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PREVIEW: SKYORCE VS. FORT WAYNE

By Sioux Falls Skyforce Staff /December 3, 2021

The Sioux Falls Skyforce will wrap up a six-game homestand this weekend with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (3-3). It marks the first time both teams will play since the 2018-19 season opener, where Sioux Falls defeated Fort Wayne 112-101 on 11/02/18.

The Skyforce (1-5) are looking to snap a two-game skid, with the latter coming in a 113-110 double-overtime last Sunday against the Cleveland Charge.

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Sioux Falls will be looking to replace the services of Ja’Vonte Smart, who was the organization’s first NBA Call-Up of the season. Smart signed a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. Dru Smith filled his role in the starting lineup, posting a career-high 15 points, six rebounds and an assist. They also received a spark on the bench from Martin Krampelj (career-high 18 points on 7-10 FGA, five rebounds and two assists) and Mike Smith (career-high 17 points on 5-9 3PA, nine rebounds and seven assists).

Guard Tarkus Ferguson was acquired by the Skyforce on Thursday via waivers to fill the open roster spot from Smart’s NBA Call-Up. Ferguson played four seasons (127 starts) at Illinois-Chicago (UIC) and posted 12.96 points, 5.35 rebounds and 4.98 assists in his collegiate career.

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The Mad Ants are 0-2 on the road this season and have dropped their last two games. Owning the rebounding battle will be a crucial facet of the upcoming series. Coming into the game, they lead the G League in rebounding, with 52.5 per game. Terry Taylor leads the league individually, as well, with 13.8 rebounds per game. Taylor has two games of 18-or-more rebounds this season and has two games with double figures in offensive boards.

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The Mad Ants also feature Indiana Pacers Two-Way players DeJon Jarreau and Duane Washington, Jr. Jarreau is averaging 7.5 points on 37.8% shooting, 3.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists, while Washington, Jr. is posting 21.2 points on 38.7% shooting, 3.67 rebounds and 4.3 assists.

Tip-off is slated for 7:00 PM CST on Friday and Saturday.

WHAT: Skyforce vs. Fort Wayne Mad Ants

WHEN: 7:00 PM CST December 3, 7:00 PM CST December 4

WHERE: Sanford Pentagon

WATCH: NBAGLeague.com