Sam Timmins is expected to return for Saturday’s match against the Nelson Giants.
The 2.11m centre missed last Sunday’s game against the Taranaki Mountainairs in New Plymouth.
That followed a knee injury the night before, the big man coming down awkwardly and spending time on the ground against the Manawatu Jets.
He finished the game, but the side opted to be cautious with Timmins and did not risk him until it knew the extent of the injury.
However, coach Brent Matehaere said Timmins trained yesterday and ‘‘should be good to go’’.
It is news that will come as a relief for the Nuggets.
While it would be a stretch to put Sunday’s 91-62 thrashing entirely down to Timmins’ absence, he has been one of the league’s best players over its first month.
In his four games he has accumulated 31 MVP points — fourth behind Josh Selby (Franklin), Dion Prewster (Wellington) and fellow Nugget Isaiah Moss.
His is grabbing a league-leading 14 rebounds and two blocks per game, while also being in the top 10 in points and assists with 23 and 4.5 respectively.
That followed a historic performance on Saturday in which he had 29 points and 25 rebounds in an overtime win.
Only once has a player grabbed more rebounds for the Nuggets — Miles Pearce’s 28 in triple overtime against the Jets in 2006.
Just as significant is his ability to handle the ball at the top of key, his ability attract defenders in the post and his rim protection on defence.
The Nuggets host the Giants at the Edgar Centre on Saturday night. Tip-off is at 7.30pm.
