Week nine is here with expectations, excitement, and a playoff push in the air. Let’s preview what the week has to offer, as well as answer some of its most pressing questions.
Must-Watch Series of the Week
1. T-Wolves Gaming (6-5) vs. Hornets Venom GT (7-4)
According to Type, this game may be his entrance back into the starting lineup, as the star center stated “I guarantee I’m coming back very soon” on Mama’s ‘Freak Show’ last week. Charlotte has undoubtedly missed having the big man on the court, but Zae has filled in nicely in recent weeks. At 7-4, Hornets Venom remains a few games ahead of the next tier of teams, but that could always change.
In addition, if T-Wolves Gaming drops this series, it will extend the losing streak to three, while also evening its wins and losses at six apiece. Instead, the team could rebound from a small stretch of bad basketball and swing momentum their way in time for the late-season push. Possible playoff implications could already be on the line in Minnesota as we enter week nine.
2. Kings Guard Gaming (7-3) vs. Hawks Talon GC (3-5)
Raise your hand if you can name a few players that may have this game circled on their calendars. I can think of a few. Shotz already had one opportunity at revenge against his former team, beating Atlanta twice and preventing them from advancing during the Tipoff Tournament. Looking back on the trade, factoring in all parts, I think we can all agree on which team won the deal as of right now.
BP, broken hand and all, let it be known before ever suiting up for the Kings that he preferred to play elsewhere. In the offseason, his wish was granted, but he and the Hawks haven’t tasted the same success his former team has enjoyed during remote play. Despite falling short in tournament play, BP has a crack at revenge again, along with an opportunity to turn his new team’s season around, making this an easy must-watch series.
3. Bucks Gaming (5-4) vs. NetsGC (5-4)
Two teams not exactly known for their defensive prowess. Two talented 2020 rookie point guards, who have both enjoyed early success during their respective careers. Two teams with identical records who very well might end up fighting for the same playoff spots—just like last season. This matchup might not stand out to most people, but I think this series ends up being one of the most entertaining week nine will have to offer, including possessing potential playoff impact down the line. The first volume of Choc vs. Regg is primed to entertain all 2K League viewers.
More Likely: Raptors Uprising GC finishes undefeated or Celtics Crossover Gaming finishes winless?
I hate to kick a team while it’s down, and this is essentially doing that, but this is a common question I see floating around Twitter, so let’s talk about it. First, let’s take a look at each team’s remaining schedules.
Celtics Crossover: Cavs Legion GC, Pacers Gaming, Heat Check Gaming Squad, Warriors Gaming Squad, Hawks Talon GC
Raptors Uprising: Pacers Gaming, Kings Guard Gaming, Lakers Gaming, Cavs Legion GC
Personally, I feel like Boston can compete with both Pacers Gaming and Heat Check Gaming. Indy has been shuffling its lineup all season, with no consistent success to show for it. Miami has experienced troubles of their own this season, turning in a disappointing 3-7 record so far. Through it all, Celtics Crossover still rosters one of the most talented point guards this league has to offer. While their playoff hopes might be shot, Fab is still very capable of pulling off an upset or two.
But that’s not the question. No matter who’s Toronto playing, you just feel as if they’re going to walk away with a pair of dominant wins either way. Kings Guard Gaming poses the biggest threat at blemishing the Raptors record, but they’ve already played, and guess what happened? Two dominant Toronto wins. If I’m forced to answer this question as presented, gun to my head, it’s more likely the Raptors finish the season undefeated.
More wins: 76ers GC or Pistons GT?
A pair of teams sitting with 2-8 records after a disappointing season’s start overextended itself. Both of these teams share a ton of similarities if you look at them. Radiant and Ramo are easily two of the highest regarded pros in league history. Both had higher expectations entering this season. Both have disappointed. Mightily. So which team finishes with more wins, Philly or Detroit? You know the drill, let’s look at remaining schedules:
76ers GC: Lakers Gaming, Knicks Gaming, NetsGC, Hawks Talon GC, Blazer5 Gaming, Wizards District Gaming
Pistons GT: Kings Guard Gaming, Magic Gaming, Warriors Gaming Squad, Blazer5 Gaming Squad, Jazz Gaming, Gen.G Tigers
Both teams have tough schedules, but 76ers GC undeniably has the easiest single series remaining, as Lakers Gaming should provide a real opportunity to add a win. If Pistons GT didn’t have such an intimidating schedule, I’d choose them based on their fight and what Ramo brings to the table. For now, I lean 76ers GC but if the team can’t win against Lakers Gaming this week, things start to look bleak.
Week nine byes: Wizards District Gaming, Raptors Uprising GC, Gen.G Tigers, and Heat Check Gaming
