The New Zealand Breakers forward Rob Baker II will miss the remainder of the NBL26 season after sustaining a significant knee injury.

Baker was injured during the team’s 104-86 road victory against the Cairns Taipans last Saturday. After landing in Melbourne, MRI scans confirmed a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee.

He faces surgery and rehabilitation that will keep him off the court for the rest of the campaign.

Breakers head of basketball operations Dillon Boucher said the news is a heavy blow for the player and the club.

“We are absolutely devastated for Rob. Since arriving, he has been a consummate professional and a vital part of our starting group. To see his season end like this, especially after such a gritty win in Cairns, is heartbreaking.

“Rob has the full support of the entire BNZ Breakers organisation. We will do everything we can to assist him through his surgery and rehabilitation process.”

Baker will remain with the team as he prepares for surgery.

The club will evaluate its roster options over the coming days.

They are in Melbourne to play their final Ignite Cup game against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Wednesday, January 21.

The team returns home to Spark Arena to play Adelaide 36ers on Friday, January 23.