Preview: G League’s Top-Ranked Raptors 905 Visit Windy City Bulls

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. (Interstat) — The NBA G League’s top team visits the Sears Centre on Friday as the Windy City Bulls host Raptors 905.

The Raptors (27-8) enter with the league’s best record but are looking to rebound from back-to-back road losses at Cleveland last week. Windy City (17-16) aims to build momentum after splitting a two-game set with Grand Rapids.

A key matchup will feature two of the league’s hottest wings. Raptors 905 is led by A.J. Lawson, who is averaging 23.0 points over his last five games. He erupted for 35 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the Feb. 12 loss to Cleveland. For Windy City, Caleb Grill is coming off a season-high 26 points and seven rebounds in the Feb. 12 win over Grand Rapids, logging 40 minutes in the victory.

The Raptors boast a potent offense, having scored 122 points or more in seven of their last ten contests. In their most recent outing, a 134-124 loss at Cleveland, they had three players score 24 or more points: Lawson (35), David Roddy (28) and Julian Reese (24). Reese added 13 rebounds for a double-double.

Windy City’s offense runs through guard Mac McClung, who dished eight assists to go with 24 points in the Feb. 12 win. Forward Mouhamadou Gueye provides interior presence, posting 18 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks in that same game.

This begins a crucial back-to-back set between the teams, as they will meet again at the Sears Centre on Saturday. For Raptors 905, it starts a three-game road trip. Windy City embarks on a five-game road swing after Saturday’s contest.

Friday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. CST.