Magnay set to play v United

After being heavily banged around in last Thursday’s season opener, Tasmania JackJumpers star Will Magnay is set to play in Saturday’s return bout against Melbourne United. 

Magnay left the court in a world of pain late in the defeat to Melbourne, but Tasmania today confirmed the 26-year-old will suit up this weekend. 

“Yeah, I believe so,” JackJumpers assistant coach Mark Radford said when asked if Magnay will play via Newscorp.

“I think he’s just a little bit sore from the weekend and ‘Mags’ is always on a protected program but this year he’s been really healthy ... there’s no (concussion) protocols.”

Import Craig Sword will also make his debut for the club after being cleared of concussion. 

Tasmania has endured a heavy preseason travel toll, leaving coach Scott Roth to admit he was concerned about the state of the roster heading into the campaign. 

However, with Magnay in and Sword returning, the JackJumpers will almost be at full health against United with guard Sean Macdonald the only absentee. 

Tip-off between the sides is 8pm Saturday at MyState Bank Arena, live on ESPN.