How to watch & talking points: Melbourne v Cairns

Melbourne United v Cairns Taipans
Saturday, October 3, 7.30pm AEST
John Cain Arena

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How to watch

Watch every NBL27 game live on ESPN, and Melbourne v Cairns on 9 (Melbourne/Sydney/Brisbane), 9Go! (other regions) and 9Now.

>> How to watch ESPN‍

Tickets

>> Ticketing information‍

How to follow & live scores

Live scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via the free NBL App.

>> Visit Game Centre | Download the free NBL App

Rosters

Melbourne

Expected depth chart:
PG: Anthony (IP) / Ili / D'Angelo (DP) / Macdonald (NRP)
SG: Goulding (out) / Wilson / Hynes (DP) / Shelley (NRP)
SF: Travers / Ingles / Machar / Fa'ale (DP)
PF: Waardenburg / Bowen / Bradtke (DP)
C: Oduro (IP) / Krslovic‍

Cairns

Expected depth chart:
PG: J.Brown (IP) / Paul (NS) (out) / Bruce / Nunn (DP)
SG: J.Galloway (out) / Smith / L.McVeigh (DP)
SF: Lewis (IP) / Dech / W.Brown
PF: J.McVeigh / K.Galloway / Williamson (NRP)
C: Pinder / Bolden / Yates (DP)

Missing in action

Melbourne

Chris Goulding - Calf - Round 5
Sean Macdonald - ACL - Season‍

Cairns

Shaun Bruce - Groin - Test
Jaylin Galloway - Shoulder - Round 6
Luke Paul - Ankle - Test

>> View full injury list

Talking points

Big response incoming

Melbourne United slumped to a 1-2 record on Thursday night, losing a gritty game to Tasmania, with a number of their stars fouling out.

Expect Jacob Chance's side to bounce back in a big way on Saturday, as they return to John Cain Arena.

The hosts will also be buoyed by the return of defensive linchpin Shea Ili, who will make his season debut after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Pressure cooker

Through the opening three rounds of the Hungry Jack's NBL27 Season, arguably no coach is under more pressure than Cairns' Adam Forde.

The Taipans currently sit in 10th with a 1-3 record, which includes a double-digit loss to the Breakers in New Zealand.

The other Snake under pressure is Million Dollar Man Jack McVeigh, who is averaging 15.3 points a game this season, significantly down on last season's 21.2.