Sydney Kings coach Andrew Gaze says this Saturday's game against Perth is set to be their toughest of the season, despite it being played at home.
The Kings dropped from top spot on the NBL ladder on Thursday night with a 93-80 loss to the Wildcats in Perth.
And Gaze said a tough travel schedule is catching up with his players.
Thursday was also the Kings fourth away game in five outings, of which they lost three.
"This is the toughest assignment we've had all season yet," he said.
"This (Saturday's) is the hardest game we would have had to play all season because of the other variables involved.
"A lot of our home games this season are on the back of travel.
But if you want to win a championship you have to do it.
"We won't have much opportunity to do anything on the floor.
"We have to make sure we come with some energy because they have some athletes that we have to deal with.
"The last couple of weeks we have done a lot of travel and it's going to be a real test for us.
"Sydney were never really in the opening game of their series with Perth and Gaze accepted his strategy was partially to blame.
The Wildcats led at every change, despite Brad Newley scoring 34 points and Kevin Lisch 21.
"We looked at a long list of defensive options, but we had no answer to their offensive penetration and we had no answer to their work in the paint," Gaze said.
"They obliterated us on the boards and at will got into the paint. The way we defended the pick and roll was poor.
"At the other end of the floor - you come off at halftime and you're shooting 54 per cent you think you're in the game - but they had a clear margin (58-46).
"If you have to be mid 90s and above to get a win, it's a tough assignment. We have to be able to confine them to more modern figures."
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