Batkovic became the first player to win three straight MVP awards last season and has led title favourites the Fire [7-2] to the top of the WNBL ladder.

In contrast the Capitals [4-6] are battling to stay in play-off contention before their home clash with Townsville at AIS Arena on Sunday.

That's no fault of Bishop, who leads the league in points (20.9 per game) and rebounds (12.9), despite being unable to train because of an ankle injury.

Throw in her duties caring for one-year-old Zala, whom she took custody of when she was just a day old, and Batkovic believes she will be hard pressed to run Bishop down in the MVP race.

"She blows me away with what she's done with Zala, and still being a full-time athlete," Batkovic said.

"It's an inspiration what she's done, I'm really proud of her the way she's playing and what she's done in her life.

"I think she's definitely well ahead in the MVP race, she's on fire.

"I know the Caps are struggling but she's carrying that team the best she can, her numbers are great.

"I'm sure the losses are frustrating her but it's going to make her a better athlete doing that week in, week out."

Capitals coach Carrie Graf has put the onus on Bishop's teammates, particularly wing players Hanna Zavecz and Steph Talbot, to lift their defensive and rebounding games.

"We need the rest of our group to chime in ... we have to have two or three in double digits [scoring] and others helping Abby rebound," Graf said. "We can't have her statistical line outshine everyone's by miles every week.

"We've put it on Zavecz and Steph Talbot they've got to come to the party. Both were disappointed with their performance last week [loss to Melbourne] and I expect we'll get a whole lot more out of those two."

Bishop is sorely missing fellow post star Lauren Jackson, whose comeback from a long injury absence was delayed again last week.

Batkovic can relate to her frustration, having missed seven months with a spine injury after the 2012 Olympics. But the 33-year-old backed her long-time Australian Opals teammate to return to her dominant best once her body allows.

She pointed to Dandenong Rangers star Penny Taylor's determination to bounce back from two serious knee injuries to win this year's WNBA title with Phoenix as proof it's possible.

"She took it on the chin and look at her now, she's hooping again the way she's always hooped," Batkovic said.

"Loz has been been out for such an extended time now, utilising different muscles when you're playing a game is toughest. I found I felt like I was hit by a freight train on court some days, trying to get that muscle memory back.

"It's going to be tough for her, but I have no doubt she'll come back strong and ready to go when her body's had the rest it obviously needs."

SUNDAY

WNBL: Canberra Capitals v Townsville Fire at AIS Arena, 3pm

Tickets available from Ticketek

BISHOP OVERLOAD

Canberra's over-reliance on Bishop

Games: 10

Points: 209. Average: 20.9 (29.89 per cent of Capitals points this season)

Rebounds: 129. Average: 12.9 (33.41 per cent of Capitals rebounds this season)