The equation is simple for Illawarra - a win will guarantee them a top six placing in the Waratah Australian Basketball League, while a loss will leave them on the outside looking in.

"We've been up and down during the season, but it's come down to one game and we just have to win it to make the finals," said Seahawks coach Matt Flinn.

"It's been a pretty close competition throughout the season and there's no reason why we can't win a title from sixth spot, if we can get there.

"Beating Central Coast on their home court won't be easy, but we don't fear any team. The boys have proven they can beat anybody when the hunger and focus is there. Hopefully it's there this weekend."

One of Illawarra's main tasks is stopping former Wollongong Hawks guard Terry Johnson.

"TJ is still a handful. He can still do it all and we'll certainly have to work hard to keep him quiet," Flinn said. "(Guard) Timmy Hudson has NBL experience and (forward) Stefan Blaszcynski is another guy we have to stick to because he dropped 52 points on Sydney last week."

The Seahawks will need big games from starters Dom Cooks, Dan Jackson and Troy Pilon. Illawarra are coming off last week's six-point home win over Hills Hornets.