Wildcats starter out of United clash

Perth Wildcats starting point guard Tai Webster will miss the club's round three games due to a calf ailment. 

Coach John Rillie revealed Webster was in doubt in a press conference Thursday, adding the club won’t be taking any unnecessary risks this early in the season. 

The club has since ruled him out of Friday's United clash and Sunday's JackJumpers game.

“Tai Webster is battling a bit of a calf injury,” Rillie said.

“It is day to day right now and it is one of those injuries where it is really what he can persevere through and be comfortable with. We don’t want to be high risk high reward right now.”

After missing last week’s clash with illness, youngster Ben Henshall has practiced all week and will be in the lineup. Dylan Windler (achilles) and David Okwera (illness) are game time decisions against Melbourne.

Rillie believes star big man Keanu Pinder has trained with an “edge” this week as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing round two performance. 

After starring in the Wildcats’ season opener with 29 points, Pinder played just 10 minutes last week and recorded one point, one rebound and four turnovers.  

Pinder has attacked the week with a steely determination as he looks to get back to his best. 

“If the game reflects how he has practiced, he came in with a great mentality and application and a nice edge to himself this week,” Rillie said.

“Been very focused, you can tell he really wants to bounce back in a positive way.” 

Former NBL MVP Derek Rucker suspects Pinder is set for a monster performance against Melbourne.  

“I think Keanu will bounce back big time,” Rucker said on NBL Now. 

“I would just show him some video of games where he’s excelled. I think that’s what sparks him. 

“But also, a little bit of tough love. I think that’s what really got his career going when he received that from Adam Forde up in Cairns.”

Tip-off between powerhouse championship contenders the Wildcats and United is Friday night at 9:30pm AEST live on ESPN.