We’ve got a double-header of NBL hoops on Saturday night with the opening game seeing the Cairns Taipans host Melbourne United.
The Taipans have been one of the surprise packets so far this season and enter this clash sitting inside the top 4, whereas United have failed to meet their lofty expectations through the first six rounds. Check out our preview and NBL tips for Taipans vs United below!
NBL Round 7 - Taipans vs United Betting Tips
| MATCH |
BEST BET |
ODDS |
| Cairns Taipans vs Melbourne United |
Under 194.5 Total Points |
$1.95 (1 Unit) |
Cairns Taipans Keep the Wins Coming
Cairns made it five wins from six games by beating Brisbane 107-85 on Thursday. They return home at 6-4, having won all three games at the Cairns Convention Centre this season. It’s been a promising few weeks, but Melbourne will give them plenty to deal with.
The Taipans hit a club-record 20 three-pointers against Brisbane, with Jack McVeigh and Reyne Smith combining for nine of them. Their willingness to shoot from outside makes them dangerous, although they cannot expect that many to fall every night.
Cairns have also conceded 84 and 85 points in their past two games. That is encouraging, but Melbourne’s ability to score through Anthony and Oduro presents a different challenge. The Taipans also have to back up after Thursday’s trip to Brisbane, while United have had the week to prepare.
Melbourne United Welcome Back Goulding
Melbourne’s 105-95 win over Sydney brought some relief after narrow losses to Illawarra and Perth. United are now 4-5, with Cole Anthony and Josh Oduro leading the scoring against the Kings. Holding Sydney to 13 points in the third quarter was just as valuable in setting up the win.
Chris Goulding returns after a calf injury and subsequent health issues delayed his comeback. His shooting should give Anthony more room to attack and make Cairns think twice about sending extra help towards Oduro.
Melbourne still need to defend better than they did in the first meeting, when Cairns hit 15 threes in a 107-95 win. United have the size to trouble the Taipans inside, but that advantage counts for little if they keep giving up open shots at the other end.
Taipans vs United Betting Tips
I’m leaning towards under 194.5 points. Cairns’ three home games have finished with totals of 180, 188 and 170. It’s a small sample, but there is some support for the under despite both teams coming off strong scoring performances.
The first meeting produced 202 points, and Goulding gives Melbourne another scoring threat. Those are reasons to keep the stake modest, although I expect United to make Cairns work harder for their outside shots this time.
We don’t need a defensive slog for this to land. A few more stops and fewer comfortable looks could be enough, so I’m taking the under for 1 unit.
BEST BET
Total Points Under 194.5
$1.95 (1 Unit)
Taipans vs United Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Saturday, October 31st, 2026
Time: 7:30pm AEDT
Location: Cairns Convention Centre
Odds: Taipans $2.90 vs United $1.40
Line: +5.5
Points: 194.5
Taipans vs United Same Game Multi
Cole Anthony 25+ Points: Cole Anthony comes into this off his most complete NBL performance where he dropped 30 points against the Kings and stuffed the stat sheet. He played 30+ minutes for the first time this season and should continue to go from strength to strength.
Jack McVeigh 18+ Points: After a slow start to the season, McVeigh has hit his straps over the past four games where he’s averaging over 20 points per game. He will continue to lead the way in the scoring department for Cairns.
Reyne Smith 2+ Made Threes: Smith was excellent in the win over the Bullets on Thursday night with four made threes, taking his three-point tally up to 15 across his last four matches. He remains strong value to continue his form from deep.
