Brisbane are fully aware of the close losses state rivals Cairns have endured in this year's NBL season.
So the key to getting one up on the Taipans (1-3) is high energy and a readiness to play hard, says point guard Jason Cadee.
The Bullets have started this season 1-2 with each game being decided by seven points or less.
The Taipans play Thursday night then back it up with a trip down to Brisbane in the first Queensland match-up of the season.
Cadee believes both teams will be eager to secure early bragging rights.
"I would say if they lose tonight (Thursday), they'll definitely come in with more aggression, but I don't think it matters - this competition is too close that when you win or lose you have to come ready to play.
"I think it was 2-2 in last season's competition, so we have to come with energy for the derby.
"We just spoke about if you lose two in a week it seems far greater than what it actually is.
"The more we train and the more we play together, the better we will be."
The Bullets trained Thursday without star import Victor Law who was tested for COVID-19 due to experiencing flu-symptoms.
Law, who has led the team in minutes this year and second in scoring, will be cleared to play once he returns a negative result.
Australian Associated Press
