Motor City Cruise at Austin Spurs Preview

LEANDER, Texas (Interstat) — The surging Austin Spurs, owners of the G League’s second-best record, will look to continue their strong season when they host the .500 Motor City Cruise on Thursday afternoon at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park.

Austin (26-11) enters the contest after a 100-109 road loss to Oklahoma City on Tuesday, which snapped a two-game winning streak. The Spurs have been formidable at home, however, and are led by high-scoring wing Donovan Williams. Williams is averaging 24.2 points and 7.1 rebounds over his last nine games, including a 42-point, 11-rebound outburst in a narrow loss to San Diego on Feb. 20.

The Spurs’ offense, which has scored 130 or more points in three of its last six games, will test a Motor City defense that has been inconsistent.

The Cruise (19-19) arrive in Texas following an explosive 149-118 victory over College Park on Sunday. Motor City has alternated wins and losses over its last five games but showed its potent offensive capability in the rout, where three players recorded double-doubles.

The player to watch for the Cruise is versatile forward Drew Peterson, who is in the midst of an exceptional all-around stretch. In Sunday’s win, Peterson posted a triple-double with 22 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists. Over his last 10 games, he is averaging 18.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 6.8 assists, serving as the central facilitator for Motor City’s attack.

The teams have taken different paths this season. Austin has established itself as a contender, boasting a winning percentage north of .700, while Motor City has struggled to find sustained momentum, hovering at the .500 mark. The Spurs won the only previous meeting between the clubs this season, a 127-118 victory in Michigan on Jan. 10.

For Austin, a win would solidify its standing near the top of the league. For Motor City, a road victory against an elite opponent would provide a significant boost as it aims to climb above .500 and into a more secure playoff position.

The game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. CST tip-off on Thursday, Feb. 26. Following this contest, Austin will host Memphis on Sunday, while Motor City travels to face Oklahoma City on March 1.