Cairns Taipans v Tasmania JackJumpers
Saturday, December 13, 5.30pm AEDT
Cairns Convention Centre
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Talking points
Waardenburg’s return
The Taipans’ star big man Sam Waardenbug (ankle) will make his long-awaited season debut on Saturday night.
During NBL25, the Tall Black produced career-best numbers in points (14.5), rebounds (6.4), assists (3.4), block (1) and steals (0.8).
While there may be a little rust, having missed Cairns’ 16 games, expect Waardenburg to provide a massive boost to the offence of Adam Forde’s side, which ranks 10th this season.
JackJumpers continue to build
After losing six straight during the mid-part of the season, Scott Roth’s team, which is now largely healthy, has won two of their past three games, including Wednesday’s convincing win over South East Melbourne.
Sitting outside the top six on just percentage, Tasmania know the importance of this Round 12 fixture to continue their post-season push.
In Tasmania’s favour is their solid road record (5-4) and Cairns’ poor home record (1-8).
What they’re saying
Taipans assistant coach Will Lopez on the importance of returning big man Sam Waardenburg:
“Around one-third of our offensive sets were designed for Waardenburg to play with [Jack] McVeigh and [Andrew] Andrews in that dynamic three-man game.
“We can now bring those plays back in, because he’s back in the lineup.
“Kody Stattmann, Mojave King and Reyne Smith, who can all shoot it, are going to have that extra half-second window to let it rip once it comes.
“Our cutting principles are all in place anyway. But I’d like to think that Waardenburg creates more opportunities.”
JackJumpers big man Will Magnay on his growth this season:
“I have been challenged by the coaching staff about my effort and energy this season, and I’ve just made a mental challenge to myself to try and be aggressive.
“Credit to the team too for keeping on looking for me as well and I wouldn’t be able to do that without actually getting the ball, so it’s sort of a team effort.
“It’s a little bit of a workrate thing too, which is something I’m still working on.”
Missing in action
Cairns
Alex Higgins-Titsha – Wrist – Season
Jack McVeigh – Personal reasons – TBC
Reyne Smith – Foot – Round 15
Tasmania
Anthony Drmic – Back – TBC
Kobe Williamson – Foot – Round 15
Sean Macdonald – Knee – Season
>> View full injury list
