Best Games To Watch This Week: Jan. 15

It’s Sunday, which must mean that there’s yet another full week of G League action set to tip off.

We’ve got some pretty intriguing matchups on the slate in the very near future. Some of the best offenses and defenses in the league will be squaring off against each other while there will also be some interesting individual matchups worth following.

Here are some matchups that are must-watches over the next few days.

Fort Wayne Mad Ants v. G League Ignite (Jan. 16 at 6 pm/et on NBA TV)

Despite mixed results to kick off regular season action, there’s no denying that Fort Wayne boasts one of the most high-powered offenses in the entire G. Currently ranked sixth in offensive rating, they’re second in points per game (122.8) and are tied for the league-lead in made threes per game (15.0), which they’re converting at a 39.1% clip. They also log a league-leading 31.2 assists per game with the fourth-best assists to turnover ratio (1.83). They’ll be taking on a similarly offensive-minded squad in Ignite led by Scoot Henderson, who is one of just three eligible players averaging at least 19 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. A healthy amount of buckets will surely be made in this contest.

Lakeland Magic v. Sioux Falls Skyforce (Jan. 17 at 7:30 pm/et on ESPN+)

Speaking of offense, this is another battle of two very potent offensive attacks. Lakeland right now finds itself in playoff positioning thanks to a second-ranked offensive rating (118.2). They’ve been led in that department by their trio of Jay Scrubb (19.9 PTS, 5.1 REB), Zavier Simpson (17.1 PTS, 9.3 AST, 1.6 STL) and Aleem Ford, who is currently fifth in made threes per game (3.9). Meanwhile, nobody takes care of the ball better than Sioux Falls, evidenced by their league-low 11.4 turnovers per game and league-best 11.5% turnover percentage. Rookie Jamaree Bouyea, who has recorded at least 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in six of the eight games he’s played in, along with D.J. Stewart (25.9 PTS, 4.8 REB, 2.0 STL) and Mychal Mulder (19.7 PTS, 4.8 3PM), have provided consistent, meaningful contributions on that end. 

Long Island Nets v. Capital City Go-Go (Jan. 18 at 7 pm/et on ESPN+)

Two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference at the moment, this could very well shape up to be a defensive battle to the fullest. Both teams rank in the top-three in defensive rating, with Long Island currently leading in that category. The Nets also place in the top-five in steals, blocks and rebounds per game while their opponents are shooting a league-low 43% from the field. Not to be outdone, Capital City’s third-ranked defense is anchored by defensive ace Craig Sword, who is one of only three players averaging at least 2 steals and a block per contest, along with the likes of Kris Dunn (16.5 PTS, 5.1 REB, 5.0 AST, 1.9 STL) and Quenton Jackson (13.8 PTS, 3.8 REB, 2.0 STL).

Santa Cruz Warriors v. Mexico City Capitanes (Jan. 19 at 9 pm/et on NBAGLeague.com)

Mexico City has been seriously clicking on all cylinders as they’ve sprinted out to a 7-2 start. They’ve gotten big-time production from a number of guys, chief among them being the G’s second-leading scorer Mason Jones (26.1 PTS, 5.1 AST, 4.4 REB). Add in fellow former NBA vets Gary Clark (20.1 PTS, 9.6 REB), Shabazz Napier (19.8 PTS, 5.0 AST, 1.8 STL) and Kenneth Faried (14.1 PTS, 11.8 REB), and the Capitanes have the individual talent to hang with anybody. They’ll have a nice test against Santa Cruz and its seventh-ranked offense that features some productive guys of their own in Dusty Hannahs, who’s averaging more than 20 points per game while shooting 47% from deep on 7 attempts per outing, and Lester Quinones (18.6 PTS, 6.1 AST, 5.9 REB).