Lightning Get First Look at The Edge

The Lightning will face the newest team in the NBL this evening when they take on the St. John's Edge for the first time this season. 

Lightning will be without big man, Royce White, who has been suspended for one game by the league for his actions in Thursday night's loss to the Saint John Riptide. Mo Bolden (finger) and Ryan Anderson (hip/ankle) will also sit out of tonight's game. 

The Edge has started their inaugural season off on the right foot and sit atop the Central division at 5-2. They are led by Canadian Carl English, who is averaging 27 points per game along with five rebounds and three assists, while shooting just under 50% from the floor and 43% from the three.

Other key pieces for the Edge include Canadian forward, Grandy Glaze who is averaging 13 points per game along with nine rebounds, and Charles Hinkle who is averaging 20 points per game while shooting 46% from three along with seven rebounds a game. Hinkle was just named the Central division player of the week.

The Lightning will need to control Glaze inside and keep him off the boards, newcomers Bryan Akinkugbe and Yohanny Dalembert along with Kirk Williams Jr. will step into that role tonight with White out of the lineup.

The Lightning will look for Garrett Williamson as he averages 20 points and six rebounds per game, he is crucial on both ends of the floor. Expect Joel Friesen-Latty to have the ball in his hands often tonight as well, he is averaging 15 points a game, shooting 48% from beyond the arch.

Keys to the game for the Lightning:

• Control the boards. The Lightning are being out rebounded by an average of nine boards per game.
• Defense. Defense and rebounding go hand in hand. The Bolts must be better on the defensive end of the court which leads to…
• Fast break. Controlling the boards will lead to fast break opportunities.
• Team play. The Lightning need to move the ball and get everyone involved. Players to watch include Sefton Barrett, Marcus Capers, and Martin Dixon-Green who can all impact the game.

Tip-off for tonight's game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. NST (5:30 p.m. EST). Live stats and live stream can be found here.