Ayre we go, as Tasmania rule out duo

The Tasmania JackJumpers have received a boost on the eve of their Round 8 clash with the New Zealand Breakers at Launceston’s Silverdome.

The club announced on Thursday that guard Ben Ayre will make his season debut against the Breakers, after recovering from a hip flexor injury.

Unfortunately, this good news is offset by the announcement that import wing David Johnson (calf) and big man Ben Gold (heel) will be sidelined for the next three weeks.

These join Majok Deng (lower leg) and Bryce Hamilton (ACL) on the sidelines for Scott Roth’s side.

Friday’s clash tips off at 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.