Cheshire Phoenix head coach John Coffino isn't expecting any easy ride when the Bristol Flyers visit the Northgate Arena on Sunday in the BBL (5.30pm).
After slipping to their first loss in the league since November 4 last weekend at the hands of Sheffield Sharks, the Nix are aiming to get back to winning ways when they welcome the Flyers, who have former Phoenix ace Alif Bland in their squad.
The Bristol club have been impressive in their first season at the top table of British basketball, registering eight wins from 21 games and sitting on 16 points, the same as established BBL sides Glasgow Rocks and Manchester Giants.
Coffino is hopeful that he will have league MVP candidate Demond Watt available for selection for the clash after the Chicagoan power forward, who has been so impressive this season, was forced to miss the defeat to Sheffield after falling hard in the win at Leeds Force last week.
"Demond is healing well and everyday he is getting stronger, so we're hopeful we will have him available for Sunday," said Coffino.
"He is one of the best players in the league so it is natural that when he isn't playing it makes things tougher. Bristol have Alif Bland, who is a talented guy that matches up well to Demond, and I know that Demond raises his game whenever they meet and he will want to be out there to face him.
"It is important for us to have an extra body and Demond has been a very special player for us this season."
Point guard Mike DiNunno could miss out again for the Nix, with Dustin Salisbery expected to take on the role of ball handler in his absence.
The Nix have faced off against the Flyers twice already this season, winning 92-72 at the Northgate on November 2 and surviving an early scare to run out 86-73 victors at the WISE Basketball Arena on November 15.
But Coffino is not undestimating the challenge that Andreas Kapoulas' side present and believes that his side cannot afford an off day against the Bristolians.
"I've said it plenty of times but top to bottom, anybody can beat anybody on their day in this league," he added.
"Bristol are a very well coached team who run their stuff really well. When we played them at their place they had us beat down early on and we needed a really strong finish to get it done.
"We respect them but we'll make sure our guys are prepared."
A sell-out crowd at the Northgate was on hand to see the Nix fall to defeat against Sheffield on Sunday and Coffino is hoping to see another bumper turnout this weekend.
"Hopefully the place will be full again this weekend as it makes a big difference to the players," he said.
"It is a great feeling to know that the fanbase is growing here. It's great news for the club."
