Game Preview: Taipans v 36ers

The Cairns Taipans will welcome the Adelaide 36ers for their season opener, hosting their first game of the 2024-25 NBL season tonight at the Cairns Convention Centre.  After a disappointing loss at HoopsFest, the Taipans need to be ready to defend their home court, against a Sixers side who are also looking to rebound from their Round 1 matchup in Perth. 

The Taipans will once again be without Taran Armstrong and Jackson Makoi, with Nominated Replacement Player Tad Dufelmeier remaining in the lineup as Development Players Alex Higgins-Titsha and Kody Stattmann will suit up in the home fixture.

Where and When

Saturday, September 28 at the Cairns Convention Centre (5:30pm AEST)

How to Follow

Watch: Live on ESPN

Live Updates: Taipans X

Stats: Box Score

What’s Already Happened

Round 1 Results 

Cairns Taipans (75) v Illawarra Hawks (102)

Adelaide 36ers (94) v Sydney Kings (102)

This has been a historically good matchup for Taipans - they have defeated Adelaide when playing in Cairns on a Saturday in every game since 2013, at both the Convention Centre and the Pop-Up. 

Fast forward to 2024, Cairns has just one game under the belt and while it’s early, they rank last in most stats – however turnovers are the notable exception. 

The Taipans finished 2023-24 ranked ninth for turnovers – with an average of 13.6 per game in what was a disappointing campaign. However, as the Taipans emerge from Round 1 this season, they rank fourth (with just 11 turnovers) despite the 27-point loss. 

Cairns were undermanned in their last match, with no fulltime point guard to steady the ship. Kyle Adnam returned to the active roster but did not hit the floor, but it is likely he will make his Taipans debut in the home opener.

However, minus Taran Armstrong and Jackson Makoi – Cairns will need to do more than just take care of the ball and focus on improving offensively.

They shot the ball at just 36% from the field, and 29% from range – while also conceding 102 points to Hawks on the Saturday night. 

Similarly, the Sixers conceded 102 points when they faced the Sydney Kings on Sunday, while also allowing Kings to attempt 18 more field goals and double the offensive boards then they did.

Despite the loss, the Sixers lineup impressed under new Head Coach Mike Wells and were bolstered by the late addition of former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell.

The former NBA Sixth Man of the Year had 13 points and 13 rebounds across 20 minutes in his return to the game, while former Taipan Lat Mayen will be looking to continue his strong form after posting 23 points, shooting at 81%.

Player to Watch

After a strong opening term against the Hawks, Sam Waardenburg struggled to gain his footing and emerged with one rebound, and no second-half points to his name. 

Being an early signature that the Taipans retained after a tough 2023-24 season, Waardenburg was anticipated to take his game to the next level – especially as he’s returning to his native forward role – so will be looking to have an impact across the entire game.

What’s Been Said

Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde:

“It’s been a big week after a pretty substantial loss against Illawarra, but the good thing is we’re re-engaging with the boys – especially over the video and then on court – and we’re recognising the areas that we need to work on. The loss is more of a mental hurdle that we have to get over, rather than on the basketball side of it.

“The confidence is building every day in Kyle’s knee and in himself, so the plan is that we’ll get him out there. We’ll get a better understanding of what kind of minutes plan we’ll have for him, but I’m excited to bring him out as he just adds another level of composure for us, especially at the offensive end.”

Taiapns Guard Rob Edwards:

“I’ve heard about the Orange Army and I want to see if it’s real. I want to put on a show for the fans, and I want that support all season, so we’re not going to give up easy and it’s going to be a tough battle.

“I was looking back at the game against Illawarra until about Tuesday, but I’ve blocked it out now and I’m onto the next game, I’m onto Adelaide. We’re going to say stuff, and we’re going to do stuff that may get in their heads.”

The Lineups

Taipans36ers

PG – Rob Edwards / Tad Dufelmeier / Kyle Adnam

SG – Jonah Antonio / Kody Stattmann

SF – Pedro Bradshaw / Dillon Stith / Alex Higgins-Titsha

PF – Tanner Groves / Kyrin Galloway

C  – Sam Waardenburg / Akoldah Gak

PG – Kendric Davis / Jason Cadee

SG – Dejan Vasiljevic / Sunday Dech

SF – Lat Mayen / Nick Marshall / Jacob Rigoni

PF – Montrezl Harrell / Alex Starling

C  – Isaac Humphries / Beb Griscit

Ins and Outs

Taipans36ers

Ins – Tad Dufelmeier, Alex Higgins-Titsha, Kody Stattmann

Outs – Taran Armstrong (ankle), Jackson Makoi

No changes