Santamaria Expecting "High-Level" Kings Showing Against Snakes

The Sydney Kings haven’t had the ideal preparation as they approach the opening game of their Playoff series against the Cairns Taipans on Wednesday night.

They’ve lost four of their last six games – the most recent of those being the final day thriller against the Perth Wildcats – and haven’t taken to the floor in almost two weeks.

That break has been even longer for All-NBL First Team selection Derrick Walton Jr who didn’t play against Perth due to a wrist injury.

Chase Buford recently discussed his team’s need to increase its intensity on the defensive end of the floor against the Taipans, and NBL analyst Liam Santamaria believes we’ll see a different Kings side to the one of the last few weeks of the regular season.

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“We’ve loved the up-tempo, high-paced style of the Sydney Kings under Chase Buford … that’s borne out of being on of the best defensive teams during his time here in the country running that club,” Santamaria said on NBL Today.

“That energy, that focus, that commitment at the defensive end hasn’t necessarily been at that elite championship level in recent weeks for the Sydney Kings … they’re going to need to bring it tonight.

“They’re not a team that forces a whole bunch of turnovers. They’re not a high-pressure, create steals and turnovers [side]. They’re just solid.

“They’re good at executing the scout, identifying who they want taking jumpers, where they want them taking them from, packing the paint and keeping you away from attempts at the rim and off the foul line.

“They need to do that at a high level against the Taipans.”

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Whether import guard Tahjere McCall will take to the floor against the Kings is still yet to be determined, as the Taipans star will be subject to a game time decision regarding his playing availability.

McCall was on the sidelines for Cairns’ Play-In Game victory over Perth sporting a sling on his right arm. He is currently recovering from a partially dislocated shoulder he suffered in the Seeding Qualifier against Tasmania.

Santamaria says if there’s any chance McCall will take to the floor against Sydney he’ll find a way to get out there for his team.

“I’m not a doctor but I’ll tell you what I do know – Tahjere McCall is tough as nails,” Santamaria said. “He took that heavy hit a couple of weeks ago and then he tried to play but he couldn’t. Then he said ‘stuff it’ and played anyway to come up with a whole bunch of game-winning plays.

“He’s shown he has an ability and a willingness and a desire to play hurt in order to get his team over the line.

“I think if the doctors aren’t going to hold him back he’ll get out there and try to help his team.

“The fact he’s a chance is exciting. We’ll wait and see closer to game time whether he can take the court.”

Game one of the Playoff series between Sydney and Cairns tips off tonight at 7:30pm AEDT, live on ESPN via Kayo Freebies.