KEY POINTS:
BREAKERS V HAWKS
Live: 8pm tonight, Maori TV
Replay: 8pm Friday, Sky Sport 2
The New Zealand Breakers expect to be without point guard Wayne Turner for the Australian National Basketball League match against Wollongong in Auckland tonight.
The American import suffered a thigh injury during the 90-79 win over the Gold Coast in Queensland on Sunday, a result which promoted the Breakers into the top six.
"It sucks," Turner said. "An ankle problem I've been managing all season has finally come right and I was just starting to strike some form."
Breakers coach Andrej Lemanis is resigned to being without Turner, but is happy with the backup at his disposal.
"We're well placed in that Paul Henare is now back up to speed after his injury-enforced absence and Ryan Kersten is continuing to develop and should provide more cover tomorrow night," Lemanis said.
"It shows the importance of having depth, not just for the 48 minutes of each game, but for the 30-game season. How well you deal with injuries and perform under that pressure can have a huge bearing on your season."
Lemanis knows his guards will have to be on their game against Wollongong, who boast New Zealand guards Lindsay Tait and Jeremy Kench. However, Tait is expected to join Turner courtside. Although named in Wollongong's travelling squad he is carrying a shoulder injury.
The Breakers enter the match with a six-win five-loss record, while Wollongong are in 11th place after recording three wins in 11 outings. Despite that the Breakers will have to overcome history to beat Wollongong.
They have not beaten the franchise just three times in 12 attempts overall.
"As with every team in the league they have their weapons and an ability to put points on the board. They shoot a lot of threes and how we defend that will have a key bearing on the outcome," Lemanis said.
He remains concerned about fatigue affecting his players. Their away game against Cairns on Saturday will mark their 10th match in a month, involving three trips to Australia and one to Singapore.
- NZPA
