DrinkWise Preview: NBL26 - Preseason v Cairns Taipans

After months of waiting, Melbourne United basketball is back! 

We will hit the court on Thursday evening at Casey Basketball Stadium against the Cairns Taipans, providing fans with their first opportunity to see new players such as Finn Delany, Milton Doyle and Tyson Walker hit the court.

The matchup may only feature a portion of Cairns’ NBL26 roster, however it presents a great opportunity to test what the team has been trying to perfect across the offseason.

WHAT’S THE WORD?

Ahead of tomorrow’s game, Finn Delany broke down his excitement at the prospect of facing someone other than his new teammates during his appearance on The Extra Pass podcast.

“I’m excited to play some different people,” Delany explained.

“When you’re playing these games, you learn what you need to learn, you learn what you need to get better at, personally and as a team so I’m excited for that.”

Milton Doyle echoed this, adding his positivity about how the team is looking after a strong week of practice.

“I think it’s coming together well. We’re learning, we’re gelling and getting better. Guys look good out there, so no complaints here, all looks good,” Doyle said.

WHO’S HOT, WHO'S NOT?

Over the past few seasons, United and the Taipans have developed a rivalry, with the snakes at one point winning six of seven games against us.

We were able to reverse that fortune in NBL25, taking home Ws in our past two meetings with Cairns, including a 43-point demolition inside of John Cain Arena.

With one preseason game already under their belt, the Taipans will be hoping to put together a stronger showing on Thursday evening.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Cairns Taipans

Tip-off: 6:30pm AEDT, Thursday 21, 2025

Where: Casey Stadium, Cranbourne East

Tickets: Available here

Watch: Melbourne United App