EDMONTON, Alberta (Interstat) — The Ottawa Blackjacks and Edmonton Stingers meet Sunday, Aug. 2, at Edmonton Expo Center in a Canadian Elite Basketball League matchup, with both teams carrying 0-0 records into the game.

Ottawa visits Edmonton after a 100-92 loss at Winnipeg on Friday. Javonte Smart remains the Blackjacks’ key player to watch. The guard has scored at least 18 points in each of his last seven games, averaging 29.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists in that stretch. Smart was especially sharp Friday, scoring 39 points in 33 minutes against Winnipeg. He also had 38 points and six rebounds against Montreal on July 8, and produced 26 points with 13 assists against Hamilton on July 12. His ability to create offense will be central to Ottawa’s chances Sunday.

Edmonton also is looking to bounce back from a Friday loss, falling 107-97 to Saskatoon at home. Nick Hornsby is the Stingers’ player to watch. The forward posted 11 points, 13 rebounds and six assists in that defeat. Over his last eight games, Hornsby has averaged 14.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 6.4 assists. He recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in a 94-96 loss on July 21, and added 20 points and 10 rebounds at Winnipeg on July 9. Hornsby has three double-doubles in his last eight games, giving Edmonton a reliable all-around contributor.

Sunday’s game offers both teams a chance to open with a win despite their 0-0 records. Ottawa will likely lean on Smart’s scoring and shot creation, while Edmonton will need Hornsby to anchor the glass and help start transition opportunities. The matchup at Edmonton Expo Center in Edmonton, Alberta, could hinge on which team’s top player performs better in the closing minutes.

The Blackjacks and Stingers both enter with recent losses but will treat this as a fresh start. With Smart capable of explosive scoring and Hornsby capable of filling a box score, the game has the look of a close, competitive CEBL opener.