Illawarra Hawks vs. Sydney Kings Prediction, Tips & Odds – Oct. 01, 2022 12:00 CET
The new NBL season finally tips off this Saturday. The opening schedule immediately has a mouthwathering clash in store for us, as two fierce rivals collide at the Gong. Illawarra Hawks will welcome the defending champions in a highly anticipated clash, hoping their new star trio will be enough to take down the Kings.
We found the best odds for this game at the popular Bet365 sportsbook. You will get an attractive Welcome Bonus for all newly registered customers if you register today. Read our article if you wonder how to claim this Bet365 Welcome Bonus.
Illawarra Hawks vs. Sydney Kings Odds
Spread Odds (+4.5/-4.5): 1.82/2.00
Total Over/Under (169.5): 1.91/1.91
Illawarra Hawks Team News
Around five months ago the Kings handed Illawarra a loss in the playoff semi-finals, which should spice things up in today´s game. The Hawks built a very strong roster during the preseason and will be looking for an improvement this year.
During the busy summer, they managed to secure the services of two new imports and also extended their rotation with a couple of experienced role players. Justin Robinson came in as their biggest reinforcement and immediately started making headlines.
With the new star trio of Harvey, Froling and Robinson, it looks like the Hawks finally have all the tools required to lift their first NBL title since 2001. There is no better way to open their season than with a win against their biggest rivals, so we expect these three players to go all out right from the opening tip-off.
Sydney Kings Team News
At the start of the last season it seemed like the Kings were far away from winning their first championship since 2005. Their incredible 13-game win streak came out of nowhere and completely changed the course of their season. Led by the unstoppable Xavier Cooks, the Kings went undefeated in the playoffs and won the trophy in style after sweeping the Tasmania JackJumpers in the Grand Final.
The reigning champions enter the NBL23 campaign with a remodelled roster and with a target on their back. Obviously, the departure of last season´s MVP Jaylen Adams was the biggest loss they suffered. Their title-winning roster continued to dissipate with key contributors Jarell Martin and Ian Clark landing lucrative deals abroad, but Sydney´s board wasn´t resting on its laurels.
The Kings replaced their import trio with Tim Soares, Derrick Walton and Justin Simon, who will make his debut against his former NBL team. He will have big shoes to fill this season and will get a perfect opportunity to make an immediate impact on the opening day.
Illawarra Hawks vs. Sydney Kings Prediction
As always, it is very difficult to predict the winner of this huge rivalry game. The Hawks are hoping to make a statement in front of their fans, but the Kings will enter the game as favourites after winning the title.
The guests have overhauled their roster, but if there is one thing that hasn´t changed, it´s their offensive firepower. After an abysmal display in their opening Blitz game against the JackJumpers, the Kings scored 91 and 101 points against the Phoenix and the Breakers. Today they will need more of the same against a very powerful and fast-paced Hawks offense to survive, so we decided to back the Total Over.
Kick-off Time: Saturday, 01.10.2022, 12:00 CET
Prediction: Total Over 169.5
Odds: 1.91
Sportsbook: Bet365
