Tasmania JackJumpers vs Cairns Taipans NBL Round 11 Game Preview

Dec 4, 2024

2 min read

Tip-Off 7:30 PM AEDT | MyState Bank Arena

Tasmania JackJumpers vs Cairns Taipans Expert Analysis

The Tasmania JackJumpers host the struggling Cairns Taipans at MyState Bank Arena, looking to secure their fourth consecutive win and strengthen their push up the NBL standings.

Cairns, on the other hand, are desperate to end their dismal nine-game losing streak but face an uphill battle against the league's top-ranked defence.

Key Matchups

Milton Doyle vs. Cairns Defence

Doyle’s resurgence, highlighted by two 30+ point games in recent weeks, has given Tasmania’s offence a much-needed boost. If Doyle continues to fire, Cairns will struggle to contain him, especially with their inability to close out on shooters effectively.

Will Magnay vs. Sam Waardenburg

Magnay has been a standout defensively and on the boards, and he’ll have plenty of opportunities to dominate against Cairns, who rank last in the league for rebounds allowed due to their poor field goal percentage. Sam Waardenburg has been a highlight in an underperforming Taipans team and will get his just to go up against one of the best centres in the NBL.

Key Stats

Tasmania Defence: Top-ranked, conceding only 82.7 points per game.
Cairns Offence: Averaging 81.8 points per game (9th in the league).
Cairns Losing Streak: Lost 9 straight games, with an average losing margin of 16 points.
Tasmania Offence: Shooting just 40.4% from the field, the lowest in the league.

Why Tasmania Wins

The JackJumpers are starting to find their rhythm, with Doyle leading the charge and MacDonald’s return adding another dimension to their offensive structure. Their suffocating defence is perfectly suited to exploit Cairns’ inefficiencies, particularly their inability to score consistently or compete on the boards. Tasmania’s home form and momentum give them a clear edge.

Why Cairns Wins

For Cairns to have any chance, they’ll need to disrupt Tasmania’s offensive flow and find a way to score more efficiently. Players like Taran Armstrong and Tanner Groves must step up and lead a more dynamic offensive effort. Limiting turnovers and improving their defensive rebounding will be crucial if they hope to keep the game close.

Prediction

Cairns’ struggles on both ends of the court, combined with Tasmania’s improving form, make this a tough matchup for the Taipans. The JackJumpers should control the game with their defence and outpace Cairns on offence, handing the Taipans their 10th consecutive loss.