Randall II injured, won't face Hawks

Adelaide 36ers shooting guard Craig Randall II will miss Thursday night’s clash against Illawarra Hawks in Wollongong with a chest injury.

Randall II sustained the injury after collisions with Zhou Qi and Reuben Te Rangi with three minutes to go in the first quarter of Sunday’s 103-98 overtime loss to South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Adelaide 36ers Head of Medical Tristan Chai said Randall II’s injury has no structural damage and he is a chance to play at home on Saturday night against Perth Wildcats.

“Craig sustained the injury in the first quarter of Sunday’s game and although we were able to manage his pain through the remainder of that match, it has meant that he has been limited this week,” Chai said.

Randall II had a game-high 28 points and was enormous in the second half as Adelaide fought back from a 16-point deficit.

Chai said the 193cm sharpshooter has not trained all week to aid his recovery process.

“The turnaround between games in this part of the schedule just won’t allow for this injury to settle in time to perform on Thursday night,” Chai said.

“Injuries to the joints around the sternum can be quite painful and limiting in basketball, so we’ll keep him here in Adelaide to continue his rehab and give him the best possible chance to play against the Wildcats on Saturday night.”

Nick Marshall will replace Randall II in Adelaide’s 10-man roster for Thursday night’s game against Illawarra.