Preview: Austin Spurs at Oklahoma City Blue

OKLAHOMA CITY (Interstat) — A clash of teams on opposite trajectories headlines the G League schedule Tuesday when the Austin Spurs visit the Oklahoma City Blue at Cox Convention Center.

The Spurs (26-10), boasting one of the league’s best records, enter on a roll having won seven of their last nine games. They are coming off a 102-97 home victory over Memphis on Sunday. The Blue (11-25), meanwhile, have struggled, dropping five of their last six contests, including a 123-106 road loss to Salt Lake City on Friday.

All signs point toward a favorable matchup for Austin. The Spurs have dominated the season series, winning all three meetings. This includes a 127-112 victory in Oklahoma City just over a month ago on Jan. 20.

The spotlight will be on Austin forward Harrison Ingram, who is in the midst of a spectacular stretch. Over his last eight games, Ingram has averaged a near triple-double with 18.6 points, 13.1 rebounds and 6.4 assists. His most remarkable performance came in a narrow loss to San Diego on Feb. 20, where he posted a triple-double with 16 points, 20 rebounds and 14 assists.

Oklahoma City will counter with veteran wing Zhaire Smith, who has been a consistent scorer. Smith is averaging 17.0 points over his last seven games, including a 26-point outing against Salt Lake City on Feb. 19. He logged 35 minutes and scored 16 points in the Blue’s most recent outing.

The game represents a clear opportunity for Austin to solidify its standing near the top of the league, while Oklahoma City seeks to find a spark and play spoiler at home. The Blue’s defense, which has allowed an average of 119.3 points in its last six games, will face a stern test against the balanced and high-powered Spurs attack led by Ingram.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. local time.