Game Preview: Taipans v 36ers

With Australian Boomer Jack McVeigh out with injury, Taipans will look to former Orlando Magic forward Admiral Schofield and dynamic guard Andrew Andrews to fill the void. 

The 36ers have a quick turnaround following their victory in Adelaide over the SEM Phoenix on Thursday night, expect a high-tempo contest as both sides claw for victory.

Where and When

Saturday, 18 October at the Cairns Convention Centre (4:30pm AEST)

How to Follow

Watch: Live on ESPN

Live Updates: Taipans X

Stats: Box Score

What’s Already Happened

Recent Results

Adelaide 36ers (88) v SEM Phoenix (71)
Melbourne United (95) v Cairns Taipans (60)

The Adelaide 36ers are back in Cairns for the second time in just over a fortnight, chasing a fourth straight victory over the Taipans.

Just 16 days ago, Cotton's side was strong throughout to win 110-79.

Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans star Jack McVeigh is out for Saturday’s home fixture against the visiting side. 

The 29-year old has been struggling with an ongoing wrist injury sustained in the round two fixture against the Brisbane Bullets. 

The Australian Boomers forward has been playing through bone bruising, however with the injury on his shooting hand failing to heal, the Taipans made a decision to take a precautious approach with McVeigh.

Following a narrow loss in the dying seconds to the Perth Wildcats last Friday and a 35 point loss to the undefeated Melbourne United, the Taipans head into round 5 with a 2-4 record. 

Former NBA forward Schofield said the group remains united as they search for consistency.

“It’s early in the season and this is a group that’s still learning from each other,” he said. 

“A lot of teams we’ve faced have been together for a year or more. We’ve shown flashes where we’ve been really good, now it’s about being consistent and efficient.”

Player to Watch

Sharpshooter Reyne Smith will be one to watch heading into the clash. With fellow Australian Boomer McVeigh absent, Smith will be given more of an opportunity to provide damage from outside the arc. The three-point specialist is known to catch fire early in games and could be the difference against an in-form Adelaide. The Tasmanian was picked up by Denver Nuggets for the 2025 NBA Summer League with the shooting guard adjusting to the NBL in his debut season. 

Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde said the injury to McVeigh presents an opportunity for slashing forward Alex Higgins-Titsha and Kyrin Galloway to start in Saturday's home clash. 
"We will move (Admiral Schofield) up to the 4 — who has been nursing a nagging ankle injury. (Galloway) will play more at the 5 knowing the opposition coverages will we face in the next two fixtures. (Higgins-Titsha) will be moved to the 3 spot and will play his natural position as a slasher, rebounder and he can defend multiple positions."

The Lineups

Taipans

PG – Andrew Andrews / Kyle Adnam / Lachlan Barker

SG – Reyne Smith / Kody Stattmann / Lloyd McVeigh

SF – Alex Higgins-Titsha / Mawot Mag

PF – Admiral Schofield 

C – Marcus Lee / Kyrin Galloway / Jed Richardson

36ers

PG – Bryce Cotton / Isaac White / Keanu Rasmussen

SG – DJ Vasiljevic / Michael Harris

SF – Flynn Cameron / Matt Kenyon

PF – Zylan Cheatham / Nick Rakocevic

C – Isaac Humphries / Blake Jones

Ins and Outs

Taipans

Ins – Lachlan Barker, Lloyd McVeigh, Jed Richardson

Outs – Sam Waardenburg (ankle), Jack McVeigh (wrist)

36ers

Ins and Outs – N/A