The Bandits and Braves have a rich history, with Bendigo currently holding an 18-13 career head to head advantage over their arch enemies. Bendigo has a four game winning streak at home against Albury/Wodonga dating back to March 1999, a factor Bandits coach Jim Wilson will be hoping to end. Bandits Jeff Dowdell (25.0ppg, 9.4rpg) was sensational last week and his battle in the paint with Round 13 Player of the Week Andrew Rice (21.7ppg, 10.2rpg) will be a talented clash.

"Oasis" Hobart Chargers vs Knox Ford Raiders
Hobart made a statement to the rest of the league last week, defeating ladder leaders Ballarat, and coach Mark Chivers will be keen to record another victory over a higher ranked opponent this week. Knox Raiders had a bye last weekend and will go into the contest fresh, and may have also helped import CJ Massingale get over his niggling ankle injury. Chargers guard Adam Gibson was sensational in the Chargers 101-100 victory in round seven and will be a pivotal player again this week.

Canberra "Club Lime" Gunners vs Mt Gambier "Carter Holt Harvey" Pioneers
Both teams have had some high quality matches in recent games, and this week will be no different. Pioneers recorded a 101-81 victory in round 12, but have a poor record in Canberra, having only won on one occasion in nine games. Pioneers Bart Strzebonski destroyed the Gunners in rd12 and his efforts will need to be contained this week if the Gunners are to record revenge against their opponents.

"Patrick" NW Tasmania Thunder vs Knox Ford Raiders
US import Justin Allen is a key member to the Thunder program, and he will need to lift his productivity this week against the third placed Raiders. Knox has a talented frontcourt with Import Cameron Koford and workaholics Bektas and Simpson. All three have the ability to destroy their opposition if not contained at the offensive end. Allen fouled out in the third quarter last week against Ballarat, and will be hell bent on a better performance this week. A successful combination with fellow frontcourt team mates Sturgill and Gray could cause the Raiders many headaches.

Albury/Wodonga "Bendigo Bank" Bandits vs Nunawading Spectres
Nunawading have a great success rate against Albury/Wodonga, and have a career 20-7 head to head record against the Bandits. However Albury/Wodonga was successful 97-84 in round two and sit in fifth position on the ladder, one spot higher than Nunawading. Both teams have improved remarkably since their round two clash and this week's contest is sure to be an entertaining affair. Nunawading have a 4-3 away record this season and have shown in the past they are not fazed by the long road trip to Albury with an 8-5 head to head record at Albury Sports Stadium.

Mildura "QantasLink" Mavericks vs Bendigo "Hume & Iser" Braves
Although Mildura sit bottom of the East Men ladder with a disappointing 2-14 record, all teams must be at their best when visiting Mildura, because the Mavericks have the potential to defeat any team in the league. Bendigo lost to then bottom placed Kilsyth in round ten this year, and Braves Coach Wayne Larkins won't be keen on another loss to a bottom placed team. However Bendigo was victorious in round seven 100-89 and have an impressive 7-1 away record this year and will go into the contest as favourites.

Ballarat "Telstra CountryWide/Telstra Shop" Miners vs "St Laurence" Geelong Supercats
Top of the table clash between the conference ladder leaders will be a fantastic duel, and both teams desperately wanting the victory. Geelong had a disastrous weekend in Canberra, losing both games and currently on a three game losing streak. Sharp shooter Jason Reardon is out for three weeks with injury, but the Supercats have the depth to counter his absence.

Australian Institute of Sport vs Mt Gambier "Carter Holt Harvey" Pioneers
Australian Institute of Sport are the inform team at present behind a five game winning streak and have only lost one game since defeating Mt Gambier 87-86 in round nine. The AIS 7-1 recent record has elevated them into the conference top four and coach Marty Clarke is coaching his team remarkably once again to have many contributors looking to have a break out game and impress NBL and US College scouts. NBL South Dragons inaugural draftee Joe Ingles is improving each week since returning from ankle surgery and has been a key contributor for the AIS in their recent winning run.

Club Kilsyth Cobras vs Frankston "Cambur" Blues
One concern for Frankston coach Bill Runchey leading into this week's game against Kilsyth is the Blues six game losing streak at the snakepit dating back to July 1999. But with a consistent 5-4 away record this year, coach Runchey will be keen to put an end to his losing woes against the Cobras. Kilsyth on the other hand have been far from consistent at home this season with a disappointing 2-5 record. The likely match-up of Cobras Matt Shanahan (21.3ppg, 7.0rpg, 4.4apg) and Blues Andy Gilbert (25.4ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.9apg) will be a match not to be missed. They both have exceptional offensive skills and play pivotal roles for their respective team.