When two of the NBL’s fiercest rivals meet in a do-or-die Play-In clash, both the Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United will be forced to navigate key absences and game-time injury calls.
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Perth confirmed backup big man David Okwera will again miss the elimination final.
“David Okwera (plantar fasciitis) will remain sidelined for tomorrow’s play-in elimination game vs Melbourne United at RAC Arena (5pm tip-off). He will be replaced on the roster by DP Cameron Huefner,” the Wildcats said.
Perth are desperate for frontcourt depth after their loss to South East Melbourne, where Jo Lual-Acuil Jr’s foul trouble exposed their lack of size and rotation options in the paint.
Melbourne United face even bigger concerns.
They defeated Tasmania without club MVP Jesse Edwards and coach Dean Vickerman revealed post game the reason he was ruled out and the hope he plays against Perth.
“When he arrived here and moved around a little bit, he just had some sharp pains that didn’t really allow him to stand up straight,” Vickerman said.
“The hope is that we get him on the flight tomorrow and he can be with our physio and we can treat him as best we can.
“Again, if he’s not physically capable of getting on the plane, we’ll try and find a flight that can suit him, whether that be on game day or not.
“But the hope is that he sleeps well, gets the right kind of medication tonight and we’re able to get him on the flight.”
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Chris Goulding is also battling through injury, though Vickerman is optimistic the veteran guard can shoulder a heavier load.
“He got through. We managed him for a few days and it’s just when it builds up with some fluid that it gets a little tougher for him to move the way he wants to move,” Vickerman said.
“Hopefully we can improve that by the time we play on Saturday.”
United hold a 2-1 edge in the season series, including a thrilling 74-73 win in Round 18.
All eyes will be on Edwards’ status. If he’s ruled out, Perth gain a major edge inside. If he plays, United regain a proven matchup against Lual-Acuil.
Either way, a semi-final series against the red-hot Sydney Kings awaits the winner in a best-of-three showdown.