NBL Prediction: Sydney Kings vs Cairns Taipans (20-09-2026)

Sydney Kings begin their NBL27 title defence against Cairns Taipans at Afterpay Arena on September 20, with the club also raising its NBL26 championship banner before tip-off.

The Kings have retained the core of last season’s championship team, including Kendric Davis, Matthew Dellavedova and Xavier Cooks.

Dellavedova is again projected to start alongside Davis in the backcourt, making his assists market one of the more interesting player props for the opener.

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Dellavedova averaged 4.8 assists per game across 34 appearances for Sydney Kings last season despite sharing playmaking duties with Davis.

He also kept turnovers down to just 1.1 per game, underlining how efficiently he operated as the secondary organiser in the Kings’ offence.

His numbers against Cairns are particularly relevant.

Dellavedova recorded five assists in the first meeting, three in the second and seven in the third.

The only under came when he was restricted to 12 minutes and 36 seconds; in the two games where he played at least 22 minutes, he cleared this line both times.

The longer-term record also supports his role as a facilitator.

Matthew Dellavedova averaged 7.3 assists in NBL25 and 6.3 in NBL24 before joining Sydney Kings, so creating for teammates has consistently been a major part of his game.

Pre-season numbers have been less important because Sydney Kings have rotated heavily and Davis missed part of the Blitz.

Dellavedova’s established regular-season role is a stronger indicator heading into Round 1.

With normal starter minutes, Matthew Dellavedova Over 4.5 Assists is the preferred selection at NBL27.