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NBL 2014/15 Round 15 Preview: Sixers host Hawks with top four in sight
Adelaide 36ers vs. Wollongong Hawks
Sunday, 18th January – 1.30pm (local time)
Adelaide Arena
Odds: Adelaide $1.30, Wollongong $3.60
Tickets: Click here
Adelaide will be hoping to grab another important win when they host the Hawks on Sunday afternoon in round 15 NBL action.
The Sixers have been rolling of late behind the form of Brock Motum and Jamar Wilson, and their comeback victory over Melbourne last week put them firmly in the playoffs picture.
Wollongong were brave in going down to table-topping New Zealand, twice, in a home-home double, and despite showing some better form of late, the Hawks are certainties to win the dreaded wooden spoon.
Key Player
Brock Motum
Motum has starred in recent weeks after an up-and-down start to his NBL career.
He exploded onto the scene with a strong first game but struggled for a month after that, being relegated to a bench role and seeing his minutes slashed significantly during that stretch.
Since then, however, Motum has played a key role in a number of big wins for his 36ers and looms as another key in this match, with the big man’s strength down low sure to trouble Larry Davidson while his ability to shoot the three will help to draw seven-footer Luke Nevill out of the paint.
What To Watch For
Gary Ervin on the court he called home in 2013/14
Ervin is the type of player that the fans love if he’s playing for their side, and love to hate if he’s not.
The fiery guard will return to Adelaide for the second time to face his old club and, despite his contributions last season in falling one step short of a title, the Sixers fans are sure to be in full voice.
Last time the Hawks were in Adelaide, Ervin was unbelievable as he tallied 15 points in a blistering first term as his side went down by 20.
With the American hitting some of his best form in recent weeks the stage is set for another interesting clash.
Final Word
If they want to play finals basketball, the home side simply must win.
With a tough match against Perth earlier in the round, fatigue may play a factor for Adelaide but a two-day break in between matches will allow them enough time to recover.
Melbourne, who currently occupy fourth spot, will be faced with tough trips to New Zealand and Perth and two losses there will open the door for the Sixers to really put the pressure on them for the final playoffs spot.
Despite the grit and determination shown by the Hawks of late, Adelaide is simply in too good of form to let this one slip when there is so much riding on the result.
Adelaide by 7