Preview: Grand Rapids Gold at Motor City Cruise

WALKER, Mich. (Interstat) — A pivotal in-state G League matchup awaits Thursday when the Grand Rapids Gold visit the Motor City Cruise at DeltaPlex Arena.

The Gold (15-11) enter with a four-game lead over the Cruise (11-15) in the standings and look to build on a 123-114 road victory over Motor City on Dec. 30. Grand Rapids has split its last six games, coming off a high-scoring 132-126 loss to Cleveland on Sunday. Moses Brown was dominant in that defeat, posting 27 points and 10 rebounds in 27 minutes. The center has been a force, averaging a double-double over his last six contests, including a 30-point, 11-rebound performance on Jan. 3.

Motor City, however, rides a three-game winning streak into the rematch, most recently blitzing Birmingham 127-103 on Saturday. Cruise center Tolu Smith is peaking, averaging 24.3 points and 13.3 rebounds over his last three games. He recorded 25 points, 15 rebounds and three assists in the win at Birmingham. Smith had 15 points and nine rebounds in the late-December loss to the Gold.

The season series is tied 1-1. After Grand Rapids’ win last month, Motor City took the earlier meeting 122-117 on Nov. 16 in Grand Rapids.

The game features a contrast in recent momentum. The Gold seek consistency after a 2-2 stretch, while the surging Cruise aim to continue their climb and avenge their December home loss. The interior battle between Brown and Smith will be critical.

Following this game, Grand Rapids begins a five-game road trip, while Motor City travels to Delaware on Saturday.