Riders coach Rob Paternostro says James will fill a gap in his side

Leicester Riders hope new American import Duane James will be able to make his debut when they entertain Newcastle Eagles on Saturday evening.

Riders are without injured duo Bradd Wierzbicki and Phil Missere and coach Rob Paternostro says it is vital that James gets his work permit in time.

"With Bradd and Phil out, we now really need him," Paternostro admitted.

The Eagles have won both meetings between the sides this season but will be without star man Lynard Stewart.

And Paternostro feels the Eagles will provide a stern test even without Lynard Stewart.

They've been there and done it, and it will take a great effort to get a result Rob Paternostro

Riders head into the game in joint fourth place and looking to secure a home play-off spot as the season enters its latter stages.

But they have found the Eagles a tough proposition this season, losing 111-74 in the North East in November and 105-81 at the John Sandford Sports Centre in December.

Paternostro said: "We definitely need to do a better job in the paint. For me, they have so many weapons, that you can't key on one guy.

"They've been there and done it, and it will take a great effort to get a result.

"I've been very impressed with them since they lost Lynard as I thought that would be devastating for them. You have to credit that group of guys as their doing a nice job in both the league and Trophy.

"Trey Moore is one of the best players in the league, and if I paid to watch the BBL, he'd be the kind of player I'd want to say. He's had a great season, and we need to do our best to contain him."

Riders saw their hopes of a top-four finish, and home court advantage in the play-off quarter-finals, hit by an 82-75 home loss against Plymouth Raiders last Saturday.

Paternostro said: "It was a difficult situation for us without Phil Missere and losing Bradd (Wierzbicki) during the game."

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