Preview: Motor City Cruise at Long Island Nets

UNIONDALE, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Motor City Cruise and Long Island Nets meet Wednesday at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in a G League matchup with both teams seeking consistency near the season’s midpoint.

The visiting Cruise (13-15) arrive having won three straight, including a 133-119 road victory at Delaware on Saturday. Motor City also edged Long Island 56-53 just two days ago in a defensive struggle. The Nets (15-13), however, have won four of their last six and are 7-3 in their last 10 games overall.

A key matchup will feature two of the league’s recent standout performers. Motor City guard Wendell Moore is coming off a spectacular 40-point, five-assist effort in 25 minutes against Delaware. Over his last three games, Moore is averaging 20.7 points. For Long Island, center Grant Nelson has provided efficient scoring and rebounding, posting 20 points and six rebounds in 18 minutes in Friday’s win over Raptors 905. In his last five appearances, Nelson is averaging 14.8 points and 6.0 rebounds.

Beyond the headliners, Motor City’s Tolu Smith (21 points, 10 rebounds vs. Delaware) and Isaac Jones (19 points, seven rebounds, five blocks) are coming off strong performances. Long Island counters with balance, as guard Malachi Smith nearly recorded a triple-double (14 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists) in the same game.

The Cruise have found an offensive rhythm during their win streak, averaging 128.3 points per game in those victories. The Nets have been tougher at home, where they recently held an opponent under 100 points. This game presents a quick turnaround and stylistic contrast from Monday’s low-scoring affair between the teams.

Wednesday’s contest is the second of a two-game set at the Coliseum this week. Following this matchup, Motor City travels to Cleveland on Saturday. Long Island’s next game is at home against Grand Rapids on Monday.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.