The Nuggets are 0-11 in their comeback season and have been struggling to hold their own against some of the better teams in the National Basketball League.
Last week, the Nuggets produced a dreadful display and were crushed 95-62 by the top-of-the-table Waikato Pistons.
The Nuggets are a young team and some concessions have to be made.
But coach Alf Arlidge questioned the commitment of some of the players following the dismal outing.
The team's two paid professionals - Tyler Amaya and John Barber jun - had off nights and Arlidge was critical of their efforts.
The pair have responded positively to the public ticking-off with some solid practice sessions.
"Everyone knows how important this game is to us," Arlidge said.
"And practices have been really good this week.
"They've been very intense and I haven't had to say a lot in terms of getting the guys up for it.
"I wouldn't say it is a must-win for us but it is critical for us to try and get as much as we can out of these last five or six games.
"We've got to really buckle down and try and win a couple. We just have to otherwise it just seems all the hard work we've put in will go to waste."
The Jets have not exactly had a vintage season either, losing their opening nine games.
They had an opportunity to break their losing steak against the Southland Sharks in Invercargill last night.
But, regardless of the outcome, both sides will be under enormous pressure to register a win tonight.
Despite the Jets' terrible record, the Palmerston North-based franchise will not be easy to beat and are fresh from a bye.
They have strengthened their roster with the addition of United States guard Darryl Hudson and former Tall Black Chris Reay.
United States forward Richard Jeter signed a one-year deal with LA Lakers in 2003 but was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies and never played an NBA game.
Centre Calum MacLeod and guard Matt Te Huna round out a useful starting five with experienced guard and former Nugget Kaine Hokianga adding spark from the bench.
"Seriously, everyone thinks they are not but they are a really good team," Arlidge warned.
"They've got that guy Hudson, who is averaging 32 points, they've got Jeter who was with the Lakers and they've got Chris Reay."
However, Arlidge believes his side matches up well with the Jets.
"Defensively we've come on leaps and bounds from the first two or three games, and teams are not shooting that well against us from the outside.
"But offensively I've asked guys like Riki Buckrell, James Ross and even Tom Rowe to pick up the slack.
"I know they are young and it might put a bit of pressure on them but that is just the way it is. I think they're up for it."
The Nuggets have the worst offence in the league, landing just 37.2% of their shots from the floor.
The Jets have also struggled to find their range and have a leaky defence, conceding nearly 97 points a game.
Nuggets v Jets
Edgar Centre, tonight
Otago Nuggets: John Barber jun, Tyler Amaya, Matt Gillan, Steve Robinson, Sam To'omata, James Ross, Matt Trueman, Tom Rowe, Riki Buckrell, Hayden Miller, Luke Aston, Chris Hepburn.
Manawatu Jets: Kaine Hokianga, Logan Funnell, Paul Bristol, Calum MacLeod, Darryl Hudson, Matt Te Huna, Piers Finch, Chris Reay, Richard Jeter, Hugh Quinlivan.
