How to watch & talking points: Melbourne v Cairns

01 Jan 2026

melbourne united

cairns taipans

ignite

Melbourne United host the Cairns Taipans in a crucial NBL Ignite Cup clash at Bendigo's Red Energy Arena.

Melbourne United (3rd) v Cairns Taipans (10th)
Wednesday, January 7, 7.30pm AEDT
Red Energy Arena (Bendigo)

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Talking points

Welcome home
Dash Daniels will return to his home in Bendigo for what is sure to be a great moment for him and his family.

The exciting Next Star has two opportunities to play here for the next two Ignite Cup fixtures in what could be the last time before he achieves his ultimate goal.

In terms of the game, Dean Vickerman has been searching for someone to step up and set a tone on the court and perhaps the stage is set for the teenage sensation tonight.

Party spoilers
The Cairns Taipans have enough talent and enough motivation to spoil some parties from now until the rest of the season.

Beginning with Melbourne United, who are desperate for a win, the Taipans have shown they're capable of getting an upset.

Their ability to shoot the three at a high rate and push the tempo, might be enough to trouble Dean Vickerman's team. With just two Taipans locked in for next season, the rest of this team is essentially auditioning for their next role and that can be a dangerous team to play against.

What they're saying

United NBL Next Star Dash Daniels on playing in his hometown of Bendigo:
"I'm super excited.

"It will be good to get out there and see the home fans, see my friends and family.

"It's been hard, we've lost a couple of games, but it (the team's approach) is just 'next game'. We've got to step up."

Taipans coach Adam Forde on what his team need to improve on against United:
“There’s a lot of games we should have done a better job with. Our problem is finding consistency week to week, not in terms of making shots but in terms of effort.

“The expectation is, at least if you can go out there and apply maximum effort then we can live with the result.

“If you [turn the ball over], do everything you can to double down on the next defensive possession to win the ball back. I think that’s where we fall short.”