Albury-Wodonga Bandits aim to extend buffer against Eltham

Three rounds remain in the NBL1 competition before the start of playoffs, with the eight placed Bandits gearing up to take on tenth ranked Eltham this weekend.

The Bandits currently possess a two game buffer between them and the Wildcats, as well as the Melbourne Tigers.

"I think if we can put another gap between us and them, we'll feel a little more comfortable," Harman said.

"They (Eltham) have just signed Alice Kunek and she's had quite the season with three on three.

"She adds some power to them.

"They're a good team, but so are we."

Molly Rice is set for the sidelines this weekend after injuring herself in the Bandits' game against Frankston last weekend.

It's still unknown how long Rice is set to miss.

Harmon admitted Rice's absence is a blow for the side at this stage of the season.

"She brings in some really good minutes off the bench," Harmon said.

"She's a strong, powerful post player.

"Losing one of our captains and voices out on the court is a blow, but she'll be right there on the bench and doing what she does from there."

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The Bandits continue to battle injuries this season, with some of the side's big guns affected over the last couple of rounds, including on court leader Nat Hurst.

While Hurst is now back on the court, the injury appears to have taken its toll.

"Nat Hurst not at her best is still better than most point guards, she's a veteran," Harmon said.

"An injury for her could be a lot worse for someone else.

"She's a tough girl, so she'll power through."

The run home and into finals won't come without it's challenges for the Bandits, who still have Bendigo, Dandenong and Knox to come in the next few rounds.

All three sides currently sit above the home side in the competition's standings.

"The thing about this league is that it's so good," Harmon said.

"Any team can win and any team can lose on any night.

"I think they're all very good teams, and we're a very good team too.

"Each game has just as much importance."

The Albury-Wodonga Bandits women will take on the Eltham Wildcats on Saturday night at 6pm in a home game at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre.