Sunday's clash in Sydney between the two clubs is second versus seventh, but that doesn't tell the real story of just what awaits Harten's side at the Qudos Bank Arena this weekend.

As has fast become the norm for this Magpies side, there is a substantial gulf between their best and their worst. Hence, they sit at the wrong end of the table with just a pair of wins to their name.

But they've also picked up 14 bonus points, which means they've prevailed in the majority of quarters they've played this season, and they still boast a staggering seven players on their roster with Australian Diamonds experience.

"They're up and down," Harten said. "We don't know who they're going to start, we don't know if they're going to put their stars on the bench or on the court, which is fine, so we're just trying to be prepared for everything.

"We reviewed them on their last performance, which was a win, they beat the Firebirds. They've got some good form there, they've got some quality players.

"Most teams in this competition are up and down as well, everyone's had some good performances, had some shaky stuff. They're going to come out hard, they're that kind of team, never say die, and we're expecting a really tight one on Sunday."

Collingwood looked to have finally found their form before the bye.

They beat the in-form Queensland Firebirds in Tasmania two weeks ago, while the Giants suffered a two-point loss to ladder leaders West Coast in Perth.

It sets up an intriguing contest between the two star-studded rosters who haven't met since the Giants prevailed by a point in last year's elimination semi-final.

"That was one of my best games that I've been a part of," Harten said.

"The crowd at home were just awesome. When we came back I think we were down by seven, something like that, throughout the game and to win by one it just makes everything a bit sweeter and a bit more exciting.

"I don't know if they'll still be hurting from that, but that's in the past now. It was great last year, but it means nothing to us now. We've got a whole new kind of focus, but it would be great to get another win on them, but we know it's going to be really hard work."