Rico Alderson is struggling to be fit for Brighton Bears' toughest weekend of the season so far.

The former Derby and Leopards star missed Friday's training because of flu and is rated a doubtful starter for the BBL clash with Newcastle Eagles at the Triangle tonight (7pm).

Bears also visit Leicester Riders tomorrow (6pm) as they bid to add to the six successive wins they have scored so far this term.

Alderson has been a regular in Bears' starting five so far but, if he misses out, there could be a chance for guard Mike Brown to get back among the first five.

Alternatively, coach Nick Nurse could call on Emiko Etete to offer more physical presence in his initial line-up should Alderson not pull through.

Nurse said: "Rico did not step on to the practice court on Friday and looked terrible.

"If we have to change things, then we will. That is why we have got all these guys. Depth of squad is a big factor this season and we believe in all our players."

Today's clash is the first of two visits from the Eagles on successive weekends.

They are at the Brighton Centre next Sunday in a National Cup quarter-final (7pm) for which tickets are already on sale at brightonbears.com or by calling (01273) 626943.

Nurse has studied video tape of Newcastle's win over Sheffield in the previous round.

He said: "They are a very good team, no question about it. You don't beat Chester and win at Sheffield if you are not decent."

The Bears chief was at Brentwood last night to check on Leicester, who were 99-91 winners over Essex Leopards.

Champions Chester were stunned 98-95 in overtime at home to lowly Milton Keynes.

This weekend's action represents the first double-header of the campaign for Nurse's men against BBL opposition.

The sides expected to be main threats for honours have at last got their line-ups together.

London Towers were the last to reach full strength following yesterday's signing of Shaheen Holloway.

The 25-year-old American point guard famously won MVP honours in the McDonald's All-American showpiece in 1996 ahead of current Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant.

Holloway, briefly with Chester earlier this season, replaces Chad Wilkerson at the Towers.