Basketball: Dickel facing three weeks on sidelines

Mark Dickel. Photo / Getty Images

Sydney's wretched luck with their point guards has continued, with the NBL cellar dwellers losing New Zealander Mark Dickel for at least three weeks with a calf injury.

The Kiwi veteran tore his calf in the final quarter of Sunday's 94-91 away loss to Gold Coast.

Tests on Monday revealed Dickel could be sidelined for between three and six weeks.

Dickel's debut for the Kings was delayed by a previous calf injury and he has made just four appearances for the club.

Sydney's two chief playmakers at the start of the season have also spent time on the casualty list.

Veteran Luke Martin wasn't available until round seven in late November due to an ankle issue.

Rookie Luke Cooper impressed in the first four games of the season before being ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with a foot injury.

Sydney, who have a 3-15 record in a troubled comeback season, cut imports Rod Grizzard and Taj McCullough and released Damian Ryan.

They have shown recent signs of improvement, winning back-to-back games against Wollongong and Melbourne before losing to Gold Coast.

In their next match on Friday, Sydney host Adelaide.

Kings coach Ian Robilliard will still have two point guards to call upon in Martin and mid-season recruit Joel Wagner.

Youngster Kevin White could also see more court time.

- AAP