Breakers stars cleared for injury return

The New Zealand Breakers have received a massive boost ahead of their final two matches of the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 season.

After fracturing his wrist on January 21, big man Sam Mennenga will return to the court for the club’s Round 22 fixture with Cairns on Thursday at Spark Arena, as well as the Breakers’ historic Ignite Cup Final on Sunday against Adelaide.

Additionally, the club’s NBL Next Star Karim Lopez has also been cleared to suit up during both fixtures.

These inclusions will be a huge boost for Petteri Koponen’s side, with Mennenga averaging career-high numbers in points (17.2), rebounds (6.8), assists (1.6), steals (0.4), blocks (0.6), field goal percentage (51.7) and free-throw percentage (67.8), while posting career-best figures in points (11.8), rebounds (6.1), assists (1.9), steals (1.2), blocks (1.1), field goal percentage (50) and three-point percentage (31.5).

The Tall Blacks international is also among the shortlist of nominees for both the Most Improved Award and Next Generation Award for NBL26, with teammate Lopez also in the running for the latter.

"It is fantastic to have Sam and Karim back on the floor,” Breakers president of basketball operations Dillon Boucher said.

“They have worked incredibly hard in rehab and given our medical team confidence in a return to play.

“They have got through a full week of training and medical testing, and we look forward to them both suiting up tomorrow [Friday].”

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However, the club will be without import guard Izaiah Brockington, who has been ruled out of the contest due to a hip flexor injury.

To cover his absence, the Breakers have activated development player Tukaha Cooper, who joins the roster for this game.

Additionally, Tai Webster suffered a calf strain at the end of training on Wednesday and will be a game-time decision for Thursday.

The Round 22 fixture with the Taipans tips off at 5.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.