Game Preview: Skyforce vs Ignite

Last Meeting: W, 126-110 on 12/31/23 in Sioux Falls

Live Stream: ESPN+, BALY SPORTS SUN

All-Time Record: 3-0

Streak: W3

The Sioux Falls Skyforce comes into the contest with G League Ignite with an opportunity to start 4-0 in the regular season for just the third time in the team's G League era (2018-19, 2012-13) and atop of the Western Conference standings. 

A victory today would also mark consecutive season series sweeps of G League Ignite and move head coach Kasib Powell to a tie for fourth all-time in wins as head coach of the Skyforce (61). 

In the first contest, on New Year's Eve, the Skyforce led by as many as 34 points in a 126-110 route of Ignite. HEAT assignee Orlando Robinson secured his sixth straight double-double in a Skyforce uniform, going for 24 points and 12 rebounds (one shy of tying his Skyforce G League era record for consecutive double doubles), while Jamaree Bouyea added 19 points on 8-10 FGA, seven rebounds and eight assists. 

HEAT two-way player Cole Swider added 19 points on 5-9 3PA, as Justin Champagnie and Malik Williams finished with double doubles (marked the first game since last season with three-plus players securing double doubles). 

Sioux Falls looks to contain veteran John Jenkins, who led the team with 22 points on 7-13 FGA. Top 2024 NBA Draft prospect Matas Buzelis scored 13 of his 16 points in the final frame. 

The Skyforce hits the road on 1/5 (Friday) to face the Birmingham Squadron (7:00PM CST), who currently sit at 0-2 in the regular season. They return home for a 3:30 PM CST playoff rematch against the Salt Lake City Stars (0-2). 

DEFENSE DOES IT

· The Skyforce is giving up 107 points per game, which ranks 5th in the G League and 1st in teams with 3+ games played so far this season. 

· Sioux Falls has a defensive rating of 104.9, which is 4th in the G League and 1st in teams with 3+ games played. 

PUSHING THE PACE

· Sioux Falls' 118 points per game ranks 8th in the NBA G League and third for teams with 3+ games played.  The Skyforce also ranks 7th in pace of play so far this season with 104.9. 

· The team's +10 +/- ranks 2nd for teams with 3+ games played and overall net rating of 9.7 ranks 2nd in the league, as well. 

IGNITING THE FLAME

· In three victories over NBA G League Ignite, the Skyforce is averaging 126 points per gam on 47 FG% and 37.3 3P%, with 51.6 rebounds per game. 

· Sioux Falls is giving up just 112.6 points per game and out-rebounding Ignite by a little over four per contest (47 per game against the Force).