SOUTH BAY LAKERS (24-15) AT SANTA CRUZ WARRIORS (13-25)

Preview

BONNY DOON, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging South Bay Lakers squad visits the struggling Santa Cruz Warriors in a G League matchup Friday at Kaiser Permanente Arena.

The Lakers (24-15) enter on a five-game winning streak, including a 129-120 road victory over Oklahoma City on Wednesday. Guard Nick Smith Jr. has been instrumental, averaging 22.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists over his last five contests. He scored 28 points with seven rebounds and six assists in the win over Oklahoma City.

Santa Cruz (13-25) looks to halt a slide after losing three of its last four. The Warriors fell 113-104 at Stockton on Monday despite a 23-point, 14-rebound performance from center Charles Bassey. Bassey has recorded a double-double in three consecutive games, averaging 19.7 points and 11.7 rebounds over that span.

The season series has favored South Bay, which won both prior meetings in November by scores of 115-95 and 108-105.

South Bay’s recent success has been marked by high-scoring offense, topping 120 points in four of its last five wins. Alongside Smith, Chris Manon and R.J. Davis provided significant contributions in the latest victory.

Santa Cruz, anchored by Bassey’s interior presence, seeks consistency after alternating wins and losses for much of February. The Warriors’ defense, allowing 113.8 points per game this season, will be tested by the Lakers’ potent attack.

The teams will meet again at the same venue Sunday.