Breaking point: Walker pushed to the limit

For Dean Vickerman, the challenge is real: protect his injured star point guard, while trying to halt Melbourne United’s slide.

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.

“I’m asking so much of Tyson (Walker) and he’s playing hurt right now,” Vickerman said following the loss to Sydney.

“He’s carrying a groin (injury).

“He hasn’t practiced for a while and he’s at a tipping point where I’m just so scared … I’m asking him to do so many things. It’s a scary situation.

“We’ve got to win some games, but we don’t need to break another point guard here.”

Walker continues to perform strongly despite being hobbled, but United would love more support for the 25-year-old.

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.

“He had another good workout today. The comeback game was supposed to be the New Zealand game, so still a couple of games away,” Vickerman said. “But tracking really well.”

United have lost their last three games and are now 15-10 on the season, with the Perth Wildcats and JackJumpers quickly closing in.

Melbourne now heads to HoopsFest in Perth to take on the JackJumpers on Saturday night.