R18 Game Preview: Phoenix v Taipans

Opponent: Cairns Taipans

Where: John Cain Arena

When: Friday, May 14 – 7.30pm AEST

Tickets: CLICK HERE

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

Phoenix NBL21 Record: 15-14

South East Melbourne Phoenix returned to the winner’s circle on Wednesday night and will look to gain some momentum by making it back-to-back wins when they host Cairns on Friday night.

The Phoenix have beaten the Taipans in both matchups this season and found some groove back against New Zealand mid-week so will be confident of another positive result.

Ryan Broekhoff and Cam Gliddon got through their returns unscathed, but it was the form of Keifer Sykes that’s likely to cause headaches in the Taipans’ preparations.

A Phoenix win would pile immense pressure on the teams below them competing for their spot in the top four.

SQUAD

Kendall Stephens (Achilles) and Dane Pineau (knee) will miss.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Keifer Sykes was back to his unmissable best on Wednesday night against the Breakers, dropping 21 points in 21 minutes of action.

Sykes took over the game late when it looked like New Zealand were a chance to pinch the result, reminding the NBL of his elite ability.

He’ll be going head-to-head with Cairns star Scott Machado on Friday night, making for a must-watch matchup for basketball lovers.

A fit and firing Sykes could get the Phoenix back to the form they displayed through the middle portion of the season.

OPPOSITION REPORT

Cairns sit bottom of the NBL table with a 7-21 record.

They’ve lost their last three games, including a 20-point loss to the Phoenix in Cairns on Adam Gibson’s 450-game milestone night.

Star big man Cam Oliver recently left the team for family matters and is currently suiting up for the Houston Rockets in the NBA.

Oliver led the team in points, rebounds and blocks this season so leaves a huge gap in their frontcourt.

In better news for the Taipans, Majok Deng has played the last two games after missing a large chunk of the season through injury and is immediately playing back near his best.

Next Star Mojave King will need to step up in Oliver’s absence, as will star guard Scott Machado, who ranks second in the league for assists.

HISTORY VS. OPPOSITION

Head-to-Head Record:

Phoenix 3 Taipans 2

NBL21:

Phoenix def Taipans 85-81 

Phoenix def Taipans 86-66

NBL20:

Phoenix def Taipans 112-105

Taipans def Phoenix 92-84

Taipans def Phoenix 103-102

Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (14/05/2021)