Preview: Westchester Knicks at Long Island Nets

UNIONDALE, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Long Island Nets look to solidify their playoff positioning and continue their dominance over the rival Westchester Knicks when the G League teams meet Sunday at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

The Nets (22-18) enter as heavy favorites against the league-worst Knicks (10-27). Interstat’s ELO system gives Long Island a 79.8% probability to win. The Nets have won both matchups this season, claiming a 110-103 victory on Dec. 12 and a 115-95 win on Dec. 10, both in Westchester.

Long Island seeks to rebound from a narrow 119-116 home loss to Grand Rapids on Thursday. Forward Chaney Johnson was a bright spot in that defeat, pouring in 29 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Johnson has been a consistent offensive force, scoring 19 or more points in four of his last six games.

Westchester, however, arrives with rare momentum, riding a three-game winning streak after a 124-112 victory over Capital City on Thursday. Guard Kevin McCullar has been instrumental in the surge, averaging 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.7 assists over the stretch. His all-around play will be critical for the Knicks to challenge the Nets.

The Nets have maintained a winning record despite recent inconsistency, going 6-4 over their last 10 games. Their offense has frequently been potent, eclipsing 120 points in five of those contests.

Conversely, Westchester’s season has been defined by struggle, though their current streak offers a glimmer of improvement. Prior to these three wins, they had lost seven of eight games.

The game will be the first of three meetings between the affiliates of the NBA’s New York rivals over the next month, with matchups also scheduled for March 24 and April 2.

Projected Starters:

Knicks: G Bryson Warren, G Kevin McCullar, F D.J. Carton, F Isaiah Roby, C Khalifa Diop.

Nets: G Tyson Etienne, G Malachi Smith, F Chaney Johnson, F RaiQuan Gray, C Patrick Gardner.

Up Next:

Knicks: Visit Delaware on Wednesday.

Nets: Visit Greensboro on Wednesday.