DrinkWise Preview: Hungry Jack’s NBL26 - Round 4, Game 2 v Cairns Taipans

Fresh off an Ignite Cup victory over the Sydney Kings, we will look to extend our winning streak to five games on Sunday afternoon when we face off against the Cairns Taipans in The Grassroots Game.

Having comfortably won both of our home games this season (32 point win vs New Zealand and 20 point win vs South East Melbourne), we will look to build on the momentum gathered across those contests, while welcoming back team captain Chris Goulding for his first game of the season.

For Cairns, they will look to bounce back from a close loss to the Perth Wildcats on Friday evening, while shaking off the memories of a 43-point defeat the last time these two teams matchup up inside John Cain Arena.

WHAT’S THE WORD?

Eager to add Goulding back into the lineup, United Head Coach Dean Vickerman touched on what the 477-game superstar brings to the court.

“What we saw today (on the practice floor) is a super high-IQ player who sees coverages and understands how to manipulate them. He can use the gravity of his shot and be a great positional defender.”

Following the loss on Friday evening, Taipans Head Coach Adam outlined the importance of recovery as his side aims to bounce back.

“Obviously recovery is a big piece… Once we land in (Melbourne) we’ll do some active recovery. It’s an early tip off so hopefully the boys get a good sleep in and we’ll be ready to go.”

WHO’S HOT, WHO'S NOT

Fresh off their best collective game, our trio of imports, Milton Doyle, Tyson Walker and Jesse Edwards will look to remain hot come Sunday.

Having combined for 65, 21 rebounds and 10 assists on Wednesday, they have quickly established themselves as one of the league’s most dangerous collections of imports.

On the other side, after a strong showing from their three American players, Cairns will be hoping for more production from their star locals.

The duo of Jack McVeigh and Reyne Smith shot just 7 for 19 from the field, while turning the ball over five times against Perth.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Cairns Taipans

Tip-off: 4:30pm AEDT, Friday 12 October, 2025

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: Channel 10 and ESPN

Tickets: Available here