DrinkWise Preview: NBL25 - Round 3, Game 2 v Cairns Taipans

After four games, the time has come for our guys to return to John Cain Arena in front of the best fans in the league.

Following a 29-point drubbing of the Wildcats over in Perth, United will head into Sunday afternoon’s home opener with a heap of momentum.

Dean Vickerman’s side will face off against the Cairns Taipans, who themselves are fresh off a hearty win over the Tasmania JackJumpers, and will be looking to register their third consecutive win of the season.

WATCH ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR WIN OVER PERTH HERE

WHO’S HOT, WHO’S NOT

United - W, W, L, W

Taipans - L, W, W

When looking at what has fuelled our success this season, the tenacity on the glass had provided United with a huge boost across our three wins.

Melbourne lead the entire league in rebounds per game (46.8), and this area will no doubt be a focus again come Sunday against the Taipans, who average the second fewest rebounds in the competition (37.0).

What Cairns have done at a high level however is shoot it from long range, averaging 11 three-pointers made on over 40% shooting.

LISTEN TO DEAN VICKERMAN AND IAN CLARK BREAK DOWN FRIDAY NIGHT’S GAME

STARS COLLIDE

After locking down four-time MVP Bryce Cotton on Friday, Shea Ili will face off against one of the other elite guards in the competition in Taran Armstrong.

Ili was elite against Perth, finishing just short of a triple-double (16 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists). He will need to bring a similar energy to Sunday afternoon as we look to improve our record to 4-1 after three rounds of action.

Armstrong was equally impressive, taking control of the game late and securing the win for Cairns on the back of his aggressive finishing at the basket.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Cairns Taipans

Tip-off: 2:30pm AEDT, Saturday 6 October, 2024

Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Tickets: Available here

Watch: Channel 10