Will Armstrong return this week?

Cairns Taipans point guard Taran Armstrong is a chance to return this week, but coach Adam Forde has said he will be taking no risks with his prized youngster.  

The Taipans have made no secrets Armstrong is a major key to their success this season and they want him to lead the team. 

The 22-year-old, who is on NBA radars, has been dealing with a calf injury that has delayed his campaign start but he got through training on Wednesday.  

However, Forde stopped short of confirming Armstrong’s comeback for Friday night’s clash with the Tasmania JackJumpers.    

“If there’s any sense of unease or if not everyone’s on board — whether it’s the medical staff, myself, or the player — there’s no reason to risk pushing him this early in the season,” Forde said via Newscorp. 

For what it is worth, the JackJumpers are planning for Armstrong to play. 

“We just anticipate that he’ll play and then if he doesn’t, so be it,” Tasmania assistant coach Mark Radford said via Newscorp.

Something that is certain is Taipans guard Jackson Makoi will return Friday from a suspension, boosting Cairns’ backcourt stocks. 

Tip-off between the Taipans and JackJumpers is 7:30pm AEST on Friday night live on ESPN.