Basketball On The Internet.

INJURIES may well have cruelled the WNBL aspirations of MAC Adelaide Lightning, Jayco Dandenong Rangers, Uni of Canberra Capitals and Bendigo Spirit, but Phase Two of the season tips off tonight.

Perth Lynx and Melbourne Boomers play Game 1 in their best-of-3 semi final series at the State Basketball Centre tonight before defending champion Sydney Uni Flames face off against the Fire in Townsville in their burgeoning rivalry.

Most assuredly, Adelaide would like to have retained Natalie Novosel and Laura Hodges for the full shortened season, just as Dandenong's campaign buckled when Sara Blicavs went down, additional injuries to the Rangers' backcourt tearing the heart from their motivation.

Rachel Jarry's battles with concussion struck at the heart of a young Canberra's campaign and when Bendigo lost Kelsey Griffin for the season not long after she won the MVP award at the FIBA Asia Cup in her silver medal-winning Opals debut, the Spirit too were shattered.

But if there was a reason for a final round of weekly rankings based on the more recent results, this is how they would have looked:

WNBL RANKINGS This Wk-Prev (Record)

8 (7) RANGERS 7-14: Fell away badly but occasional lack of spirit was hard to watch.

7 (8) SPIRIT 4-17: Tried to maintain but also fell away, still endeavouring to show spark.

6 (5) BOOMERS 12-9: Went through the motions towards the end and must snap back to best.

5 (1) LYNX 15-6: Win streak ended abruptly, late injuries also a concern on finals eve.

4 (2) FIRE 14-7: Really blew that one against Sydney which has to sting going into semis.

3 (4) LIGHTNING 11-10: Back as a credible force after years in the doldrums. Just unlucky.

2 (3) FLAMES 14-7: Looking good going into finals, though heavily dependent on starters.

1 (6) CAPITALS 7-14: Finished with a fabulous flurry, embracing the "spoiler" tag. Form team.

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THE good news for Lynx fans is both Sami Whitcomb and Amanda Dowe have been cleared to play in Game 1 of the semis tonight.

If you're not already at the State Basketball Centre, then get going!

This is Melbourne's "must win".

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MORE guests have been confirmed for the Inaugural WNBL Show Grand Final breakfast!

Lauren Jackson and Liz Cambage will be joined by WNBL royalty, Tom and Robyn Maher and Kristi Harrower.

Tagging in are current WNBL players, Rachel Jarry, Sara Blicavs and Dandenong Rangers coach Larissa Anderson.

Head along to meet these legends of the game and talk all things WNBL and Grand Final, while enjoying a casual breakfast on the amazing Emerson Rooftop Bar.

It is quality value at 50 per person, January 12, 7.30am-9..

For bookings hit: www.trybooking.com/336738 but hurry, bookings close on January 7.

COURTNEY WILLIAMS: The Lynx import is the B.O.T.I. tip for league MVP.