There are just four weekends left in the BBL Championship regular season, but still lots to be decided before the Play-Offs begin in around a month’s time.
Leicester Riders can move two steps closer to overtaking Esh Group Eagles Newcastle as the league leaders, though they will be keen to avoid any slip-ups as their busy schedule continues.
Rob Paternostro’s side travel to take on Surrey Scorchers this evening for the first of two encounters between the two at Surrey Sports Park inside a week, before hosting Bristol Flyers on Saturday.
There’s a huge clash in Devon on Sunday as Plymouth University Raiders entertain Cheshire Phoenix with both teams currently sharing the same 12-16 record to occupy the final two spots in the Play-Off race.
Plymouth have lost just once in eight at home in the league since Christmas, while Cheshire will arrive in the South West buoyed on by last week’s thrilling win over Sheffield Sharks.
And, with the head-to-head already belonging to the Raiders, Akeem Ellis believes victory is paramount for Cheshire in order to move ahead in the Play-Off race.
“To carry the momentum into this weekend is extremely important,” he insisted.
“This is one of the biggest, if not the biggest weekend in our season.
“I have the upmost faith in my team to be able to rise to this challenge.
“I know Plymouth are a good team on the rise, but after last weekend’s win and all the hard work we have invested this week in practice, I know my team is ready.”
He added: “The key factors in deciding this game will come down to defence, playing together, execution and who wants it more.”
Meanwhile, Sheffield were quick to put last week’s agonising loss to Cheshire behind them after recording an 81-70 win at home to Leeds Force on Wednesday, and have the chance to further tighten their grip on fourth tonight when Bristol head to the EIS.
Leeds’ Play-Off hopes hang in the balance, but revenge against Glasgow Rocks on Sunday would certainly do their chances no harm having lost 75-74 when the two teams met at the Emirates Arena last Friday.
Finally, Manchester Giants host Surrey Scorchers on Sunday with neither side wanting to finish bottom. Giants guard Callum Jones is hoping his team can produce a strong finish to the season, and make amends for earlier losses to Surrey this season.
“This game gives us an opportunity to win another game and go some way to making up for the two losses to Surrey that we suffered earlier in the season,” he declared.
“However, they are a dangerous team with multiple guys who can put up a lot of points, but if we control the tempo and use our offence to feed into our defence then we should be okay.
“It is important for us to end the season the right way with a number of home games in front of our loyal fans, as we know it has been a tough season for them as well.”