Why Hawks, Kings clash is the "Game of the Year"

It's arguably the NBL's best rivalry and this Sunday will see another exciting chapter added at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

That rivalry is of course between reigning champions Illawarra and Sydney.

Since 1988, the two NSW rivals have played on 120 occasions, with the Kings claiming victory 65 times.

But of late, the rivalry has belonged to the foundation club, who have won six straight since Justin Tatum took over the coaching reins.

Add in the fact Sydney's Xavier Cooks, the son of Hawks legend Eric, is from Wollongong and there are so many different layers to this rivalry, including the fact that both New South Wales teams are two of the hottest sides in the competition currently.

Sydney has recorded three straight wins, with the re-energised Hawks claiming back-to-back victories.

"This is the game of the year," Lowery said on NBL Overtime.

"Illawarra and Sydney is not a manufactured rivalry. It's not something you make up. It is a genuine disdain and hate."

Fellow NBL champion and Overtime panellist Pete Hooley echoed Lowery's thoughts, saying he was excited to see two of the competition's hottest teams collide.

"The Sydney and Illawarra game is something I'm really looking forward to this weekend," Hooley said.

"Obviously there's the rivalry element, but it's also pitting two of the competition's hottest sides against one another."

Sunday's Adrian Hurley Cup clash tips off at 2.30pm Sunday, live on ESPN and Channel 10.