Preview: Stockton Kings at Memphis Hustle

SOUTHAVEN, Miss. (Interstat) — A clash between teams at opposite ends of the G League standings unfolds Friday when the Stockton Kings visit the Memphis Hustle at DeSoto Civic Center.

The Kings (22-11) enter as one of the league’s top teams, having won seven of their last 10 games. They are coming off a 113-98 victory over Mexico City on Feb. 12, where center Gabe Levin posted a dominant 18-rebound, 12-point double-double. Levin has been a force on the glass, averaging 10.4 rebounds over his last five contests.

Stockton’s balanced attack also features forward DaQuan Jeffries, who scored 25 points in the win over Mexico City.

The Hustle (11-23) have struggled, dropping eight of their last 10. They are looking to rebound from a 134-116 home loss to Santa Cruz on Feb. 12, despite a 29-point, 13-rebound effort from forward Nate Hinton. Hinton has been a bright spot, averaging 20.6 points and 7.9 rebounds over his last seven games.

Memphis will need a strong defensive performance to slow the high-scoring Kings, who have topped 110 points in four of their last five outings. The Hustle have allowed 116 or more points in five of their last six losses.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 121-100 victory for Stockton.

Following this contest, Stockton returns home to face Oklahoma City on Sunday. Memphis travels to face Austin on Sunday.