Xavier Cooks will likely line up in the Sydney Kings' historic Christmas Day clash with Melbourne United despite the MVP candidate missing the majority of their last game through ankle soreness.
Cooks aggravated a pre-existing injury against South East Melbourne on Sunday and did not play beyond quarter time as the Kings went down 113-112 in a double-overtime classic.
In the Kings' previous game, Cooks tweaked his ankle by accidentally standing on an Illawarra Hawks player's foot but managed to return to the court after having the injury strapped.
Kings CEO Chris Pongrass said coach Chase Buford had removed Cooks from the loss to the Phoenix as a precaution and that had the game been a playoff, the forward would have played on.
The ladder-leading Kings have Monday off and do not play again until they host Melbourne on Christmas Day, giving Cooks ample time to prove his fitness.
"We would've loved him out there (against the Phoenix) but we trust in our medical team's recommendations around how to manage these guys," Pongrass told AAP.
"But sixteen games (into the season), we can pull back on the reins. We're in a good spot.
"Everyone should plan to see 'Xav' on Sunday.
"That's my hope and expectation at this point but we've just got to wait and see.
"We're going to do everything we can to make sure he's right."
Two years of discussions between the ownership group culminated in the Kings unveiling bold plans this July to host the NBL's inaugural Christmas Day game. The fixture is a first of its kind for Australian sport.
As of last Tuesday, the Kings had sold more than half of the 9,500 tickets available.
"This is the week of the game where everything starts to ramp up," Pongrass said.
"Sales have been consistent across the last couple of months.
"A lot of the premium tickets have been the biggest sellers. I think people are thinking if they're going to come to the Christmas Day game, they want the best seats."
