Preview: Long Island Nets at Cleveland Charge

CLEVELAND (Interstat) — Two of the Eastern Conference’s top teams will meet Friday when the Cleveland Charge host the Long Island Nets in a G League matchup at Wolstein Center.

The Charge (11-7) enter with the better record and have been one of the league’s hottest teams, winning six of their last seven games. Their offense has been fueled by guard Killian Hayes, who is averaging 26.2 points and 9.6 assists over his last six contests. Hayes is coming off a 34-point, 9-assist performance in a 115-107 victory over Wisconsin on Dec. 30. Center Norchad Omier, who had 20 points and 15 rebounds in that game, provides a consistent interior presence.

The visiting Nets (9-8) have won three of their last four, including a 119-111 road win at College Park on Sunday. They are led by forward E.J. Liddell, who has posted six double-doubles this season and is averaging 19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocks over his last seven games. In the win over College Park, Liddell scored 24 points with nine rebounds and four blocks. Guard Ben Saraf, who had 21 points and six assists in that game, is a key backcourt contributor.

Cleveland’s recent surge has been marked by high-scoring outputs, averaging 124.3 points during their 6-1 stretch. Long Island has shown resilience in close games, with two overtime wins in December.

This game begins a brief two-game homestand for the Charge before a lengthy road trip. The Nets continue a three-game road swing before returning home Sunday.

The matchup between Hayes’ dynamic playmaking and Liddell’s two-way dominance will be pivotal. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Friday.