Maine Pursues History in Matchup with Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Maine Celtics are seeking history on Sunday when they continue their road trip against the Memphis Hustle. A win against the Hustle would be Maine's ninth consecutive victory, a new franchise record.

The Celtics (14-9) recently defeated the Indiana Mad Ants on Thursday to tie the previous franchise record winning streak of eight games set back in 2014-15. Maine is undefeated in the month of February and as of Thursday afternoon is fifth in the Eastern Conference Standings.  Maine held their opponent to less than 100 points for the fifth time in the last eight games.

This will be the second meeting between the Celtics and the Hustle this season. Maine won the first matchup just 13 days ago, 127-115 behind a monster performance by JD Davison. Davison tallied 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 13 assists to lead the Celtics and Jordan Schakel posted his best scoring performance in a Maine Celtics uniform with 26 points. In the previous matchup, Memphis was led by 33 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists by former Maine Celtic. DJ Steward. 

Memphis (9-9) is playing the second game in a back-to-back on Sunday after the Hustle downed Rio Grande Valley 136-120 on Saturday. A total team effort helped the Hustle overcome a 44-point performance by Markquis Nowell. Cam Spencer led Memphis with 25 points. DJ Steward tallied 23 points and seven assists. David Johnson added 20 points off the bench. Armando Bacot totaled 15 points and eight rebounds. Nate Hinton registered 12 points and 11 rebounds. Yuki Kawamura contributed 11 points, eight assists and three steals.

ROAD WARRIORS: This is the second game since the All-Star Break for the Maine Celtics and is the second game in a nine-game road trip for the Celtics. Maine doesn't return home to the Portland Expo until March 20.

DROPPING DIMES: Two of the best passers in the NBA G League will be on display on Sunday. Memphis guard Yuki Kawamura is ninth in the G League during the Regular Season in assists averaging 7.5 per game. JD Davison is right behind him at #10 in the G League with 7.2 assists per game.

HIGH-SCORING ACTION: The Maine Celtics have scored 120 points or more in three games during their current winning streak. They may need to score 120+ against the Hustle again on Sunday. Memphis is first in the NBA G League in points per game, averaging 121.7 points per contest in the Regular Season.

SHARPSHOOTERS: Three-point shooting will be key as both team's rely on the long ball to score. Memphis is third in the G League during the Regular Season in three-point shots made (15.5) and attempts (44.0). Maine is seventh in makes (14.6) and sixth in attempts (40.2) from beyond the arc.

WHERE TO WATCH: The Celtics and Hustle will tip-off at 6 p.m. in the Landers Center in Memphis, Tennessee. The game will broadcast live here.