Inspirational Sydney captain Kevin Lisch is racing the clock to be passed fit for the Kings' heavyweight showdown with NBL champions Melbourne United.
Lisch injured his jaw in a training collision with teammate Dane Pineau the day before Sunday night's 100-87 home win over the New Zealand Breakers.
Reliable back-up guard Kyle Adnam received the nod to start on his 25th birthday in Lisch's absence and played an integral role with 14 points in Sydney's fifth win from eight games.
The third-placed Kings are crossing their fingers two-time NBL MVP Lisch returns for Saturday's battle with second-placed Melbourne.
"He got a nasty hit in the jaw. I don't think it's concussion, but certainly as soon as the doctor said he can't play, we didn't argue," Sydney coach Andrew Gaze said.
"He'll be practising on Tuesday. He won't do the contact but he'll do all the running.
"He'll have another workout on Wednesday and then have the full-blown session on Thursday and we expect him to play.
"He might be eating soup the next three or four days. He mightn't be able to chew but as long as he can shoot and defend.
"But if the doc says no, there's no debate. They 100 per cent determine what he can do."
Gaze wasn't surprised Adnam handled his promotion with ease.
"Kyle's been the victim of circumstance more than anything and, in many teams, he'd be getting greater opportunities," he said.
"He probably should get to play a lot more but he plays his role really well. It's a credit to Kyle that he's prepared to sacrifice for the good of the team."
Jerome Randle led the Kings with 24 points, while Andrew Bogut was dominant at both ends of the court with 15 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and five blocks.
"It's not just what he (Bogut) does statistically. He provides really good leadership and that generates a lot of confidence among the guys," Gaze said.
"Even the shots he doesn't block, people are going to be thinking about him because he's coming from somewhere."
Australian Associated Press
