Game Preview: Taipans v Kings

After a good hitout against Melbourne on Saturday night, the Cairns Taipans are looking to bounce back in their second pre-season game. Tonight, they move down the road to the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre to face the Sydney Kings under new Head Coach Brian Goorjian.

Having made the switch to orange, guard Jackson Makoi will make his debut as a Snake against his former team and is expected to play a major role with Taran Armstrong watching from the sideline with a calf strain.

Where and When

Monday, September 9 at Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, Gold Coast (7:30pm AEST)

How to Follow

Watch: Live on Kayo

Live Updates: Taipans X

Stats: Box Score

What’s Already Happened

Gearing up for their second NBL Blitz game, and just their second pre-season game of the year, the Taipans will be looking to improve from a 94-87 loss against Melbourne.

It was an exciting preview of the “best kept secret in the NBL” as the Taipans’ import trio combined for 53 points and 18 rebounds to help the Snakes stay in the fight; while the new team competed against an NBL side for the first time. A third quarter charge from United helped build a lead that was able to withstand a late fight back by Cairns.

The Kings have arrived on the Gold Coast for their first appearance at the Blitz, after comfortably winning two pre-season games against New Zealand with an average margin of 39.5 points. However, the widely predicted future champions will be without star point guard Jaylen Adams and NBL Next Star Alex Toohey, both with ankle injuries.

Player to Watch

Rob Edwards has already caught the attention of the league after an impressive debut on Saturday night. The guard put up 24 points and two rebounds – including a series of highlight plays throughout the game in quick succession – with “The Microwave” showing exactly how he earnt his nickname whilst in the NBA G League.

Ins and Outs

Taipans

Ins – Jackson Makoi

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

Kings

Outs – Jaylen Adams (ankle), Alex Toohey (ankle)