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It’s midweek hoops at the WIN Entertainment Centre as the Illawarra Hawks host Melbourne United in what promises to be a spirited Ignite Cup clash.
The Hawks haven’t had the start they were hoping for this season, but they showed real signs of improvement in their narrow 90-88 road loss to the Adelaide 36ers. Will Hickey was the standout, bringing trademark hustle and energy that nearly lifted Illawarra to an upset win.
Meanwhile, Melbourne United are coming off their first loss of the season, a hard-fought 92-95 defeat at home to the Sydney Kings on Monday Night. Despite the setback, they still sit at an impressive 9-1 record and will be eager to bounce back quickly and reassert their dominance.
Expect United’s depth and defensive discipline to clash with a Hawks team desperate to build momentum in front of their home crowd. With both sides hungry to prove a point, this one could get fiery early.
Here is an Illawarra Hawks vs Melbourne United Prediction for Wednesday, November 5th 2025.
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Illawarra Hawks vs Melbourne United
Venue – WIN Entertainment Centre
Tip Off – 7.30pm EST
Season Record
| Team | W-L | Home | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illawarra | 2-6 | 1-2 | 1-4 |
| Melbourne | 9-1 | 5-1 | 4-0 |
Season Scoring
| Team | PPG | Opp PPG | Game Total Ave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illawarra | 85.4 | 97.6 | 183 |
| Melbourne | 97.3 | 81.8 | 179.1 |
Quick Game Facts
- Illawarra have had Melbourne’s number lately, winning three of their last four matchups against United.
- Illawarra lead the league in blocks per game (4.8) — protecting the rim has become their calling card this season.
- Melbourne remain a powerhouse, winning nine of their last ten games and looking every bit like a championship contender.
Prediction
Both teams are coming off narrow losses, but Melbourne United face the added challenge of a quick 48-hour turnaround. The Hawks, however, look more confident with Will Hickey back in the lineup, bringing energy and leadership. They’ll be looking to crank up their defence and try to shock United on their home floor.
A key factor for Melbourne will be the performance of Chris Goulding. After a rough outing against the Sydney Kings, Goulding will need to find his rhythm, as his scoring is crucial to United’s success. If he struggles again, United could lose a significant offensive weapon.
This one has upset potential. The Hawks are hungry to get their season back on track, and home-court advantage could be the spark they need to push past Melbourne and get the win.