Preview: Texas Legends at Rip City Remix

PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — The Rip City Remix look to solidify their playoff positioning when they host the struggling Texas Legends in a G League matchup Wednesday night at the Chiles Center.

The Remix (16-13) enter with a four-game lead over the Legends (12-15) in the overall standings and seek a return to form after back-to-back road losses at Rio Grande Valley last week. Rip City had won five straight prior to that skid.

A key to that earlier success was forward Blake Hinson, who will be a primary focus for the Remix. Hinson is averaging 22.6 points and 5.8 rebounds over his last 10 games, including a 40-point, 6-rebound performance on Jan. 9 and a 35-point, 9-rebound effort on Jan. 2. He is coming off a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double in Saturday’s loss.

Texas arrives looking to halt a two-game slide, most recently a 107-100 home loss to Valley on Friday. The Legends have lost seven of their last 10 contests.

The Legends will lean on high-scoring guard Dalano Banton, who has been on a tear. Banton is averaging 21.1 points and 5.1 assists over his last 10 outings. He erupted for 35 points in 28 minutes in Friday’s defeat and had a 36-point, 7-assist game in a win over Cleveland on Jan. 9. Containing him will be a central challenge for the Remix defense.

This is the second meeting between the teams in three days, following a scheduled game on Monday, Jan. 26. The quick rematch adds a layer of immediate adjustment and rivalry to the contest.

For Texas, center Jamarion Sharp provides a defensive presence, coming off a 12-point, 12-rebound, 5-block performance against Valley. Rip City’s backcourt, led by Cameron Parker (13 assists on Jan. 24) and Sean Pedulla, will look to control the tempo at home.

Following Wednesday’s game, the Remix begin a four-game road trip in Mexico City on Sunday. The Legends return home to host Sioux Falls for a two-game set starting Saturday.