Central Pulse are now top of the ANZ Premiership, after beating Mainland Tactix 51-43 in Christchurch.
The win means whichever team comes out on top when they play the COVID-depleted Northern Mystics on Friday night will go straight through to host the grand final.
The Pulse left Christchurch with a sense of satisfaction, as they ensured their playoffs fate laid in their own hands.
"We've got the ability to control our own outcome and that's a really good space to be in," said coach Yvette McCausland-Durie.
Their final game will be against the champion Mystics, who will be without four players, due to COVID-19, as well as star shooter Grace Nweke, who is sidelined with an ankle injury.
"The only thing we can assume is that, with the return to play, they'll run a number of players," added McCausland-Durie. "They'll probably have a few new players."
Despite that, the Pulse are expecting a sharp Mystics side.
"They've been the leaders throughout this competition in 2022 and they'll be back really strong."
On the other hand, the Mystics remain equally bullish about their chances of toppling the Pulse.
"I watched Pulse really closely last night and they're still making errors in their game, as they get back to full fitness," said Mystics coach Helene Wilson.
The Pulse hope they won't miss a beat, as they eye a home final.
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