Melbourne United aren't ready to leave Carrick Felix behind just yet and they showed it at the conclusion of training.
As a replacement import Felix has become a key part of Melbourne's rise to the top of the NBL ladder. United have won 13 of 14 games since Felix entered the team after Casey Prather's MVP-calibre season was halted by a dislocated elbow in mid-December.
Felix threw down a contender for dunk of the season in their win over New Zealand Breakers last Friday, flushing a two-hand jam over Thomas Abercrombie. But Wednesday's training session could decide whether he remains in the side for this weekend's final round as Prather looks to prove his fitness.
At the end of training on Tuesday Felix was on the sidelines with his ankle in a bucket of ice water. In a show of support, his teammates moved their huddle from the middle of the court to where he was seated.
Small actions matter at a time when such a big decision is approaching.
Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman said Prather would need to train strongly during their longer session if he was to be considered for either game this weekend.
If Prather is fit then Felix has to drop out of the side but Vickerman is in no hurry to make the call, knowing too well the physicality of a finals series.
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“We probably had 25 or 30 minutes of scrimmage with him today and the real test is tomorrow [Wednesday],” Vickerman said.
“That is the day we set down for the toughest practice of the week and there are all the things we need to continue to see from him, as in is he 100 per cent? Is he right and willing to dive on the floor and do the things you do in play-off basketball?
“You have to test him in as close to a game [situation] as you can and it’s one of those situations where if it is not right we will leave it until the FIBA window but we will work that out tomorrow.”
Vickerman said last week he wouldn’t rule out a scenario where Prather proved his fitness during the FIBA window ,which opens on Monday and runs for two weeks, after which the NBL semi-finals begin.
Melbourne have two home games in this weekend's final round, hosting Perth Wildcats at Hisense Arena on Friday night and then Illawarra Hawks on Sunday.
Melbourne import Josh Boone said his side wanted to repay the Wildcats for the thumping that gave them early in the season.
A loss for Perth could force them down to fourth place, which would make them Melbourne’s semi-final opponent.
“Perth beat us pretty badly the last time they were here and there is a chance we could face them in the play-offs so we want to get that mental edge,” Boone said.
“Ultimately we want to win both of these games and that is what it comes down to for us.”
Melbourne United play Perth Wildcats at Hisense Arena on Friday at 7.30pm and Illawarra Hawks on Sunday at 3pm.
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