Nine games take place this weekend as we reach the business end of the season with half of the teams having to navigate double-headers.
The top two in the BBL Championship face home and away encounters, with the league leaders, Esh Group Eagles Newcastle, hosting Worcester Wolves tonight before heading to Surrey Scorchers on Sunday.
The Eagles suffered their first league defeat this season at the hands of Paul James’ Worcester side in January, and Leicester Riders will be poised to capitalise on any further slip-ups.
The recent BBL Trophy winners aim to take care of business as they welcome Manchester Giants to the LCS Arena ahead of Sunday’s trip to Cheshire Phoenix.
Sheffield Sharks suffered disappointment with back-to-back defeats last weekend, but have the chance to bounce back when they entertain London Lions this evening with the series head-to-head on the line.
The Lions have games in hand over their Yorkshire opponents and victory could see them significantly close in on Atiba Lyons’ side.
However, Sharks forward Patrick Horstmann believes his side will be up for the challenge of returning to winning ways.
“We had a tough weekend last week and definitely didn’t come back with the results we expected,” he admitted.
“It’s important for us to bounce back and get back on track against a tough London team.
“The game is important for both sides, as the winner will take the head-to-head, which can have a big influence on the standings at the end of the season.
“At this stage [of the season], it is about making the small adjustments that are necessary to compete in all games and getting as much momentum and confidence as possible to go on a run in the Play-Offs.”
The Lions are in Yorkshire again on Sunday as they take on Leeds Force with Matt Newby’s side determined to boost their hopes of reaching the Play-Offs
Meanwhile, Plymouth University Raiders can move another step closer to securing their post-season return but must take on Glasgow Rocks on Sunday without the services of Cory Dixon, who serves a one-game ban.
Bristol Flyers also host Glasgow Rocks in a bid to build on last weekend’s victory against Sheffield before rounding out the weekend away at Manchester Giants.