Henshall injury clouds Duke Jr comeback

The return of David Duke Jr gives the Perth Wildcats a timely boost in their push toward the championship, though an injury to rising young talent Ben Henshall has tempered some of that excitement.

The club confirmed on Friday that Henshall will miss the clash with the Brisbane Bullets due to an ankle injury and will be assessed ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Sydney.

In Duke Jr’s absence, Henshall and Elijah Pepper have stepped up impressively. The young guard has hit double-figure scoring in seven straight games, lifting his output when the Wildcats have needed it most.

Duke Jr will suit up for the first time since December 28 after recovering from an elbow injury, while Sunday Dech also returns from illness for the must-win contest at RAC Arena.

Perth currently sits fourth on the NBL ladder, locked in a tense battle to avoid the Play-In with Melbourne United closing fast over the final three games.

The Wildcats face Brisbane at 9.30pm AEDT on Friday night, live on ESPN.