Preview: Noblesville Boom at Osceola Magic

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Interstat) — The surging Osceola Magic, owners of the G League’s second-best record, will look to continue their dominance when they host the .500 Noblesville Boom on Friday at Silver Spurs Arena.

The Magic (21-9) have won seven of their last eight games, including a 137-133 victory over South Bay on Monday. They are led by forward Alex Morales, who is averaging 21.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists over his last eight contests. In the recent win over South Bay, Morales posted 28 points and eight rebounds.

Osceola has also had recent success against Noblesville, winning eight of the last nine meetings, including a 113-106 victory just two days prior on Wednesday. The teams split their two-game set this week.

The Boom (15-15) arrive having won two straight and four of their last five, most recently a 125-109 win over Birmingham on Sunday. Their success is fueled by guard Ethan Thompson, who is in the midst of a stellar run. Over his last seven games, Thompson is averaging 27.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.3 assists, including a 34-point, seven-rebound, eight-assist performance in the win over Birmingham.

Noblesville’s victory over Osceola on Dec. 19, a 112-99 home win, shows their capability, but replicating that on the road against a hot Magic squad presents a significant challenge. The Boom will need another high-level performance from Thompson and supporting players like Taelon Peter (19 points Sunday) to counter Osceola’s balanced attack and home-court advantage.

Friday’s contest is the backend of a quick two-game series between the teams this week. Following the game, Osceola begins a four-game road trip on Feb. 19, while Noblesville travels to face Long Island on Sunday.