The New Zealand Breakers will be hoping to get their season back on track when they travel north to take on the Cairns Taipans this Friday.
With only four wins this season, the Breakers have not achieved the success they had hoped so far, but a win over the Taipans would go a long way in changing things.
For the Taipans, they are seeking a second straight win, as they too are eager to rack up some wins.
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So which squad will come out on top?
Cairns Taipans vs New Zealand Breakers prediction
- Prediction: Cairns Taipans to win
It hasn't been the season start that Cairns were hoping for, but they have found some form at last, winning two of their last three games.
It's been the opposite for New Zealand, losing two of their last three as they go into Cairns.
These two teams met earlier in the season, with the Breakers claiming the win. However, the Taipans were missing imports Tahjere McCall and Patrick Miller.
With Cairns looking back to full strength, they should be primed to get a revenge win this Friday.
Cairns Taipans vs New Zealand Breakers key matchup
- Key matchup: Tahjere McCall vs Anthony Lamb
Despite neither playing the entire season thus far, Tahjere McCall and Anthony Lamb have been two of the most impressive players in the NBL this year.
McCall has continued his franchise-player-level efforts since returning from the birth of his first child - he recorded a mindblowing 19-point, 15-assist performance against Adelaide last round.
Lamb has been a revelation for New Zealand, after signing with the team when they were in America to replace Justinian Jessup.
He is contributing 19.5 points per game for the Breakers, second highest in the team behind guard Parker Jackson Cartwright, and has been a bright spot for the struggling squad.
This battle of the wings could well determine who claims the win.
Cairns Taipans vs New Zealand Breakers player to watch
- Player to watch: Mantas Rubštavičius
Breakers Next Star Mantas Rubštavičius had a slow start to his NBL season, scoring double digits in just one of his first five appearances, before receiving a DNP against Perth.
But he has begun to find form, with back-to-back games over 10 points against South East Melbourne and Tasmania, shooting over 60 per cent from the field both times.
With the Breakers' main offensive options likely to receive fierce attention from Cairns players who rank among the league's most lethal defenders, this could prime a player like Rubštavičius to see even more touches, and truly make a mark on this game.
When is Cairns Taipans vs New Zealand Breakers?
The Cairns Taipans host the New Zealand on Friday, December 15, at the Cairns Convention Centre.
The game is set to tip off at 7:30 pm AEDT.
How to watch Cairns Taipans vs New Zealand Breakers
The Friday night clash between the Taipans and the Breakers will be shown live on ESPN, via Foxtel.
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The game can also be streamed on Kayo.
| TV Channel | ESPN |
| Streaming | Kayo |
*Available on Friday, 5-10pm until 18th February 2024. Participating stores only. Min spend $15. Service fees apply
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