South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks Prediction, Betting Tips & Odds | 08 Jan 2026

NBL Betting Preview: South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks

South East Melbourne Phoenix host Illawarra Hawks, with tip-off set for 03:30 on Thursday 8 January.

We’re excited to see South East Melbourne at -5.5 on the spread and think it’s an attractive number for the favorites to cover against Illawarra at odds of -115.

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South East Melbourne Phoenix triumphed in their last game. It was on the road where Sydney Kings were beaten 124-117.

Illawarra Hawks won their previous game, beating Cairns Taipans at home. It was a 96-78 victory.

Head-to-Head Statistics

It was Illawarra who came out on top when they last played South East Melbourne. A 113-109 (OT) win was recorded. The previous 10 H2H meetings have involved Illawarra winning six times.

NBL	W	L	PF	PA	N. Pts	Home	Away	Strk
2  SEM Phoenix	16	7	2275	2084	191	8-3	8-4	3W
8  Illawarra Hawks	8	14	1982	2132	-150	6-6	2-8	1L

View Full Standings

South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks Prediction & Betting Tips

Our South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks tips include the main match prediction, a correct score forecast and bet builder picks. Each section below offers expert insight into the key betting angles.

Game Prediction

South East Melbourne should secure a comfortable win and a bet on the spread could be the best way forward in this NBL matchup. Back this selection off -5.5 to cover the line at odds of -115.

The latest team news and current form are always useful information when it comes to providing basketball predictions. It’s also important to pay attention to the available stats so that we can make the best NBL picks.

Key South East Melbourne vs Illawarra league stats:

• The -5.5 line has been covered by SEM Phoenix in 14 of their last 20 games at home.
• The -5.5 line has been covered by SEM Phoenix in 6 of their last 10 games at home.
• The -5.5 line has been covered by SEM Phoenix in 2 consecutive games.
• The +5.5 line hasn’t been covered by Illawarra in 3 consecutive games on the road.
• The +5.5 line hasn’t been covered by Illawarra in 6 of their last 10 games on the road.

Phoenix -5.5 Probability

According to the top betting apps, there’s a 53.5% likelihood of our pick landing a return. However, our analysts have this number closer to 60% based on their in-depth research. This is why we regard this as a value wager.

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Our Game Prediction

SEM Phoenix -5.5 @ -115 Bet Now

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Correct Score Prediction

SEM Phoenix 97 - 87 Illawarra Hawks

We’re going for SEM Phoenix to achieve a 97-87 victory and the good news is that there are huge odds for this outcome. A small stake can return a potentially large amount.

South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks Odds

The odds and lines are updated on a frequent basis. You might therefore find that they are different to the ones listed for the above betting predictions.

South East Melbourne Phoenix are -270 favorites and that means a 73% chance of winning this NBL game according to the Moneyline betting odds with the sportsbooks. If you’re looking for an alternative angle, Illawarra Hawks are trading at +210.

6.5 is the spread and 189.5 is the total points line. Basketball bettors regularly enjoy the opportunity to wager on the Totals. If you’re going for Under 189.5, this outcome can be backed at -115.

NBL fans are spoilt for choice thanks to the huge selection of team props and game lines which are available for every matchup. Head to one of the leading betting sites and find the best value wagers.

Moneyline

SEM Phoenix

-270

Illawarra

+210

Point Spread

SEM Phoenix -6.5

-115

Illawarra +6.5

-106

Total Points

Under 189.5

-115

Over 189.5

-106

If you have a view on Rebounds, Steals, Blocks, Assists or Points, then the player props could be an option. It’s a fantastic way of betting on a player to perform well and the gambling sites provide lots of choice.

For those looking to enjoy a thrilling in-game wager, NBL micro betting could be up your street. You are now able to wager on the Next Field Goal, with the options being for a two-pointer or a three-pointer.

Latest 0 regular season and play-off games stats.

SEM Phoenix Stats

Illawarra Hawks Stats

Moneyline

• 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 games
• 7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 home games

Moneyline

• 4 wins and 6 defeats in the last 10 games
• 3 wins and 7 defeats in the last 10 games on the road

Point Spread

• -5.5 Betting Line: Have covered the spread in 5 of the last 10 games
• -5.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the spread in 6 of the last 10 home games

Point Spread

• +5.5 Betting Line: Have covered the spread in 5 of the last 10 games
• +5.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the spread in 4 of the last 10 games on the road

Total Points

• Game Totals: An average of 189.30 pts in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals at Home: An average of 184.50 pts in the previous 10 home games
• Over 188.5: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games
• Over 188.5 at Home: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 home games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 97.70 pts and allowed 91.60 pts in the last 10 games
• Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 98.90 pts and allowed 85.60 pts in the last 10 home games

Total Points

• Game Totals: An average of 184.70 pts in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals on the Road: An average of 181.40 pts in the previous 10 games on the road
• Over 188.5: Covered in 3 of the previous 10 games
• Over 188.5 on the Road: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games on the road
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 90.10 pts and allowed 94.60 pts in the last 10 games
• Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 85.20 pts and allowed 96.20 pts in the last 10 games on the road

NBL Table Select Season 2025/20262024/20252023/20242022/20232021/20222020/20212019/20201997

Team	W	L	PF	PA	N. Pts	Home	Away	Strk
1  Adelaide 36ers	19	4	2132	1964	168	11-2	8-2	5W
2  SEM Phoenix	16	7	2275	2084	191	8-3	8-4	3W
3  Melbourne United	15	8	2158	2039	119	8-3	7-5	2L
4  Sydney Kings	13	9	2089	1909	180	7-4	6-5	2L
5  Perth Wildcats	13	10	2049	1986	63	4-6	9-4	2W
6  JackJumpers	11	13	2059	2049	10	4-8	7-5	1W
7  NZ Breakers	8	14	1950	1967	-17	4-6	4-8	1L
8  Illawarra Hawks	8	14	1982	2132	-150	6-6	2-8	1L
9  Brisbane Bullets	6	18	2038	2289	-251	2-10	4-8	4L
10  Cairns Taipans	5	17	1805	2118	-313	2-10	3-7	1W

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