How to watch & talking points: Cairns v Illawarra

Cairns Taipans v Illawarra Hawks
Friday, November 7, 7.30pm AEDT
Cairns Convention Centre

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Talking points

Next man up
‍The Cairns Taipans cannot catch a break this season, with rookie sharpshooter Reyne Smith ruled out with a foot injury.

For Adam Forde, he will be preaching to his team that it’s just an opportunity for someone else to step up and earn more playing time.

The Taipans were shorthanded when they went down to Tasmania last round, but found a way to grind out a big win.

Can they do it again?‍

1-2 punch
Now that Davo Hickey is back in this Hawks lineup, they look like a completely rejuvenated team.

The combination of him with JaVale McGee could be the ultimate factor in how far this Hawks team goes this season.

McGee is coming off a monster of a performance against United and could be set for an even bigger one here with Cairns’ injury woes.

What they're saying

Taipans coach Adam Forde on his side's clash with the Hawks:
"The Hawks are tough, they have an NBA-calibre centre, they’re a championship team and they’re well coached.

"We have to control the post, if we get into a foot race with Illawarra we’re not going to go well.

"We have to control the tempo, get the right shot selection, look after possession and lock it down defensively.

"We need 40 minutes of playing basketball at both ends and everyone playing their part."

Hawks centre JaVale McGee on his combination with Will Hickey:
“I think that was our missing piece and he (Hickey) didn’t play the first six games, and every game he’s played we’ve had a different energy.

“We’ve had a different pace and respect for that position, and I just feel like they can’t guard me and him, especially on our screen and rolls.

“If you guys are worried about me on the roll, then he’ll have a nice little wide open layup, and he’s able to pass and throw the lob, so it’s kind of a dangerous duo, especially with our shooters around us.”

Missing in action

Cairns Taipans
Alex Higgins-Titsha - Wrist - Season
Kody Stattmann - Hamstring - Round 10
Reyne Smith - Foot - Round 10
Sam Waardenburg - Ankle - December

Illawarra Hawks
Sam Froling - Achilles - TBC
Jonah Bolden - Groin - TBC

>> View full injury list