Preview: Raptors 905 at Cleveland Charge

CLEVELAND (Interstat) — The NBA G League’s top team visits a surging division rival Thursday when the Raptors 905 face the Cleveland Charge at Wolstein Center.

The Raptors (27-6) bring the league’s best record into the contest but are looking to avenge a decisive 73-56 road loss to these same Charge just two days prior. Toronto’s offense, which averages over 112 points per game, was completely stifled in that meeting.

Cleveland (20-12) has won eight of its last ten games and boasts one of the league’s most dominant forces in center Norchad Omier. Over his last five games, Omier is averaging a staggering 24.8 points and 15.8 rebounds, including a 26-point, 20-rebound performance in a win over College Park on Feb. 4. He posted 24 points and 16 rebounds in the Charge’s most recent outing, a 123-110 loss to Greensboro on Saturday.

The Raptors will counter with their own interior standout, Julian Reese. The big man is coming off a dominant 20-point, 17-rebound effort in a 112-99 win over Motor City on Sunday. Reese has recorded a double-double in four of his last eight games.

Toronto has otherwise been in strong form, winning three straight games prior to Tuesday’s defeat in Cleveland. The Charge have shown a potent offense, scoring 140 and 156 points in victories earlier this month, but have split their last two games.

Thursday’s matchup will hinge on the paint battle between Omier and Reese and whether the Raptors can solve a Charge defense that thoroughly confused them earlier this week. A Toronto win would reassert its league dominance, while a Cleveland victory would secure a crucial two-game regular-season sweep and solidify its standing as a contender in the Eastern Conference.

The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. EST tipoff. Following this contest, the Raptors begin a four-game road trip starting Feb. 20 in Windy City. The Charge embark on a five-game road trip beginning Feb. 19 at Noblesville.