Preview: Austin Spurs at Salt Lake City Stars

SALT LAKE CITY (Interstat) — Two of the G League’s top teams will clash Thursday when the Salt Lake City Stars host the Austin Spurs at Bruin Arena.

The Stars (17-6) hold a slight edge in the standings over the visiting Spurs (15-6) in what will be a quick rematch. The teams just met on Tuesday, with Austin securing a narrow 49-44 road victory. Thursday’s contest promises a more conventional offensive pace.

Salt Lake City looks to rebound from a 108-102 road loss to Motor City on Sunday. The Stars had won four straight prior to their current two-game skid, which includes the Tuesday result against Austin. Center Oscar Tshiebwe remains a dominant force in the paint. He is coming off a 21-rebound, 12-point performance against Motor City and has averaged 15.8 rebounds over his last four games.

Austin arrives riding a two-game win streak after a pair of tight victories over South Bay, including a 107-106 decision on Saturday. Guard Trey McGowens led the way in that matchup, scoring 23 points with seven rebounds. His production has been variable, but he is a key backcourt contributor for the Spurs.

The matchup inside between Tshiebwe and Austin’s frontline, which features recent 18-rebound performer Harrison Ingram, will be critical. The Spurs have shown resilience in close games, while the Stars boast one of the league’s best records and a high-powered offense that has topped 140 points twice this season.

Salt Lake City holds a 2-1 series edge this season following Tuesday’s low-scoring affair. The Stars’ upcoming schedule includes a back-to-back at Sioux Falls this weekend. Austin continues a road trip with a visit to Oklahoma City on Tuesday.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. MST Thursday at Bruin Arena.