Skipper Randy Duck is expected to miss Brighton Bears' national basketball cup final clash.

The influential point guard sat out most of last Sunday's league win over Birmingham and is believed to have a torn abductor muscle or a hernia.

Duck has consulted Albion's medical staff and was due to see a specialist today but coach Nick Nurse has written him off for tomorrow's key league trip to London Towers.

Nurse admitted: "It is not looking good. He will have an x-ray on Saturday but I expect him to be out for the whole of January."

Mike Brown is being lined up for a return to the starting five with Rico Alderson likely to be given greater ball-handling responsibilities.

Bears are desperately seeking a replacement for their playmaker who is averaging 35 minutes and 17.4 points per game this season.

Players must be registered with the British League by 5pm today to be eligible for the national cup final against form team Chester Jets in Birmingham a week on Sunday.

Forward Emiko Etete is doubtful for tomorrow's game after damaging an ankle in training yesterday while Errol Seaman is out of action with a knee problem.