DrinkWise Preview: Round 20, Game 2 v Taipans

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United will look to extend their winning streak to five games on Easter Monday when they host the Cairns Taipans in their final home game of the NBL22 regular season.

The defending champs have played well against the Taipans, winning by an average of 22.5 points in their two games in Cairns this season.

A win on Monday would also be United's ninth home victory, which would equal the host of any team across NBL22.

For Cairns, while the finals are out of reach, the Snakes have proved they are not an easy out for any team, using their speed and athleticism to at times overwhelm their opponents.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Shea Ili has established himself as one of Melbourne’s most important players in NBL22.

Recently voted by his peers as the league’s best defender, best sixth man and most underrated player, the Kiwi guard brings an infectious tenacity to the court whenever he’s in the game.

This was on display once again in Saturday night’s win over Brisbane, as Shili tallied 13 points, eight assists and five steals.

Tasked with slowing Cairns’ dangerous guards, watch for Shea to impact the game on both ends once again.

KEY MATCHUP

Two of the league’s strongest bigs will go head-to-head on Monday night as Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Nate Jawai clash in the paint.

Following his second straight 20-point double-double on Saturday evening, JLA spoke about his respect for Jawai.

“Big Nate’s a unit, he’s probably the strongest big we’ve got in this league.

“More than anything I admire him because of his impact off the court… I think he impacts way more than basketball, he’s a great role model for his people and somebody like me that wants to be (seen) in the same light.” 

The last time the pair matched up, JLA took away bragging rights, scoring 23 points and blocking three shots in a 29-point victory.

THE OTHER GUYS

Despite missing key pieces in Scott Machado and Stephen Zimmerman, the Taipans remain a dangerous team in any game.

Keanu Pinder has continued his run of hot form, scoring a career-high 24 points on Saturday night against the Wildcats.

Many of those buckets came from the hand of Tahjere McCall, who has established himself as an elite passer and dangerous driver in his first NBL campaign.

The trio of Bul Kuol, Magok Deng and Kuot Noi looms large with their ability to stroke the ball from long range.

Mirko Djeric will also make his return for Cairns against Melbourne after having missed 19 games this season.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Cairns Taipans

Tip off: 7.30pm (AEST), Monday 18 April, 2022

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Watch: Australia - ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel. International - NBL YouTube