NBL champ demands Hawks 'play with more heart'

Reigning champions Illawarra are in the midst of one of their toughest stretches of the season.

Just when it felt like the Hawks were starting to regain their mojo, Justin Tatum's side have lost six of their past eight games, including back-to-back defeats to Melbourne and Adelaide in Round 13.

While their title defence slips with each passing loss, one of the club's former championship players has called on the Hawks' current squad of players to show more "heart".

"[I want to see them] play with some damn heart! That's all we ever ask for," said Damon Lowery on Thursday's NBL Now.

"We understand the roster changes. We understand injuries. We understand all of that stuff. But damn it, you guys have got the best job in the entire world. We got to just sit here and watch the games, which is a cool job as well, but you guys get to play it. You cannot ever come out there and give less than a hundred per cent.

"What they [Illawarra] dished up against Adelaide was phenomenal. It didn't result in a win, but that's all you can ever ask for. If there's anything less, if one player plays anywhere less than what they did against Adelaide, it's egregious. So please play with your heart. That's all we asking."

The Hawks will look to return to the winner's circle on Thursday night, when they travel to Qudos Bank Arena for their festive fixture with the Sydney Kings.

The Christmas night clash tips off at 8.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN and Channel 10.