As if Jess Bibby's record-breaking 378th league appearance against Adelaide on Saturday isn't motivation enough, the Capitals have lost their first seven games by an average of 25 points.

The good news is forward Abby Bishop (thumb) and point guard Renee Montgomery (ankle) have both been cleared to play after picking up niggles in last week's 68-45 loss in Sydney.

Adelaide is also struggling with just one win this season, and will back-up at AIS Arena after playing in Sydney the night before.

Former Flames and Townsville centre Tanya Smith played the first game of a four-week contract last week as Capitals coach Carrie Graf buys time before Jackson's potential return.

Jackson pulled up well from one-on-one drills earlier this week and was due to participate in five-on-five training on Thursday night.

She is highly unlikely to suit up against the Lightning, but Graf said "she is very close" to a return.

"Her knee's never going to be what it was, but she's committed to playing in the WNBL and to have the opportunity to finish her career on the floor," Graf said.

"To be honest, it [potential return] is more likely next week, but until it's tested and see whether it swells up that's when those decisions will be made.

"She's really close. It's not going to be the Lauren Jackson of three years ago, but it will be more than the Lauren Jackson we saw last year."

The Capitals have identified Bishop and Montgomery's match-ups with Mikaela Ruef and Leilani Mitchell as critical to breaking their duck.

"For us it's got to be at the defensive end, we have to put Adelaide under pressure," Graf said.

"Leilani Mitchell and Ruef are their two key players. We have to make sure we get a hold of those two in particular."

Talbot will undergo exams in her sports and exercise science degree the day before the match.

Once her studies are complete, her focus will be on trying to get into the paint more against a team with a similar lack of size.

"It's definitely a big one for Bib [Bibby] and hopefully the team can play well and get her over the line and make it a good experience.

"It's a winnable game for us. They're not so tall, so size-wise we match up well and hopefully we'll be able to run the floor and get the win.

"If we don't win this week, we're leaving a lot too late. We have to get a win on the board and start moving forward from there."

WNBL ROUND 6

Saturday: Canberra Capitals v Adelaide Lightning at AIS Arena, 7pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.