Lowery Calls for "No Messing Around" on Broekhoff, Thomas

A trio of key players are confirmed to take to the NBL floor tonight during the Play-In Qualifier on Thursday night.

After missing three weeks due to a groin injury South East Melbourne’s Ryan Broekhoff will suit up for his side against the Wildcats, while three-time MVP Bryce Cotton will take part after not attending Tuesday night’s MVP Awards night.

The Perth Wildcats have confirmed Cotton will be suiting up for the game, with head coach John Rillie stating in a press conference he “has him locked in for 40 minutes”.

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Speaking on NBL Today, Damon Lowery says he hopes to see Broekhoff not just playing, but playing unrestricted.

“We don’t have time to be messing around with load management and that kind of stuff,” Lowery said. “I’m so happy for ‘Rowdy’ because obviously we know his body has been betraying him from time to time. Too many times.

“I hope he can get out there and have a real impact because he provides the ability to give a little bit of everything.

“Shooting, rebounding, defence, the lot.”

Perth’s TaShawn Thomas is also under an injury cloud having suffered a hyperextended knee in the final game of Round 18.

Earlier in the week Thomas said he would be fine to take to the court against the Phoenix, and Lowery hopes the import centre is fit and ready for a big challenge.

RELATED: Thomas' Knee Injury "A Lot Better" Than First Feared

“TaShawn has got to be huge,” he said. “Nobody cares about your hyperextended knee – this is the Finals.

“It’s win or go home, and he’s got ‘Big Sauce’ Alan Williams to deal with on the glass so he needs to bring his a-game.”

Both Cairns’ Keanu Pinder and Tasmania’s Josh Magette will miss the second game of the night - the Seeding Qualifier - due to respective facial injuries. While Pinder is a chance to return to the court should the Taipans make the Grand Final series, Magette’s NBL23 is over.

Lowery believes the JackJumpers have the personnel to cover for the loss of their American point guard.

“Josh Magette is a big out for Tassie, but they have enough depth,” he said.

“Also with their style of play I think they can cover that spot by committee.

“Personally, I’d start Sean Macdonald to get some shooting on the floor. I’d bring in ‘Weeksy’ (Jarrad Weeks) next, and then if those two guys are not firing I’d throw them a little bit of Isaac White.

The Play-In Qualifier between South East Melbourne and Perth tips off at 6:30pm on Thursday, February 9.

The Seeding Qualifier between Cairns and Tasmania will begin afterwards at 8:30pm.

Both games are live on ESPN via Kayo Sports and Foxtel.