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Fort Wayne Mad Ants vs. Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 10am PST
What to watch for: The Mad Ants have made some big moves and, seem to have righted the ship. The Vipers also made a big move recently, picking up Andrew "Mini-Mamba" Goudelock. With both teams capable of dropping buckets, this game is shaping up to be a battle of rebounds.
Luke Harangody and Sadiel Rojas will fight Vernon Macklin and Tim Ohlbrecht on the boards all morning to determine who wins this one.
Player to watch: Since moving to point guard, Ron Howard has added 7 assists per contest to his already impressive 21 points and 5 rebounds per game. His 19.28 PER is best in the D-League among point guards, yet he has still been completely overlooked by the NBADL.
He was snubbed on the league’s top 30 prospect list once again this week. If Ron performs to his averages, he will prove the doubters wrong and get a well-earned 10-day contract.
Other notable players: Luke Harangody, Sadiel Rojas, Tony Mitchell, Vernon Macklin, Andrew Goudelock, Tim Ohlbrecht
Springfield Armor vs. Sioux Falls Skyforce, 12:45pm PST
What to watch for: Springfield needs James Mays back at 100%, because Sioux Falls has a deep bench and a lot of scoring options. This is the kind of game where Mark Tyndale or Demetris Nichols could have a break-out performance. Ben Uzoh must show up in order for the Armor to have a chance in this contest.
Player to watch: Dennis Horner returned to the D-League right before the Showcase and is capable of having a huge game. He spent some time with the Nets last year and, could earn another shot in The Association next week.
This past weekend, Horner put up 15 points and pulled down 5 rebounds in 37 minutes played against the Canton Charge.
Other notable players: James Mays, Christian Polk, Donald Sloan, Mychel Thompson, Mark Tyndale, and Demetris Nichols
Bakersfield Jam vs. Maine Red Claws, 3:30pm PST
What to watch for: Damion James is putting up some big numbers and, could certainly give the Red Claws some headaches. Maine is currently without Chris Wright, so the team will need big performances from Micah Downs and Kris Joseph to keep this one competitive. Otherwise, the Jam’s backcourt duo of Renaldo Major and Jerel McNeal could be too much for the Red Claws to handle.
Player to watch: DaJuan Summers is a rebounding machine who is scoring 16 points per contest. The 6-foot-8 forward has done an excellent job of filling in for an injured Chris Wright. Maine will need a big game from him to keep this one close. An opportunity to play in The Association could be earned by such a performance.
Other notable players: Renaldo Major, Damion James, Jerel McNeal, Micah Downs, and Xavier Silas
Erie BayHawks vs. Reno Bighorns, 8:30pm PST
What to watch for: Henry Sims and Keith Benson tend to be a front court nightmare for any team in the D-League. Their play in the paint opens things up for the always dangerous D.J. Kennedy.
The Bighorns' own Walker Russell Jr. and Jerome Jordan will have their hands full defending against these multiple threats. Expect to see Erie win in the rebounding column, and ultimately the game.
Player to watch: D.J. Kennedy is a top prospect who is on the cusp of heading back to The Association. His 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists per contest put him among the best guards in the league. He has NBA experience, and can guard the 1, 2 or 3 spot. A strong performance next week should punch his ticket back to the big league.
Other notable players: Henry Sims, Keith Benson, Kyle Goldcamp, Walker Russell Jr., and Jerome Jordan