Perth Wildcats have been dealt another cruel blow ahead of tonight’s grand final series opener against Melbourne United at Perth Arena, with exciting forward Luke Travers ruled out due to calf soreness.

The 19-year-old development player had been elevated to a starting role since three-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton was ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing quad surgery late in the regular season.

A release on the NBL website says the Rockingham junior failed a fitness test this morning and that “Travers experienced soreness in his left calf following Monday night’s game and it has not responded to treatment as expected.”

“The 19-year-old will be further assessed before game two on Sunday.”

The exciting forward rose to the challenge during the Wildcats’ semi-final series against Illawarra, playing 27 minutes per game but adding 10.7 points and 7.3 rebounds over three contests.

Tonight’s opener gets underway at 6:30 PM, while game two remains at Perth Arena before the series shifts east.