Preview: Greensboro Swarm at Maine Celtics

PORTLAND, Maine (Interstat) — The top team in the Eastern Conference visits one of its hottest challengers Friday night when the Greensboro Swarm face the Maine Celtics in a G League matchup at the Portland Exposition Building.

The Swarm (19-7) bring the league’s best record north, riding a three-game winning streak that includes a 116-114 road victory at Birmingham on Monday. Greensboro’s success has been built on a potent offense, averaging over 123 points per game during its current streak.

Forward Liam McNeeley has been a catalyst, coming off a 20-point, 9-rebound, 6-assist performance against Birmingham. Over his last four games, the rookie is averaging 22.0 points and 6.5 rebounds while showcasing versatile playmaking.

Maine (16-10) has won four of its last five, including a 112-103 road win at College Park on Sunday. The Celtics are led by forward Tosan Evbuomwan, who recorded a 19-point, 14-rebound double-double in that contest. He has averaged 19.0 points and 7.3 rebounds over his last three games, providing consistent interior production.

Recent history suggests a tightly contested game. The two teams met in a thrilling back-to-back series in Greensboro in early November, with the Swarm escaping with narrow victories of 131-129 in overtime and 122-120.

Greensboro’s offense, which also features reliable contributors in Marcus Garrett and Antonio Reeves, will test a Maine defense that has held opponents under 110 points in three of its last five wins. The Celtics will counter with a balanced attack; in Sunday’s win, Ron Harper added 24 points and Amari Williams posted a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double.

The game is the first of a two-game set in Portland, with a rematch scheduled for Sunday. For the Swarm, it’s a chance to solidify their conference lead. For the Celtics, it’s an opportunity to close the gap and prove they can solve a team that has twice edged them out this season.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST Friday.