Preview: Maine Celtics at Greensboro Swarm

GREENSBORO, N.C. (Interstat) — A pivotal NBA G League matchup with playoff implications is set for Tuesday when the Maine Celtics visit the Greensboro Swarm at Greensboro Coliseum Fieldhouse.

The Swarm (34-16) enter as one of the league’s top teams, holding a significant edge in the standings over the visiting Celtics (26-23). Greensboro seeks to rebound from a tough 141-138 overtime loss to College Park on Saturday, despite a 21-point, 12-rebound performance from forward Tosan Evbuomwan.

Evbuomwan, a player to watch for the Swarm, has been a consistent force, averaging a double-double over his last seven games. His interior presence will be critical against a Maine squad looking to improve its position in the Eastern Conference.

The Celtics counter with forward Kendall Brown, who is coming off a stellar stretch. Brown scored 21 points in Maine’s 130-105 rout of Cleveland last Tuesday and averaged 22.3 points over a three-game span from March 17-24. His two-way versatility will be key for Maine’s chances on the road.

The season series has been tightly contested. The teams split a two-game set in Maine in January, with the Celtics winning the most recent meeting 147-138 on Jan. 25. Their two games in Greensboro in November both went down to the wire, with the Swarm securing a 122-120 win and a 131-129 overtime victory.

Maine has won three of its last five, including two decisive victories over Cleveland last week. Greensboro has faced a challenging schedule recently, going 3-4 over its last seven games against several top opponents.

Tuesday’s contest will feature a contrast in styles. The Celtics will rely on Brown and guard Keon Johnson, who had 21 points and 11 assists in the last meeting with Cleveland, to generate offense. The Swarm will look to Evbuomwan and center P.J. Hall, who is coming off a 20-point, 10-rebound game, to control the paint and pace.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EDT.