G League Preview: Motor City Cruise at Birmingham Squadron

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum in a crowded G League standings will meet Thursday when the Motor City Cruise visit the Birmingham Squadron at Legacy Arena.

The matchup features teams with nearly identical records. The visiting Cruise (9-15) snapped a five-game skid with a 108-102 home win over Salt Lake City on Sunday. The Squadron (9-16) look to halt a four-game losing streak, most recently a 118-73 defeat to Raptors 905.

A key battle will be waged in the backcourt versus the frontcourt. Motor City is led by guard Jaden Akins, who enters on a hot streak. Over his last 10 games, Akins is averaging 22.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists, including a 35-point, 5-rebound, 5-assist performance in an overtime loss to Westchester on Jan. 3. He nearly posted a triple-double in Sunday’s win with 19 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

Birmingham will counter with center Hunter Dickinson, whose recent outings have been dominant on the glass. Dickinson recorded a 23-point, 22-rebound double-double in a loss at Delaware on Jan. 4 and has averaged a double-double (16.2 points, 11.6 rebounds) over his last 10 contests. His ability to control the paint will be critical against a Cruise interior that features Tolu Smith, who had 19 points, six rebounds and four assists Sunday.

Both teams have struggled defensively. Motor City has allowed an average of 116.2 points over its last 10 games, while Birmingham has conceded 112.8 per game in that same span. The Squadron’s offense has been particularly stagnant during their current losing streak, failing to reach 100 points in three of the four losses.

This game is the first of a quick two-game set between the teams, who will meet again at Legacy Arena on Saturday. It represents a chance for either squad to climb out of the lower tier of the league standings.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST Thursday.