Guptill is one of the form limited over batsmen in world cricket and after a rare failure in Wellington, will look to rediscover the form that has seen him post scores of 11, 42, 87*, 2, 63, 58 and 102 in his previous seven innings.
He was the top scorer in the ODI series versus Sri Lanka with 331 runs at an average of 82.
In 2015 he averaged an impressive 55.14 in ODIs.
"I had a pretty good year last year in one-day cricket so I just want to carry on from that and keep contributing to New Zealand," Guptill said.
The Black Caps' last appearance at McLean Park was during last year's World Cup when they dispatched Afghanistan with Guptill belting a ton in the process.
Guptill said the side was looking forward to a belter of a pitch.
"It's always nice to come to Napier and get some decent weather and a good batting wicket," he said.
However, the forecast predicts drizzle early and late in the day with strong southerly winds.
Whatever the weather, the Black Caps will need to nullify the threat of giant Pakistani paceman Mohammad Irfan who took 2-43 in Wellington.
The tourists have showed glimpses of form since their T20 victory in Auckland, but will need a complete performance in Napier to keep the series alive.
"They [Pakistan] are always tough, you never know what can happen during a day of cricket so, we still have to go out and do our things right so we can get the series win," Guptill said.
Ross Taylor will again be absent from the side after suffering a side strain in New Zealand's final Twenty20 against Pakistan.
Nicholls is likely to fill the number four slot after his impressive knock of 82 in Wellington.
Brendon McCullum is also set to sit out the match as he continues to nurse a back injury sustained after hurling himself into the advertising hoardings in the Sri Lankan series.
This is a situation the Black Caps will have to get used to after McCullum retires after the Australian series.
The side enjoyed some rest and recreation yesterday and will return to training today.
