VMT MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix Look to Start their Round 2 on a High

Key Details

CAIRNS TAIPANS 0-1 (8th) vs SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 1-1 (5th)
Where: Cairns Convention Centre
When: Thursday, October 5 at 7:30 AEDT
Watch Live on ESPN via Kayo & Foxtel

After breaking even with a 1-1 record in the opening round of the Hungry Jack’s NBL season, the Phoenix hit the road for two more games in Round 2.

South East Melbourne takes on Cairns in the season proper after falling to the Taipans in a see-sawing affair at the NBL Blitz.

Though a markedly different Phoenix side will take the court from the Blitz game, it will be bolstered by the return of Mitch Creek and Matt Kenyon on defence.

Both recruited guard Ben Ayre and head coach Mike Kelly will take on their old side, Kelly spending three years as the boss of the Taipans and Ayre heading home after two seasons on the Cairns roster.

Kelly earned NBL Coach of the Year in 2020-21 for his playoff-run efforts with the Taipans.

Cairns will look for their first victory after falling to the New Zealand Breakers in their first hit-out of the campaign.

Teams

Phoenix

Alan Williams remains out of the side as he continues to recover from a knee injury and will be replaced by Tyler Cook.

Gorjok Gak will miss round 2 as he continues rehab for his ankle injury, with Anzac Rissetto replacing him in his absence.

Taipans

The Taipans will be without key import Tahjere McCall as he recovers from a hip injury and will be replaced by Alex Mudronja.

The Taipans will regain Josh Roberts and Taran Armstrong for tonight’s game.

Keep an Eye On

Will Cummings

Cummings has relished in the NBL and for the Phoenix in the backcourt alongside fellow guard Gary Browne. He has shown his hard offensive work across the two games, averaging 15 points and nous defensively, which included three steals against Perth on Sunday.

(Cummings will be one guard to keep an eye on tonight when Phoenix take on Taipans tonight.)

Patrick Miller

With no McCall, arguably Cairns’ most influential guard, fellow import Patrick Miller has had to take the lead. 

Miller is able to create space while working at both ends, as he scored 15 points, six assists, five rebounds, and four steals in the opener against New Zealand. 

History

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 7-6 Taipans

Last time out – Rd 16, NBL23

Phoenix 85-80 Taipans

Phoenix
Creek 21p
Kell 17p
Williams 17p

Taipans
Hogg 24p
McCall 14p
Waardenburg 14p

CLICK HERE to secure your seats to Phoenix's next home game on October 14 against the Tasmania JackJumpers in round 3.