Preview: Leicester Riders at London Lions

LONDON (Interstat) — The London Lions will look to halt a four-game skid and maintain their dominance over the Leicester Riders when the British Super League Basketball rivals meet Friday at Copper Box Arena.

The Lions (18-16 across all competitions) have lost four consecutive games, all by narrow margins, including a 66-58 defeat to Panevezys on Feb. 11. Their last win was a 92-83 victory at Sheffield on Jan. 18.

Conversely, the visiting Leicester Riders (8-8) enter with momentum from a thrilling 102-100 home victory over Newcastle on Feb. 8, which snapped a two-game losing streak.

Recent history heavily favors London. The Lions have won the last three head-to-head meetings, including an 83-75 victory in Leicester on Dec. 27. In their first meeting this season, London defeated Leicester 82-70 at home on Nov. 2.

A key matchup will feature the teams’ top performers. Leicester is led by guard Donald Carey, who is coming off a strong all-around performance of 17 points, six rebounds and six assists in the win over Newcastle. Over his last two games, Carey has averaged 16 points, 6.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists.

For London, forward Ethan Price has been a consistent contributor during the losing streak. He is averaging 13.3 points and 5.8 rebounds over his last four contests, including a 21-point effort in a one-point loss at Bourg-en-Bresse on Feb. 4.

The Lions’ recent struggles have been defined by offensive inconsistency, failing to reach 80 points in three of the four losses. The Riders, while .500 on the season, have shown they can score in bursts, exceeding 100 points twice in their last five games.

Friday’s contest is the first of a back-to-back set for London, which travels to face Manchester Basketball on Sunday. Leicester’s next game is not until March 7 at the Surrey 89ers.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. local time at Copper Box Arena.