Manchester Giants will begin their British Basketball League Trophy group stage campaign this Friday with a trip to the north-east to face Newcastle Eagles.

The Giants will compete in the group stages alongside the Eagles, Leicester Riders, London Lions and Bristol Flyers - with the top two qualifying for a Final Four showdown at the spectacular surroundings of Birmingham's Utilita Arena on January 27/28.

The Giants Women are also gearing up to return to the court in the first round of the Betty Codona Trophy this Saturday, with a trip to Cardiff Met Archers on the horizon.

The Betty Codona Trophy boasts a straight knockout format, with the final two teams left standing also set to feature on January 28 at the Utilita Arena.

Below, we’ve compiled everything you need to know ahead of the weekend’s fixtures.

Men

Current form

After a mixed run of results in December, the Giants will be hoping that a Trophy campaign will help get their 2023/24 season heading firmly in the right direction.

The Giants went down to a battling 97-85 defeat to the Eagles in league action back in November, and revenge will no-doubt be on their minds as Coach Semonian looks to steer his side to a winning start in the Trophy.

How to watch the game live

Friday's British Basketball League Trophy fixture at the Vertu Motors Arena has a tip-off time of 7:45pm.

It will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Arena, and coverage will begin at 7:30pm.

Ticket information

If you are travelling to Newcastle on Friday, match tickets are available to buy online, priced as follows:

End View -

• Adults: £20
• Concession (65yrs+, full-time students and carers): £14
• Under 16s: £12

Side View-

• Adults: £23.50
• Concessions (65yrs+, full-time students and carers): £17.50
• Under 16s: £15.50

PLEASE NOTE: The home side offer a "Flock of Eagles" discount - purchase any four or more tickets together to get adult or concession tickets for U16s prices. This offer is automatically applied in the checkout.

‍Women

‍Current form

After a two-week winter break, the Giants Women will travel to Wales as they look to make a winning return to the court.

Their most recent outing was a disappointing 86-72 defeat at home to Nottingham Wildcats on December 17, and head coach Marg Jones will hope lessons have been learnt from that defeat.

Cardiff Met Archers visited the NBPC for league action earlier in the season, with the Giants Women running out emphatic 86-56 winners.

Ticket information

If you are travelling to Cardiff on Saturday, match tickets are available to buy online, priced as follows:

• Adults: £5
• Children: £3
• Students: £2
• Under 3s: FREE
• Family (2 adults and 2 children): £13