United’s injury crisis good news for Cairns
WITH the Snakes in desperation mode trying to save their season, they are about to get top-of-the-table Melbourne United at the perfect time.
United are in the midst of an injury crisis with Casper Ware (ankle), guard Kyle Adnam (concussion), import Josh Boone (leg), David Andersen (heel inflammation), Chris Goulding (illness) and Carrick Felix (knee) all less than 100 per cent fit leading into tomorrow night’s match.
Melbourne have reeled off eight victories in their last nine games, with the Cairns Taipans their next opponents in the first ever Australian Open match at Hisense Arena.
“We are banged up,” United star Goulding admitted.
“Even though it is eight of nine wins in a row for us, we are not thinking this is a cakewalk.”
Important big man Boone hurt his ankle in the third term against Brisbane on Saturday night and did not return while Andersen missed the clash after returning from injury a few days earlier against New Zealand.
Cairns dropped their visit to Victoria earlier this season, beaten 87-65 as former import forward Michael Carrera led the way with 19 points.
Melbourne (14-7) has never been a happy hunting ground for Cairns (10-13), who have won just five of 46 attempts over the journey.
United have had a busy schedule of late, playing New Zealand last Thursday, Brisbane on Saturday and the Snakes on Wednesday, and Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman said the heavy load had taken a toll on his players.
“Kyle took a concussion, David Andersen does not suit up for the Brisbane game and Boone goes down injured,” Vickerman said.
“Chris was not healthy at the start of the day on Saturday.
“This is a tough stretch and everyone is carrying niggles.
“Everybody had something and Carrick hurt his knee in the third quarter.”
United are still missing centre Majok Majok (groin).
The Taipans need to win their remaining five games of the regular season to crack the NBL top four.