Three games in five days on the back of no matches for a month, a roster that is recovering from COVID-19, the departure of your world-class point guard and the absence of another Olympian is headache material for any coach.

Bendigo Spirit coach Tracy York won't use any of that as an excuse as her side returns to WNBL action against the Townsville Fire at Bendigo Stadium on Friday evening.

They back-up on Sunday afternoon in Canberra and then return home to Bendigo for a game against Sydney Uni on Tuesday night.

All that without departed point guard Leilani Mitchell (pregnant) and fellow Olympian Tessa Lavey (health and safety protocols), although Lavey could return for Tuesday night's game.

"The show goes on and we adjust accordingly,'' York said on Thursday.

"We haven't dropped our heads at all. That's the situation we're in and we move forward."

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The three-game stretch is crucial for the Spirit's play-of hopes.

With a 1-3 record through four games, the Spirit needs to find winning form quickly.

"It's been good to get everyone back on the floor and have a game to focus on,'' York said.

"Considering the isolation the players have been through, they've been in really good spirits.

"I think everyone is excited to see each other again and to get the chance to play basketball again.

"(In terms of COVID-19) the players have been cleared medically, but I guess we won't really know how fit they are until they get into a full game.

"We'll manage the girls as we go."

With Mitchell and Lavey on the sidelines, Alex Wilson will take over the point guard role for the Spirit.

"It's a reset for us,'' York said.

"Lei is not playing and we're going to a new part of the season.

"Our attitude doesn't change. No matter who is available you have to be ready to step and play to your strengths.

"Alex will step into that point guard role and that's where she plays well naturally, anyway."

Friday night's match against the Fire marks the first match of the season for Demi Skinner.

The sweet-shooting forward will add some flexibility and depth to the Spirit's perimeter scoring.

"Demi finds her spot on the floor, she doesn't get confused too much and she reads the game well,'' York said.

"We're very happy to have her back."

Friday night's game against the Fire starts at 5pm at Bendigo Stadium.

Tickets are available for that game and Tuesday night's clash with Sydney Uni Flames.

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