Having recorded three successive victories over their opponents including a 91-86 win in round twelve, the AIS boys will go into this contest fairly confident of recording the win. NW Tasmania will be travelling without import Justin Allen (20.5ppg, 14.6rpg, 2.4apg) due to injury, which will make it tough for the Thunder against the tall timber of the AIS. South Dragons recruit Joe Ingles (11.4ppg, 3.9rpg, 2.8apg) has been improving rapidly and will be one player the Thunder will need to address on the defensive end if they are to put a stop to the AIS current six game winning streak.

Ballarat "Telstra CountryWide/Telstra Shop" Miners vs Club Kilsyth Cobras
How different a year can make, as this time last year Ballarat were languishing on the bottom and Kilsyth were the red hot team in the competition. This year however, Ballarat are flying high on top of the South Men ladder with a commanding 8-0 home record, and Kilsyth are fighting to stay in contention for a finals berth after a disastrous opening to the season. Ballarat recorded a 104-94 victory in round eight and will be keen to record the clean sweep this season and keep their undefeated status at home alive.

Mt Gambier "Carter Holt Harvey" Pioneers vs Nunawading Spectres
After a disappointing 0-2 weekend in the nation's capital, Mt Gambier coach Jason Sedlock will be keen to return to the winner's circle this week, as another loss could be dangerous for their finals aspirations. Nunawading have a great 5-3 road record this season, but have not been successful at the Icehouse since 2003. David Biwer is still in the USA with work, but his replacement Stephen Hoare will likely get the task of containing league MVP candidate Jamie Holmes (30.1ppg, 12.5rpg), a job he is fully capable of completing.

Canberra "Club Lime" Gunners vs "Patrick" NW Tasmania Thunder
Behind a four game winning streak Canberra have quietly moved into striking distance of first place on the East Men ladder and have the ability to clinch it this week depending on the Supercats performance this weekend. Keys (19.8ppg, 7.7rpg) and Petrie (21.1ppg, 12.3rpg) have been sensational again this season and were the key contributors in the Gunners 76-74 road victory in round nine. The loss of Allen will again hurt the Thunder in this game, as Canberra has a potent frontcourt rotation.

Knox Ford Raiders vs "St Laurence" Geelong Supercats
With the 103-99 round eleven overtime loss still fresh in their minds, Knox Raiders will be keen for revenge this week. Geelong is in a terrible form slump at present with four successive losses to fellow finals contenders, and if they lose to Knox this week may tumble down to second position. Raiders work-a-holic Craig Simpson was terrific last weekend in Tasmania, but a strong defensive job will be required this week. He will be required to contain the Supercats Shawn Myers (18.4ppg, 13.2rpg, 2.7spg) who has been a consistent performer for his team despite their poor record.

Mildura "QantasLink" Mavericks vs "Oasis" Hobart Chargers
A tough match to select a winner, as both teams has the ability to clinch the win. Hobart have a disappointing 2-5 road record this season, but have a 5-5 head to head record in Mildura, and an overall 16-9 career head to head record against the Mavericks. Chargers defeated Mildura 116-86 in round five, thanks largely to the efforts of Anthony Stewart (25.5ppg, 7.8rpg, 4.3apg) and Mark Banovic (20.8ppg, 6.3apg). If these two can produce another fine performance the Chargers should record the win.

Albury/Wodonga "Bendigo Bank" Bandits vs Australian Institute of Sport
A victory is vital this weekend for the Bandits as they currently sit three games behind fourth placed AIS, therefore needing a victory to bridge the gap. Bandits Jeff Dowdell (25.3ppg, 9.1rpg) has been in magnificent form of late, and recorded 34pts, 12rebs against his former team in round ten. The Bandits unfortunately lost 87-111, but will be keen to put an end to their nine game losing streak against the AIS this week. Family rivalry will also be on show as Jeff battles in the frontcourt with his brother Ben, a scholarship holder at the AIS this year.

Club Kilsyth Cobras vs Bendigo "Hume & Iser" Braves
Kilsyth surprised the entire league in round ten by defeating Bendigo 106-94, and putting an end to the Braves 11 game winning streak. Since this game Kilsyth have recorded a 3-1 record and moved into finals contention and ready to pounce on a top four position. Cobras had five players in double digit scoring in their round ten clash, and coach Grant Wallace will be keen for another strong team performance. Cobras Matt Shanahan (21.9ppg, 6.9rpg, 4.8apg) has been lightning up the scoreboard in recent weeks and will be a major defensive assignment for the Braves if they are to withstand the cobras bite.

Frankston "Cambur" Blues "Oasis" Hobart Chargers
At the new game time of 2:30pm, Frankston will be keen to increase their win streak to four and remain in contention for the number one position on the ladder. Gruber, Gilbert and Harms combined for 77pts when Frankston defeated Hobart 110-90 in round three, and will need another solid offensive performance again this weekend.