Former winners CoLA Southwark Pride head to another recent D1W champ in Endeavour Ipswich Basketball as both teams strive to claim glory in 2023/24.
That game accompanies four others across the weekend, with three games tomorrow and two more on Sunday. The NBL Live cameras will also be on the South coast to catch all the action from Solent vs Loughborough, bringing even more basketball to WNBL fans.
We take a look at all the weekend's action below, with links to live stats and live streams at the bottom of the page.
Current leaders Endeavour Ipswich Basketball have a home tie with CoLA Southwark Pride tomorrow, tipping off the D1W weekend.
When these sides met in London in mid-November it produced one of the games of the season, with CoLA using a period of OT to win 102-95, handing Ipswich their first loss of the season in the process.
CoLA guard Maddie Warren was the standout that day, splashing 6/8 from long range to carry the hosts to victory.
The title race has tightened significantly since, with tomorrow's opponents plus Brent and Thames Valley all within touching distance at the top.
That means a loss for either side will be hard to stomach, not only stunting momentum but also handing valuable points to a rival.
Ipswich's Harriet Welham (25.6PPG, 9.9RPG, 4.4APG, 3,5SPG) is in the midst of a huge season, putting herself in the top 10 for pretty much every statistical category.
The current leaders are far from a one trick pony though, with Liv Forster, Christabel Osarobo, Yazmin Edwards and more all having a part to play in Ipswich's current success.
CoLA will once again be able to attack with their depth in the forward positions, with Felicia Jacobs (21pts, 12reb in their previous meeting) joining up with the likes of Esther Kursite and Adaora Dioramma, with Warren hoping for a repeat performance alongside fellow guards Glory Kabia and Violet Stutz.
Games between these two sides rarely disappoint and tomorrow is unlikely to be any different.
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Ipswich and CoLA start the weekend, setting the stage for four other match ups.
The NBL Live cameras are on the South coast for Team Solent Kestrels (1-14) against Loughborough Riders (9-8), and hopefully the bright lights will provide a lift to the hosts in their bid to avoid the D1W trap door.
Anglia Ruskin University (7-9) have a chance to cement their spot in the playoffs against a chasing Barking Abbey (5-9).
ARU sit in the eighth and final post-season spot as things stand and putting distance between themselves and the chasing pack, which includes Barking, will no doubt be a priority.
Sunday's schedule includes a pair of contests, including Brent Bulls (12-3) trying to keep their good form going against Manchester Mystics (8-7).
The Bulls have won seven in a row to vault up the standings in recent weeks, they'll look to keep that momentum going ahead of a big home clash with Ipswich next week.
Thames Valley Cavaliers (11-4) have a home tie with Bristol Academy Flyers (7-9), safe in the knowledge that either Ipswich or CoLA will be dropping points this weekend.
The Flyers are a tough opponent this season, so due care will have to be taken, but TVC should have enough about them if they play to their level.
3:30pm - Endeavour Ipswich Basketball vs CoLA Southwark Pride - LIVE STATS
3:30pm - Team Solent Kestrels vs Loughborough Riders - LIVE STATS/LIVE STREAM
4:15pm - Anglia Ruskin University vs Barking Abbey - LIVE STATS
5:30pm - Manchester Mystics vs Brent Bulls - LIVE STATS
5:30pm - Thames Valley Cavaliers vs Bristol Academy Flyers - LIVE STATS
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