The 16:30 match on December 31st features the Cairns Taipans versus the South East Melbourne Phoenix, a contest highlighting home recovery against a struggling away performance in the NBL. The Cairns Taipans, with a record of 3 wins and 9 losses, are positioned lower in the standings. Their offence relies on the scoring prowess of Jerron McVeigh, averaging 16.2 points per game. They have shown resilience at home, winning 5 of their last 7 games. However, they are hampered by injuries to four players and have a significant scoring differential, averaging a net loss of 17.1 points. The South East Melbourne Phoenix holds a record of 7 wins and 3 losses, placing them third. Mitch Creek leads the league's second-best offence, averaging 23.7 points per game. However, they are coming off a three-game losing streak and have struggled on the road, with only one win in eight away games. Key points to watch: Can the Cairns Taipans exploit their opponent's poor away form and build on their home advantage to secure consecutive wins? Can the Phoenix get Nathan Sobey back in form and end their poor away performance? The December 31st, 16:30 match between the Cairns Taipans and South East Melbourne Phoenix represents an NBL clash of a depleted home team versus inconsistent away form. The Cairns Taipans, with a 5-15 record, are at the bottom of the standings. While they feature Jerron McVeigh (16.2 points per game) and have won 5 of their last 7 home games, they have four injured players, and the absence of key player, D.J. Pinder, has a significant impact. The South East Melbourne Phoenix, with a record of 13 wins and 7 losses, are third. Mitch Creek (23.7 points per game) leads the league's top offense, but they have just suffered a loss and have a poor away record, including a period of one win in eight games. Recommendation: South East Melbourne Phoenix