Preview: Long Island Nets at Iowa Wolves

DES MOINES, Iowa (Interstat) — Two of the G League’s most dynamic forwards will be on display when the Iowa Wolves host the Long Island Nets on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at Wells Fargo Arena.

The Wolves (15-10) enter with momentum, having won four of their last five games, including a 137-127 road victory over Valley on Thursday. Forward Alize Johnson has been on a historic tear, averaging 30.2 points, 12.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists over his last 10 contests. He is coming off a 41-point, 10-rebound performance and recorded a triple-double (12 points, 15 rebounds, 11 assists) on Dec. 31.

The Nets (12-12) have been inconsistent, alternating wins and losses over their last seven games. They are coming off a 104-101 win at Capital City on Wednesday. Guard Malachi Smith, their primary playmaker, is averaging 16.1 points and 6.5 assists over the same 10-game stretch, including a 36-point, 9-assist outing in a win over Wisconsin on Jan. 9.

Iowa’s offense, powered by Johnson and supported by recent double-digit scoring efforts from Enrique Freeman and Jules Bernard, will test a Long Island defense that has allowed an average of 114.8 points per game this season. The Nets counter with a balanced attack; in their last win, Smith, E.J. Liddell (17 points, 9 rebounds) and Jeenathan Williams (20 points) all contributed significantly.

This matchup is the first of a two-game set between the teams, with a rematch scheduled for Monday in Des Moines. For Iowa, it begins a four-game homestand, while Long Island continues a five-game road trip.

Sunday’s contest tips off at 4 p.m. CST.