Cairns Taipans vs Melbourne United NBL Round 14 Game Preview

Tip-Off: 8:30 AEDT, Thursday, December 26 | Cairns Convention Centre

Cairns Taipans vs Melbourne United Expert Analysis

Melbourne United embarks on a gruelling seven-game road trip, starting with a clash against the Cairns Taipans.

United, currently on a four-game losing streak, need to rediscover their form after a string of lacklustre defensive performances. Their inability to close out games at home has placed them under significant pressure, but the road could offer a fresh perspective and a much-needed reset.

For the Taipans, the struggle has been even more pronounced. A 13-game losing streak has left them at the bottom of the ladder, but their close game against Brisbane in their last outing suggests they’re on the verge of turning things around. Cairns will be eager to exploit Melbourne’s recent vulnerabilities and end their skid with a big performance in front of their home fans.

Key Players to Watch

Cairns Taipans:

Rob Edwards: The Taipans’ primary scoring weapon, Edwards has the ability to light up the scoreboard when he finds his rhythm. He’ll need to be aggressive early to put pressure on Melbourne’s defence and create openings for his teammates.

Taran Armstrong: The young guard’s playmaking and poise will be crucial for Cairns. Armstrong has shown his ability to create opportunities both for himself and others, and he’ll need to take command of the offence to keep the game within reach.

Melbourne United:

Chris Goulding: Melbourne’s captain and clutch performer, Goulding’s long-range shooting is a game-changer. He’s been in scorching form recently, and his ability to stretch the defence with his perimeter shooting will be vital for Melbourne’s success.

Shae Ili: As one of the league’s premier defenders, Ili’s role in neutralising Cairns’ backcourt will be pivotal. His defensive intensity and leadership will set the tone for Melbourne as they look to stifle the Taipans’ offence.

Key Stats

• Cairns are on a 13-game losing streak, with their last win coming in October.

• Melbourne rank fourth in three-point shooting percentage (35.1%) and third in overall field goal percentage (46.4%), indicating their offensive efficiency.

• Cairns are ranked seventh in the league for points allowed (95.6 per game) and have struggled to protect the paint, particularly without injured forward Sam Waardenburg.

• Melbourne have struggled defensively in recent games, conceding an average of 108.5 points in their last four outings. This is a significant drop-off from their season average of 91.2 points per game.

• Chris Goulding has been a consistent scoring threat from beyond the arc, sinking an average of 5.5 three-pointers over his last four games.

Why Cairns Wins

The Taipans’ ability to shoot from deep, as demonstrated against Brisbane, could be their ticket to victory. If Rob Edwards and Taran Armstrong can replicate that performance and Cairns can move the ball effectively to generate open looks, they’ll have a chance to keep pace with Melbourne. Playing at MyState Bank Arena, where they’ve historically performed better, gives them an added boost. The key will be staying aggressive on the offensive end while limiting Melbourne’s second-chance points in the paint.

Why Melbourne Wins

Melbourne’s superior talent and size in the frontcourt give them a significant edge. They dominated the boards against Tasmania, and if they can translate that rebounding advantage into efficient scoring opportunities, they’ll be tough to beat. Chris Goulding’s hot hand and Shae Ili’s defensive pressure on Cairns’ guards should allow Melbourne to control the game on both ends. Their road trip could be a blessing in disguise, offering a change of scenery and a chance to reset after their home struggles.

Prediction

This matchup is likely to be closer than expected, as both teams are desperate for a win. However, Melbourne’s ability to generate points from the perimeter and their strength on the boards should give them the upper hand. Cairns will make it competitive with their energy and home-court advantage, but expect Melbourne to grind out a tough victory.