Match Preview: 36ers chasing Cairns road double

The Adelaide 36ers are back in Cairns for the second time in just over a fortnight, chasing a fourth straight victory over the Taipans.

The Sixers have beaten the Taipans on each of their past two visits and can boast four wins in their last five meetings at all venues.

And in the most recent meeting, just 16 days ago and also in Cairns, Mike Wells’ side was dominant throughout to win 110-79.

But Wells said he expected a difficult visit north.

“I think every game in this league is incredibly difficult,” Wells said ahead of his side flying to Cairns.

“(Cairns) Coach (Adam) Forde, to me, is one of the best. I just have a ton of respect for him.

“They've been off all week. They'll be ready. They'll absolutely be ready.

“We've got a short turnaround and you know, we'll turn our attention there and get focussed.

“Probably because we just played up there and stuff, for us, we just focus on what we can control and hopefully, you know, we’ll be ready to go.”

Wells’ outfit returned to the winners’ list with an impressive 17-point win over South East Melbourne in Adelaide on Thursday night but have just 44 hours and a lengthy two-flight journey between games, so much of the focus is on recovery.

The Taipans are coming off three straight losses and suffered another blow on Thursday with Taipans star Jack McVeigh ruled out of the game. 

The 29-year-old has been struggling with an ongoing wrist injury sustained in the round two fixture against the Brisbane Bullets and the Taipans have taken a cautious approach with him.

McVeigh has traditionally been very resilient, missing just one game during his three seasons with Tasmania, in game three of the NBL23 championship series.

The injury presents an opportunity for Alex Higgins-Titsha and Kyrin Galloway to start on Saturday.

The game gets underway at 5:00pm ACDT / 4:30pm AEST.

CAIRNS TAIPANS vs ADELAIDE 36ERS
Cairns Convention Centre, Saturday 18 October, 5:00pm ACDT
Live on ESPN via Kayo Sports or Disney+

OVERALL
Played 89, Adelaide 49, Cairns 40

At Cairns Convention Centre
Played 42, Adelaide 19, Cairns 23

LAST FIVE MATCHES
Oct 2, 2025 – 36ers 110 def Taipans 79 at Cairns Convention Centre 
Jan 19, 2025 – 36ers 99 def Taipans 75 at Cairns Convention Centre
Oct 25, 2024 – 36ers 99 def Taipans 93 at AEC
Sept 28, 2024 – Taipans 101 def 36ers 97 at Cairns Convention Centre
Jan 27, 2024 – 36ers 88 def Taipans 71 at AEC