Riders and Wolves set for crunch

Two of the sides chasing Newcastle at the top of the BBL meet this Friday, as Leicester host Worcester.

While the Eagles look increasingly harder to catch in first place, the match could prove key in terms of the end of season play-off match-ups.

The Wolves currently hold second place with a 20-5 record, with the Riders fourth, four wins behind but with three games in hand.

Leicester coach Rob Paternostro said: “The Wolves have had a great season, PJ [Paul James] has brought in some talented players and they have shown the ability to play together right from the start. It’s not easy when you are bringing in new players to the team and league, but give them credit they have guys that have adjusted well to the BBL.”

A win for the Riders would tip the balance back in their favour as they would seal the head-to-head series between the teams having already won 99-75 in Worcester when the teams met last December. The sides complete their three-game series in Worcester on Saturday April 14.

Wolves coach Paul James said: “Clearly Leicester has been one of the best teams in the league this season.

“Rob has put together a very talented team together who can score in many ways and they are playing really well at the moment under Rob’s guidance.

“I cannot focus on any one player as they have some many options and combinations that they can go to with great effect so we will have to be ready to deal with what ever they throw at us.”