Sydney Kings' unbeaten start to the NBL season has been soured by an ankle injury to Kevin Lisch that will rule out the key guard for two months.
The Kings revealed on Tuesday that the two-time league MVP fractured his ankle in their round-two win over Adelaide and are now on the search for a replacement.
"His progress and rehabilitation will be monitored by the Kings medical staff and a return to play date will be re-evaluated in one month's time," a Kings statement on their website read.
Lisch's absence is a serious blow for the league leaders who have emerged as the early frontrunners with a perfect four wins from as many games this season.
It is their best start to a campaign since they went 27-3 in 2007-08.
It is the second time in three years the 33-year-old Lisch will miss a large chunk of the season, having also been sidelined for 17 games with a calf problem.
However, the American-born star bounced back last season, averaging 14.1 points per game.
While the Kings search for a fill-in for their Boomers playmaker, star guard Casper Ware will now be expected to shoulder most of the burden at the one spot.
Ware played a team-high 31 minutes in their last-start win over New Zealand Breakers, with imports Didi Louzada and Jae'Sean Tate also getting more game time.
Australian Associated Press
