Bullets sweat on key stars

As the Brisbane Bullets get ready for an important Christmas Eve clash in Adelaide, they’ll be anxiously waiting on the health of two of their stars.

“When a guy can’t come back on the court, it’s not a good sign, especially when we have a quick turnaround,” Justin Schueller said about James Batemon’s injury.

The Bullets’ star guard limped off in the third quarter clutching at his hamstring and was unable to return to the game.

“We’ll wait and see what the scenario is, but it’s a tough one for him.”

While Batemon has been one of Brisbane’s most important players in recent weeks, it’s been Casey Prather who has stolen the show, with his incredible form of late.

“This is some of the best basketball I’ve seen Casey play,” Schueller said.

In his 35-point effort against Cairns, Prather was also unable to finish out the game, as he was dealing with a lower back injury. Thankfully for the Bullets, the signs are positive for him being available on Tuesday night.

“Casey’s fine,” Schueller said post-game.

“I’m sure he would like to have that dunk back. That’s definitely where he felt it the most, but he is going to be fine, it’s not a long-term thing.”

As Brisbane continues to build and look to lock itself into a top six spot, Schueller was full of praise for the way his team managed to claw out a win against a hot-shooting Cairns team.

“A lot happened tonight that we kind of weren’t ready for and to find some resolve and get through it ... I’m proud that we stayed with it and found a way,” he said.

“I normally don’t talk to the team after the game but I said ‘winning ugly is part of this period of the season every year.”

With Adelaide coming off a big loss to the Phoenix, this shapes up to be a huge game in the context of the season for both teams. While Brisbane waits on the confirmed status of Batemon and Prather, Schueller knows that his team will be ready for the battle either way.

“We are going to need guys to step up and fill the void,” he said.

“It’s been one of those years with a lot of adversity, but at no point has anyone dropped their head or used it as an excuse.”