Sydney Kings coach Andrew Gaze is considering taking a risk with hurt import Perry Ellis, with his bottom of the ladder NBL side running out of time.
Both Ellis and fellow forward Todd Blanchfield are battling to suit up for Saturday's home game against Brisbane, having both missed the 3-10 Kings' last match away to Cairns.
Ellis suffered a shoulder injury and Blanchfield concussion in the home match against the Taipans, two days before the return clash in North Queensland.
"I think it's highly unlikely Todd will play this weekend," Gaze said on Thursday.
"He's had a concussion and the doctors are super cautious about this, not just because of this particular concussion.
"I think it's the third concussion he's had in a couple of years so there's a lot of life to live after basketball.
"Our number one priority is health and we're certainly not going to take any risks, so he's unlikely to play.
"Then of course we've got Perry Ellis who is not guaranteed to play, hasn't trained all week, who we're hoping tomorrow will get a light session in.
"He feels good but again we don't want to risk aggravating his injury where he's out for an extended period.
"We don''t have a lot to play with, so right now we''ve got to almost kick off into playoff mode.
"Because we've got to start to take some risks with guys like Perry and some of those injuries, because we're not saving him for anything because the season can get away from us, if it hasn't already.
"The most important thing is the players all believe and we still believe we can turn this thing around. It's a massive head start that we've given."
Two days after Saturday's game, Sydney back up away to a Melbourne United side Gaze notes are "getting their mojo back".
They play six of their next eight at home.
