Basketball On The Internet.

BRAD Rosen is our only hope for any sort of sensible, insightful or researched accuracy in tonight's NBL game on Fox Sports between Illawarra and Sydney.

Fox's Warren Smith has called in sick so Steve Carfino will be guest-hosting, with Corey Williams his partner in crime.

And yes, a crime is what it will be.

Carfino was a solid colour man back in the day with Bill Woods or Steve Quartermain. But when he was elevated to play-by-play/main caller/interviewer, his shortcomings quickly were evident. Yeah, no kidding.

Williams clearly has dazzled the drooling gangsta wannabe boys in Fox management - and no-one else - with his self-promotion, factual inaccuracies and constant insistence he "told you" which, in most instances, is a repeat of something that was always bleeding obvious.

So Brad, it falls to you buddy. Save us from being drowned in buffoonery and inaccuracy so we can enjoy what should be a terrific game between old rivals.

Maybe it might even occur to Fox to ask Carfino to do what he does best and move him one seat to the right (or left) to do colour, not commentary. 

As for Homicide, he needs to be seated next to James Bond in Goldfinger, so 007 can flip the ejector seat.

IT was the one Cairns Taipans may most regret letting slip away from them, ahead by nine with a period to play but outscored 24-12 by Perth over the final 10 minutes.

MR RELIABLE: Matthew Knight, in hairier times.

At 70-70, it was Mr Reliable, Matt Knight who popped in the offensive rebound for a 72-70 lead.

Mark Worthington created space for himself for a step-back three which teased but didn't drop and after Casey Prather was fouled on the rebound, his 1-of-2 free throws meant Cairns needed a miracle.

Townsville apparently used up north Queensland's share of miracles last week against Adelaide, so that wasn't happening.

SYDNEY coach Joe Connelly is unlikely to be wearing his blue tradie singlet tonight when the Kings meet Illawarra in Wollongong.

He may though be in shorts and thongs because "they go well with the towel".

Sartorial challenges notwithstanding, Hawks star Kirk Penney (back spasms) still was only rated a 50-50 chance to suit but, regardless, Illawarra must start favourite.

At home and able to plan for Penney's potential absence, Illawarra has too much at stake to falter, the battle of the bigs, AJ Ogilvy and Julian Khazzouh, sure to be entertaining.

The smart money also is on Damion James to pay attention in at least two timeouts.

Last night: PERTH WILDCATS 73 (Jawai 13, Prather 12, Redhage 10; Knight, Jawai 6 rebs; 3 with 3 assts) d CAIRNS TAIPANS 70 (Worthington 16, Gliddon 14, Bruce 10; Gliddon 7 rebs; Weigh 5 assts) at Cairns Convention Centre.

Online

Fiery Brett: http://bit.ly/1RsDjkn

Lightning v Caps: http://bit.ly/1Pad6Uo