Preview: Salt Lake City Stars at Iowa Wolves

DES MOINES, Iowa (Interstat) — Two Western Conference teams jockeying for playoff positioning will meet when the Salt Lake City Stars visit the Iowa Wolves in a G League matchup Monday night at Wells Fargo Arena.

The Stars (26-19) enter with a slim two-game lead over the Wolves (24-20) in the standings. Both teams are looking to rebound from double-digit road losses this past Friday. Salt Lake City fell 128-101 at Rio Grande Valley, while Iowa dropped a 125-106 decision at South Bay.

A key matchup will feature Salt Lake City guard Dereon Seabron against Iowa center Joan Beringer. Seabron has been a dynamic all-around force for the Stars, averaging 18.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.8 assists over his last eight games. He is coming off a 20-point, 7-assist performance in Friday’s loss.

Beringer provides a formidable interior presence for the Wolves. The center has recorded a double-double in three consecutive games, averaging 20.7 points and 14.0 rebounds during that stretch. In Friday’s loss, he posted 22 points and 11 rebounds.

Salt Lake City’s recent form has been inconsistent, with a 3-5 record over its last eight contests. The Stars have shown offensive firepower, scoring 134 and 137 points in wins this month, but have also allowed 128 and 128 points in two of their recent losses.

Iowa has lost three straight games, all by margins of seven points or more, after winning four of its previous five. Defense has been an issue during the skid, with opponents averaging 130 points per game.

In their most recent outing, the Stars were led by Seabron, Sean East (17 points) and Steven Crowl (8 rebounds). The Wolves, in their last game, saw strong performances from Beringer, Zyon Pullin (12 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists) and Jalen Crutcher (27 points).

This contest is the first of a two-game set between the teams in Des Moines this week, with a rematch scheduled for Wednesday. The season series could prove critical for postseason seeding with just over a month remaining in the regular season.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CDT Monday.