Preview: Cleveland Charge at Birmingham Squadron

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Interstat) — A surging Cleveland Charge squad will look to capitalize on a struggling opponent when they visit the Birmingham Squadron in a G League matchup Thursday night at Legacy Arena.

The Charge (14-10) enter on a two-game winning streak after a decisive 125-105 road victory over the Grand Rapids Gold on Tuesday. They have won four of their last six games overall.

Conversely, the Squadron (9-20) are mired in a prolonged slump, having lost nine of their last ten contests. Their most recent outing was a heartbreaking 116-114 home loss to the Greensboro Swarm on Monday, despite a 26-point, 10-rebound effort from center Hunter Dickinson.

The game features a compelling frontcourt duel between two of the league’s most productive big men. Cleveland’s Norchad Omier has been on a tear, averaging a double-double over his last eight games. He posted 20 points and 10 rebounds in Sunday’s win at Grand Rapids and is coming off a 31-point, 10-rebound performance against the Gold just three days prior.

For Birmingham, Dickinson remains a bright spot amid the losses. He recorded a massive 23-point, 22-rebound game earlier this month and is averaging 19.2 points and 11.2 rebounds over his last ten appearances. In Monday’s narrow defeat, he notched another double-double with 26 points and 10 boards.

The teams’ recent trajectories paint a clear picture. Cleveland’s offense has been potent, scoring 125 or more points in three of its last four games. Birmingham, meanwhile, has struggled defensively, allowing an average of 113.2 points during its 1-9 stretch.

This contest is the first of a quick two-game set between the clubs at Legacy Arena, with the second scheduled for Saturday night.

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