Birmingham vs. Stockton
STOCKTON, Calif. (Interstat) — The Stockton Kings will look to continue their dominance over the Birmingham Squadron and solidify their playoff positioning when the teams meet for the second time in four days Sunday at Stockton Arena.
The Kings (26-13) delivered a commanding 124-99 victory over the Squadron on Thursday, a performance they aim to replicate. Stockton sits among the top teams in the G League’s Western Conference, while Birmingham (15-28) is near the bottom of the East.
Stockton’s recent success has been fueled by the explosive play of wing DaQuan Jeffries. He torched the Squadron for 39 points in Thursday’s win and is averaging 30.4 points over his last five games. His scoring punch, combined with backcourt production from Jon Elmore and Antoine Davis, has given Stockton one of the league’s most potent offenses.
Birmingham’s focus will be on containing that attack and finding more consistent play after losing five of its last six. Center Hunter Dickinson remains a bright spot, posting a near double-double (19 points, 9 rebounds) in the loss to Stockton and averaging 17.9 points and 10.1 rebounds over his last nine contests. Support from Josh Oduro and Christian Shumate, who each added 19 points on Thursday, will be critical.
The Squadron’s road does not get easier after this contest, as they begin a three-game trip Wednesday in Grand Rapids. The Kings, meanwhile, embark on a five-game road swing starting Wednesday in Sioux Falls, making a home victory before departing a priority.
Tipoff is set for Sunday afternoon. The Kings have won all meetings between the teams this season.