The second game of the NBL23 double-header on Saturday night should be a cracker, with the Taipans taking on the 36ers in Cairns. Jake Smit takes provides his analysis and best bet for the game!
Also, make sure to check out our NBL tips page where you’ll find our best bets for every game of the 2022-23 NBL season!
Cairns Taipans vs Adelaide 36ers Preview & Betting Tips
Saturday 31st December, 8pm AEDT, Cairns Convention Centre
The final NBL matchup of 2022 will take place at the Cairns Convention Centre on New Year’s Eve, with the Taipans playing hosts to the 36ers.
There's nothing in the betting with the Australian sportbooks struggling to split the two sides.
This will be the second meeting between these teams this season but the first in Cairns. The 36ers defended home court when they played hosts in Round 9, edging the Taipans 78-75 in see-sawing affair.
The Taipans led that game by 15 points at the main break; however, they couldn’t stop the rampaging 36ers in the second half, particularly in the last quarter as the home side won the frame 23-12 to win by three points.
Antonius Cleveland was the Footlocker Player of the Game in their Round 9 clash and that performance really kickstarted his season. He had 23/8/4 and his team was +7 when he was on the court.
In contrast, Robert Franks shot a woeful 3-18 from the field to finish with just 15 points, although he still chipped in with seven boards and four dimes.
For the losing side, Tahjere McCall was the spark plug off the bench with 24 points on 8-13 shooting, although six turnovers somewhat overshadowed his offensive explosion.
Keanu Pinder was far from his spectacular best in the loss as he was held to only 12 points and eight rebounds which is one of his leanest performances this campaign.
Since that clash, the Snakes have played five games and have won three of them, although they were losers last time out against Melbourne United in the infamous Open-Air game.
Meanwhile, the 36ers lost their next three games after defeating the Snakes, but they’ve returned to form over the last couple of rounds to win four on the spin, and they’ll enter Saturday night’s clash on their highest winning streak of NBL23.
Although plenty of water has gone under the bridge since their Round 9 battle, the way in which the 36ers won that game will still be fresh in the minds of both sides.
Overcoming those mental demons becomes a tiny bit easier when you have the support of your home crowd, and for that reason the chances of the Taipans achieving revenge is certainly possible.
However, the 36ers are absolutely rolling at the minute and are a top 3-4 side in my mind, especially with Ian Clark adding his scoring punch to the roster. I like them to go ahead 2-0 in the season series.
Adelaide 36ers to win
$1.85
