Round 17: Taipans v 36ers

CQUniversity Cairns Taipans v Adelaide 36ers
(Cairns Convention Centre, 6:30pm)
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Watch LIVE on ESPN (via Kayo & Foxtel)
Official Post-Game Venue: Reef Hotel Casino

LAST MEETING

It was a very happy New Year when Cairns defeated Adelaide 86-83 on NYE, which also sparked their six-game winning streak. The 36ers had new import recruit Ian Clarke in their line-up for this one, but Shannon Scott held onto home court for a season-high 31 points (71% FG) plus four rebounds and four assists. McCall was also impressive for 19 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals.

LOOK FOR

A massive match-up between Tahjere McCall and Antonius Cleveland – two of the league’s best defenders. McCall was unlucky to miss out this year’s DPOY nominations while Cleveland made the cut.

McCall is currently averaging 16.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4 assists while Cleveland is on 14.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists.

LINE-UP

Keanu Pinder remains sidelined and is scheduled to see further medical specialists this week, while the Adelaide 36ers have their full roster available.

LATEST WORDS

“Keanu obviously sustained that eye injury, so he’s got an orbital fracture – I’m going to stumble my way through this because I’m definitely not a medical expert. While it can potentially self-heal, one of the things that can irritate it is if he looks up, the muscle gets caught in it so that’s the discomfort that he’s feelings. There’s bruising, there’s surface scratching, there’s a laundry list of other things. The main thing we’re worried about is Keanu. He’s in good spirits and that’s the main thing,” – Head Coach Adam Forde

“It was hurting, it was hurting but these games right now are too important to sit out. I just want to be there for the guys and for Fordey. I'll deal with my pain later. I'll be out there whenever I can with the team. I'll be on the court on Monday but I know I'm going to be hurting tomorrow. Hopefully Fordey gives us tomorrow off so I get a little time to rest an stay in the bed a little bit. But I'll be on the court Monday for sure,” – Tahjere McCall