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NBA D-League Game Preview: Tulsa 66ers Vs. Sioux Falls Skyforce

Top NBADL prospects will face off against NBA assignees in this Wednesday afternoon's D-League matchup between the 66ers and Skyforce. The outcome of this game could be key in determining who gets an early call-up and who remains in the D-League.

By Ryan Ripley
Daniel Orton
Daniel Orton
Mark D. Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Part of the fun of following the D-League is the interesting scenarios that occur. On Wednesday afternoon, the Sioux Falls Skyforce will play the Tulsa 66ers. This game is shaping up to be a battle between some of the league's top prospects, and a number of NBA assignees. Both teams are also undefeated at 3-0. Following this game, there will only be one perfect record left in the NBADL.

Tulsa recently acquired three Oklahoma City Thunder players on assignment. Guard Jeremy Lamb had an impressive first outing with the 66ers: 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists. Forward Daniel Orton has been with team for three games, and is so far averaging 13.7 points and 11 rebounds. Big man Perry Jones III will also join the team tomorrow for his first game as a 66er. Clearly the team is stacked with NBA talent.

However, the Skyforce have some of the top prospects in the NBADL.

Jarvis Varnado is the top power forward in the D-League. He is currently averaging 15.7 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. His shot blocking ability (averaging 6 per game) makes him a great defensive weapon. Orton is a great match-up for Varnado, but should the Skyforce forward come out on top, it could solidify his top prospect status. This is an exciting match-up that will likely determine the outcome of the game.

In the backcourt, the Skyforce have Andrew Goudelock and Troy Hudson, both of whom have NBA experience. Goudelock is regarded as a top guard in the league, averaging 23.7 points a game. Hudson has early on been overlooked, but has started the D-League season strong with 19.7 points. Each guard's defensive ability will also get a real test as they look to contain Lamb.

This game promises to be an exciting one. The backcourt battle will determine the pace of the contest. It will be especially interesting to see how Goudelock does defensively on Lamb. Keep a close eye on Varnado as well. If he is able to put up his usual numbers, the Skyforce should be well positioned to take on the immense NBA talent that the 66ers bring to the court.