STOCKTON, Calif. (Interstat) — A pivotal Western Conference matchup awaits Saturday when the Stockton Kings host the Salt Lake City Stars in a G League showdown between two of the league’s top teams.

The game at Stockton Arena features the Stars (18-10) and Kings (17-9), who are separated by just one game in the loss column. The season series has belonged to Salt Lake City, which has won all four previous meetings. Those contests have been high-scoring affairs, with the Stars averaging 131.8 points and the Kings 123.8.

Salt Lake City arrives after a heartbreaking 117-116 overtime loss to Memphis on Wednesday. The Stars were led by a dominant performance from center Mohamed Bamba, who posted 24 points, 15 rebounds and six blocks. Bamba, a player to watch, has been a force for Salt Lake City all season.

Stockton looks to rebound from a 117-111 road loss to Valley on Wednesday. The Kings will rely on forward DaQuan Jeffries, who scored 24 points in that defeat. Jeffries has been on a scoring tear, averaging 22.1 points over his last seven games, including four performances of 23 points or more.

The Kings had won five straight prior to the Valley loss and will be tested by a Salt Lake City offense that has consistently found success against them this season. A key battle will be in the paint between Bamba’s rim protection and Jeffries’ aggressive scoring.

Tip-off is set for Saturday, Jan. 24, at Stockton Arena. The Stars begin a three-game homestand on Monday against Santa Cruz, while the Kings open a two-game road trip at Memphis on Monday.