DrinkWise Preview: NBL24 - Round 13 vs Cairns Taipans

Melbourne United will look to extend its winning streak to five games as they ring in the New Year against the Taipans in Cairns.

Sitting atop the NBL24 standings, United will be out for a measure of revenge against the snakes, who were the last team to defeat them back in Round 9.

Since that loss, Melbourne have been on fire, winning their next four games by an average of 20 points, while registering the league’s best offensive and defensive ratings (per Spacialjam).

For Cairns, two losses in three days have seen the side drop out of the top-six as they enter the final third of the season.

PLAYER TO WATCH

While United's previous meeting with the Taipans was a disappointing one, a major positive that came out of the game was the play of Next Star Ariel Hukporti off the bench.

In his 17 minutes, Hukporti was +20, tallying 13 points, six rebounds and some of the dunks of the season.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">OOP THERE IT IS<br><br>? ESPN via Kayo Freebies | 10 Peach &amp; 10 Play <a href="https://t.co/8WF2gRnBjw">pic.twitter.com/8WF2gRnBjw</a></p>&mdash; Melbourne United (@MelbUnited) <a href="https://twitter.com/MelbUnited/status/1731152305070948833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

With Cairns frequently shaking up their frontcourt rotation, look for Dean Vickerman to use Hukporti where needed as an lob-threat and shotblocker.

KEY MATCHUP

In a battle of two of the league’s most physically imposing guards, Matthew Dellavedova and Patrick Miller will lock horns once again on Sunday.

Miller came away with the bragging right in Round 9, scoring a season-best 32 points, making a litany of tough shots from all over the court.

Dellavedova did his best to match the American import, scoring 23 points of his own to go along with nine assists.

Whichever man can balance their scoring with effective facilitating for their teammates will likely walk away with the win.

THE OTHER GUYS

Full of depth, stopping Cairns is no easy task as they can look to anyone throughout their lineup to be a match-winner.

Tahjere McCall has been impressive thus far, averaging a career-high in scoring this season, while the combination of Bul Kuol and Sam Waardenburg provide a versatile scoring punch.

What the Taipans can get out of Next Star Bobi Klintman will be a massive X-factor, with the Swedish star scoring a career-high 24 points against Perth, before tallying zero points two nights later against the Kings.

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GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Cairns Taipans

Tip-off: 7:30pm AEDT, Sunday 31 December, 2023

Where: Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns

Watch: ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel