DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix look to bounce back in Cairns

Key Details

CAIRNS TAIPANS (3-9) 10th vs. SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (7-3) 3rd
Where: Cairns Convention Centre
When: Friday, November 14 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN

Josh King’s side are coming off a disappointing 11-point loss to crosstown rivals Melbourne United in Throwdown 30, which ended their five-game winning streak.

Despite the loss, the Phoenix remain second on the NBL ladder and will be eager to bounce back when they face the Taipans on the road.

The last time these two sides met, the Phoenix dominated their season opener, claiming a 36-point victory.

Adam Forde’s side, meanwhile, have been battling through a tough run of injuries. The Taipans went down to the reigning champions, Illawarra, by 17 points in the last round.

TEAMS

Phoenix

Hunter Maldonado will not suit up for the game due to a concussion sustained in the Throwdown, he will be replaced by DP Pat Ryan. Angus Glover will return to the side after overcoming an ankle injury that kept him out of round 8.

Taipans

The Taipans will remain without Sam Waardenberg (ankle), Reyne Smith (foot) and Kody Stattmann (hamstring) going into round 9. They will also be without Kyle Adnam with an knee injury.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Wes Iwundu

New import Wes Iwundu is five games into his tenure with the Phoenix, and as he settles into Josh King’s system, fans are starting to see glimpses of his two-way impact.

In the Throwdown loss to United, Iwundu showed he can knock down shots from beyond the arc and finish through contact. More importantly for this defensive-first Phoenix side, after finishing the first half without a rebound, he responded with six defensive boards in the second - a sign of his growing confidence and adaptability, which impressed coach King.

HISTORY

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 12-8 Taipans

Last time out – Rd1, NBL26
Phoenix 114-77 Taipans

Phoenix
Glover 18p
Maldonado 16p
Sobey 13p

Taipans
Smith 19p
McVeigh 18p
Schofield 12p