G League Preview: Blue Face Wolves in Des Moines

DES MOINES, Iowa (Interstat) — The Iowa Wolves (27-21) look to solidify their playoff positioning when they host the struggling Oklahoma City Blue (16-30) in a G League matchup on Thursday night at Wells Fargo Arena.

The Wolves, six games above .500, are coming off a narrow 109-106 road loss to the Texas Legends on Sunday. Iowa’s recent strength has been anchored by center Rocco Zikarsky, who is averaging 20.1 points, 11.1 rebounds and 4.9 blocks over his last seven games. He recorded a 25-point, 10-rebound, 6-block performance in the loss to Texas.

Oklahoma City, meanwhile, snapped a two-game skid with a 125-115 victory at Memphis on Sunday. The Blue are led by guard Nikola Topic, who is averaging 19.4 points and 7.4 assists over his last eight contests. He posted 21 points and nine assists in the win over the Hustle.

Despite their overall record, the Blue have shown offensive firepower, scoring 125 or more points in four of their last five games. However, their defense remains a concern, allowing an average of 125.6 points over that stretch.

Iowa holds a significant advantage in the standings and won the previous meeting between the teams this season, 132-118, on Jan. 15. The Wolves’ interior defense, led by Zikarsky, will be tested by Topic’s playmaking and Oklahoma City’s perimeter attack.

The teams will meet again at Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CDT Thursday.