THERE is one clear championship favourite in the 2025/26 National Basketball League (NBL) so far this season, with Melbourne United yet to lose a game and looking to keep that streak going in their clash against the Cairns Taipans.

The Taipans will welcome United to Cairns Convention Centre on Friday night in what is a tall task for the home side given the sort of form United has been in to start the season. There is no team that has been able to knock off Melbourne over the first month of play and United do not look like slowing down any time soon.

However, the NBL is renowned for upsets, and if the Taipans can knock off the title favourites despite being out of form themselves, it may just be the spark that ignites the rest of their campaign moving forward.

Cairns Taipans vs. Melbourne United

Cairns Convention Centre
Friday, October 24 @ 7:30pm

The Taipans have been in a form slump of late, losing their last five outings and dropping down to ninth spot in the standings, ahead of only the reigning champions on the ladder. There have been several blowout losses in that run, so Adam Forde and his team will be eager to not let tonight’s proceedings get away from them early.

There is an exciting bit of history the Taipans can look back on for inspiration, as back in 2016, Cairns was able to knock off a previously unbeaten United side. If Cairns can do so again, it will shake up the competition in a big way and change the course of the standings.

With star signing Jack McVeigh sidelined with a wrist injury still, imports Admiral Schofield and Andrew Andrews will need to be in strong form offensively, while big man Marcus Lee will have his hands full in the paint in a crucial battle with Jesse Edwards, who has been hugely impressive and crucial for Melbourne in the early stages of the season.

It is hard to recall a team looking as strong as United have been to start the season, who have been the best side on both ends of the floor over the past month and look far and away the ones to beat in the championship race. Only getting stronger of late with some strong inclusions, Melbourne has enjoyed one of its best starts to a season in team history.

Tonight, United comes up against a Taipans team that is in desperate need of a win, and although it may seem like an easy win, these matchups loom as danger games, and the visitors will be eager to ensure they do not let one slip here.

The big return over the past few weeks was getting Chris Goulding back from injury after missing the first few games of the season. The veteran sharpshooter may be deep into his 30’s, but is shooting as good as ever, and the roster build seems perfect to see him thrive, so watch for him to be a massive part of tonight’s encounter and Melbourne’s championship hopes as a whole.