Score to settle in Taipans battle

Adelaide 36ers will be out to limit the high-scoring Cairns Taipans in a Sunday showdown in Far North Queensland.

The Taipans currently lead the NBL’s Summer Shootout after their 111-80 win against the Bullets in Brisbane on Friday night.

Cairns have been scoring freely in recent weeks, scoring more than 100 points in three of their past four matches, which has resulted in two victories.

Now back at full strength, the Taipans have weapons right across the floor and can tick the scoreboard over in a hurry.

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THE KEY
The Taipans have a dynamic backcourt pairing in import Rob Edwards and NBA prospect Taran Armstrong.

Armstrong has been limited this season due to multiple injury concerns, but when out on the floor, the point guard makes Cairns a totally different line-up.

Edwards has shown he is one of the best scorers in NBL25, averaging 19.9 points per game and fresh off of a 35-point night in Brisbane on Friday.

The Armstrong-Edwards pairing must be limited, expect Lat Mayen and Sunday Dech to spend time on both players, while don’t discount Keanu Rasmussen guarding his former US college teammate Armstrong.

THE SECRET
After both sides played on Friday night, the role players in this game will have a huge impact and the Taipans have more than few candidates.

Kyle Adnam showed great support to Armstrong in the back-up point guard role, with 14 points and six assists against Brisbane.

Akoldah Gak and Kyrin Galloway can both break a game open quickly and Jonah Antonio is always a threat from the perimeter.

Head coach Adam Forde gives his roster the confidence and in front of their home crowd, the role players will need to be respected.

DEPTH CHART
Armstrong / Adnam
Edwards / Antonio
Bradshaw/ Higgins-Tisha
Waardenburg / Galloway / Stith
Groves / Gak

FINAL WORD
Playing less than 48 hours after the defeat to the Wildcats in Perth, Adelaide has to rebound, in more ways than one.

The 36ers gave up too many second looks at the basket on Friday night, and must reward their defence by limiting the Taipans to just one shot.

Cairns is a tough venue to visit and the 36ers know all too well the effect the home crowd can have after a 101-97 loss back in Round 2.

How the 36ers respond will be intriguing but expect a fired up Adelaide to fire with the season in the line.