The Nuggets (7-9) have the opportunity to finish above .500, and as high as fifth in the National Basketball League, if they can roll the Jets and the Hawks.
That will be easier said than done, of course.
The Jets beat the Nuggets 88-74 in Dunedin earlier this month. They are also out of playoff contention but have the longest active winning streak (three) in the league, and have won five of their past six.
Manawatu is a balanced offensive team, with six players averaging more than 10 points, behind dominant big man Nick Horvath, who leads the NBL with 16.5 rebounds a game.
Meanwhile, the Hawks merely have a league-best 14-3 record and a roster loaded with weapons.
It is tempting to suggest the Hawks will have little to play for tomorrow night, but they will no doubt be keen to maintain their unbeaten record at home and get revenge for the 97-91 loss to the Nuggets at the Edgar Centre in April.
For Nuggets coach Mark Dickel, the road trip offers not only the carrot of finishing with a winning record, but also the opportunity to run the bench.
''We're going to give some of our younger guys more of a go. I'd like to see what they can contribute. They deserve an opportunity.
''I hope they look at this weekend as a chance to show they can be regular rotation guys next season.''
The Nuggets have been better on the road than at home this season, and are one of only three teams with a winning road record.
Otago Nuggets: Final road trip
Game 1: v Manawatu Jets, Palmerston North, tonight, 7pm.
Game 2: v Hawkes Bay Hawks, Napier, tomorrow, 7pm.
Squad: Mark Dickel, Brendon Polyblank, Micah Lepaio, Brandon Bowdry, Sam King, Warren Carter, Olly Smith, Tony Tolovae, Damon Cleverley, Sheldon McGuire.
