NBL Preview: Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks

Tip-off: 7:30pm

Venue: Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre

Last Meeting: Hawks 102-83 Kings

Last 5 Meetings: Hawks 5, Kings 0

Betting: Kings $4.25, Hawks $1.20

The Illawarra Hawks will be looking to complete the season sweep against arch-rivals Sydney Kings this Saturday night at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:15pm (AEST).

After losing a close battle with Melbourne United on Thursday night, the Hawks will be eager to rebound from the loss with a victory over the Kings. Meanwhile, Sydney are coming off a full weeks worth of rest after beating the Cairns Taipans, however are missing players through injury.

Centre Julian Khazzouh was injured in the previous meeting between the two teams and has been replaced by Melbourne born Jordan Vandenberg. Standing at 7"1, Vandenberg averaged 4.8 points and 4.7 rebounds while playing for North Carolina in the NCAA. With guard Steven Markovic also missing time due to surgery, Indiana Faithful has been recalled after featuring in the Kings' preseason game against Louisiana State University.

Meanwhile, the Hawks will field an unchanged starting lineup baring any late changes or injuries. Kirk Penney, Kevin Lisch and Andrew Ogilvy will again be looking to combine as they have in previous outings against the Kings; together averaging 51 points per game. The trio have scored over 50% of the Hawks' total points in the games played against the Kings, including the most recent game which Lisch missed due to injury.

While the Hawks are certainly heavy favourites to win, the Kings are coming off a hard-fought win over the Cairns Taipans and will be looking to finish the season strongly. It can be expected that the game will be a high scoring affair with the Hawks averaging a winning margin of 13 points against the Kings this season. Conversely, in the five games that the Kings have won this season, it has been by an average winning margin of 16 points.

The short turn around for the Hawks should give Sydney some advantage, however the injury to Khazzouh is certainly favourable for opposing centre Andrew Ogilvy. While both Vandenberg and Faithful are expected to be ready to play on Saturday, the Hawks should, once again, prove to be too good for the Kings. While most will be hoping for a tight contest, it wouldn't be surprising if the game turned into a blowout.

Can the Hawks complete the season series over the Kings? Or will Sydney surprise fans with an upset victory?

Join The Roar Saturday night at 7:15pm (AEST) for live scores and debate in out live blog.