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 04:30 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.

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
3  SEM Phoenix	22	11	3324	3061	263	11-5	11-6	1L
8  Illawarra Hawks	13	20	3074	3205	-131	7-9	6-11	2W

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.

Looking for more juice from your selection? By moving the line, you are able to get bigger betting odds although you will need to take a riskier bet.

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Our Game Prediction

SEM Phoenix -5.5 @ -115 Bet Now

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Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (Jan 7, 08:54). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

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.

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South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Illawarra Hawks Odds

The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.

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  Sydney Kings	24	9	3276	2879	397	13-4	11-5	11W
2  Adelaide 36ers	23	10	3042	2890	152	12-5	11-5	1L
3  SEM Phoenix	22	11	3324	3061	263	11-5	11-6	1L
4  Perth Wildcats	21	12	2996	2840	156	10-7	11-5	1W
5  Melbourne United	20	13	3041	2905	136	11-6	9-7	1W
6  JackJumpers	14	19	2873	2884	-11	6-10	8-9	2L
7  NZ Breakers	13	20	3022	3058	-36	7-9	6-11	1W
8  Illawarra Hawks	13	20	3074	3205	-131	7-9	6-11	2W
9  Cairns Taipans	9	24	2754	3194	-440	4-13	5-11	2L
10  Brisbane Bullets	6	27	2710	3196	-486	2-14	4-13	13L

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