READING Rockets (13-6) will be looking to bounce back from their surprise defeat to Leicester Warriors (8-10) when they take on unbeaten league leaders Team Solent Kestrels (16-0) on Sunday afternoon (5pm) at Rivermead Leisure Complex.

Fourth-placed Rockets suffered their sixth defeat in NBL Division One at Leicester, sending them right back into the play-off mix with only eight points separating the teams from second to seventh position.

Alan Keane's men lost 83-71 in the East Midlands and will have it all to do this weekend against the history-making Southampton outfit.

Team Solent Kestrels were the first NBL Division One team to reach the BBL Trophy final last weekend as they recorded a memorable two-leg victory againt Bristol Flyers.

The Southern-based team are unbeaten in the league and also claimed the National Cup with a 90-67 victory against Rockets last month.

Head Coach Keane knows his team face a formidable challenge on Sunday, but is excited for the test.

The Irishman said: “With Solent proving a powerhouse in NBL (and maybe BBL for that matter), nobody will give us a chance this weekend. "However we won’t focus on that. The only thing which is important to us is giving the best performance we are capable of.

"We have been presented with many challenges this year and what comes with that is great opportunities for all, particularly our Academy players, who are gaining valuable experience and will be continue to be called upon the rest of the season."

Rockets go into Sunday with a number of injury concerns.

Spanish forward Matias Boho looks likely to miss out again with his ongoing knee injury, while counterpart Pau Mayor will be a game-time decision following his Achilles’ complaint, which has not yet fully recovered.

Australian guard Ben Dixon tweaked his ankle during last Saturday’s loss to Warriors, but Rockets are hopeful he will be fit for the visit of Solent. British forward Ed Potter missed the last game and could potentially be unavailable again with a knee injury he sustained during a practice session. New signing Leome Francis will play in only his second home league game for the club, with regulars Liam Davis and Nick Richards fully fit.