The Pistons enter tonight’s clash with the Harbour Heat needing at least one win from their two remaining games to sneak into the final four.

But the ultimate round of play will be no walk in the park.

At 14-3 for the season and on top of the NBL table, the Heat are the standout team of the competition to date.

On Friday night the Pistons will play host to the Taranaki Mountain Airs, who at 7-9 for the season sit well out of playoff contention, but loom as a potential threat in the run home.

As Martin and the Pistons bunker down for the final round, coach Murray McMahon this week conceded his side had some real work ahead.

“We’ve got a bit of work to do yet, but it’s in our hands and that’s always a good position to be in,” McMahon told the national league.

“(The Heat and the Airs) are two good teams and two good games.

“We haven’t really done the calculations … we’re just aiming to win both.”

Should the Pistons score a win this week, the team is set for a likely return to Harbour ‘s home for the second semi-final clash on June 24.

With the Heat out to a 7-1 record at home this season, the road trip is a real challenge.

But the Pistons are one of just three teams to have toppled Harbour this year and coach McMahon is confident of repeating that feat.

“Even way back when we played them the first time, I thought we were both semi-final teams,” McMahon said.

“We both have depth and size, and both seem to play a good team game.

“But once you’re in the playoffs, I don’t think it matters where you finish. All the teams are very good, even teams like Taranaki, who aren’t in playoff contention.”

Fellow South Dragons recruit Nick Horvath will end his off-season campaign with the Wellington Saints (9-8) tomorrow night in his team’s final hit-out for the year.