Backing up after a commanding 108-90 win against the New Zealand Breakers on Friday night, the Taipans can announce themselves as a serious NBL finals contender with a victory in Sydney.

Cairns coach Mike Kelly was not afraid to outline his intentions on the back of his team's most recent win, their fourth in five matches.

"It's fun to go against these great teams and kind of rack your brain on how you can attack them and maybe get into their weaknesses," Kelly said.

"It's another challenge for us to see how we play against another very good team

"Sydney is a very good team that we haven't played for a while."

The only time the Taipans and Kings met this season was way back in round one when Sydney walked away with a 79-71 win in Cairns.

Snakes skipper DJ Newbill did not hesitate when asked if his side could beat the top-of-the-table side.

"Very confident," he said.

"We played them at the beginning of the season and we're a whole different team now. We have had some time to play together and we're playing better so I'm definitely confident."

Normally cautious about making bold predictions, the American said playing finals was on the radar.

"That's the goal," he said.

"Why else would you play? You play to win, You want to go to finals, you don't want to just have a good season."

The Taipans' win on Friday night elevated them to sixth position on the NBL table with a 6-7 record. They now have the same amount of wins as the third-placed South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Cairns will play a Sydney Kings side that is also on the quick back-up, having lost to the Perth Wildcats in the west on Friday night.

It was the Kings' second loss of the season, but they are still two wins clear at the top of the ladder.

Australian Associated Press