Simon expects desperate Hawks outfit in derby

The moment Justin Simon put pen and paper and signed with the Sydney Kings, there was one team he couldn't wait to face.

That team is former club Illawarra, who he'll face for the second time this season on Sunday - in game two of the Freeway Series.

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"It's always special to play against a former team, not to mention the rivalry that's involved with it all," said Simon, who enjoyed watching teammates Dejan Vasiljevic, Jaylin Galloway and Tim Soares play for their respective countries during the FIBA window.

"We all know the energy, intensity and emotions are going to be high and those guys [the Hawks] are desperate for a win, after having the season they're having.

"Although they're down the bottom of the ladder and we're at the top, we know anything than our best won't be enough.

"They're going to be hungry and throw the first punch come Sunday, to try and get that W but we're just as keen to protect home court - it's going to be a great game."

As well as being a villain to Hawks fans now, Simon admits he and his team are embracing that role from opposition teams.

"I like that villain role and living up to it," the NBL21 Defensive Player of the Year said.

"I feel we've done a good job raining on people's parades this season and hope to continue to do the same, starting on Sunday - as we really feel like we're building something special here."

Sunday's Adrian Hurley Cup game tips off at 4pm AEDT at Qudos Bank Arena.