Melbourne United star Chris Goulding is in doubt for Monday night's NBL blockbuster against the Sydney Kings after struggling with a knee injury against the Cairns Taipans.
Goulding played just five minutes and didn't register a stat in United's 98-85 win at the Cairns Convention Centre on Saturday night.
The skipper is battling bone bruising in his knee after hurting it against the Perth Wildcats a week ago.
United coach Dean Vickerman hoped his star guard would be available for the Melbourne Cup Eve clash against the red-hot Kings.
"I was a little bit surprised that he was a chance to play in this one," he said after Saturday night's match.
"The medical staff has done a great job. Hopefully playing five minutes tonight hasn't done any damage or set him back at all.
"Vickerman said the three-point specialist didn't train at all during the week and was limited in the warm-up.
"Chris tried tonight - gave it a go and it didn't work out for him," the coach said.
"He's got a little ways to go to get healthy. He's probably still a chance for Monday but we'll see how he pulls up.
"He didn't really get a practice in.
"He had a fitness test before the game and they thought he was a good chance with the extra amount of time before the game."
Vickerman said he was treating Monday night's game as he would any other, despite the fact it will be played in front of a sold-out crowd.
"We don't put any more weight on any game," he said.
"We turn up, we prepare the same way. We understand the rivalry that is coming with Sydney and Melbourne.
"But it hasn't got a lot of legs yet. We need some good games and special games to make the rivalry something.
"We think its a great fixture to have in the schedule - Melbourne Cup Eve - everyone has got the day off and we want it to be something really special for years and years to come."
Vickerman was full of praise for shooting star Casper Ware, who was blistering early against Cairns but had to sit out most of the third quarter after finding himself in foul trouble.
But when the game was on the line, the import fired 13 points in four minutes to put a margin on the Taipans.
Ware finished with 32 points, including 24 from long range after he nailed eight of his 12 attempts from the perimeter.
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