Wildcats suffer two injuries before facing the Kings, United lose their defensive anchor and the Phoenix re-sign Nathan Sobey after a career year.
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WILDCATS DEALT INJURY BLOW AHEAD OF KINGS CLASH
The Perth Wildcats have won nine of their past ten games and with two matches remaining against the Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers, the Wildcats must win both to keep their slim hopes of a top-three finish alive heading into the finals.
On Sunday afternoon the Wildcats face the red-hot Kings, but the club has confirmed two key players will miss the clash through injury.
“Ben Henshall (ankle) will remain unavailable for tomorrow’s away game at Sydney. Dylan Windler (heel) has also been ruled out of tomorrow’s game,” the Wildcats announced.
“Both players will be re-evaluated during the week and their status will be updated prior to our home game next Friday night against the Adelaide 36ers.”
It’s a tough blow for Perth as they take on the hottest team in the NBL – Sydney has won nine straight with only two games remaining in the regular season.
UNITED STAR RULED OUT AS FINALS RACE TIGHTENS
Melbourne United sit fifth on the NBL ladder with just two regular-season games remaining – and they will close it out without their defensive anchor.
Two-time NBL Defensive Player of the Year Shea Ili has been ruled out for the remainder of the NBL26 regular season after suffering a hamstring injury in United’s win over the Cairns Taipans.
“Shea Ili sustained a low-grade left hamstring injury during Thursday night’s game in Cairns,” the club announced.
“He will miss our remaining regular season games and will be a fitness test ahead of our first game of the NBL26 Finals.”
It’s another frustrating setback for Ili, who has endured a stop-start campaign due to recurring hamstring issues. The guard had only just begun ramping up his minutes across United’s past three games following his previous return.
United also confirmed multiple changes to the bench structure.
“Development Player Campbell Blogg will replace Ili in the lineup whilst Head Coach Dean Vickerman continues to recover from appendicitis and will attend tomorrow’s game,” the club said.
“Assistant Coach Rhys Carter will again lead the team as Head Coach during Dean’s recovery.”
Melbourne now faces the Illawarra Hawks on Sunday in a crucial clash as they attempt to climb into fourth place – currently held by the Perth Wildcats – ahead of the finals.
Bullets coach plays down shove on import | 00:19
SOBEY RE-SIGNS AS PHOENIX LOOK TO LOCK IN CORE AMID FRANCHISE-BEST SEASON
The South East Melbourne Phoenix are in the midst of their best season as a franchise and in a roster full of star talent, one veteran has stood above the rest.
Nathan Sobey has produced a career year, averaging 21.9 points, 4.6 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game, while adding 1.8 steals per contest. He is shooting 43 per cent from the field and 34.9 per cent from three-point range.
The veteran guard has played himself into MVP contention while leading the Phoenix into the NBL’s top three as the finals approach. With continued success under head coach Josh King, the club is now focused on establishing a long-term core capable of sustaining success.
Sobey has re-signed on a two-year deal, with the second season including a mutual option between both the club and the player. Currently 35 years old, Sobey would be 37 if he completes both seasons of the agreement.
The Phoenix are also reportedly working to secure John Brown III and King on long-term deals as the organisation continues reshaping its identity and culture in pursuit of the franchise’s first NBL championship.
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