Preview: Maine Celtics at Sioux Falls Skyforce

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Interstat) — Two teams jockeying for position in the G League standings will meet Friday when the Maine Celtics visit the Sioux Falls Skyforce at the Sanford Pentagon.

The Celtics (19-13) hold a narrow one-game lead over the Skyforce (18-14) in the overall standings. The matchup is a quick rematch, as Sioux Falls earned a 66-59 defensive struggle over Maine just two days prior on Wednesday.

Maine aims to rebound from a 117-110 home loss to Westchester on Sunday. Guard Ron Harper has been on a scoring tear for the Celtics and will be a primary focus. Over his last five games, Harper is averaging 23.2 points and 5.8 rebounds. He is coming off a 31-point, 12-rebound performance in the loss to Westchester.

The Celtics have shown offensive firepower recently, scoring 119 points or more in three of their last six outings, but consistency has been an issue as they’ve split those six games.

Sioux Falls arrives with momentum from a dominant 125-109 road victory over Texas on Sunday. Center Dain Dainja led that charge with a season-high 35 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Dainja’s production has been volatile, but his high-ceiling performances make him a key player to watch for the Skyforce. In the win over Texas, he was supported strongly by Trevor Keels (24 points, eight assists) and Gabe Madsen (27 points).

The Skyforce have won two of their last three games, with the offense averaging 119 points per game in those victories. Their defense, however, which held Maine to 59 points on Wednesday, will be tested by a Celtics team seeking offensive redemption.

Friday’s contest is the second of a brief two-game homestand for Sioux Falls. Maine continues a road trip that heads to Iowa on Saturday.