READING Rockets (13-8) will be hoping to put their recent run of three consecutive losses behind them when they face a daunting double-header at Derby Trailblazers (14-7) on Saturday (7.30pm) and Bradford Dragons (11-10) the following afternoon (4.15pm).

Rockets suffered a surprising 97-91 defeat to relegation-threatened Essex and Herts Leopards last weekend, the visitors chalking up only their third win in 21 outings in NBL Division One.

Reading still have it all to do if they are to qualify for the post-season and face two teams either side of them in the league table.

Rockets lost out to Derby 102-77, earlier this season, but did beat Bradford 78-75.

Head coach Alan Keane was disappointed to see his team slip-up against a rejuvenated Leopards outfit but is confident his group can bounce back this weekend.

The Irishman said: “Last weekend was a tough loss for us, but credit must go to Essex who played so much better than their league position. "Despite this disappointment, we must continue to work hard and grow this weekend in practice ahead of a really tough double-header weekend.

“Derby have just come off the back of a really impressive win over Thames Valley Cavaliers and it will take a lot to stop their inside threat, but we will plan and prepare for that this week as we do with every game.”

He continued: “We then travel to Bradford who will give us some similar problems to solve with defending the paint and the battle of the boards, working against players like (Ricky) Fetske and (Rihard) Sulcs, so it’s two very challenging, but important games.

"The test will be can we prepare well enough and execute on Saturday before recovering in time for another tough game on Sunday."

Rockets have a near fully-fit squad with Spanish duo Matias Boho and Pau Mayor, Australian Ben Dixon and Under 18 forward Sam Grant all recovered from various injuries.

Having lost four games on the bounce in all competitions, Rockets will be looking to keep up their excellent record of reaching the post season in all 10 of their previous NBL Division One campaigns as the season begins to reach its climax.