Series Preview: vs Spurs

All-Time Record: 14-20

Last Meeting: 112-116 on 3/10/22

Streak: L3

The Skyforce comes into the game Friday with a lot on the line. In the finale of four-of-five games at home, Sioux Falls will need a win to continue playoff momentum. The team still controls its destiny with all 10 games left this season being against teams in the playoffs, or just ahead of them in the Western Conference picture.

Sioux Falls still sits just one-game back of the Stockton Kings for the sixth and final Western Conference spot. They are two games out of Austin for the fifth seed, who defeated the Skyforce 116-112 on Thursday. The fourth seed is also still within striking distance, as Sioux Falls is 2.5 games behind the Birmingham Squadron. The Force makes its first trip to Birmingham on Mar. 22-23.

Not only is the Force looking to continue to climb up the Western Conference standings, but they are also looking to avoid being swept in the season series by Austin for the first time since 2017-18.

Containing the newly acquired two-way duo of DJ Stewart and Robert Woodard II will be crucial for the Force tonight. They were held in check in the first half, scoring 12 points on 5-13 FGA. However, in the second half they combined for 26 points on 11-14 FGA. Denzel Mahoney led off the bench with 19 points on 8-12 FGA and five rebounds for the Spurs.

For the Skyforce, in their first game together, HEAT two-way players Javonte Smart (21 points, six rebounds and six assists) and Kyle Guy (10 points and two rebounds) both shot under 40% from the field.

Mychal Mulder (11 points and four rebounds), who has been crucial for opening the offense for Sioux Falls since his return, scored five points on 2-6 FGA in the first half Thursday. In the previous two games combined Mulder had 29 points on 9-15 FGA in the opening two quarters. Mario Chalmers posted his second double-double in three games, with 17 points and 10 assists. He tallied 39% of the Force's assists on Thursday.

Sioux Falls will hit the road for two games in Texas after the game with Austin, with the first being on Tuesday at the Texas Legends at 7:00 PM CST. Austin hosts the Iowa Wolves on Sunday at 2:00 PM CST.

WHAT: Skyforce vs Austin Spurs

WHEN: 7:00 PM CST on Fri day

WHERE: Sanford Pentagon

WATCH: NBAGLeague.com

TICKETS: Ticketmaster.com