Smith is determined to prove the doubters wrong and steer his side to success at Plymouth Raiders tonight, and at home to Guildford Heat on Sunday, at the Northgate Arena, (6pm tip).

Smith said: "We're only an outside bet for the play-offs now, and we need to respond after the home loss against Everton.

"Plymouth play excellent defence, and it's a tough place to go to. I really like Drew Lasker, when we beat them it was no coincidence that he got into foul trouble. He can score and he plays great defence.

"Terrence Durham does a pretty good job for them, he works hard, is physically strong and knows how to get away with stuff. But all in all, they are a good team all round."

Plymouth coach, Gary Stronach, acknowledges that Jets can still make the play-offs, but admitted it would be tough.

He said: "Cheshire can still get eighth place, although it will be tough for them.

"They are a guard-oriented team and have two outstanding players in Trey Moore and Jayson Obazuaye.

"They've also got James Hamilton in there, and I have been really impressed with Matt Otten recently. They are a good side, and it won't be easy.

"We need to get back to playing tough defence. I think we're one of the best defensive sides in the league, we've been giving up around 78 points per game, we can't let teams score 94 on us. If we can sort our defence out, we'll be okay."

Raiders saw their outside chance of winning the league damaged severely with a 94-78 home loss against Newcastle Eagles last week, and Raiders coach Gary Stronach was disappointed with his side's performance.

He said: "We were second best throughout, we only played in the first quarter, and then it was all downhill from there. They played really well, and I'm not taking anything away from them, we were beaten by the better team, we need to take it on the chin and get back to winning games.

"We haven't got a chance of winning the league, both Newcastle and Guildford have the head-to-heads on us, but we need to get home court advantage, and finish as high as we can. Guildford are looking good for second place after beating Newcastle, but we still want our best ever finish in the BBL."

Jets will be looking to prevent Guildford Heat sweeping them in BBL Championship games this season when they host the BBL Trophy winners on Sunday.

Smith is expecting a difficult game when the Heat arrive at the Northgate Arena, "We pushed them well with only five players available, but James Jones came of the bench and hit a bunch of threes.

"That's the kind of team they are, they are really deep and don't need any superstars. Obviously Tony Dorsey brings a lot to them, but when you've got players like Jones coming off the bench, distributing the ball well and hitting open threes, you know it will be tough.

"They've had a great win against Newcastle, and their depth will always make them a tough team to play against."

Heat coach Paul James is looking to build on his side's recent win against league leaders Newcastle Eagles, "We want to continue in the same vein as our recent games. We played some great stuff against Sheffield and Newcastle, and we need to keep the momentum going into the play-offs.

"We won't do anything differently this time, Trey Moore and Jayson Obazuaye have been scoring for fun recently, so we need to control them. I think we have players who can do that.

"Jets are a team who can beat anyone on their day, they are still looking to get into the play-offs, and they aren't going to throw the towel in."

WEEKEND FIXTURES

TONIGHT. BBL Championship: Newcastle Eagles v MK Lions (7.30pm); Plymouth Raiders v Cheshire Jets (7.30pm); Sheffield Sharks v Everton Tigers (7.30pm).

SATURDAY. BBL Championship: Birmingham Panthers v Plymouth Raiders (7pm); Leicester Riders v Worcester Wolves (7.30pm).

SUNDAY. BBL Championship: Cheshire Jets v Guildford Heat (6pm); London Capital v Scottish Rocks (4pm).