How to watch & talking points: New Zealand v Illawarra

07 Feb 2026

new zealand breakers

illawarra hawks

Finals hopefuls New Zealand and Illawarra lock horns in a must-win clash at Spark Arena on Saturday evening.

New Zealand Breakers (8th) v Illawarra Hawks (7th)
Saturday, February 7, 5.30pm AEDT
Spark Arena

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Talking points

Last chance
It’s now or never for the Breakers and Hawks.

Following Tasmania’s big win over Brisbane on Friday night, New Zealand is on the verge of elimination and Illawarra, albeit with a game in hand, is in a very similar situation.

Tied into that is the percentage, with the JackJumpers currently holding an advantage over both sides, heading into the final few games of the regular season.

Hickey's back
Davo Hickey is back in a big way after his incredible performance against Adelaide on Thursday.

Career-highs in points (22) and steals (4), along with 10 assists and 5 rebounds powered the reigning champions to a pivotal win.

The Hawks will need Hickey to play at this level again on Saturday, to overcome a dangerous Breakers outfit.

What they're saying

Breakers coach Petteri Koponen on his side's quick turnaround with their mounting injury toll:
"It's not easy for the guys to have to now play different positions with our injuries and with not much preparation but they gave all the effort they could.

"These short turnarounds don't help us either and now it's another short turnaround for Saturday's game, so we might have to give some minutes to some other guys if we need them.

"It's part of the unfortunate part of sports when you get injuries like we have right now, but it gives opportunities for other guys to step up and we just have to keep fighting."

Hawks coach Justin Tatum on their 'never give up' attitude:
“We are who we are right now.

“We went through our struggles and you’re still going through them from time to time, but we’re learning from it.

“As long as we’ve got games and an opportunity to be in the top six, let’s keep pushing for it to see how great we can be.”