Melbourne United's star recruit Casey Prather says he's planning on lining up on Friday night against his former NBL side Perth, although he's not sure how Wildcats fans will feel about that.
Prather (knee) and sharpshooter Chris Goulding (appendix) were on restricted duties on Tuesday at Melbourne training.
They will be put through a searching session on Wednesday before getting the green light to play against the NBL champions.
Prather was part of two titles with the Wildcats, including last season, before shifting to Melbourne and said he didn't know what to expect in Perth when the two unbeaten sides went head to head.
"I'm not sure if they're going to boo me or give me an ovation," Prather said.
"I'm not really sure, but it's all love for me going into that game.
"I have nothing but respect for the 'Red Army' and gratitude for everything they've done for me."
Prather initially feared the worst after he hurt his knee in a heavy collision with Adelaide's Mitch Creek and sat out the second half of their 99-79 away win.
But he was cleared of any serious damage and felt it was healing well.
"The knee is fine - I pulled up pretty well," Prather said.
"I've been doing everything to keep rehabbing and making it stronger, making sure there are no future problems.
"The plan is to play; it's going to be a game-time decision; I'm going to do everything I can."
If he misses Friday, he feels he'll definitely be available for Sunday's first home game against the New Zealand Breakers.
United coach Dean Vickerman said Goulding, who had surgery to remove his appendix on the same day as United's season-opening match against Adelaide, needed to get through some contact work.
"We need to see him with contact to make sure he's OK to travel and play," Vickerman said.
"He's obviously going to be on restricted minutes a little bit over there if he plays.
"After surgery, it takes some time to get your wind back a little bit."
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