Game Preview: Taipans v Wildcats

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)