How to watch New Zealand v Cairns: CODE Sports NBL Blitz

There were impressive signs from both teams in their opening games at the CODE Sports NBL Blitz, with the Breakers defeating the Phoenix and the Taipans playing out a thriller with Tasmania.

Two new-look rosters will be hoping to gel in the pre-season, and the winner of this one will take plenty of confidence into the Hungry Jack's NBL26 campaign.

There are big names across the board, with Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Jack McVeigh among the marquee men to watch.

New Zealand Breakers v Cairns Taipans
Sunday, August 31, 6pm AEST
AIS Arena, Canberra

How to watch‍

‍Watch every game live on Disney+ and Kayo.

How to follow

‍Live scores, stats and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.

Download it now for your chance to win an iPhone 16.

NBL26 depth charts

New Zealand Breakers
Potential depth chart:
PG: Jackson-Cartwright (IP) / Britt / McNaught (DP)
SG: Brockington (IP) / Le'Afa / Cooper (DP)
SF: Lopez (NS) / Bairstow / Davison / Judd (DP)
PF: Baker II (IP) / Te Rangi / Darling
C: Mennenga / Loe

Cairns Taipans
Potential depth chart:
PG: Hagans (IP) / Adnam
SG: Smith / Stattmann / L.McVeigh (DP)
SF: Schofield (IP) / Higgins-Titsha / Mag
PF: J.McVeigh / Galloway / Richardson (DP)
C: Waardenburg / Lee (IP)

Missing in action

Reyne Smith (calf) and Ashton Hagans have been ruled out of the Blitz for Cairns, while Mawot Mag is out with a toe injury.

Admiral Schofield has been confirmed as a late out due to an adductor injury.

Rob Baker II won't play on Sunday for the Breakers.

Talking points

Backcourt Breakers
Jackson-Cartwright has a lot of weight on his shoulders to be the main man in New Zealand, but the Breakers may have found the perfect complement to their star guard.

Izaiah Brockington impressed on debut, putting up 22, 13 rebounds and 3 steals, with his aggression bringing a new-look to the Breakers' retooled squad.

Watch the combination of these two on Sunday and into the regular season. It's going to be exciting.

Cometh the moment, cometh McVeigh
Moments like these are why the Cairns Taipans were so keen to get McVeigh on their roster.

The sharpshooter made a habit of hitting clutch shots at the JackJumpers. Who could forget Game 3 of the NBL24 Championship Series?

If he can stand up in the big moments for the Taipans, they're all of a sudden a whole different challenge for opposition teams, after losing so many close games last year.