Tasmania JackJumpers vs Cairns Taipans NBL Round 20 Game Preview

Tip-off is at 5:30 PM AEDT, Saturday, February 8 at MyState Bank Arena

Tasmania JackJumpers vs Cairns Taipans Expert Analysis

The Tasmania JackJumpers will look to close out their season on a high note with a victory at home over the Cairns Taipans.

While Tasmania’s title defence has ended in disappointment, falling just short of the play-in tournament, they will be determined to give their fans something to cheer about. Meanwhile, the Taipans have had a late-season surge but are destined to finish with the wooden spoon in NBL25.

Tasmania has dominated recent meetings with Cairns, winning six of the last seven encounters. The Taipans have shown individual brilliance, with Taran Armstrong coming off a historic triple-double, and Sam Waardenburg proving to be a force on the boards. However, the JackJumpers' defensive strength and home-court advantage could give them the edge in this final showdown.

Key Matchups

Milton Doyle & Jordan Crawford vs. Taran Armstrong

The JackJumpers have relied heavily on their backcourt duo of Doyle and Crawford for offensive production. Meanwhile, Armstrong has been in stellar form, averaging 24.5 points in two games against Tasmania this season. If he can replicate his recent triple-double performance, Cairns might just keep this game competitive.

Sam Waardenburg vs. Tasmania’s Interior Defence

Waardenburg has been a rebounding machine and will look to exploit Tasmania’s lack of size inside. With the JackJumpers ranking seventh in paint defence, Waardenburg could be in for a big night on the boards.

Three-Point Efficiency

Tasmania struggles offensively, ranking last in field goal percentage (42.6%) and points per game (83.8). However, their perimeter defence is elite, leading the league in opponent three-point percentage (31.3%). If they can limit Cairns’ outside shooting, they’ll have a strong chance of securing a win.

Key Stats

• Tasmania has won six of the last seven matchups against Cairns

• JackJumpers’ average winning margin in their last six wins vs. Cairns is 8 points

• Taran Armstrong has averaged 24.5 points in two games against Tasmania this season

• Sam Waardenburg has recorded 7+ rebounds in his last five games

Why Tasmania Wins

Playing in front of their home fans for the final time this season, the JackJumpers will be fired up to deliver a victory. Despite a tough year offensively, their defensive prowess (ranked second in opponent points per game) should be enough to stifle the Taipans. With Cairns struggling for consistency, Tasmania has a strong chance to end their season on a positive note.

Why Cairns Wins

Cairns has been playing their best basketball in the final stretch of the season, winning four of their last six games while scoring 100+ points in each victory. If Armstrong can put on another show and Waardenburg dominates inside, the Taipans could spring an upset. Tasmania’s offensive struggles might give Cairns enough of an opening to snatch a win.

Conclusion

The JackJumpers will be eager to reward their fans with a final home victory, but the Taipans have the firepower to make things interesting. Expect a defensive battle, with Tasmania’s disciplined approach proving decisive. If the JackJumpers can contain Armstrong and control the boards, they should close out NBL25 with a hard-fought win.