SuperCoach NBL Late Mail round 6: Matthew Dellavedova set for second game of round

Huge edition of Late Mail with Matthew Dellavedova a chance to play United’s second game of the round, plus a star King and Bryce Cotton both out.

Good news on the sixth most purchased player this week with Melbourne United’s Matthew Dellavedova a chance to play despite an ankle injury.

He missed the opening game of the round on Thursday but could play on Sunday against Cairns.

“Delly worked out in shootaround today and it was pretty close,” said United coach Dean Vickerman. “If we had foul trouble or different things, he had the ability to step on the floor … tomorrow, after travel, hopefully, he’s a good chance to play.”

However, Shea Ili will miss both Melbourne United games this week with a calf injury and the impending arrival of a new bundle of joy.

“Shea (Ili) is expected to be back for the for the Kings game (next Thursday),” Vickerman said. “(He) had an exceptional workout today.”

TAIPANS STAR GOES DOWN

The understrength Snakes have been dealt another injury blow after power forward Pedro Bradshaw went down against Adelaide.

The Taipans held a slim lead four minutes into the second term when Bradshaw rolled his right ankle.

Bradshaw stayed down, and limped off court in a worrying sign for a Cairns team which can rarely handle multiple injuries at one time.

They are already without Tanner Groves and Taran Armstrong, and could be seriously short-staffed if Bradshaw can’t bounce back for Sunday’s game against Melbourne United.

HAWKS SWEAT ON KELL INJURY

Illawarra fans are holding their collective breath after an injury to import guard Trey Kell III.

Kell, who joined the Hawks from the 36ers this past off-season, hit the court hard after driving to the basket just three minutes before half time.

The guard was defended by Melbourne United big Marcus Lee, and while it looked like a regulation block, Kell fell to the hardwood.

He got up gingerly, clutching his back, and walked straight to the bench.

It’s understood the injury is not major and he remains a chance to play SEM on Saturday night.

Trey Kell quickly exited the game following an incident with Marcus Lee.

Watch live on ESPN via Kayo. pic.twitter.com/KqbyNmOBLV

— NBL (@NBL) October 24, 2024

KINGS STAR SIDELINED

The Sydney Kings have copped a blow on the eve of Friday’s clash against Perth with star guard and SuperCoach stud Jaylen Adams ruled out with a back injury.

Adams trained on Wednesday and the club had hoped he’d be fit for the Wildcats’ clash, but he has pulled up lame and won’t travel west.

The Kings remain hopeful the former NBL MVP will recover in time to play against the New Zealand Breakers at home on Sunday from 2.30pm (AEDT).

WILDCATS: STAR DETAILS GRUESOME INJURY

Perth Wildcats superstar Bryce Cotton is expected to miss a month with a gruesome rib injury.

The four-time NBL MVP remains in serious pain after going down in just the second minute against New Zealand Breakers on Saturday.

“I did a pretty good number on it,” Cotton told Channel 10.

“It’s a rib fracture, plus some cartilage broke off and my rib popped out of place.”

Cotton is owned by almost 20 per cent of SuperCoach teams.

Meanwhile, Tai Webster has also been ruled out of the Kings clash.

Wildcats superstar Bryce Cotton could be sidelined for up to a month as he battles fractured ribs that were also displaced. The MVP hurt himself two minutes into Saturday's game, and is still in plenty of pain | @PerthWildcats@NBL@10SportAU#NBL25pic.twitter.com/gVuK3dTgXI

— 10 News First Perth (@10NewsFirstPER) October 22, 2024

POPULAR CHEAPIE IN DOUBT

The New Zealand Breakers’ depth could be tested this week with emerging tall Max Darling in doubt.

More than 1600 SuperCoaches have traded the rookie in as the most popular cheap option this week.

Darling scored 30 last week, and coming into his DGW in Round 6 with a breakeven of just three.

Mojave King and Mitch McCarron are also set to miss.

Emerging New Zealand Breaker Max Darling is in doubt for tonight’s clash with South East Melbourne. Mitch McCarron and Mojave King already out. Huge test of Breakers depth.

— Michael Randall (@MickRandallHS) October 24, 2024

WILDCATS: COTTON UNLIKELY

Perth is yet to give an update on Bryce Cotton’s injury prognosis but reports out of WA have suggested there’s no break.

He’s reportedly sore and, while he was cleared to fly back from NZ with the team, he’s unlikely to play.

🚨 TEAM UPDATE 🚨

Bryce Cotton has been diagnosed with a rib injury and will undergo further evaluation in the coming days. Additional updates will be provided as needed. pic.twitter.com/YWgPWKrKfW

— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) October 22, 2024

PHOENIX: WALTON JR RULED OUT

South East Melbourne Phoenix point guard Derrick Walton Jr is expected to miss at least the next few games with the hamstring injury suffered against Melbourne United.

It’s unclear, yet, how severe the injury is.