BASKETBALL
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Wollongong back-court enforcer Tyson Demos has all but resigned himself to missing Sunday's round-14 home match against the Cairns Taipans.
Demos has been in hospital since Sunday night and remains on an antibiotics drip for a badly infected leg.
"It's not getting much better," the 25-year-old guard said.
"I'm 99 per cent sure I won't be playing Sunday."
Demos suffered a small cut when accidentally booted in the shin in the January 4 home win over Perth.
The injury worsened before last Saturday's road victory over Cairns and his leg became swollen and inflamed after the game.
He checked into hospital immediately on returning to Wollongong and expected to be fully recovered by Wednesday.
But doctors are baffled by his condition.
"It's pretty annoying and a bit scary when you don't know what it is," Demos said.
"The special infections and diseases specialist will check it out and take a sample to find out what it is, because it hasn't shown any real improvement with the antibiotics I'm on. It's still red and tender.
"Hopefully by running some tests they'll get to the bottom of it."
The absence of Demos will leave the Hawks with just two recognised guards for Sunday's tussle, with injured rookie Dominique Cooks still sidelined.
Rhys Martin will probably start in place of Demos, while swingman Kevin Tiggs is likely to spend some time in the back court.
"The first thing on my mind is getting it right," Demos said.
"Obviously I want to get back as soon as possible, but I don't want to rush it because it's a pretty serious thing."
Hawks management hopes to draw a big crowd and is offering a free children's ticket for every adult ticket sold.