The two biggest weapons in the Women’s National Basketball League won’t decide Saturday’s major semi-final between Adelaide and Bulleen Boomers, Lightning coach Peter Buckle says.

Rather, Buckle believes the input of those in the shadows of his star Suzy Batkovic and Boomer linchpin Elizabeth Cambage will determine which team wins through to the grand final.

Both players are central characters in an intriguing plot between Adelaide, the regular season’s dominant team, and last year’s champions Bulleen.

Batkovic tops the league in scoring (averaging 24.3 points) and rebounds (10.9 a game); Cambage is second highest in both categories – averaging 20.7 points and 10.6 rebounds.

Buckle says both will have significant impact on the major semi-final, with Batkovic overcoming a back injury.

“Our lead-up has been good, particularly good with Suze being fully involved. Her back is fully recovered and going well,” Buckle told AAP on Friday.

“That is good for us. She was a bit rusty as we could all see in the last round Dandenong game.”

Butcher expects whichever team to have more contributors to triumph.

“I expect a hell of a tough game … they are a great team,” he said.

“Suze has been an absolute star throughout the season, there is no doubt about that, but the work ethic of the team has been a major part of a lot of our wins.

“And that is going to be paramount tomorrow – the best team is going to win the game.”

AAP sl/