The side has four games left after tonight - all against sides from the championship division in the Mitre 10 Cup.
With these games to come, any wins against sides from the higher echelon premiership division could be the bonus which propels Otago into the playoffs.
Otago, though, must play to its strengths and use its brains to beat an Auckland side which looks strong on paper.
Auckland has big, physically tough players, who will be keen to bring a rugged edge to their game.
Otago, coming off a tough game against Tasman, knows it can not get dragged into a slugfest so will be looking to move the ball round and not be too confrontational.
The home side will want to make the most of the width of Forsyth Barr Stadium and run around the hefty Auckland pack.
Centre Sio Tomkinson was in doubt but had been cleared to play while captain Sam Anderson-Heather has got over a shoulder knock he picked up against Tasman and will start at hooker.
Props Aki Seiuli and Donald Brighouse will start the match, with Craig Millar and Hisa Sasagi shifted to the bench.
Otago has had a light training week as it goes into a hectic period.
It plays Auckland tonight, followed by Northland in Whanganui next Wednesday. It will then take on Wellington in the capital on October 1.
If it wins two out these three games, it will have done its playoff chances a lot of good.
Otago will end the regular season with two games at home, against Bay of Plenty and Southland.
Otago needs to be mindful of its ball security tonight, stay strong in the tackle and put pressure on an Auckland side which will have doubts in the back of its mind.
Much will depend on the play of the Otago tight five and loose forwards Sione Teu, James Lentjes and Adam Knight.
Teu impressed when he came on against Tasman and needs to be solid in the carry.
Youngster Slade McDowall has come on to the Otago bench and the loose forward could make his debut if he gets on.
He is an impressive player, who gets round the field and played well for Otago at the national under-19 tournament in Taupo.
Auckland has been struggling this season but managed to beat Southland last Friday night in Invercargill.
The team has been based in Queenstown for the past few days and it hopes the rest in the resort will translate into a win tonight.
It needs to start winning if it wants to get into the playoffs.
Auckland openside flanker Blake Gibson was bracketed but has been cleared to play.
Auckland holds the Lin Colling Memorial Trophy, while Otago's last victory against Auckland was in 2013, 37-33 at Forsyth Barr Stadium.