Cooking up a Blockbuster

If Monday's game between the Cairns Taipans and Sydney Kings wasn't already big enough, the return of Xavier Cooks takes things to a whole new level.

Cooks has missed three weeks with an ankle injury, but the MVP fancy is set to return for the Cairns Convention Centre clash.

The 27-year-old has stepped things up in NBL23, notching career-highs in both scoring (16.3ppg) and assists (4.1). 

The Kings will be looking to shore up top spot on the ladder, with the New Zealand Breakers chasing close behind, while a win would put the Taipans back in touch with the top two. 

Watch the Cairns/Sydney clash live on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel on Monday night from 7.30pm AEDT.