Auckland's banishment has delayed the Otago Nuggets' comeback to the National Basketball League by two days.
The Nuggets, returning from a one-season hiatus, were scheduled to play Auckland in Auckland next Thursday night.
But the Stars have been booted out of the league because of financial problems and all 20 of their fixtures have been scratched.
That has forced the Nuggets into some hasty rescheduling of travel plans.
They were to fly north on Thursday morning, play Auckland on Thursday night, have a rest day on Friday and then play North Harbour next Saturday night.
The Nuggets will now head north on the Saturday, for just the game against the Heat.
Their home game against Auckland, scheduled for May 1, has been cancelled.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets have forged a link with Kaikorai Valley College and will train at the school's new gymnasium this year.
The team wanted a new training base and the school, trying to boost its sporting profile, was happy to oblige.
Nuggets players will also be involved with coaching aspiring basketball players at the school.
