David Patrick will be thrust into the firing line for the Canberra Cannons in one of the club's biggest games of the season so far.

The Cannons take on defending Australian National Basketball League champions, Wollongong today and Patrick is set for a starting role.

Patrick, a back-up guard and one of three returning Cannons players from last season, along with Mickey Dennis Jnr, one of the clubs three contracted imports for this season, have been called upon by coach Cal Bruton after captain CJ Bruton was diagnosed with a mild dose of chickenpox. While Bruton has not been completely ruled out of the contest it is unlikely he will take the court. Under doctors orders he will be isolated from his team-mates for the next couple of days.

In Bruton's absence it is expected that Patrick will be elevated into the starting five.

In their last game the Cannons went down to the Townsville Crocodiles 132-102.