R20 Game Preview: Phoenix v Taipans

Opponent: Cairns Taipans

Where: Cairns Pop-Up Arena

When: Friday, May 28 – 7.30pm AEST

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

Phoenix NBL21 Record: 18-14 (third on the ladder)

South East Melbourne Phoenix will look to cap off a unique week with a ‘road’ win over Cairns on Friday night at Cairns Pop-Up Arena.

The game was initially scheduled for Saturday night in Melbourne before Victoria’s COVID-19 situation forced a late venue change - yet the Phoenix will still technically be hosting the game.

The Phoenix trained on Tuesday morning at the State Basketball Centre before hopping on a last-minute plane in the afternoon to Cairns, where they've since been preparing for the clash in the North Queensland sun.

The two sides enter the game in vastly different form, with the Phoenix aiming for a fifth consecutive win and the Taipans hoping to snap an eight-game losing streak.

A win for the Phoenix would be another big step in clinching a finals spot.

SQUAD

Kendall Stephens (Achilles) and Dane Pineau (knee) remain out.

Development players Izayah Le’afa and Tristan Forsyth both travelled with the team and will suit up.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Reuben Te Rangi has been in season-best form over the last seven games, averaging 12.3 points in that span and becoming a reliable threat from all spots on the floor.

The strong Kiwi has drained 10 triples in that time on 38% three-point shooting and flexed his muscles inside, taking the ball to the rim at will.

Te Rangi’s playing time has slightly dipped since the addition of Ryan Broekhoff but his influence on winning has never been higher.

OPPOSITION REPORT

Cairns sit last on the NBL table with a 7-26 record.

Their most recent game was a tight loss to Brisbane at home on Wednesday night.

Next Star Mojave King had a breakout performance, finishing with a career-best 25 points on 9/15 shooting from the floor, 4/9 from three-point territory and 3/3 from the foul line.

Despite King’s impressive night, the Taipans slumped to their eighth consecutive loss.

The departure of star import Cam Oliver has coincided with their recent struggles.

The Phoenix have had no issues with the Taipans to this point of the season, winning all three matchups, including two blowout victories.

HISTORY VS. OPPOSITION

Head-to-Head Record:

Phoenix 4 Taipans 2

NBL21:

Phoenix def Taipans 85-81 

Phoenix def Taipans 86-66

Phoenix def Taipans 106-77

NBL20:

Phoenix def Taipans 112-105

Taipans def Phoenix 92-84

Taipans def Phoenix 103-102

Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (27/05/2021)