Perth Wildcats vs Cairns Taipans: NBL23 Monday Preview

Game Details

Perth Wildcats vs Cairns Taipans

4:30pm WST Monday 10 October @ Cairns Convention Centre

Watch LIVE on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

Context

The Perth Wildcats come into their first road game of the season on the back of a gritty come-from-behind win over the Illawarra Hawks on Saturday night. It came at a cost, with TaShawn Thomas sustaining a painful ankle injury just minutes into the game, and he took no further part. Cairns are 2-0 so far this season and will be looking to continue their winning ways in their first home game of NBL23.

Roster Availability

TaShawn Thomas (ankle) and Corey Webster (family reasons) will both miss the clash with Cairns.

Development players Michael Harris and Ollie Hayes-Brown come into the lineup.

Pre-game words

John Rillie on the team adjustment following Thomas' injury.

"Regarding the shuffling of it (the team), during the pre-season we had to do that a lot, you saw Majok come in and contribute immediately, I always say, you're going to get your opportunity at some stage so be ready for it, and so far, our guys have done a great job with that."

Opponents to watch out for

Keanu Pinder, last season’s Most Improved Player, has continued to impress, coming off 19 points and eight rebounds against SEM Phoenix on Saturday.

Last time they met

The Perth Wildcats defeated Cairns Taipans 106-87 at RAC Arena back in April. Bryce Cotton starred with 22 points and 10 assists. Keanu Pinder was Cairns’ best, managing 24 points and eight rebounds.