ESSEX Pirates again look set to be understrength for tonight’s trip to Glasgow Rocks.

The Southend based side have injury doubts over England internationals Taner Adu and Sam Toluwase, while Ronnie Baker is also unable to travel.

But coach Tim Lewis wants his team to test their hosts.

“It’s certainly not ideal but we have to get on with it and do the best we can,” said Lewis.

“We’re still waiting to hear back about Taner and Sam and we will just have to wait and see if they can play.

“Taner has a back problem and Sam has hurt his ankle and we’re certainly struggling for numbers right now.”

Forward Walid Mumuni has now also departed after opting to join a club in Italy but Lewis insists the current problems do give his younger players more opportunities to impress.

“Other people are getting their chance now,” said Lewis.

“Zach (Gachette) has really stepped up and Colin (Sing) has improved as well and has been doing well.

“We will be alright but we do need to get players back soon.”

Lewis could call on youngsters from the AASE system but he is not sure if the college students would be ready to deal with the more physical demands of the British Basketball League.

And he is expecting a difficult evening against Rocks.

“They’re another strong team and deep in terms of experience so it will always be difficult up there,” said Lewis.

“I really rate Moses Mubarak, plus of course they’ve got a vast experience of EJ Harrison and a big Aussie kid.

“They’ve six or seven guys with a lot of experience who knows how to play the game.”

Pirates also head in to the game on the back of defeats to Worcester Wolves and Mersey Tigers last weekend.

But Lewis remains upbeat.

“We were short-handed last weekend and with people missing it was always going to be tough,” he said.

“It was a blow-out in the first period against Wolves but we equipped ourselves pretty well after that.

“We did well for most of the first half before letting it get away from us against Tigers, and we struggled a bit with tiredness and lack of experience in the second half.

“I’m disappointed we didn’t do better and build on the win at Worthing but I thought there were still positives to take.”

Pirates remain bottom of the BBL standings with just one victory to their name this season while Rocks sit fourth, two points behind leaders Newcastle Eagles.