NBL27 Preview - Preseason v Cairns Taipans

Melbourne United fans are set to get their final look at how some of our stars are shaping up ahead of the NBL Blitz when we face off against the Cairns Taipans inside Casey Stadium.

While several of our key pieces in NBL27 will miss the matchup, such as Shea Ili, Luke Travers, Sam Waardenburg, Tom Wilson and Malith Machar, the game will act as a first opportunity to see new import guard Cole Anthony take to the court in United colours.

Matching up against the Taipans, who are coming off a win over the South East Melbourne Phoenix, shutting down the Snake’s shooting threat will go a long way to securing the preseason win.

WHAT’S THE WORD?

While Head Coach Jacob Chance won’t be at the game due to international duties with the Boomers, Chris Goulding said the game will be another opportunity to work through the new wrinkles instituted across the preseason so far.

“He (Chance) is very forward thinking and has some fresh ideas and wants to play a different style, especially offensively,” Goulding said.

“We’re going to have to band together and be a really really cohesive unit defensively.

“It’s been really good. Coming into this preseason; I think it’s my 18th or 19th preseason in the league so a bit of a fresh start has been really good for me and I’m really excited to see where this team can go.”

WHO’S HOT, WHO'S NOT

While we dropped our previous game against the Phoenix, Josh Oduro showcased his ability to impact the games on both ends with his size and skill.

The big-man finished with 15 points and eight rebounds in under 23 minutes of play.

He’ll find himself matched up with the versatile front line of Cairns, with the pair of Keanu Pinder and Kyrin Galloway combining for 20 points in their battle with SEM.

DETAILS

Who: Melbourne United vs Cairns Taipans

Tip-off: 6:30pm AEST, Saturday 29 August, 2026

Where: Casey Basketball Stadium, Casey

Watch: Melbourne United YouTube. 

View full roster:

Josh Oduro - 2

Cole Anthony - 3

Joe Ingles - 7

Christian D’Angelo - 11

Kyle Bowen - 15

Fabijan Krslovic - 18

Chris Goulding - 43

Jensen Bradtke - 50

Elliot Brown - 60

Wilson Amos - 61

Kaylan Kitto - 62

Sam Cartwright - 63

Corey Hastings - 64

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