his second by one point against Brisbane, missing a game-winning shot attempt.
The Hawks will put up a tough fight, but the Wildcats' form looks undeniable, and they should be able to extend their streak to seven.
Illawarra Hawks vs Perth Wildcats key matchup
- Key matchup: Tyler Harvey vs Bryce Cotton
There hasn't been a better player in the NBL over the last two months than Bryce Cotton, with the three-time MVP making a strong push for his fourth as he drives the Wildcats' success.
Cotton has been electric, scoring at least 24 points in every game of the streak, including 37 against New Zealand and 41 against Sydney.
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Tyler Harvey won't be able to stop Cotton, but he has proved he can also fill it up, despite some rocky recent form.
Harvey is scoring an NBL-career-low 13.4 points per game this season, but he has shown signs of life, scoring at least 19 four times.
Cotton has the clear edge on paper, but this battle of the guards could determine the entire game.
Illawarra Hawks vs Perth Wildcats player to watch
Player to watch: Alex Sarr
The possible first-overall draft pick in the 2024 draft, Alex Sarr has been flourishing as a Next Star for the Wildcats, and he could be in for a big game against Illawarra.
The Hawks are a fairly small team, and the bigs they do have are not particularly defensively inclinced, which could lead to a huge chance for Sarr off the bench.
The 18-year-old had a solid showing against Sydney - 15 points and five blocks - and will have the chance to go one better when he plays at the WIN Entertainment Centre for the first time this Friday.
When is Illawarra Hawks vs Perth Wildcats?
The Illawarra Hawks host the Perth Wildcats on Friday, December 8, at the WIN Entertainment Centre.
The game is set to tip off at 7:30 pm AEDT.
How to watch Illawarra Hawks vs Perth Wildcats
The Friday night clash between the Hawks and the Wildcats will be shown live on ESPN, via Foxtel.
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The game can also be streamed on Kayo.
| TV Channel | ESPN |
| Streaming | Kayo |
*Available on Friday, 5-10pm until 18th February 2024. Participating stores only. Min spend $15. Service fees apply
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