How to watch & talking points: Tasmania v Illawarra

18 Feb 2026

tasmania jackjumpers

illawarra hawks

The Tasmania JackJumpers host reigning champions Illawarra in a Wednesday night showdown at MyState Bank Arena.

Tasmania JackJumpers (6th) v Illawarra Hawks (8th)
Wednesday, February 18, 7.30pm AEDT
MyState Bank Arena

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Talking points

Practice makes perfect
The JackJumpers have locked away sixth spot and will have a chance to upset either Melbourne or Perth when the Play-in tournament begins after the FIBA Break.

Because of this, Scott Roth can use this game against the Hawks to practice any game plan or specific play that he thinks might help them in two weeks' time.

The JackJumpers are known for their grit-and-grind style of play and finding a way to out hustle their opponent, so any added bonus they can get to help them overcome their significant injuries will be key.

One more time
The Hawks played loose and free against United and the result took care of itself, as they inflicted more pain on their championship series rival from last season.

While it's been a dissapointing year for the Hawks, they have a chance to end the season with two good wins and give the fans some joy before getting to the off-season.

With some big names set to hit Free Agency and the impending Tyler Harvey citizenship, there are many reasons to be feeling good about where the Hawks are heading and a win to end the year will only help.

What they're saying

JackJumpers coach Scott Roth on his side's never-give-up attitude:
"We've had a hell of a month and these guys just continue to just keep fighting and showing up, and they earned their way through.

"That's four times in five years for this franchise to be in the playoffs and last year we missed out on percentage points so with the adversity they went through the last month, it's a credit to those guys.

"At the end of the day, the fight from them has been really good and I congratulate them and we're on the way to recovering and trying to get the win again on Wednesday."

Hawks coach Justin Tatum on finishing their season on a high note:
“It was exciting to see the guys go out there and enjoy themselves, and make winning plays for the team [last game].

"Our record doesn't show who we are in the locker room.

"They're a great group to coach and what they play for is to enjoy themselves like they did against United [and can hopefully replicate on Wednesday]."