American guard Jahii Carson has conceded he will need to manage a niggling back injury for the remainder of the NBL season.

The Hawks import copped a knock in the middle of his back during the round-seven trip to Townsville, and inflamed it when he decided to line up against the Crocs a week later.

Carson was advised by team doctors and coaches to sit out the flight to Perth last week, where Wollongong ended up losing 79-55 to the competition leaders.

But he returned to training this week and will line up against Sydney Kings at WIN Entertainment Centre on Saturday night.

He says his back is "getting close to 100 per cent", but admits it's something he will probably carry with him for at least the next couple of months.

"Just watching it, trying to protect myself," Carson said.

"Probably not going to the ring as much, maybe shooting more mid-range because with me being a little bit effective going to the cup, I know guys are going to be told 'if he comes in give him a hard foul'.

"I'm just going to manage it and protect myself as best I can.

"With me, I think having a bit of extra quickness and that explosion, I definitely take that extra pounding on my body."

Carson has endured an interrupted start to his debut season in Australia.

He had to deal with a toe injury before even playing a game for the Hawks, and is now monitoring the back complaint.

But he says the past two months have been an eye-opener as his first season as a professional basketballer, and his first stint Down Under.

He wants to finish the season on a high and help Wollongong claw its way back up the NBL ladder.

The Hawks are currently last on the table and have only won two games.

They host "local" rival the Kings on Saturday night.

Carson says the Hawks are out for revenge for a 29-point loss to Sydney in round five.

"With the rivalry here, and them beating us pretty bad on our home floor, I think we're pretty hyped up to get our fans another win here," he said.

"We're focusing on defending our home court.

"If we can get a win here for ourselves and for our fans, that will definitely give us some momentum."

Saturday night's derby is also being used to raise awareness of the #Avery Strong campaign, as well as funds for the local KidzWish foundation.

Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can got to https://grantalocalkidzwish.org.au/team/team-456 and for information on Avery Harriman's cancer battle can visit the "Avery's Army" Facebook page.