The Perth Wildcats take on the New Zealand Breakers in a top-of-the-table NBL clash at the North Shore Events Centre on Thursday looking to extend their lead on top of the ladder and stretch the current winning streak to seven.
The Wildcats are currently on the best winning streak during coach Rob Beveridge's time at the helm after wins over New Zealand, Townsville, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Sydney and again the Crocs last Saturday night.
That has seen the 'Cats improve to a 14-5 record on the season and to be in first place, but precious little separates the top-two teams right now.
The Breakers also hold a 14-5 record at present having recovered from disappointing losses to Perth and Cairns to close out 2011 to now have won four straight games themselves coming into Thursday's clash.
The Wildcats sit on top courtesy of a percentage that is just 0.19 per cent superior to that of New Zealand's, but that percentage won't be a factor come season's end if both teams finish on the same record.
What will matter is the season-series and right now the Wildcats hold the edge after a 24-point win at Challenge Stadium back on December 23.
The teams only play one another three times this season, so a win for the 'Cats on Thursday will secure the split. Otherwise a win for New Zealand will see the series decided in Perth on March 4.
Wildcats coach Rob Beveridge is certainly looking forward to the contest with the Breakers and to see what can come out of the game for his team to then try to work on for the rest of the season.
"They've got a tremendous record at home and we know that. They have won a whole bunch in-a-row as well now so we know it's going to be tough for us, but we are very, very good on the road. We like going on the road now and we look forward to that. It's going to be a great game," Beveridge said.
"To be honest if we lose it's not going to be a real worry, it's about us going in with our brand of basketball then we are going to get exposed in certain areas. It's like a test.
"We are going to go in and they are going to take things away from us, we will take things off them, and I think that they will look to expose some weaknesses. That's good for us so we can then work on those areas."
There will be exciting match-ups all over the floor as well as the two teams go head to head in what is sure to be another intense encounter.
The back court match-ups of Damian Martin, Kevin Lisch and Brad Robbins up against Cedric Jackson, CJ Bruton and Daryl Corletto will be pivotal as could be the battle between Thomas Abercrombie and Cam Tovey.
Then inside there is Matt Knight, Luke Nevill, Shawn Redhage and Jesse Wagstaff up against Alex Pledger, Gary Wilkinson, Mika Vukona and Dillon Boucher.
Beveridge knows that all of those match-up will be crucial, but trying to stop New Zealand point guard Jackson is where it all begins with Martin and Robbins for him.
"He is a tremendous player and very close to getting a triple-double every week," Beveridge said.
"He's a great athlete and very good point guard, but we are fortunate that we do have Damian Martin and Brad Robbins who can make it as hard as possible for him. You can't shut him down but you can make it as hard as possible for him."
Thursday's game will be broadcast live on 91.3 SportFM with the coverage commencing from 2pm WST.
