Round 7: Taipans v Bullets

CQUniversity Cairns Taipans v Brisbane Bullets
(Nissan Arena, 7:00pm)
Watch live on ESPN via Kayo Sports or Foxtel
Watch together at the Reef Hotel Casino (official away game venue)

LAST MEETING

These two Queensland sides are yet to meet in 2022-23, but it’s hard to forget recent history. Last season, the Taipans swept the Bullets 4-0 for the first time in the 15 years these two teams have played. Their excellent streak against Brisbane was capped off by an unforgettable belting at the Cairns Convention Centre to complete the Taipans’ season.

LINE-UP

After missing the last game prior to the FIBA window, Sam Waardenburg (foot) and Jonah Antonio (illness) are back in the mix, with the long-awaited return of Tahjere McCall (hip) also expected for this Brisbane road trip. Guard Mirko Djeric (ankle) remains out.

LOOK FOR

An interesting affair at the arc. The Taipans are shooting well from distance – they have made 16 and 15 threes in their past two games, which is the first time in franchise history they have scored at least 15 triples in consecutive games.

However, the Bullets have been the best perimeter defenders in the NBL by allowing just 25.6% from long range. Bullets’ opposition teams have shot just 27%, 20%, 27% & 28% from three-point land in last four matches.

LATEST WORDS

“We’ll manage him appropriately. I don’t quite know yet what the minutes plan for him will be, but the great thing about Tahj is that this is all about the injury – nothing to do with his motor or fitness. He’s just the type of guy that if he walks past a gym, he’ll get a workout in. We’ve got to make sure we don’t burn him out too early too soon and bring him into the game and let him find his way. Everyone is really excited that he's back,” – Head Coach Adam Forde on McCall’s return

“We feel confident. All the games we’ve lost – apart from that Perth game – we feel as though we should’ve won. It’s on us and our principles. We feel as though we can throw with anybody, we can beat anybody, depending on how we play. It depends on how we perform and how well prepared we are. If we stay sharp, stay mentally focused and just play together – we should be good for the rest of the season,” - DJ Hogg on being eight games in

Next home game: Taipans v Breakers, Friday 25 November - Cairns Convention Centre, 6:30pm. TICKETS