Game Preview: Taipans v Bullets

After a positive showing against the Wildcats on Thursday, the Cairns Taipans will suit up for one last time before the season proper. Saturday’s match is an extra “bonus” hit out for the Taipans, who did not play any pre-season competition outside of the NBL Blitz; while also allowing all NBL teams three chances to play on the Gold Coast. With the Tasmania JackJumpers playing in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Singapore, the Brisbane Bullets will face their Queensland counterparts for their remaining Blitz points, while Cairns will not accumulate any for the game.

Where and When

Saturday 14 September at Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, Gold Coast (2:30pm AEST)

How to Follow

Watch: Live on Kayo

Live Updates: Taipans X

Stats: Box Score

What’s Already Happened

There were positive signs in the Taipans’ last lost against the Wildcats. Cairns entered the second half with a nine-point lead and shooting at 45% from the field, but after the firealarm evacuation they struggled to keep the momentum. Perth returned from the unexpected break in full control on their way to a 13-point win, and an undefeated pre-season tournament.

The new import trio continue to lead the Cairns outfit and contributed to half of the scoring on Thursday night, but the Taipans’ shooting accuracy dropped to 34% in the second half when Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde turned to his rotation.

The Bullets enter their final Blitz opportunity after taking care of both of last season’s Grand Finalists on Thursday night. Tyrell Harrison will look to keep his hot streak going, after emerging from Brisbane’s last game with a double-double and as their leading scorer. The imposing centre has averaged 18 points and seven rebounds across the Blitz and has shot the ball at 72% during the tournament.

This will be something that Taipans big man Tanner Groves will look to limit, after successfully restricting Keanu Pinder to two first-half points on Thursday.

Player to Watch

Kyrin Galloway excelled on Monday night as a starter with 14 points, four boards and three blocks - but had to make way for nominated injury replacement player Tad Dufelmeier in the starting five on Thursday. With Coach Forde looking to rest his starters and gain more from his bench, the forward will be hoping to capitalise on extended playing minutes as he pushes for a major role ahead of the regular season.

Ins and Outs

Taipans

Ins – Tad Dufelmeier

Outs – Kyle Adnam (knee), Taran Armstrong (ankle)

Bullets

Ins – Rocco Zikarsky

Outs – Josh Bannan (hand)