Week two of the season is upon us starting tomorrow, and that means it’s time to preview it.
Instead of 10 questions, though, let’s take a look at the most interesting matchups of the week. These aren’t necessarily going to be the most competitive games of the week (honestly though, every game is competitive), but they may help shape how the season goes for the teams participating.
Cavs Legion GC vs. Grizz Gaming
A tale of two trends. Grizz Gaming is trending upwards after their adjustments in week one following their TIPOFF failures. Team superstar AuthenticAfrican made the switch from center to small forward and the team is better off for it. A win against Pacers Gaming last week has given the Grizz momentum and another win against a TIPOFF playoff team could signal a resurgence (is it too early to use that word?) in this franchise.
On the flipside is Cavs Legion, who got away from what had them in the semi-finals of THE TIPOFF. The ball movement was better in week one against Jazz gaming, but that’s not necessarily a good thing. Hood had less than 20 points and the team barely made it past the half-century mark on the scoreboard in an uninspiring performance.
So what does that mean when these two meet on Saturday? Honestly, who knows, and that’s what makes this matchup so intriguing. If Cavs Legion gets back to what worked or somehow makes their new system work, they’ll probably win. Then again, Grizz Gaming is full of confidence and has some practice under their belts with their own new system. It could be a close one.
Mavs Gaming vs. 76ers Gaming Club
The current number one (76ers) and number two (Mavs) teams on my power rankings. 76ers Gaming Club was clearly the best team the first time these squads met, securing a 27-point win in the quarter-finals of THE TIPOFF, which seems like an insane result now.
In that one, no one on Mavs Gaming outside of Dimez and Dayfri could get going. JLB, Devillon and BallLikeSeem combined for just seven points. A healthier contribution from the Mavs role players would make this a closer game than two weeks ago.
This will be an opportunity for both teams to show some early dominance of the league, especially for Mavs Gaming, who play CLTX Gaming earlier in the day. Wins against the CLTX and 76ers could mean glory, while two losses will leave them with a lot of questions about where they stand.
CLTX Gaming vs. Mavs Gaming
Speaking of the CLTX versus the Mavs, it’s the CLTX versus the Mavs! Both of these teams look to be operating at full power, and first overall pick Dimez against second overall pick oFAB is always a show.
It is of course only juicier that their last meeting featured a 20-point comeback on the part of Mavs Gaming that oFAB and crew will want to avenge. It’s motivation enough to go up against one of the best teams in the league, but on the personal side of things, oFAB will want to get a win over Dimez. There is also the big man matchup between Arsonal X and Dayfri, the 33rd and 34th overall picks, respectively. Both have made their case for best center in the league by dominating the paint up to this point.
Also of interest will be if any changes are made to the CLTX after the hiring of Ricco Phinisee a.k.a. RiccoThe2KAnalyst. This was the roster he drafted, so he probably has some things in mind about how the team should play. We may even see him roaming the sideline.
Week Two Predictions
I thought last week’s slate of games was tough to predict, but there are so many questions and uncertainties heading into week two to go along with a lot of tough matchups that this could be a bad week for me, predictions-wise. But it’d be no fun to not give it a shot, so here we go.
Pistons GT over Bucks Gaming
Bucks Gaming looks better after their week one adjustments, but Pistons GT has proven to be among the league’s best.
Warriors Gaming Squad over Heat Check Gaming
I picked Heat Check last week and almost want to pick them again, but they need to show everyone they’re capable of winning games first.
Pacers Gaming over Wizards District Gaming
This depends on which Pacers team shows up: the TIPOFF team that looked like title contenders or last week’s duds.
Mavs Gaming over CLTX Gaming
I think oFAB will win the point guard battle, but the Mavs have a better supporting cast around Dimez.
Wizards District Gaming over Magic Gaming
The Magic looked better last week, but the Wizards looked good too. They should have a good time against a weak Magic defense.
Cavs Legion GC over Grizz Gaming
I talked about the Cavs taking a step backward last week, but I think they find their footing again this week. They’re still on upset watch against this Grizz team, though.
Jazz Gaming over Raptors Uprising GC
Jazz Gaming was a few seconds away from being 2-0. I like how balanced their offense is and they’ve got an underrated defense too. Raptors Uprising has a lot of things to figure out.
Cavs Legion GC over Kings Guard Gaming
These two teams play nothing but close games. You never know what Kings Guard is going to give you game to game. Probably my least confident pick.
Mavs Gaming over 76ers Gaming Club
The Mavs got blown out because more than half their team didn’t show up the last time these two teams played. I don’t think that happens again this week.
Blazer5 Gaming over Knicks Gaming
The Knicks look good, but Blazer5 will be motivated to show how good they are again after almost slipping up against Magic Gaming last week.
