SkyCity NZ Breakers are aiming up at the Brisbane Bullets in their final hit-out of the pre-season when the two teams clash in Tauranga tonight,
However, while the opposition are important, it is again performance being rated ahead of the result, with the season just under two weeks away.
The game at ASB Baypark Arena (tip-off 7pm) caps off a busy pre-season for the four-time ANBL Champions. The Breakers have posted three wins from five games so far, with the victories coming over Cairns, Adelaide and Melbourne.
One constant in these games has been the hardline approach of all teams, with a level of intensity resembling the post-season at times, as teams look to put the finishing touches on preparation while also gaining a psychological advantage over their opponents.
Assistant coach Mike Fitchett says while he expects another great contest for the fans tonight, the result is not the primary focus.
"We have some obvious things to work on in the game Wednesday night. The preseason has been a mixed bag so far, with some good performances and some that haven't been up to scratch, most notably our recent defeat by Melbourne," Fitchett said.
"We didn't play with the energy required that night, and that was a good reminder to everyone that you cannot let your guard down at any moment in this league.
"Overall though, we are happy with the progress we are making every day. We are constantly working on the on-court chemistry between players at this time of the year and Wednesday night will see that aspect of our game improve again I am sure."
Fitchett says there will be some scouting of the Andrej Lemanis-coached Bullets.
"We are also looking to get a good feel for Brisbane and what they will look like this season. They have a few new faces to the league, so it will be great to see them to better understand their game.
"Offensively it is always great if we have a few guys putting the ball in the bucket, that is another goal on Wednesday to lift the confidence of everyone as we get close to October 8 and the season opener."
Fitchett says the coaching staff have not hit on a starting five at this point, and in fact won't ever have that set in stone when the regular season rolls around.
"Starting spots are always up for grabs; it is unlikely we will go through the entire season with the same starters, that might be for health reasons, form reasons or just horses for courses. That is one of the great things about this group; the competition is intense, everyone wants to contribute and will in different ways."
NZ Breakers v Brisbane Bullets
Tonight, 7pm, ASB Arena
Early game: Tauranga Boys' College v Mount Maunganui College, 5.30pm
Tickets from www.ticketek.co.nz