Injured Mitch Creek to be held out of South East Melbourne Phoenix’s final two games of inaugural NBL season
It was the knee injury that had everyone associated with the South East Melbourne Phoenix with their hearts in their throats. And while he’s avoided the worst, Mitch Creek still faces a long stint on the sidelines.
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South East Melbourne Phoenix captain Mitch Creek has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after hyperextending his knee last Sunday in the overtime loss to Sydney Kings.
Scans cleared Creek of any structural damage last Monday but, with Phoenix already eliminated from the finals’ race, the club has adopted the most conservative approach.
Creek will have follow-up scans on Wednesday to confirm the diagnosis.
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Phoenix will be without the inspirational captain for Friday night’s game against New Zealand Breakers and the last regular-season game against Melbourne United at Melbourne Arena on Sunday.
“I’m disappointed to be missing the last two games of the year, I’ve loved leading this team and playing with these guys and can't wait until next season,” Creek said.
“It was better for me, long term, to not play the last two games and start rehab as soon as I can.”
The 27 year-old has averaged 20 points and seven rebounds across 26 matches in green, despite his fair share of bumps and bruises.
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Phoenix chief executive Tommy Greer paid tribute to Creek’s influence on the franchise.
“Mitch has been the heart and soul of the team this year, to lose him for the last two games is disappointing,” Greer said.
“Given the imminent off-season, our medical staff have decided to take extra caution to make sure Mitch is fully recovered and ready for next season.”
Meanwhile, Melbourne United import Casey Prather (hamstring) has effectively been ruled out for the season after being unable to pass a recent fitness test.
Prather, who has played just six matches this season — battling knee and back complaints — had to play one of the last two games to qualify for the finals, should United reach the post-season.
