NBL 2014/15 Round 8 Preview: Reptile Rumble #1
Cairns Taipans vs. Townsville Crocodiles
Sunday 30th November 2014, tip-off 4:00pm (local time)
Cairns Convention Centre
Odds: Cairns $1.48; Townsville $2.67
Tickets
The last time these two teams met, Townsville were the victors in the final reptile rumble of season 2013/14, scoring a 90-82 win inside the same arena today's clash will be hosted.
This obviously bodes well for the visitors, despite having made a few roster changes since their last visit to Cairns.
The additions of Mickell Gladness, who will play in his first local derby alongside switch-a-roo swingman Clint Steindl whom has swapped the bright orange for the green crocodile skin won't have the most crowd pleasing reception when he steps on the court for the first time in Cairns since switching colours.
Steven Markovic will continue to play the Austin Powers role as 'International Man of Mystery', with the most recent example coming from Friday night's clash against the Wollongong Hawks where Markovic sat for the entire first half before checking in the game to provide a spark for the defeated Crocs.
Cairns on the other hand, are also coming off a tough loss, however their opponent were at the other end of the NBL ladder. The 84-66 defeat at the hands of the Perth Wildcats added further salt to their wounds as the Snakes seem to be on the decline as of recent results.
Key Player
Mickell Gladness
No one really knows how he handles big derby games, mostly because he's never had the opportunity to play in any. However, the big American will sure have his hands full when going up against the tall timber of Matt Burston and Cameron Tragardh.
The Taipans will look to attack the rim and force Gladness to commit to any ball movement around the key, hoping to suck him into silly fouls.
For the Croc, Gladness has been down on form as of late and will need to show coach Shawn Dennis something in which created the massive hype when he put pen to paper for the FNQ side.
What To Watch For
The Return of the Heated Rivalry
Every NBL fan loves a rivalry game. It's what makes them so popular; the build up, the tip off, the push and shove, and most importantly, the final result and bragging rights.
So to end round 9, let's have all NBL fans eyes peeled on NBL.TV to watch the two Queensland sides battle in out for early season supremacy.
For someone, somewhere, to stand up and shine for their club and take the game on....to be the hero! The next thing for everyone to do is create the discussion with friends and family, and take a guess at who that may be.
Final Word
Following on from 'What To Watch For', we'll kick things off and declare Torrey Craig will bring the energy required to pull his team over the line. He'll be the hero in a tightly contested game!
Craig could quite possibly be the difference maker, having forced his way to the ring early to put Key Player Mickell Gladness out of the game with foul trouble, before stacking on some quick fire points on the Snakes way to taking game one of the Reptile Rumble in season 2014/15.
Taipans by 4