DrinkWise Preview: Round 12 Game 2 v Cairns Taipans

Melbourne United grabbed their fourth win in a row on Good Friday and just two days later they’ll be looking to make it five on the trot and two in a row against the Cairns Taipans.

As Cairns showed on Friday, they’re a tough team to put away and won’t go away without a fight.

There’s no doubt the loss of rising star Jack White will hit United hard, but as his teammates showed on Friday night, they’ll get around him and be with him every step of his recovery.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Scotty Hopson returned to the line-up on Friday for the first time in almost a month after overcoming an injury and he was just the tonic needed for United.

Hopson did it all for Melbourne and finished with 14 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists in 26 minutes of playing time. As he continues to find his feet within the team once again, expect his influence on games to only grow.

With his ability to score and bring down big rebounds, Hopson is yet another dynamic player for Dean Vickerman to call upon in times of need.

KEY MATCH UP

The big man match up between Jock Landale (20 points and 11 rebounds) and Cam Oliver (19 points and 12 rebounds) didn’t disappoint on Friday night, and whilst that battle will be key on Sunday, it’s time to take a look at the point guard match up this time around.

Mitch McCarron and Scott Machado are the floor generals of their respective teams and provide so much energy and passion to their teammates. They’re both the type of players you’d love to have on your team.

McCarron’s stats from Friday night (6 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds) don’t jump out at you but he played the most minutes for United and was involved in everything on both ends of the court, playing a key role in keeping Machado largely in check.

Machado (13 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds) only shot 16% from deep on Friday and if United’s defence can make life difficult for him again on Sunday, it will go a long way towards winning the game.

As we know with Machado, he’s capable of taking over games at any moment, so Melbourne will need to be switched on from the opening tip.

THE OTHER GUYS

United threatened to pull away from the Taipans on multiple occasions on Friday night, but Cairns was relentless in staying in the game. For that same reason – despite a 5-15 record – the Taipans are always a dangerous opponent.

Oliver (19 points and 12 rebounds) was a beast on both ends of the court, while Jordan Ngatai (17 points and 6 rebounds) relished playing considerable minutes as he shot 4/6 from deep.

Jarrod Kenny (12 points) caught fire in the third term draining three triples as the Taipans made a comeback and he’s a player you need to keep an eye on as he can provide so much energy for his team.

Mirko Djeric didn’t hit a shot on Friday night and he’s far too good of a shooter to have another game like that just two days later. Expect him to come out looking for his shot on Sunday.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United v Cairns Taipans.

Tip off: 5:00pm (AEST), Sunday 4 April.

Where: Cairns Pop Up Arena, Cairns.

Watch: SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.