For Dean Vickerman, the challenge is real: protect his injured star point guard, while trying to halt Melbourne United\u2019s slide.<\/p>\n
United has now dropped to fourth on the NBL ladder, their 9-0 start a distant memory for a team that once looked like clear championship favourites.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m asking so much of Tyson (Walker) and he\u2019s playing hurt right now,\u201d Vickerman said following the loss to Sydney. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s carrying a groin (injury). <\/p>\n
\u201cHe hasn\u2019t practiced for a while and he\u2019s at a tipping point where I\u2019m just so scared \u2026 I\u2019m asking him to do so many things. It\u2019s a scary situation. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got to win some games, but we don\u2019t need to break another point guard here.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Walker continues to perform strongly despite being hobbled, but United would love more support for the 25-year-old. <\/p>\n
Shea Ili is working through a slow and patient return from a hamstring injury, with the two-time Defensive Player of the Year taking no risks.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe had another good workout today. The comeback game was supposed to be the New Zealand game, so still a couple of games away,\u201d Vickerman said. \u201cBut tracking really well.\u201d <\/p>\n
United have lost their last three games and are now 15-10 on the season, with the Perth Wildcats and JackJumpers quickly closing in. <\/p>\n
Melbourne now heads to HoopsFest in Perth to take on the JackJumpers on Saturday night.<\/p>\n
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