Coping with a slew of injuries and inconsistent play, the Osaka Evessa face an uphill battle to make the playoffs.
It won't be easy.
The Evessa (14-22) have lost five straight. The have five fewer victories than the Kyoto Hannaryz and SeaHorses Mikawa (both teams are 19-17 through Wednesday), while the playoff-chasing Toyama Grouses are 18-18.