DrinkWise Preview: NBL25 - Round 14 v Cairns Taipans

Melbourne United are set to head back out on the road for our final game of 2024 when we face the Cairns Taipans on Boxing Day.

Ending the year on a high-note will be the top priority for Dean Vickerman and his players following four consecutive losses.

Matched up against the Taipans, who themselves are in the midst of a 13-game losing streak, fans can expect to see two hungry teams on Thursday evening.

WHO’S HOT, WHO’S NOT

(Past five games)
United - W, L, L, L, L

Taipans - L, L, L, L, L

After our loss to the JackJumpers on Monday night, Vickerman emphasised the importance of finishing plays, which will surely be a focal point against Cairns.

While we’ve been able to get to the free-throw line effectively across our past three games, the team has only connected on 54% of our attempts.

Tightening this area and limiting turnovers (13.3 pre game across last three outings) will go a long way in steadying our form.

For Cairns, getting the ball moving (ranked last in assists over their losing streak) may help to get more players involved.

STARS COLLIDE

Expect to see a battle of experience and youth on Thursday, as Chris Goulding looks to continue his hot run of form against the Taipans’ Taran Armstrong.

The pair of Tasmanian-born stars are having tremendous seasons, with Goulding leading the league in three-point makes, while Armstrong has more than doubled his scoring output from NBL24.

Whichever leader can get off to an electric start will be huge in determining the result of the Round 14 showdown.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Cairns Taipans

Tip-off: 7:30pm AEDT, Thursday 26 December, 2024

Where: Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns

Watch: ESPN