Basketball: Sharks face stark threat while rivals eye top spot

Sheffield Sharks, one of four clubs joint top of the British Basketball League with 11 wins each, have most to fear as three of the top quartet open the New Year tomorrow in one of the tightest races in the competition's history.

While Chester Jets and Brighton Bears host the BBL's two weakest clubs, Leicester Riders and Birmingham Bullets, the Sharks are at home to Newcastle Eagles, who closed the gap on the top four by beating the Bears 75-68 on Thursday night.

But the Eagles will be without playmaker T J Walker, who would miss the game through injury even if he was not suspended, which will give Sharks a decisive back-court advantage through Nate Reinking and Rob Yanders.

London Towers, the other member of the top four, are without a game this weekend.