Maine matches up with Motor City twice at the Expo

PORTLAND, Maine. - The Maine Celtics will face the Motor City Cruise in the first game of a back-to-back series on Wednesday night at the Portland Expo.

The two games between the Celtics and Cruise could have major implications in the Eastern Conference standings when the regular season is all said and done. Entering Wednesday's matchup, Maine (11-10) and Motor City (10-10) are both on the outside looking in, with just a half game separating the two teams in the standings.

Wednesday night's game will tip-off at 7 p.m. in Portland and will broadcast live on ESPN+ and on tape delay on NBC Sports Boston.

Maine has lost five of its last eight games, including a 123-120 loss to the Iowa Wolves on February 7. With just eight players available on the second of a back-to-back, the Celtics were led by an outstanding performance by Max Shulga – 35 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists and 5 steals. Jalen Bridges finished with 24 points, while Hank Morgan added 16 off the bench.

Amari Williams will play his first game while on assignment at the Portland Expo since the rookie's Two-Way contract was converted to a full NBA contract last week. Williams has played in 21 games for Maine this season, averaging 15.1 points, 11.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game. Williams has recorded two triple doubles and 10 double-doubles with Maine this season. In Boston, Williams has appeared in 13 games, averaging 1.7 points and 2.1 rebounds in 8.2 minutes per game.

Filling the open Two-Way contract that previously was allocated to Williams is second round draft pick John Tonje. Tonje was acquired via a trade between Boston and the Utah Jazz. Tonje has played in 32 G League games for Salt Lake City this season, averaging 18.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.4
assists, and 1.0 steals. Tonje was selected by the Jazz with the 53rd overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft after five collegiate seasons. Tonje scored 27 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for Salt Lake City in their game at Maine on Jan. 9.

Motor City brings some familiar faces back to the Expo. Three former Maine Celtics players will suit up for the Cruise in Wendell Moore Jr. Makai Mitchell, and Drew Peterson. Peterson played two seasons in Maine on a Two-Way contract. Peterson averaged 16.6 points per game in 63 career games, and was part of the Celtics team that made a run to the NBA G League Finals in 2024. Wendell Moore Jr. played just two games with Maine at the start of the season before signing a Two-Way deal with the Detroit Pistons. Makhi Mitchell played 14 games for Maine this season, averaging 4.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.