After all of the unexpected changes this season over the past few weeks, this is no surprise: The Osaka Evessa and Ryukyu Golden Kings will play a meaningful series in April, one that could have a significant impact on the playoff picture.

The teams with four of the league's five championship banners — three of which belong to the Evessa — renew their heated rivalry this weekend in Okinawa.

The Western Conference teams are tied for first place with identical 27-15 records. They are 1-1 against each other, having squared off on Nov. 20-21 in Kansai. Ryukyu won the opener 77-65; Osaka took the series finale by an 84-53 decision.