NBL: Injury, illness hit Cairns Taipans with post-season berth on the line

The Taipans have been hammered by an injury and illness curse on the eve of their most important double header of the NBL season.

Sam Waardenburg could miss two more crucial NBL fixtures. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)

The Taipans have been hammered by an injury and illness curse on the eve of their most important double header of the NBL season.

Three players are likely to miss Thursday’s crucial clash with the Hawks, with Sam Waardenburg and Jonah Antonio already sidelined.

Waardenburg is still feeling the effects of a hard hit during their January 6 loss to the JackJumpers in Tasmania.

He was initially sidelined with whiplash after an errant elbow from Marcus Lee, but has since entered concussion protocols.

Sam Waardenburg is expected to miss at least one of this week’s double header through concussion. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

There is some hope he will return for Sunday’s epic rivalry clash with the Bullets, though the Taipans won’t rush him back, but the same can’t be said for sharpshooter Antonio, who will be sidelined for the foreseeable future with a calf tear.

Next Star Bobi Klintman is also unlikely for Thursday’s clash due to a bug sweeping through the camp.

Taipans coach Adam Forde, who wore a mask at training on Tuesday, said

“It’s not something we want to rush,” said Forde of Waardenburg. “Jonah, he has a tear in his calf which will rule him out for quite some time.

“Disappointed for both guys, and for me – both are important in the rotation of our lineup.

“But it just means obviously, the next man up mentality, and the guys have already shown their willing to fill that void.”

Next Star Bobi Klintman has been grounded by illness and will likely miss Thursday’s game v Illawarra. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)

Klintman has averaged 10.2 points and 5 rebounds in just under 22 minutes through his first professional basketball campaign as he prepares for the NBA Draft, where he is a likely first-round pick.

But he may be forced to watch the must-win game against the soaring sixth-placed Hawks from the sideline in an effort to be ready for the Bullets at home on Sunday.

“Bobi is unlikely for this game, there’s a flu going through everyone and it’s hit me now,” Forde said.

“Once we’re in Illawarra, the guys will be suited up ready.”

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Originally published as NBL: Injury, illness hit Cairns Taipans with post-season berth on the line