The matchup that could decide NSW rivalry

As the Hawks and Kings prepare to lock horns on Saturday night, the history between these two teams would tell us that this is going to be a fiery contest.

You only need to read Will Hickey's comments to know that's the case. 

"I'm ready. At the end of the day, they will come here ready, and I'm ready. We're all ready. Whatever goes down, goes down, but don't get it twisted, we're not lying down," he said on Tuesday.

With so much talent on both teams, Derek Rucker believes one matchup in particular could decide the game.

“It’s going to be between Cooks and Days,” Rucker said on NBL Now.

“I think Days has probably been hearing all the content that’s circulating, that has to do with him.”

Rucker is referring to the recent form of Illawarra’s big man, who recorded three double-doubles in his first four NBL games this season, but has found the going a little tougher since.

“I know he understands who he replaced, and inevitably, he would be looking at Gary Clark and thinking ‘I got to be that,” Rucker said.

“You obviously want to be yourself, but you want to provide that Gary Clark productivity.

“That’s going to help this team win.”

Days had 12 points and 10 rebounds when he last matched up against Cooks, and it went a long way to Illawarra getting a big win in Sydney.

Cooks on the other hand has been putting up huge numbers, with his 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists almost a mirror image of his MVP-winning year in NBL23.

“You’re going up against the number one player at your position in the competition,” Rucker said when looking at Days' mindset heading into the game.

“Here’s a chance to not only help your team win a big game, but it’s a chance for you to make your mark in the cement.”