A Showcase of Streaks and Stars Set for Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — The hottest team in the G League rolls into the Chiles Center on Tuesday night as the Salt Lake City Stars, winners of nine straight, face the Rip City Remix in a Western Conference matchup.

The Stars (9-1) have been dominant, averaging 130.2 points during their winning streak. Their most recent victory was a 132-118 road win over Stockton on Dec. 4, fueled by 34 points from guard E.J. Harkless and a 25-point, 16-rebound effort from center Mohamed Bamba.

Bamba, the player to watch for Salt Lake City, has been a force. Over his last 10 games, the 7-foot center is averaging a double-double, including a 29-point, 14-rebound performance against South Bay on Nov. 18. His rim protection, with multiple blocks in eight of those contests, anchors the league’s most formidable defense.

They face a Rip City squad (5-4) looking to rebound from a 141-130 home loss to South Bay on Sunday. The Remix have shown flashes, including a 146-108 rout of San Diego on Dec. 2, but have struggled for consistency.

The home team will lean on forward Dillon Jones, whose all-around game has been a bright spot. Jones is coming off a triple-double (26 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists) in an overtime loss to San Diego on Dec. 4 and nearly recorded another in his previous outing. His playmaking will be critical against Salt Lake City’s pressure.

This contest is the first of a home-and-home set between the teams, who will meet again in Salt Lake City on Thursday. For the Stars, it’s a chance to extend a remarkable run. For the Remix, it’s an opportunity to hand the league leaders just their second loss and build momentum before a four-game road trip later this month.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST at the Chiles Center on the campus of the University of Portland.