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Friday night NBL25 Finals action is here, and we’ve got Game 1 of the Semi-Finals series between the Illawarra Hawks and the South East Melbourne Phoenix at WIN Entertainment Centre.
The Hawks enter the playoffs as title favourites after finishing atop the NBL ladder, but they’re coming off a three-week break, which many experts believe could impact their performance. Head coach Justin Tatum will have his squad prepared for the defensive intensity that the Phoenix bring to the court.
South East Melbourne has battled through the Play-In games, bouncing back from a loss to the Perth Wildcats with a strong second-half surge against the Adelaide 36ers to claim an 85-75 victory and secure their spot in the Semi-Finals.
This one is shaping up to be an NBL Finals thriller under the Friday night lights!
Here is an Illawarra Hawks vs SEM Phoenix Prediction for Friday, February 28th 2025.
Be sure to check back before each NBL25 Match for NBL Previews, NBL Head to Head Predictions, NBL Tips, NBL Picks and NBL Predictions for matches of NBL Season 25.
Illawarra Hawks vs SEM Phoenix
Venue – WIN Entertianment Centre
Tip Off – 7.30pm EST
Season Record
| Team | W-L | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illawarra | 20-9 | 10-4 | 10-5 |
| SEM | 16-13 | 10-4 | 6-9 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illawarra | 101.4 | 91.2 | 192.6 |
| SEM | 96.1 | 91.6 | 187.7 |
Playoff Record
| Team | W-L | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illawarra | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| SEM | 1-1 | 1-0 | 0-1 |
Playoff Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illawarra | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SEM | 95 | 98.5 | 193.5 |
Quick Game Facts
- The Phoenix have won their last two games against the Hawks, showing they can handle the challenge.
- The Hawks are dominant at home, winning their last five games at the WIN Entertainment Centre.
Prediction
The last two games between these teams have been high-scoring, as both like to push the pace. The Illawarra Hawks will be eager for revenge on their home floor. The Phoenix apply defensive full-court pressure and play at a fast pace, which could play into the Hawks’ hands. Expect another high-scoring affair, with the Hawks likely to come out on top.
Prediction – Illawarra Hawks (Win)
Prediction – Game Total Over 194.5
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