Dynamo definite for NBL decider
MELBOURNE United has brushed off concerns about Casey Prather after the dynamic matchwinner sat out the main training session with an undisclosed sickness.
Prather was quarantined yesterday in the bowels of Hisense Arena as United intensified preparation for tomorrow’s NBL grand final decider against Adelaide 36ers.
Versatile big man Craig Moller stepped in for Prather during match simulation, but United star Casper Ware said he was confident Prather would be ready.
“I’m not concerned at all,” Ware said. “He’s a little sick right now but I’m sure he’s going to get through it and he’s going to be ready for Saturday.
“As long as he’s going to be ready for Saturday I don’t care if he’s not going to be here [today].”
In better news for United, chief shot-blocker Tai Wesley (shoulder) looks set to play despite the recurrence of an AC joint injury. He contested the bulk of practice bar the session-ending scrimmage.
Ware said Wesley’s dedication to get up for Game 5 in the finals series had buoyed the group.
“That means a lot, just to see after the game he was really in pain, and then now he’s ready to go,” Ware said.
Ware signalled the physicality at training must carry over to the grand final.
“If you don’t come out with intensity, the other team will and it’s not going to look good for you,” Ware said.
Prather is chasing a hattrick of NBL championships after winning consecutive titles at Perth Wildcats.
A third straight title in as many years in the NBL would cement Prather as the best small forward in the league.
“It would mean the world to me,” Prather said. “Especially it being Melbourne United’s first championship and being a part of that with the group of guys that we have.”
Despite having a win-at-allcosts mindset, Prather said United must not allow emotions to take over. He was among the players sanctioned after Game 3 of the finals, when the NBL laid 14 charges after a halftime melee.
“The team just had my back,” Prather said. “That’s what great teams do.
“We just have to keep it cool and collected.”
The sold-out decider caps an enthralling NBL grand final series, which will be the highest attended (44,260) in the history of the league.