Preview: Osceola Magic at Windy City Bulls

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. (Interstat) — Two of the G League’s hottest scorers will clash Friday when the Osceola Magic visit the Windy City Bulls at Sears Centre.

The Magic (12-7) enter on a three-game winning streak, including a 129-126 victory at Rip City on Wednesday. The Bulls (9-9) look to rebound after a 138-117 road loss to Motor City on Monday.

All eyes will be on a marquee individual matchup between Osceola guard Lester Quinones and Windy City forward Kevin Knox. Both players have been on prolific scoring runs in December.

Quinones has averaged 24.3 points over his last 10 games, scoring 27 or more points in five of those contests. He is coming off a stretch of three consecutive 27-point performances from Dec. 22-27, showcasing consistent offensive firepower for the visiting Magic.

Knox has been equally dominant for the Bulls, posting four double-doubles in his last 10 outings. He is averaging 19.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game during that span, with a season-high 31 points against Rip City on Dec. 22. In Monday’s loss, Knox led Windy City with 26 points, nine rebounds and five assists in 41 minutes.

The game features a contrast in recent momentum. Osceola has won five of its last seven, while Windy City has split its last six games, struggling to find consistency.

Team records also show a slight edge for Osceola in what promises to be a high-paced offensive affair. Both teams have been involved in numerous high-scoring games this season, with the Magic averaging 118.2 points per game and the Bulls allowing 124.6 points per game.

This is the first of a quick home-and-home set between the teams, who will meet again Saturday at the same venue.

Projected Starters: Magic: G Lester Quinones, G Mac McClung, F Admiral Schofield, F Trevelin Queen, C Goga Bitadze. Bulls: G Jevon Carter, G Carlik Jones, F Kevin Knox, F Ethan Thompson, C Marko Simonović.

Friday’s tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.