Preview: Stockton Kings at Austin Spurs

LEANDER, Texas (Interstat) — A compelling Western Conference matchup awaits Thursday night when the surging Stockton Kings visit the first-place Austin Spurs in a G League showdown at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park.

The Spurs (20-7), who hold the best record in the conference, host the Kings (18-9), who sit just 2.5 games back in the standings. The teams met just over a month ago, with Stockton escaping Austin with a 119-117 overtime victory on Dec. 19.

Austin enters with momentum from a 102-91 road win at Valley on Sunday. Forward Stanley Umude led the way with a season-high 34 points and seven rebounds. Umude, a player to watch, has been a consistent scorer, averaging 16.9 points over his last 10 contests. He will be supported by recent double-double performances from players like Harrison Ingram.

Stockton arrives after a thrilling 138-134 overtime victory over Salt Lake City on Saturday. The Kings have won seven of their last 10 games, largely powered by forward Daeqwon Plowden. The standout is averaging 23.4 points and 7.3 rebounds over that stretch, including a 40-point, eight-rebound, seven-assist effort in a win at Long Island on Jan. 12 and a 24-point, 14-rebound double-double in the recent overtime win.

The game features a contrast in offensive firepower. Stockton has scored 120 or more points in five of its last seven games. Austin’s defense, which has held opponents under 110 points in three of its last five outings, will be tested.

For Stockton, guard Isaiah Stevens is coming off a 19-point, 14-assist performance, facilitating the high-octane attack. Austin will counter with veteran guard Elfrid Payton, who dished out nine assists in the team’s last game.

This contest marks the start of a critical stretch for both clubs as they jockey for playoff positioning ahead of the final two months of the season. Following this game, Austin begins a four-game road trip, while Stockton returns home for a brief stint before heading back on the road.