Preview: Round 2 Game 1 v Cairns Taipans

After a dominant second-half performance that produced a 24-point win over the Adelaide 36ers in Round 1, Melbourne United returns to the court on Monday night in what is sure to be a gruelling showdown against the Taipans in Cairns.

A total team effort was key to United’s win over the 36ers and the same will be required against a Taipans team with plenty of depth and star power.

KEY MATCH UP

The big man match-up will be one to savour, with superstars Jock Landale and Cam Oliver set to go head-to-head. Both will be key pieces to their team’s respective puzzles in season 2021 and early bragging rights will be up for grabs on Monday night.

In his first game with United, Landale showed flashes of what he brings to the table, while playing 24 minutes and racking up 10 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks.

Last season, Oliver showed exactly the type of player he is, with a dominant first year in the NBL and there is no doubting that he is one of the very best bigs in the league. He can do it all and the Taipans rely on him to bring it on both ends of the court with his infectious energy and high-octane play.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Shea Ili is a pest, in the very best way possible. He never gives anything less than 100% and with Scott Machado on the other side, Ili will be looking to make his life as tough as possible on Monday.

Against Adelaide, Ili was involved in everything and when United needed a lift, he provided just that on his way to recording 13 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals.

But those who watch Ili know his stats never tell the full story. His full-court pressure, his perimeter defence that causes deflections, diving for loose balls and never giving up on a play is what makes him such an important player for Melbourne.

Machado – much like Oliver – proved himself as an absolutely elite player last season with his speed, passing and ability to create his own shot. You’re never going to completely stop a player like Machado, but if Ili, along with Mitch McCarron and Yudai Baba, can take some time away from him with pressured defence, you’d have to think Coach Dean Vickerman would be pleased with that.

Sam McDaniel will also return to the Melbourne United line-up after sustaining a hand fracture during pre-season. 

THE OTHER GUYS

The Taipans split their Round 1 games, with a thrilling one-point win, 87-86, over the Kings, before falling behind early against the Hawks and not being able to recover, losing 92-76.

We’ve spoken about Cam Oliver and Scott Machado, but Cairns’ success is about much more than just those two star imports.

Despite losing to the Hawks, Majok Deng (20 points and 4 rebounds) and Kouat Noi (16 points and 6 rebounds) stood tall and will both be looking to have massive 2021 seasons.

What let the Taipans down against the Hawks was their bench scoring. Just four points came from their bench and that simply isn’t enough in a league that boasts tremendous depth across the board. They’ll certainly be looking to turn that around in Round 2.

Before taking on Melbourne on Monday, Cairns faced Sydney on Saturday night, so the Taipans will be coming off a quick turnaround, while United will be rested having not played in almost a week and a half.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United v Cairns Taipans
Tip off: 7:30pm (AEDT), Monday 25 January
Where: Cairns Pop Up Arena, Cairns
Watch: ESPN and SBS On Demand