The Volts will still be missing Black Caps offspinner Mark Craig and all-rounder Sam Wells for their televised game against the Aces at Eden Park Outer Oval.
However, top-order batsman and useful left-arm spinner Anaru Kitchen has recovered from a fracture in his hand and strike bowler Jacob Duffy has put his knee complaint behind him.
Duffy was the joint leading wicket-taker in the competition last season. He took 15 wickets and has built a reputation for delivering under pressure during the final overs of a match.
Kitchen opened the batting and got the Volts off to some cracking starts with his aggressive style. He also performed well with the ball, picking up five wickets at an economy rate of 6.21.
With no Nathan McCullum in the line-up this season, and Craig out indefinitely with a lower-back injury, Kitchen will carry a much heavier responsibility with the ball.
Allrounder Josh Finnie had limited opportunities with the ball last season but took four for 11 in the eight-wicket win against Northern Districts at the University Oval a year ago. He will be expected to shoulder more of a load this summer.
Craig's absence is a significant blow. He returned home from the test series in India with a side strain and has since injured his back.
Volts coach Rob Walter was not prepared to put a time-frame on Craig's return.
''I can't tell you how long a little while longer will be. We're not sure. It is a lower-back injury and they respond whenever they want to really.''
While Otago's slow bowling options have been reduced, Walter is confident Otago has cover.
''You always want those guys available but Josh Finnie has been progressing every game he plays and he offers us an option.
''I think Anaru Kitchen did excellently last year from a left-arm orthodox point of view. When you lose a player like Nathan, you are losing a quality T20 player.
''But it is just about who will stand up and fill the void really. But you don't do that with one person.''
Walter will name his side tomorrow and there will be a new captain. Brad Wilson was named captain of the Plunket Shield team but will step aside for the T20 tournament.
Former captain Hamish Rutherford or Michael Bracewell shape as the mostly likely candidates, although wicketkeeper Derek de Boorder is another option having previously led the team.
The Volts have been disappointing in the Plunket Shield but most of its batsmen have been in good nick and that bodes well for the T20 campaign, Walter said.
''Good form generally translates from one format to another. So from a batting point of view we are excited by the batters who have got some good form.''
Wells has a groin strain and hopes to be fit in time for Otago's first home game on December 14.
