Star duo to be sidelined in Round 12

The Townsville Fire and Geelong Venom will be without two of their respective star bigs during Round 12.

Lauren Cox, who sustained a knee injury during Townsville's New Year's Eve loss to Bendigo, will miss the club's games against Adelaide (away) and Geelong (home).

The US import will be replaced by Catelyn Van Es in Shannon Seebohm's squad.

While American forward Alissa Pili will remain on the sidelines for Geelong's two road games against Southside Melbourne and Townsville, due to her appendix.

Pili, who missed the club's Round 11 loss to Perth, will be replaced by Georgia Taylor in Chris Lucas' side this round.

Round 12 of the WNBL26 season tips off on Friday night, when Perth hosts Adelaide from 5.30pmAEDT, live on ESPN2 and 9Now.