



In the 16th round of the Australian NBL, Cairns Taipans will face Melbourne in a crucial match. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, January 14, with tip-off set for 09:30 Central European Time. Here’s an in-depth preview of the game, along with a betting recommendation for the winner.
Match Preview
Cairns Taipans have struggled throughout this season, with frequent losses and roster issues leaving them in a vulnerable position.
At this point, the Taipans have already lost hope of making the playoffs, which comes as a surprise considering their strong performance in the previous campaign. This season, however, has turned into a complete disaster for the team.
South East Melbourne, while not shining in the current NBL season, has been relatively stable, which is reflected in their position in the standings. The team is in the mix for a playoff spot and still holds strong chances for success by the season's end.
Melbourne has won their last two matches, defeating Tasmania and Brisbane, leaving both teams behind and climbing to fifth place. With just six games remaining in the regular season, they are looking to finish strong.
Key Match Facts
- The Taipans have lost eight consecutive home games.
- Melbourne has lost just one of their last six matches.
- Cairns averages 75 points per game at home, while Melbourne averages 105 points per game on the road.
Players to Watch
24-year-old Matthew Hurst is Melbourne's standout player and capable of single-handedly deciding the outcome of matches. He is averaging nearly 20 points per game, showing impressive scoring ability.
Head-to-Head Record
Cairns has won their last four home games against South East Melbourne.
Prediction
With Cairns already out of contention for the season, their motivation is low. I expect Melbourne to take the win, so I’m betting on an away victory with a -3 point spread.