KEY POINTS:
Kirk Penney is more hopeful than certain about making his Australian National Basketball League debut for the New Zealand Breakers on Thursday.
He described his chances of playing against the West Sydney Razorbacks as "touch and go" today.
The Breakers team officials have left it to the shooting guard to make the call.
Penney missed the team's season-opener against the Cairns Taipans with a calf injury.
He said though the calf tear appeared to have healed, he was still unsure whether it would be able to sustain vigorous workout.
"It's coming good. I'm happy with how it's progressing," Penney, 26, said.
"I'm aiming for Thursday but it's touch and go. I'm very optimistic at this stage but I don't want any setbacks.
"I'm very close but it may be worth holding back on the reins for the sake of the rest of the season."
Penney's fellow Tall Blacks guard Paul Henare, who had knee operations recently, will remain sidelined for another few weeks
The Breakers began their season with a 95-90 loss to the Taipans two weeks ago.
- NZPA
