Six league games are scheduled to take place tomorrow, sandwiched between the excitement of last weekend's National Cup semi-finals and next weekend's finals in Manchester.
But for now, all eyes will be on Essex as they try to maintain their hold on top spot, whilst the likes of City of Birmingham, Worthing and Bradford continue scrapping for the playoff spots.
We take a look at all of the weekend's action below, with links to live stats and live streams at the bottom of the page.
Two-loss Newcastle University's title aspirations will face a stern test this weekend as they head to leaders Essex Rebels.
Only trailing down in fifth due to their games in hand, the North East side have a chance to move right into contention for top spot this weekend but it won't be easy against a Rebels team that are 5-0 on their own court this season.
Their lone defeat on the year came at the hands of current second-place Derby Trailblazers, with Essex reeling off eight straight wins since then to maintain their spot at the top of D1M.
Newcastle's only losses of the year were against Hemel and Derby, winning six on the bounce themselves as both teams head into tomorrow's clash with plenty of momentum.
Both teams have also had plenty of recognition in the Rebound Team of the Week discussions this year, with Theo Riley and Josh Moore both making the grade from Newcastle this past week.
Essex were in Cup semi-final action last time out, suffering a heat-breaking 93-88 loss to Reading to miss out on a trip to Manchester for next weekend's Final. No doubt that result will have strengthened the Rebels' resolve to push for league glory instead, starting with tomorrow's home clash.
Logan Rooney (25.1PPG) and Justin Hopkins (23.1PPG) are currently #1 and #2 in the D1M scoring charts. Will that output be enough to hand Essex a rare loss, or will the Rebels keep up the pace at the top?
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It's on 🏆 pic.twitter.com/ZXRtmAB7DJ
— NBL (@NBLengland) January 8, 2024
Derby Trailblazers (8-2) will also need to bounce back from their own Cup disappointment after losing last weekend against Milton Keynes. They'll look to do just that on the road against a City of Birmingham Rockets (4-6) that have lost five in a row.
Life doesn't get any easier for bottom side Barking Abbey (0-11) as they welcome high-flying Reading Rockets (7-2), and Bradford Dragons (4-7) will entertain Loughborough Riders (7-4) as both teams look for a valuable two points.
Reigning champs Hemel Storm (7-3) are in the hunt for a repeat success, just four points back of top spot as things stand. They'll look to pile on the misery to London Elite (2-9), who it in the bottom two right now.
Worthing Thunder (4-6) picked up a much needed win last time out in their quest to reach the playoffs. They'll look to keep that form going this weekend as they head to Nottingham Hoods (6-6).
The D1M Team of the Week is in! 🔒 pic.twitter.com/IeNelWRM0q
— NBL (@NBLengland) January 9, 2024
4pm - Barking Abbey vs Reading Rockets - LIVE STATS
6:15pm - Bradford Dragons vs Loughborough Riders - LIVE STATS
6:30pm - London Elite vs Hemel Storm - LIVE STATS
6:30pm - Nottingham Hoods vs Worthing Thunder - LIVE STATS
6:30pm - Essex Rebels vs Newcastle University - LIVE STATS
7:30pm - City of Birmingham Rockets vs Derby Trailblazers - LIVE STATS
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Main image credit - Kay Lu
