R15 Game Preview: Phoenix v Taipans

Opponent: Cairns Taipans

Where: Cairns Pop Up Arena

When: Sunday, April 25 – 5.00pm AEST

Broadcast: SBS Viceland, SBS On Demand, Twitch, NBL TV

Phoenix NBL21 Record: 13-12 (fourth on ladder)

The Phoenix and Taipans lock heads for only the second time this season on Sunday for an ANZAC Day clash in Cairns.

Originally slated to travel to Brisbane to play the Bullets, the Phoenix’s schedule was changed on Friday night as a result of the COVID-19 news in Perth where the Bullets were playing.

South East Melbourne’s position in the NBL’s top four is suddenly up for grabs having lost their last three games.

The Phoenix will draw extra motivation from veteran guard Adam Gibson, who becomes the only current NBL player to reach the incredible 450 game milestone on Sunday.

SQUAD

Ryan Broekhoff (groin strain), Keifer Sykes (lower back), Dane Pineau (knee) and Kendall Stephens (Achilles) will miss.

MILESTONE

Adam Gibson will play his 450^th NBL game.

He will become the only current player to play 450 games and one of only 30 to do it in NBL history.

PLAYER TO WATCH

All eyes will be on Adam Gibson when he checks into an NBL ball game for the 450^th time.

The Phoenix co-captain is one of the highest IQ players in the league and a respected leader on and off the court.

Gibson will be keen as ever to come away with a win to get his quest for title number three back on track.

OPPOSITION REPORT

Cairns sit ninth on the NBL ladder with a 7-18 record.

Their most recent game was on Friday against the Breakers where they came away with a two-point victory in a low-scoring affair.

Tad Dufelmeier hit a three-pointer in the dying stages and was brilliant all night while veteran big Nate Jawai stepped up with 21 points and eight rebounds.

Jawai will have to continue to be a focal point for the Taipans as import Cam Oliver returned to the United States for family reasons.

HISTORY VS. OPPOSITION

Head-to-Head Record:

Phoenix 2 Taipans 2

NBL21:

Phoenix def Taipans 85-81 

NBL20:

Phoenix def Taipans 112-105

Taipans def Phoenix 92-84

Taipans def Phoenix 103-102

Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (24/04/2021)