It is the season of giving, but do not expect Telekom Baskets Bonn to present any gifts to RheinEnergie Koln on Monday.

The Bundesliga rivals, separated by just 25 kilometres along the banks of the river Rhein, are also very close in the league standings.

Both sides have this season been involved in the EuroCup and have games in hand on their Bundesliga rivals due to their busy schedules.

Although they lie sixth and seventh, winning their spare games  would take Cologne up as high as second and Bonn into the top four, which is why a victory as well as local pride is important on December 26.

"I'm used to being defended against strongly," said Bonn's leading scorer, Andrew Wisniewski on the club's website.

"I know it's Christmas, but we aren't going to be taking any presents with us."

Wisniewski has been a revelation for Bonn this season, averaging 24.5 points per game.

If RheinEnergie double-team him, Bonn head coach Michael Koch believes expects his team-mates to take advantage.

"Andrew Wisniewski will certainly be shadowed by at least two men, but that makes it all the more important for the rest to jump into the gaps," he said.

Superiority in Europe currently belongs to RheinEnergie. They have two victories in as many games in Round II of the EuroCup.

Bonn failed to make it past the first round.

History suggests they will struggle as Bonn have just four wins over their local rivals in 14 meetings.