Series Preview: at Lakers

All-Time Record: 10-16

Last Meeting: 126-139 on March 31 in El Segundo

Streak: L2

Tonight’s matchup with the South Bay Lakers will be the final game of the 2021-22 season, as the Sioux Falls Skyforce were officially eliminated from Western Conference playoff contention after Sunday’s loss to the OKC Blue.

Saturday’s game marks just the second time since 2017 that the Skyforce will play a game in the month of April. They defeated the Austin Spurs 136-120 on April 1, 2017, behind Keith Benson’s 28 points and 10 rebounds.

The Force fought hard on Thursday night, despite the 139-126 loss to South Bay, as they set season highs in points in a quarter (44 in the first) and points in a half (78 in the first). It also marked just the third time this season that Sioux Falls has lost a game while shooting over 50% from the field (53% on 44-83 FGA).

Thursday’s loss was also the first time this season the Skyforce has lost a game when scoring more than 117 points this season, as they were 5-0 before the contest.

The Lakers shot 58.2% from the field on Thursday (57-98 FGA). This was the highest a team has shot against the Skyforce this season. To secure a victory in the regular season finale, Sioux Falls will need to limit Los Angeles Lakers two-way player Mason Jones and Elijah Cain. The duo went off for 53 points on 21-33 FGA. There was no drop-off with the bench, as Tremont Waters posted 25 points on 10-18 FGA and 10 assists.

Seven Skyforce players scored in double figures on Thursday, with four of them shooting over 50% from the field. Mario Chalmers helped space the offense, with his 17 points on 4-8 FGA and 12 assists. Chalmers accounted for 43% of the team’s assists on Thursday.

Stay up-to-date with all things Skyforce in the offseason, by following the team's social media handles and checking in to the team website.

WHAT: Skyforce at South Bay Lakers

WHEN: 7:00 PM CST on Saturday

WHERE: UCLA Health Training Center

WATCH: NBAGLeague.com