Scott in Mix for Series Decider

Cairns’ Game 2 victory over the Sydney Kings was impressive – not least because they did it without import guard Shannon Scott.

It was a case of one out, one in for the Taipans, as Tahjere McCall came back from his partially dislocated shoulder to great effect, but Scott remained sidelined with a hamstring issue.

He was suited up and ready to play if required though, and head coach Adam Forde says he backed his team to give Scott a chance to return for Game 3.

“It was just a little concern,” Forde said of Scott’s injury post-game. “We went and got the MRI and there were some things you could potentially play through, but it was one of those situations where if he didn’t feel confident it could become worse.

“We trust the group to extend it out to three games and we’ll see how he goes and pulls up.

“The way the guys got going early I felt pretty confident that I could sit him out and potentially look to preserve him for Game 3.”

While Scott is a genuine chance to take to the floor in the Taipans’ do-or-die Game 3 clash against the Kings, Keanu Pinder is not.

The NBL’s back-to-back Most Improved Player has been sidelined with a facial fracture since Round 17, and he’s missed his side’s last seven games.

The effects of that accidental elbow to the eye from South East Melbourne’s Dane Pineau can still be seen, as Pinder sports a red right eye as he cheers from the sidelines.

“He’s talking about wearing a concussion helmet, a face mask, looking like Sub Zero from Mortal Kombat or something, but we can’t risk that one,” Forde said.

“There’s a potential that if we can get through Game 3 and with the FIBA break – does the first week of March look more promising? Definitely, but I don’t want to call that early.

“He’s desperate to play, and why not? He’s part of the machine that got us here, but it’d be bad on my end if I try and pressure him into it.”

For now though, Forde’s major focus will be once again returning to his former home-court at Qudos Bank Arena.

Much has been made of the fact Forde is facing the side he once took charge of, and the current reigning champions’ team still contains a number of players who starred under the head coach.

“This (Cairns) is my home,” he said. “This is my home court here, it’s been my home for a long time now.

“I know you’ve got to put in about 15 years to be classified as a local in Cairns, but hopefully we can fast-track that Cairns citizenship and get in sooner.”

The Taipans travel to Sydney for Game 3 of their Playoff Series to be played on Sunday at 2pm AEDT, live & free on ESPN via Kayo Freebies.