VMT MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix Look to Fightback against Cairns

Key Details

CAIRNS TAIPANS 7-8 (6th) vs SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 8-8 (5th)
Where: Cairns Convention Centre 
When: Friday, December 22 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch Live on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

The Phoenix had a disappointing round 11, losing to cross-town rivals Melbourne United and Illawarra Hawks in their annual Gippsland game.

Mike Kelly’s side will be looking to turn around their performances as they start their five away game block over the Christmas and New Year period. 

Currently sitting in the middle of the NBL ladder with eight wins and losses, these next games will be crucial to remain in the top six and towards the finals.

No Mitch Creek, the Phoenix will be hoping new import Abdel Nader can step up in his second game for the Phoenix as he finds his footing in the NBL.

The Taipans held onto a one-point win in their Queensland derby against Brisbane after a comeback from the Bullets.

The last time the two sides met, Alan Williams was instrumental in hitting a double-double by half-time as the Phoenix took home a 13-point win in front of their home fans.

The NBL24 record is 1-1; both sides will be looking to see who will take out the season between the two teams.

Teams

Phoenix

The Phoenix will be without captain Mitch Creek as he continues to rehab from a knee knock against United in round 11; he will be replaced by Luke Rosendale. 

Gorjok Gak will miss the game in Cains after a minor procedure; he will be replaced by Anzac Rissetto.

Taipans

The Taipans will see the return of Lachlan Anderson, who missed the last round due to a back injury.

Keep an Eye On

Ben Ayre

Since joining the starting line-up for the Phoenix recently, Ayre has been able to hit double digits on all occasions. But as he comes up against his old side again, he will bring out his aggressive demeanour to help his team re-join the winner’s list.

Sam Waardenburg

Waardenburg had a tough match-up against Alan Williams the last time the two sides met, but the New Zealand native forward will look to take it up to the leading rebounder. Waardenburg averages 10.1 points and 5.6 rebounds a game, making him a key big for the Taipans.

History

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 8-7 Taipans

Last time out – Rd 6, NBL24
Phoenix 91-78 Taipans

Phoenix
Creek 21p
Williams 18p
Browne 14p

Taipans
Armstrong 12p
Waardenburg 12p
Mayen 12p