GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Interstat) — Two teams fighting to climb out of the G League’s Western Conference cellar will meet Friday when the Grand Rapids Gold host the Birmingham Squadron at Van Andel Arena.

The matchup features two of the league’s hottest players in contrasting roles. Birmingham (21-28) rides a five-game winning streak, powered by the spectacular play of guard Trey Alexander. Over his last six games, Alexander is averaging a staggering 33.5 points and 10.5 assists, including a 31-point, 13-assist performance in a 122-95 rout of Grand Rapids on March 11. He is coming off a 29-point, 12-assist effort in a 134-133 win over Windy City on Tuesday.

Grand Rapids (20-29), mired in a four-game skid, counters with versatile big man Coleman Hawkins. Despite the losses, Hawkins has been a triple-double threat, averaging 9.1 points, 10.1 rebounds and 8.2 assists over his last nine contests. He recorded a 15-assist, 12-rebound, three-block game in Saturday’s 119-111 loss at South Bay.

The Squadron have found their rhythm offensively, scoring at least 122 points in each game during their streak, which includes two overtime victories. Center Hunter Dickinson, who had 24 points and 16 rebounds Tuesday, provides a formidable interior presence alongside Alexander’s backcourt brilliance.

The Gold, meanwhile, have struggled to close games, with three of their last four losses decided by eight points or fewer. Guard K.J. Simpson provides scoring punch, dropping 31 points in the last outing, but the team will need a more consistent defensive effort after allowing Birmingham to shoot 54% in the March 11 meeting.

Friday’s contest is the second of a two-game regular-season series. With both teams separated by just one game in the standings, the result could prove pivotal for late-season positioning. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EDT.