Sam Young and his Sydney Kings team mates take on fellow play off hopefuls Cairns Taipans on Friday night
As the battle for a spot in the NBL finals heats up, fourth placed Sydney Kings host Cairns Taipans on Friday night at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. The Queenslanders are just one place below the Kings and are looking to snatch that final spot in the play-offs.
The Kings have now suffered three losses in a row and some changes to their lineup may well be on the cards. Cody Ellis could make his debut against the Taipans, a final decision will be left until game day.
As we said in our preview of their last match, the Kings are still waiting for their big players to form effective partnerships. In the loss to the Breakers there were at least signs that in attack things are beginning to come together, with AJ Ogilvy showing that he can find a way to deal with double teaming. However, it was a shockingly high turnover count that cost them in the end, and is something that needs to be addressed immediately.
Cairns are certainly a team that should not be underestimated, having now won three of their last four games. Their most recent win was arguably the most impressive, handing Perth only their second loss of the season on New Years Eve. The win came at a cost however, with Cam Tragardh suffering an ankle injury and he has been ruled out of the Kings game.
Friday 3rd January, Sydney Entertainment Centre Haymarket 19:30
Sydney Kings v Cairns Taipans