Melbourne United could see two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Shea Ili out once again as injuries dampen victory over Taipans, Jack McVeigh has locked in his return to Cairns for the 2026-2027 season, committing to the Taipans after a career-best season as David Duke Jr returns to the Perth Wildcats lineup ahead of Round 21.
All of this in the latest edition of NBL Daily.
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TWO-TIME DPOY HAMSTRUNG AGAIN
Melbourne United secured an important 89-85 win over the Cairns Taipans on Thursday night, with Milton Doyle leading the way.
Doyle finished with 25 points, three rebounds and one assist off the bench, shooting 45 per cent from the field in just under 29 minutes of action.
Tyson Walker also impressed, adding 17 points, two assists and three steals, with he and Doyle the only United players to reach double figures.
However, the victory came at a cost, with fresh injury concerns surrounding Shea Ili and Chris Goulding.
Ili, who has played just 10 games this season lasted under seven minutes before suffering another hamstring injury, an issue that has plagued his campaign.
Assistant coach Rhys Carter, filling in for Dean Vickerman, provided an update post-game.
“I walked straight past Steve McAdam, the physio, and just said that other hamstring and they’ll assess how bad it is. But it was bad enough to not play,” Carter said.
“But we haven’t got a full assessment yet. So, you know, as soon as he had some feeling there, we’re not going to risk him staying in the game.
“And we just had to keep him out. So we’ll get more information in the next day or two.”
It marks another frustrating setback in an injury-interrupted season for the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
United also monitored superstar Chris Goulding, who was still feeling soreness from an issue suffered in last week’s game against the Adelaide 36ers.
Goulding sat out the final 14 minutes, though Carter suggested the concern may be minor.
“Yeah, he had a minor issue like behind his knee from the last game and it got much better. And he came into the game feeling really close to 100 percent,” Carter said.
“But just as it went, just kind of irritated him a little bit. I don’t think it’s going to be anything major.
Goorjian goes off after Davis foul | 00:21
“You know, he could have gone back in. He was kind of like, yeah, look, I’m not great, but I can play.”
With finals approaching – including matchups against the Illawarra Hawks and South East Melbourne Phoenix – United will anxiously await Ili’s scans while continuing to manage Goulding.
Head coach Dean Vickerman missed the game due to appendicitis, giving Carter the chance to step in. The result was a crucial win, but the injury concerns could prove significant in the weeks ahead.
WILDCATS WELCOME BACK IMPORT GUARD AS FINALS RACE HEATS UP
The Perth Wildcats have surged into form, winning eight of their past nine games as they chase a top-two finish on the NBL ladder.
Ahead of a Round 21 double against the Brisbane Bullets and Sydney Kings, the club has confirmed David Duke Jr will return after an extended stint sidelined with an elbow injury.
“Both David Duke Jr. and Sunday Dech are returning to the roster for tomorrow night’s home game at RAC Arena vs the Brisbane Bullets,” the Wildcats announced.
Duke Jr hasn’t played since Round 14, when he suffered the injury just three minutes into a clash with the Adelaide 36ers. He now returns after missing the past nine games.
The period without him also coincided with reports the Wildcats were exploring potential import replacements leading into HoopsFest, before ultimately backing in their current roster.
With three games remaining – against the Bullets, Kings and 36ers – Perth remains a mathematical chance of finishing on top of the ladder and will look to build momentum heading into finals.
Across 12 games this season, Duke Jr has averaged 12.8 points, 3.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds and one steal per game after joining the club following Mason Jones’ departure earlier in the year.
Sunday Dech also returns, adding further defensive presence as the Wildcats push through the final stretch of the regular season.
Wildcats coach John Rillie said after Wednesday’s training:
“As you saw today, he (Duke Jr) had some great feel in moments. He doesn’t look rusty with the ball in hand.”
“What’s been impressive is the way he’s handled and conducted himself through this. That’s what people don’t see – the work he’s been doing to get to this point.”
‘Shame on you!’ Coaches react to blow-up | 02:37
TAIPANS’ MILLION-DOLLAR MAN LOCKS IN FOR NBL27
Jack McVeigh has committed his future to the Cairns Taipans, giving the club a major building block after a tough season. The marquee forward’s decision comes off a career-best year on the court and provides clarity as Cairns begin reshaping their roster for next season.
McVeigh, one of the headline signings of the off-season, has locked in his return to Cairns after both parties agreed to the mutual option on his contract.
Cairns signed McVeigh on a two-year deal during the off-season after a stint in the NBA and G League with the Houston Rockets and Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
In a statement released by the club, McVeigh spoke about his excitement to continue in Far North Queensland.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be back next season,” he said.
“Every day I’m grateful I get to play basketball. I love coming out here and competing against the best and playing the game. That’s what I’ve wanted to do my whole life.
“I’m grateful for how welcomed my young family and I have been. Cairns quickly felt like home, and I can’t see myself leaving. The fans, the coaching staff, my teammates, the front office, everyone has made the experience special.
“Every game is another step forward, whether it’s for me individually as a player or collectively as a club. We’re trying to build for the future.”
McVeigh is producing career-best numbers, averaging 21.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists, all personal highs. He has also posted two 40-point performances this season, underlining his status as one of the league’s premier marquee players.
While Cairns sit ninth at 9-22 in a disappointing campaign, securing McVeigh is a major step towards a reset. CEO Mark Beecroft believes the club now has the right foundation piece.
“Jack has been exceptional both on and off the court for us this season. His character is second to none,” Beecroft said.
“His experience and professionalism sets the standard and on court he lifts everyone around him. He’s the ultimate competitor and we’re excited to build a team around him.”
The focus now shifts to the rest of the roster. Reyne Smith and Mawot Mag are the only other players contracted for next season, though both deals include options, leaving Cairns with significant decisions ahead.
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