How to watch & talking points: SE Melbourne v Illawarra

01 Jan 2026

south east melbourne phoenix

illawarra hawks

The red-hot South East Melbourne Phoenix will host reigning champions Illawarra in a Thursday night blockbuster.

South East Melbourne Phoenix (2nd) v Illawarra Hawks (7th)
Thursday, January 8, 7.30pm AEDT
State Basketball Centre

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Talking points

Illawarra's big opportunity
Illawarra is charging towards a Play-In spot, which would be a remarkable turnaround from where they begin they season - but don't forget, Justin Tatum's team have been here before.

The Hawks are playing their best basketball, with key pieces returning to the lineup and some rotational changes from their coach.

Now they need to capitalise on their momentum and it starts with a big test against the Phoenix.

If Illawarra can go into South East Melbourne and get a win, it could be enough to further catapult a push into the post-season.

Sobey's a fine win
Nathan Sobey continues to get better and better. Not just with each season, as the 35-year-old is putting up career best numbers, but also by each game of NBL26.

The superstar veteran isn't slowing down and his play is a major reason for the Phoenix's incredible season to date and just how far they could go.

This club has never been to a Championship Series and they look well poised to take that leap this season, on the back of their leading guard's shoulders.

What they're saying

Phoenix star Nathan Sobey about how important John Brown III is to their team:
"It's pretty evident what that guy (Brown) does, whether it shows up on the stat sheet or not.

"We know exactly how much he brings to us and what it means for us to get extra possessions after extra possessions. It's not just about him getting the rebounds either, rather keeping stuff alive, being aggressive on the defensive end and disrupting guys constantly.

"There isn't anybody like him. He's done it around Europe. He's done it around the world. He's one of a kind and is huge for us."

Hawks coach Justin Tatum on building on their recent wins:
"We haven't had a winning streak yet. I think you need to win three straight to do so. We haven't been able to do it yet, hopefully we can and can get on a run.

"We're fighting every day, every game to find a way to get in the top six, and we need to try to find a way defend our title.

"If we're first seed or sixth seed, we want to be in that mix to compete for our title again."