Cheshire Phoenix round off the regular British Basketball League season by facing the newly-crowned champions and the team they could well face first in the play-offs.

John Coffino's men head to Sport Central to take on Newcastle Eagles on Friday (7.30pm) before hosting a resurgent Sheffield Sharks at the Northgate Arena on Sunday (5.30pm).

The Eagles' 107-97 success against Manchester Giants on Wednesday ensured Fab Flournoy's side retained their crown, meaning there is nothing but pride to play for when they face the Nix on Friday.

Coach Flournoy said: "We are just trying to find a way to win every game with what we have. Rotations will happen as they happen.

"It will be tough because we simply don't know who will be suiting up. We picked up a couple more injuries on Wednesday night as well.

"Cheshire have a very talented squad and will undoubtedly by dangerous in the play-offs."

Meanwhile, Sheffield's surge from 10th position into the battle for fifth has been one of the stories of the season. Despite seeing their eight-game winning streak ended by Leicester Riders last Sunday, they will head into their final two games full of confidence.

Coffino sees Sunday's clash as vital preparation for the play-offs for the Nix, who are locked into fourth place.

"We are trying to build on our defensive philosophy heading down the stretch and into the play-offs," said the Phoenix coach.

"I think it comes down to every man taking some pride in their defence. It comes down to collectively, playing team defence but it is a mindset and it is what we emphasise.

"We are only going to go as far as our defence takes us. We have no problem scoring points, but it's defence that wins championships."

The Sharks have won two of the three meetings between the teams this term. They must beat Phoenix and Manchester Giants this weekend and hope London Lions and Glasgow Rocks drop points in order to snatch fifth place.

That would likely pair them with the Phoenix in the post-season play-offs, adding a psychological edge to Sunday's clash.

Coffino added: "They are playing with confidence. They have won some games and their players have really stepped it up.

"You want to be peaking at this time of year and Sheffield definitely are."