That puts even more pressure on each and every result, with fine margins separating multiple teams across the D1W standings.
Seven games take place this weekend, split evenly across the two days, with plenty at stake in each one.
We take a look at all the action below, with links to live stats and live streams at the bottom of the page.
The second leg of the repeat of last season's D1W playoff final is set for this weekend as leaders CoLA travel to Ipswich.
When these sides met in October, CoLA were able to claim some revenge for last season as they walked away with a 60-48 win.
That victory came courtesy of a massive 13-point, 21-rebound performance from Isi Ozzy-Momodu, with the talented forward taking her game to the next level this season. She currently averages 10.2PPG and 10.4RPG and is a factor at both ends of the court.
It's worth remembering that whilst comparisons to last season's rivalry between these two teams will remain for a while longer, this is an Ipswich team that has undergone some serious turnover ahead of 2021/22.
With notable stars Esther Little and Harriet Welham leaving for pastures new, the Suffolk programme have retooled and gone again, and their 7-3 record and fifth place spot in D1W is an impressive achievement.
These two teams recently met in the Sure Shot U18 Women's National Cup final in Manchester, with CoLA coming out on top 68-41.
With similar line-ups set to take to the floor this weekend, Ipswich will be hoping for a different outcome to their last two meetings if they're to keep pace for a top-four spot.
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The weekend begins with London Lions II (1-11) playing host to Cardiff Met Archers II (5-7).
The Lions are now six points adrift of safety near the bottom of D1W, and claiming a second win of the season against an opponent they've already lost to 69-61 to this season is a tough ask.
The Lions will get another chance for success on Sunday though as they make a difficult trip to play Thames Valley Cavaliers (8-2), who have now won seven in a row.
The Cavs were due to start their weekend at home to Worcester Wolves (4-8), but that game has been postponed because of COVID cases at Wolves.
Bristol Flyers' (5-9) trip to Anglia Ruskin University (7-3) is the only other action on Saturday, with back-to-back FocusHoops' Player of the Week Katrin Hulme looking to make it three awards in a row with another strong showing.
Sunday sees basement side Nottingham Trent University (1-11) continue their quest for survival as they entertain Team Solent Kestrels (6-6), who beat them 91-62 back in October.
Reading Rockets (4-7) could use a win to keep pace with Bristol above them, who occupy the eighth and final playoff spot. That won't be easy against second place Loughborough Riders (9-2) though.
Finally, there's double-header action on Sunday for both Ipswich and Bristol Flyers as they go head-to-head from Copleston Sports Centre. Coverage of that game is available on our YouTube channel and can be viewed below.
2pm - London Lions II v Cardiff Met Archers II - LIVE STATS
3:30pm - Ipswich v CoLA Southwark Pride - LIVE STATS/LIVE STREAM
4pm - Anglia Ruskin University v Bristol Flyers - LIVE STATS
1pm - Thames Valley Cavaliers v London Lions II - LIVE STATS
1pm - Ipswich v Bristol Flyers - LIVE STATS/LIVE STREAM
1pm - Nottingham Trent University v Team Solent Kestrels - LIVE STATS
2:15pm - Reading Rockets v Loughborough Riders - LIVE STATS
