While the high-flying Hawks have been the new National Basketball League's fairytale story this year, the Tigers have stumbled to a 3-5 record following their late inclusion into the 10-team competition.

Battling form and injury concerns, Westover yesterday threw the spotlight firmly back on Wollongong before tonight's showdown at the WIN Entertainment Centre (WEC).

"It's a real tough trip for us," he said.

"They're 5-0 at home and Gordie (Hawks coach Gordie McLeod) is doing a great job with them, so this is a great challenge for us.

"They've had a super start to the season, they're the real deal.

"Whether the wins have been coming at home or on the road, they've been putting the wins on the board and they're the team to beat now."

Melbourne - who have played in the past four grand final series and won titles in 2006 and 2008 - arrived in the Illawarra yesterday, training at the WEC before tonight's crucial clash.

While the Hawks have enjoyed a dream start after being saved by the financial backing of mining magnate Arun Jagatramka, Melbourne have been treading a rocky path.

The Tigers and Melbourne rivals South Dragons both withdrew when the criteria for the new NBL was created, before owner Seamus McPeake cut an 11th hour deal to keep the team alive.

They recruited Australian representative Mark Worthington, but lost several star players, including import Ebe Eri, Boomers player David Barlow and forward Stephen Hoare.