Preview: Skyforce Face Lakers in Key G League Clash

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (Interstat) — The surging South Bay Lakers host the Sioux Falls Skyforce in a G League matchup on Thursday night at the UCLA Health Training Center.

The Lakers (31-16) enter on a strong run, having won nine of their last 10 games. Their most recent victory was a 119-111 decision over Grand Rapids on Saturday. Center Malik Williams has been a dominant force, averaging a double-double during this stretch. He posted 19 points and 15 rebounds in the win over Grand Rapids, his fourth double-double in five games.

The Skyforce (26-22) look to rebound after a 116-105 home loss to Mexico City on Saturday. Sioux Falls had won three of its previous four before that defeat. A key performer has been center Vladislav Goldin, who tallied 16 points, eight rebounds and four blocks against Mexico City. He recorded a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds in a win at Memphis on March 5.

South Bay won the season’s first head-to-head meeting decisively, defeating Sioux Falls 130-106 in South Dakota on Dec. 20.

The Lakers’ success has been built on consistent production, particularly from Williams, who has scored in double figures in 10 consecutive games. Guard R.J. Davis added 22 points in Saturday’s win.

For Sioux Falls, Goldin’s interior presence will be critical against Williams. Support from Josh Christopher, who scored 24 points in the loss to Mexico City, will also be needed.

The game tips off at 7 p.m. PDT. The teams will meet again at the same venue on Saturday.