KEY POINTS:
The Auckland Stars head into tonight's second showdown in the space of five days with fellow NBL heavyweights Nelson Giants still lacking the services of Tall Black Dillon Boucher.
A torn hip flexor is expected to delay Boucher's season debut for another few weeks, meaning the Stars will rely heavily on imports Tashaan Forehan-Kelly and Danny Lambert and the experienced duo of Lindsay Tait and Casey Frank as they attempt to replicate Saturday's two-point victory in Nelson.
Coach Kenny Stone pronounced himself happy with the results of the two game southern road trip, which also saw Canterbury Rams defeated in Christchurch.
But he was less enthused about the nature of his side's play.
"The quality of play wasn't of the highest standard but it was good enough to get the job done and that's what's important very early on in the season."
Despite tonight's home court advantage, Stone expects a much tougher test if either of injured Giants duo Ed Book and Michael Fitchett are cleared to play.
"If they are back healthy it is going to be a totally different proposition," Stone said.
After being ruled out of the season-opening defeat by Wellington's Saints due to an eligibility wrangle, Forehan-Kelly has impressed - particularly when he slotted two nerveless free throws to seal the 81-79 third-round victory over the Giants.
Stone said: "Both of the imports are doing well. After the debacle we had with Tashaan in the first game, it is certainly good to get him out on the floor and he is doing some good things.
"Right now we've only got two players with any experience and that's Lindsay [Tait] and Casey [Frank]. It would be nice to add Dillon into that mix but right now the young guys are learning how to play in this league."
After a 9-0 record at home in 2006 the Stars are keen to avoid a second consecutive home loss this year.
"We certainly want to defend our home court. It is important that we do get a bit of a streak going and do feel comfortable playing at home," Stone said.
The winless Rams (0-3) are also in action tonight when they travel to the 1-2 Saints, who have cut American import JD Collins just three games into the season.
Taranaki take on Hawkes Bay tomorrow night in New Plymouth before the Giants back up for a second game in three days against Waikato in Hamilton on Saturday. Otago Nuggets and the Saints will square off in Dunedin on Sunday.
