New Perth Wildcats coach Scott Morrison has revealed he is working on three different starting line-ups for his team's NBL season opener as the club battles an injury and illness crisis.
Point guard Mitch Norton (knee) was initially expected to be fit for Friday night's home clash with the Adelaide 36ers at RAC Arena, but he has now been ruled out for a further five weeks.
Todd Blanchfield is almost certain to miss the match against Adelaide after undergoing surgery on his left knee in September.
Corey Shervill (foot) is also questionable, while the Wildcats were dealt further blows on Monday when Kevin White and Luke Travers missed training due to illness.
In a dose of much-needed good news, import Michael Frazier II (groin) is expected to be fit after being held out of the tail-end of the NBL Blitz as a precaution.
Morrison has endured a topsy-turvy pre-season campaign both personally and with the team, and he's not taking anything for granted.
"We have two more practices and then an off day, so anything can happen. Someone could get into a surfing accident tomorrow," Morrison said.
"We are preparing three or four different line-ups depending on who is out there.
"On Friday morning when we see who is healthy, we'll finalise the plan and go from there. I'm wary of jinxing anything.
"I don't want to put the hex on anyone right now."
Norton underwent hip surgery during the off-season and was then cut down again earlier this month after hyperextending his right knee at training and suffering bone bruising.
Blanchfield made a promising return to training on Monday, but it's likely the Wildcats will take a cautious approach with the 30-year-old.
"The players respect (the medical staff), they've been listening to them," Morrison said.
"They don't always like what they hear, but they respect their decision and believe in them.
"We've spoken quite a bit to the guys, (saying) it would be nice to be playing every minute of every practice of every pre-season game, but it's more important to be playing in April, May than it is now.
"We'd rather be 100 per cent and be good for the long haul than to take chances and try to be a hero.
"Every game counts, but this isn't the time to be a hero right now."
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NBL Injuries, illness strike Perth Wildcats ahead of season opener - ESPN
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