Game Preview: Taipans v Wildcats
22 Oct
1
min read


The inaugural NBL Ignite Cup is upon us and the Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans are ready to dust themselves off and go to war against the Perth Wildcats.
Following a narrow three-point loss to the Wildcats less than a fortnight ago, Admiral Schofield, Andrew Andrews and the Snakes will be determined to take it to the wire and return to the winner’s circle.
Poised playmaker Kyle Adnam will celebrate his 250th career NBL game — another impressive milestone in his decorated career.
Where and When
Wednesday, 22 October at the Cairns Convention Centre (6:30pm AEST)
How to Follow
Watch: Live on ESPN
Live Updates: Taipans X
Stats: Box Score
What’s Already Happened
Recent Results
Cairns Taipans (86) v Adelaide 36ers (91)
Sydney Kings (94) v Perth Wildcats (72)
Containing Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. will be crucial after the import posted 30 points and 10 rebounds in their previous encounter.
Lual-Acuil Jr. has made a commanding start to life as a Wildcat, reinforcing his reputation as one of the league’s most dominant players.
He currently averages 20.5 points (fifth in the NBL), 7.5 rebounds and leads the league in blocks per game.
For the Taipans, former Orlando Magic forward Admiral Schofield recorded career highs in rebounds (9), assists (5) and three-pointers (5) against Adelaide on Saturday, while dynamic guard Andrew Andrews notched a career-high 23 points in his last outing.
From Round 3 onwards, Marcus Lee ranks first among qualified players for field goal percentage (80.0%) this season.
Player to Watch
Floor general Adnam will be looking to celebrate his milestone with an impact off the bench.
No longer the young upstart who earned the 'Wild Kyle' nickname early in his NBL career.
He's now a 31-year-old seasoned veteran more than capable of both putting up points in a hurry or running the team's offence.
An efficient shooter with a high IQ, Adnam will be crucial in front of the home crowd.
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 – Kyrin Galloway / Marcus Lee / Jed Richardson
Wildcats
PG – Ben Henshall
SG – Dontae Russo-Nance / Elijah Pepper
SF – Jaron Rillie / Lat Mayen
PF – Kristian Doolittle / Jesse Wagstaff / Tom Gerovich
C – Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. / David Okwera / Noa Kouakou-Heugue
Ins and Outs
Taipans
Ins – Lachlan Barker, Lloyd McVeigh, Jed Richardson
Outs – Jack McVeigh (wrist), Sam Waardenburg (ankle)
Wildcats
Ins – Jaron Rillie, Tom Gerovich
Outs – Mason Jones (released), Dylan Windler (ankle)

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