Preview: Round 13 v Taipans | Cairns Convention Centre

When: 6:30pm (AEST), Thursday 24 February, 2022
Where: Cairns Convention Centre
Broadcast: ESPN; Kayo; Sky Sports NZ

The Bullets travel to the Far North for an interstate clash with the Cairns Taipans. In great news for Bullets fans, Nathan Sobey returns to the line-up after missing the last four games due to injury.

WHO WON LAST TIME?
Cairns 102 (Deng 26, Kuol 26, McCall 19) d Brisbane 94 (Franks 22, Patterson 16, Cadee 15) – Round 10, Nissan Arena, Brisbane

LAST START
The Bullets matched it with the South East Melbourne Phoenix for the entirety of the game. With a chance to take the win in the final seconds, Brisbane fell just short going down 88-84.

The Taipans blew the gate wide open with a 23-9 opening term against the 36ers, but it was all Adelaide from there as Cairns fell 82-71.

WHO’S IN FORM?
Robert Franks – After adjusting to the level of scouting in the NBL, Franks is back on track, averaging 19.5 points and 7.0 boards in his past four games, shooting 55 per cent from the field and 13/27 from distance. That run started against Cairns, when he scored 16 of his 22 from the rim or the free-throw line. You can expect Franks to attack the rim more against the Taipans tonight.

Stephen Zimmerman – Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde has asked for effort, and in 35:22 in Adelaide he did just that, producing 21 points at 69 per cent, 13 rebounds and two steals in a gutsy effort.

STATS LEADERS

BULLETS
Points: Lamar Patterson 18.7ppg (#5 in the NBL)
Rebounds: Robert Franks, 8.2rpg (#7 in the NBL)
Assists: Jason Cadee, 4.6apg (#6 in the NBL)
Blocks: Tyrell Harrison, 1.3bpg (#7 in the NBL)

TAIPANS
Points: Majok Deng, 15.1ppg
Rebounds: Stephen Zimmerman, 9.8rpg (#1 in the NBL)
Assists: Tahjere McCall, 5.7apg (#4 in the NBL)
Blocks: Keanu Pinder, 1.1bpg

NEXT HOME GAME

Next up the Bullets face the Tasmania JackJumpers for the first time in Brisbane. The clash will also be the first time these two teams will meet since the opening round of NBL22.

Tip-Off is at 4:30pm on Saturday 26 February. Get your tickets HERE.