The Brisbane Bullets are expected to be without superstar point guard Arnas Velicka for an extended period of time.
According to ESPN’s Olgun Uluc, Velicka is expected to be sidelined for “approximately eight weeks” after suffering an injury against the Cairns Taipans.
“The team is aiming for him to return after the November FIBA window,” Uluc reported.
Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Sources have told Fox Sports that Velicka had already been dealing with a niggling injury heading into the clash against Cairns, but played through it before suffering the latest setback.
It is a massive blow for the Bullets, who have started the season with two wins from their opening five games.
In this new era under Will Weaver, Velicka has been a dominant force for Brisbane, with the Lithuanian guard averaging 13.8 points, a league-high 10.2 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game.
Arnas Velicka is set for an extended stint on the sidelines in a massive blow for the Brisbane Bullets.Source: Getty Images
He has struggled with his shooting to start the season at just 32 per cent from the field, but his combination with Tyrell Harrison has been electric for the Bullets.
Harrison is averaging a career-high 18.4 points to go along with 9.4 rebounds per game, while also averaging career-high numbers in assists and blocks.
The Bullets have been a refreshing team to watch under Weaver this season, with plenty of their on-court improvement running through Velicka at the point.
Now, with the possibility of him missing up to eight weeks, Brisbane will have to find a way to replace one of the most important pieces of its new-look offence.
The Bullets are already without Sam McDaniels for six weeks, with Fox Sports’ Jai Shadlow reporting former Cairns Taipans forward Mawot Mag will join the team as an injury replacement player.
Brisbane will next face the Illawarra Hawks on Sunday.