Heartland Hustle: Phoenix Look to Stop Taipans Winning Streak

The South East Melbourne Phoenix are looking to end a three-game losing streak as they face off against the Cairns Taipans, who are currently on a three-game winning streak.

The Phoenix have been dealing with injuries, illness, and Covid throughout their road trip, but they hope to get back on track with a win before returning home.

The Taipans are fighting for a top-two spot on the ladder and are coming off a big win over the Bullets.

(Phoenix have not faced the Taipans since round 2.)

Key Details
CAIRNS TAIPANS 13-7 (3rd) v SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 11-9 (5th)
Where: Cairns Convention Centre
When: Sunday, January 8 at 4pm AEDT
Watch LIVE and FREE on 10 Peach, ESPN, Kayo

The Line Up

Phoenix

Trey Kell won't suit up for tonight as he recovers from a minor knee injury he sustained last Sunday against the JackJumpers; Anzac Rissetto will replace him. 

The side will be without import point guard Gary Browne again as he recovers from a calf injury; Owen Foxwell will replace him.

Taipans

The Taipans will again be without league-leading rebounder Keanu Pinder for a fourth game.

The Key Match Up

Junior Madut vs Tahjere McCall

The more minutes he receives, the more he improves. Madut has gone from strength to strength this season on both the defensive and offensive end. Injuries have meant Madut has been called upon more and more this season. He'll have his hands full with McCall.

McCall is a wild card for the Taipans. When not focusing on defence, he's been a consistent contributor for the Taipans. He will need to be watched closely for the Phoenix to secure a victory.

The History

Regular Season Head-to-Head: 
South East Melbourne Phoenix 6-5 Cairns Taipans 

Last time out – Rd 2, NBL23
Phoenix 76–85 Taipans 

Phoenix
Creek 27p
Williams 18p 
Madut 12p

Taipans
Pinder 19p
Hogg 18p
McCall 15p

(Phoenix will be hoping to get back on the winner's list before returning back home after being on the road for a week.)

The Difference Makers

Kyle Adnam

Adnam has stepped into the line-up with import Gary Browne injured and has been relied on to score and get the Phoenix offence rolling. On Wednesday night, he did just that, scoring 20 points and dishing out six dims.

Shannon Scott

Scott is a solid floor general, makes the right decisions and is shooting the three ball at 34% on the season. Limiting his ability to direct the Taipan's offence will go a long way to securing victory for the Phoenix.

Phoenix Media (08/01/23)