Star imports Tyler Harvey and Trey Kell recovered from poor game-one showings to lead the Hawks to a thrilling 102-100 victory at John Cain Arena on Wednesday night.

Chris Goulding and Matthew Dellavedova catch fire late to guide Melbourne United to an upset 96-88 win over Illawarra Hawks in Wollongong.

Here's what to keep an eye on as the NBL Championship Series gets set to begin, from the big storylines, to the players primed to explode, and where each team might find their advantages.

Sam Froling of the Illawarra Hawks drives to the basket during game one of the NBL Grand Final Series against Melbourne United at WIN Entertainment Centre on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Picture by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images.

Wani Swaka Lo Buluk was the matchup, and did an excellent individual job. Goulding found it incredibly difficult to create separation coming off turnouts, with the runner up for the NBL's Best Defensive Player award using his impressive screen evasion and length to hound the United guard.

The Illawarra Hawks soared into their first National Basketball League title decider in eight years after a ruthless 126-96 rout of South East Melbourne Phoenix at WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong on Wednesday night.

Star Hawks trio Sam Froling, Tyler Harvey and Trey Kell III have Illawarra on the cusp of a crucial road win to level the NBL championship series with Melbourne United.

Tyler Harvey was the hero as the Illawarra Hawks levelled the best-of-five NBL championship series against Melbourne United at 1-1 with a tense road win.