The Hawks have three home games remaining before wrapping up their 2008-09 campaign on the road on Tuesday against the Gold Coast Blaze.

Barring a miracle, the club won't be playing in the 2009-10 season, leaving players, coaches and office staff without jobs.

But while coach Eric Cooks said the uncertainty surrounding their future - the Hawks need a cash injection of almost $2 million to be accepted in the new competition - was a "distraction", he was confident his team remained motivated heading into tonight's home meeting with the red-hot Melbourne Tigers.

"We went through all of this last year to a degree and there's probably five or six Hawks teams that went through it before us, so we can't go out and think this is the end," he said.

"Who knows what the future holds? Obviously we realise we could be the last Hawks team and we do spend time touching on it. There's a lot of people who put their heart and soul into this club and we look at it as a privilege to play for the Hawks and we try to draw strength from that. Whatever happens, I'm sure the guys will play out the season as hard as they can."

The Hawks understand they are facing arguably the NBL's best team. Melbourne are the reigning champions and have won seven straight.

"It is gettable, but it's going to take a huge effort," Cooks said.

"The distraction of what's going on with the new league doesn't help, but the guys are staying focused and trying to stay positive."