Breakers' Rickert rebounding to fitness 

Breakers centre Rick Rickert looks set to return from injury for Thursday's crucial final home game of the regular Australian National Basketball League season against the Gold Coast Blaze.

The American import took no part in last week's 88-60 thumping of the Hawks, despite warming up and taking his place on the Breakers bench.

Breakers coach Andrej Lemanis' decision to err on the side of caution proved wise, given the performance of his team in dismantling the Hawks so comprehensively.

The extra week looks like working wonders, with Rickert moving more freely at practice on Monday.

"He has taken part in most of practice today and looks to be making good progress. While he is not yet 100 percent, we will monitor him carefully this week with a view to getting some court time on Thursday night," Lemanis said.

Rickert himself was pleased to be practising after a week on the sidelines.

"I feel much better, the improvement in the past few days has been great, I feel real confident about Thursday night but I still have some treatment and some progress to make before I can be totally satisfied," Rickert said.

Tom Abercrombie has also benefited from another week back in practice, with his ankle now close to 100 percent, and his general fitness also improved.

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