How to watch & talking points: Illawarra v Sydney

Saturday, November 15, 2025

illawarra hawks

sydneykings

Two of the NBL's hottest teams, Illawarra and Sydney, will lock horns on Sunday at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

Illawarra Hawks v Sydney Kings
Sunday, November 16, 2.30pm AEDT
WIN Entertainment Centre

How to watch‍

‍Watch every Sunday game live on ESPN and Channel 10.

>> How to watch ESPN

Tickets

>> Ticketing information

How to follow & live scores

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Talking points

Rivalry reigns supreme
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.

Can Brian Goorjian's side end that streak? Or will the Hawks make it seven straight over their fierce rivals?

The Hawks' engine
Illawarra has looked like a completely different side since Championship Series hero Will Hickey returned to the lineup in NBL26.

The star guard produced a triple-double in his last match against Cairns, while his combination with three-time NBA champion JaVale McGee is already causing devastation around the league.

His matchup with Kings superstar Kendric Davis will have a big influence on who wins the first of four Adrian Hurley Cup clashes between the rivals.

What they're saying

Illawarra Hawks coach Justin Tatum on coming up against Sydney:
“We are the top dogs on this highway, so we are not really fearing them.

“We are making sure we change the narrative every time we can.”

Sydney Kings forward Xavier Cooks on the NSW rivalry:
“They [Illawarra] have definitely got the bragging rights for last season; they swept us last year, but we are coming into this game with a lot of hunger.

“It is a new group and a new year. The past record does not really matter. It is a new year and a new team for us.”