Bishop and Batkovic will go head to head when the Capitals start their Queensland road trip with a clash against the Fire in Townsville on Friday night.

Bishop's No. 1 rule for limiting Batkovic's impact is simple: ''Don't let her go left.''

But the 24-year-old admits keeping a three-time Olympian quiet will be one of the hardest tasks of the WNBL season so far.

''She's one of Australia's greatest post players, she can do a bit of everything,'' Bishop said. ''It's going to be a huge challenge. She hasn't been playing great this season and neither have I. But we just have to hope this isn't the game she steps up and gets 25 points and 15 rebounds. I'll do everything I can to stop her and one of those things is, don't let her go left.''

Bishop and Batkovic lived together when they played for the Adelaide Lightning in the 2011-12 season, leading the team to the minor premiership before losing the preliminary final.

They hit peak form, with Batkovic winning the league most valuable player award.

They linked again at the Olympics in London last year, paired as room mates for Bishop's debut Games and Batkovic's third Olympic appearance.

''We've been through a lot together and Suz has helped me with my basketball,'' Bishop said.

''I've learnt a lot from her. We've lived together, roomed together in London … but this is the first time in a long time we've played against each other.

''Fingers crossed she doesn't find her form this week and we can do a good defensive job to limit her touches.''

The Capitals sit seventh on the ladder, just one win behind fifth-placed Townsville. After playing the Fire, the Capitals will fly back to Brisbane on Saturday morning to play against the Logan Thunder on Saturday afternoon.

■ WNBL round 8: Friday - Townsville Fire v Canberra Capitals at Townsville RSL Stadium, 8pm. Saturday - Logan Thunder v Canberra Capitals at Logan Metro, 3pm.