Surging Stars Visit Struggling Suns in G League Showdown

TEMPE, Ariz. (Interstat) — A clash between teams at opposite ends of the standings unfolds Thursday when the Salt Lake City Stars visit the Valley Suns in a G League matchup at Mullett Arena.

The Stars (22-14) enter on a hot streak, having won three of their last four games, including a 132-124 victory over Westchester on Saturday. They have dominated the season series against Valley, winning both prior meetings in December by an average margin of 14.5 points.

All eyes will be on Salt Lake City forward Matthew Cleveland, who is playing at an elite level. Over his last five games, Cleveland is averaging 28.2 points and 11.6 rebounds, highlighted by a monstrous 39-point, 19-rebound performance in his last outing. His recent dominance has been a key driver of the team’s success.

In contrast, the Suns (8-24) have lost five consecutive games and 10 of their last 11. Their most recent result was a 130-116 road loss to Rio Grande Valley on Feb. 4. Forward Koby Brea has been a bright spot, averaging 14.9 points over his last seven contests, including a 22-point effort in that defeat.

The Stars feature additional firepower beyond Cleveland. In Saturday’s win, Dereon Seabron posted a near triple-double with 19 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds, while center Mohamed Bamba added 19 points.

Valley, seeking to snap its skid, will look for production from Damion Baugh and JaQuori McLaughlin, who combined for 31 points and 14 assists in the team’s last game.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Salt Lake City is projected to win decisively, 124-100.

The Stars continue a road swing later this month, while the Suns embark on a lengthy six-game road trip following Thursday’s contest. The teams are scheduled to meet again in Tempe on March 2.