Basketball: Return of Book will lift up the Giants

By PETER JESSUP

Tall Black centre Ed Book is expected to return from injury when Nelson meet Auckland in an NBL match at Unitec tonight.

Book has been out of action since suffering a calf injury on the tour of China.

His comeback will give the Giants the inside edge they have been missing and, combined with the game control and shooting ability of Tall Black guards Judd Flavell and Phill Jones, they should have too much experience for the young home team.

Book was missing when the Giants lost against Otago, the Jets and Wellington. His average of 21 points and his 64 per cent field goal accuracy are a huge advantage.

Auckland player-coach Kenny Stone has had an operation to repair his fractured larynx, but is expected to play. So is forward Daryl Cartwright, whose size was missed in last weekend's loss to Waikato, when flu restricted him to three minutes.

For Auckland, a loss kills all playoff dreams. A do-or-die enthusiasm is their best hope.

Nelson go across the bridge to face North Harbour tomorrow and can move up to challenge Waikato's second placing and earn the home semi right with consecutive wins.

Harbour forward Steve Jackson (elbow) and guards Jeff Niwa (shoulder) and Paora Winitana (flu) have missed and/or been struggling in training, but all are expected to play.

Coach Tracy Carpenter is looking for a big one from import John Smith.

The Jets can seal fourth spot when they go to Wellington to face a Saints team depleted by the loss of Callum Brock (strained ankle) and Tyrone Brown (broken toe). The Hawks go to Otago tomorrow with some chance, but will have little against leaders Canterbury on Sunday.