Cairns Taipans vs SEM Phoenix Tips | NBL26 Round 15

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30pm AEDT at Cairns Convention Centre, with the Phoenix looking to bounce back from a narrow loss and reclaim third place on the ladder. 

Cairns have shown minor improvement in recent weeks, but their struggles against the league’s top sides remain evident, particularly on the defensive end.

Competition: NBL26 – Round 15

Match: Cairns Taipans vs South East Melbourne Phoenix

Date: Wednesday, 31 December 2025

Tip-off: 7:30 PM AEDT

Venue: Cairns Convention Centre

South East Melbourne look well positioned to cover the 8.5-point line once again against Cairns. The Phoenix have dominated this matchup in recent seasons, winning their last five games against the Taipans, with the most recent three victories all coming by double-digit margins. Motivation should be high after a frustrating loss to Tasmania, and with third place on the ladder on the line, SEM are unlikely to ease off. Cairns’ inability to consistently defend elite offences makes this a difficult matchup for the home side.

South East Melbourne boast the most powerful offence in the NBL, averaging a league-best 95.8 points per game. They have also scored over 95.5 points in each of their last five meetings with Cairns. The Taipans rank ninth defensively, allowing 95.6 points per game while also conceding the most rebounds in the league. That combination regularly leads to second-chance scoring opportunities — an area SEM are well equipped to exploit.

Owen Foxwell is beginning to rediscover his rhythm after returning from injury and is well placed to orchestrate the Phoenix offence against a weaker defensive opponent. Foxwell has recorded four or more assists in nine of his last 11 games, and this matchup should allow him to play freely as a facilitator. With SEM expected to score heavily, Foxwell’s assist total shapes as one of the more reliable player props on the board.