Noi chases perfect birthday present against former team

Saturday's showdown between the Sydney Kings and Cairns Taipans is crucial to both teams' NBL23 finals chances.

But you'll be hard-pressed finding someone keener to secure the win than Sydney's Kouat Noi.

The round five pits the Newcastle product against his former side, as well as marking his 25th birthday.

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"A win on Saturday would be amazing and the perfect birthday present against my old team Cairns," Noi said.

"We know as a group we need to make some adjustments because they got the better of us last time, so it's up to us to come out more aggressive and make amends for that earlier defeat."

This season has seen the St Francis Xavier's College alum adjust to a new role.

While he admits it took him time to get used to it, he feels as though he's starting to find his feet as the Kings' spark plug off the bench.

"It was a role I accepted when I joined the Kings and have been trying to become the best version of myself for the team in that role," said Noi, who admits he had to change his mindset due to the role adjustment.

"Every time I step on the court, be it for 10 minutes or 20 minutes, I try and do whatever the team needs to do, to help us win, from rebounding, scoring and defending the rim - I'm definitely starting to find a nice rhythm to my play.

"I feel it's a real strength of ours to have so many different looks and line-ups we can roll out.

"One that has been really positive I feel is when Xave and I are the two big men on the court and we push the pace and get out and run."

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Noi, who is constantly trying to improve his fitness and work on his body, is pleased with the progression his 5-2 Hoops Capital side has made already this year, as they chase back-to-back championships.

"We're all working hard here at the Kings and there's a sense that we are building something special," said Noi, who is averaging 7.14 points and 3.29 rebounds per game this season.

"The whole group is starting to find their roles and I honestly think we're only going to keep flourishing because there's no reason why we can't go all the way this season."

The round five game tips off at 8pm AEDT at Qudos Bank Arena.