Bullets' Big Problem

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Sunday's 37-point loss to the New Zealand Breakers was arguably the lowest point of Brisbane's season so far. But could things get worse for the Bullets?

Now languishing in ninth spot with just three wins from 10 games, it seems it's not going to get any easier for Sam Mackinnon's team. Well, at least in the short term.

Aron Baynes (back soreness), Tyrell Harrison (knee) and Kody Stattmann (ankle) will all be missing from the Bullets' squad for Thursday night's clash against the Perth Wildcats.

It's another blow for a team desperate for a win. Brisbane lost the first five games of the season, before rebounding with three victories in a row. But a loss to Cairns, then an embarassing performance against the Breakers has one of the league's pre-season fancies in a precarious position.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Roster Update: Aron Baynes and DJ Mitchell have been ruled out of tomorrow night’s clash with the Wildcats. Both are expected to return to the court on Sunday.<a href="https://t.co/kKJOvm1x1i">https://t.co/kKJOvm1x1i</a></p>— Brisbane Bullets (@BrisbaneBullets) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrisbaneBullets/status/1597848629443981312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Reeling from a disappointing loss at home against Adelaide, Perth has its own challenges. The Wildcats are seventh, with five wins from 11 games, and they've won just three of seven at RAC Arena.

It looms as a must-win game for both teams. And even then, it's a long road ahead ... two of the most talented squads on paper, but two sides performing well below their best right now.

There's plenty of time left though, and with names like Bryce Cotton, Luke Travers, Nathan Sobey and Tyler Johnson taking to the court on Thursday night, it's a game that is waiting for a match-winner to shine.

Who will step up?

Watch the Bullets/Wildcats clash from Nissan Arena, live on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel from 7.30pm AEDT on Thursday night.