Preview: Santa Cruz Warriors at Rip City Remix

PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — The Rip City Remix look to avenge a recent loss and solidify their playoff positioning when they host the struggling Santa Cruz Warriors in a G League matchup Tuesday night at the Chiles Center.

The teams met just two days prior, with the visiting Warriors (11-22) stunning the Remix (21-15) 81-67 on Sunday. Tuesday’s contest offers Rip City an immediate chance for redemption on its home floor.

The Remix enter with the clear advantage in the standings, boasting a 10-game lead over Santa Cruz in the win column. They are also riding the momentum of a dominant 141-103 road victory over Birmingham on Feb. 12, a game in which Jaylen Martin exploded for 31 points and five rebounds. Martin has been a key offensive catalyst, scoring 16 or more points in four of his last seven outings.

Conversely, the Warriors have found wins scarce, with only three victories in their last 10 games. Their lone bright spot recently has been the stellar play of guard Deivon Smith. He is coming off a career-best 32-point, nine-rebound, seven-assist performance in a win at Memphis on Feb. 12, following a 26-point effort the night before. Smith’s backcourt brilliance will be essential for Santa Cruz to secure a rare road sweep.

The season series is currently tied 1-1. Prior to Sunday’s low-scoring affair, the Remix won the first meeting 131-118 in Santa Cruz back in November.

For Rip City, sustaining their offensive efficiency from the Birmingham win, where they shot 58% from the field and dished out 38 assists, will be the focus. Containing Smith will be the primary defensive challenge.

The Warriors, meanwhile, will aim to replicate their defensive intensity from Sunday while hoping Smith can continue his explosive scoring run to offset a Remix squad with a significantly better record.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST. Following this two-game set, Rip City begins a homestand against Iowa on March 2, while Santa Cruz returns home to host San Diego on Feb. 27.