DrinkWise Preview: Round 19, Game 2 v Cairns Taipans

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United will look to build on their league-best 10-2 road record when they face the Cairns Taipans on Sunday afternoon.

A win will keep United atop the NBL22 ladder with only three games remaining ahead of the Hungry Jack’s Finals.

Fresh off a pair of victories over Perth and South East Melbourne, Melbourne will be full of confidence ahead of their trip to the Snake Pit.

For Cairns, their recent run of strong form came to an end on Friday night, falling to Tasmania after an injury to Scott Machado turned the tide of the game.

PLAYER TO WATCH

While United’s last game against the Taipans saw six players score in double figures, it was Chris Goulding that stood out.

United’s Captain broke free for 21 points on just nine shots, including five makes from beyond the arc.

CG43 has been on a nice run of late, averaging 18 points per game over his last three outings, leading the defending champions in scoring over that stretch.

Look for Goulding to weave his way through the Cairns defence for open looks once again.

KEY MATCHUP

Two of the NBL’s premier athletes are set to clash when Melbourne goes north, as Jack White and Keanu Pinder match up on Sunday afternoon.

Goulding recently praised White, who seems to have lifted his aggressiveness to another level over United’s past three games.

White will need to harness all of that energy on both ends when he goes up against Cairns’ Pinder, who has broken out as one of the league’s most improved players.

After a quiet rookie season with Adelaide last year, Pinder has come out of his shell of late, averaging over 18 points and 10 rebounds across his last three games.

Both capable of rattling the rim or sending shots into the bleachers, it will be must-see TV when the two young guns meet in the paint.

THE OTHER GUYS

 Likely without Scott Machado, the Taipans will have to get strong performances from all the way down their bench to come away with the victory.

Tahjere McCall is back from injury, and remains a threat attacking off the dribble and facilitating for his teammates.

Bul Kuol and Majok Deng have both been impressive of late, using their deep range to stretch the defence and open up opportunities.

Perhaps the biggest X-factor for Cairns, both figuratively and literally, is Nathan Jawai, who missed their first meeting with United.

Jawai is coming off his best game of the season, a near perfect 17-point effort, and will look to take his momentum into Sunday’s contest.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Cairns Taipans

Tip off: 3pm (AEST), Sunday 10 April, 2022

Where: Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns

Watch: Australia - 10 Peach and Kayo Freebies. International - NBL YouTube