Southside Melbourne Flyers' blockbuster clash against the ladder-leading Bendigo Spirit has been postponed as severe fire weather impacts the Ballarat region.
The two Victorian teams were due to face off in Ballarat's Selkirk Stadium on Friday night, but the WNBL will reschedule the match.
The Spirit said local bushfires in the region had been impacting air quality, and the decision was made in the interest of player safety.
"Bendigo Spirit is thinking of all Victorians affected by the current bushfires right across the state," a club statement said.
"To the players, staff and supporters of both teams, please take extra care to travel home safely, and stay alert to all warnings and advice from Victorian Emergency Services."
It comes as dozens of fires are burning across Victoria, with emergency warnings covering half the state.
A major heatwave has swept across Australia's southeast, with temperatures peaking at 42.9C in Melbourne and above 40C in parts of inland Victoria on Friday.
The crunch match between both sides was set to impress, with the Bendigo Spirit (13-3) needing to bounce back from a disappointing 89-78 loss to the Sydney Flames last Monday.
Southside Melbourne (7-8) also needed a win to go one victory clear of the UC Capitals on fourth on the ladder.
