The Tasmania JackJumpers plan to come out swinging in an elimination NBL finals clash against Melbourne United despite having to limit practice sessions due to a horror injury toll.
Sixth-placed Tasmania meet fifth-placed United at John Cain Arena in Thursday night's play-in qualifier, with the winner to progress to the next stage of the post-season.
The JackJumpers have a sizeable casualty ward, including Ben Ayre, Bryce Hamilton, Sean Macdonald and captain Will Magnay, while Anthony Drmic (back) will have his minutes managed.
Coach Scott Roth said he had cut down on on-court training to reduce the risk of further damage.
"We just have to be super careful. We haven't had a lot of five-on-five reps," he told reporters.
"It is concerning, getting our rhythm and playing in that situation, but how far do you want to push it to get another injury?
"(But) our guys are in good spirits and we'll be ready to go."
Roth said his team was taking it one game at a time and there was no fear about an away trip.
The JackJumpers won two games against United at John Cain Arena in the 2023/24 grand final series to claim their maiden championship.
"I've never been scared to go anywhere since I've been 16 years old," Roth said.
"To go play a game of basketball, it's not life or death. I'd be scared if I was going to war, or running a country.
"We'll put our best foot forward and swing as hard as we can."
American guard Tyger Campbell insisted the team had remained solid through the season despite the injury setbacks.
The 26-year-old import is gearing up for the first post-season game of his professional career and said transitions in defence and rebounding would be a big focus.
"I'm really just super excited to get out there and play and extend our season. It means a lot considering all the injuries we've had," he said.
"I don't think at any point we've wavered. It's just the next guy up."
United pipped the JackJumpers by two points in their last encounter, with the sides going 2-2 in their head-to-head this season.
Melbourne are feeling upbeat they will have key defensive weapon Shea Ili available for the match in a major boost.
The 33-year-old has been battling troublesome hamstring issues, limiting the Kiwi hard nut to just 10 games this season.
But he appears on track to make a timely return, put through his paces at United's headquarters on Tuesday under the eye of coach Dean Vickerman.
"It'll be a game-time decision, but we've been happy with the two contact sessions that he's had recently and things are moving in the right way," Vickerman said.
"We'll work with the medical staff on what we potentially can get out of him if he's cleared to play.
"We've played without him for a fair portion of the year so we know what that group looks like, and having him come in would be outstanding."
