Only three matchups line the NBA 2K League schedule tonight, but with only a few weeks remaining in the season, every series is crucial. Three five-loss teams plus a six-loss squad play, while a couple of teams whose fate is already sealed will also be in action.
Bucks Gaming (5-5) vs. Jazz Gaming (9-1)
Bucks Gaming is coming off of a series loss to NetsGC to begin its week nine. Milwaukee is currently sitting outside of the playoff bubble and will need to knock off a talented team first in order to swing momentum their way. As is the same case for all middle-of-the-pack teams, the time is now to make your playoff run.
Jazz Gaming continues to roll, and outside of Raptors Uprising GC, have easily been the most consistent team all year long. Between Ria and Beezus down low with Compete locking up opposing ball-handlers, Utah flaunts a difficult defense to combat. On the other end of the court, Splashy seems to only improve with each game he plays, and his veteran backcourt mate Lotty has been a top-three shooting guard all season. Utah is easily one of the most complete teams, one through five, and poses as a roadblock to Bucks Gaming’s playoff chances.
Key Matchup: Regg vs. Elite team defense
Regg has had an incredible year, scoring and distributing with the best of them. Most recently, he and the Bucks set a record for most points scored in a single game with 111 against Celtics Crossover Gaming. This Jazz Gaming defense is one of the most intimidating around the league. Nothing will come easy for the rookie point guard tonight.
Blazer5 Gaming (5-5) vs. Grizz Gaming (5-6)
Mama Im Dat Man isn’t letting the East Coast-West Coast server issue even creep into his mind as the team prepares to face Grizz Gaming tonight. On last night’s “Freak Show” the Portland point guard stated Blazer5 Gaming was going to go into virtual Memphis and beat Grizz Gaming on its host. I expect nothing short of elite confidence from the NBA 2K League’s reigning MVP award winner.
Grizz Gaming was a squad we weren’t sure a month into the season. Memphis had dropped several series, and their record was well below .500. Then, something clicked, and both Vandi and Goofy hit their respective strides, and here they are: right in the thick of the playoff hunt. Beating Portland tonight would prove valuable, as the two are likely fighting for similar playoff spots.
Key Matchup: Authentic African vs. Mama Im Dat Man
AuthenticAfrican went from a top big man in this league to holding down Memphis’ defense as their lockdown, and he’s thrived during the transition. Mama is obviously one of the best shooters and all-around point guards this league has to offer. Elite defense vs. elite offense tonight.
Cavs Legion GC (4-5) vs. Celtics Crossover Gaming (0-11)
Cavs Legion GC is ready to embark on its playoff push, but a daunting schedule awaits them to close out the regular season. Fortunately for Cleveland, the team has found another gear lately, going 6-6 in total games against a group of potential playoff teams that include NetsGC, T-Wolves Gaming, Gen.G Tigers of Shanghai and Wizards District Gaming (twice). Tonight’s game is a must-win for the Cavs to stay in the race, especially knowing the Jazz, Kings Guard Gaming and Raptors are waiting around the corner.
For Celtics Crossover Gaming, its chances at securing a playoff spot disappeared several weeks ago, but they can still play spoiler and attempt to build some momentum headed into the Ticket. The narrative has been beaten to death by now: Fab continues to put up points but isn’t able to get consistent support from his team, while the defense struggles to get stops. The Celtics got the team they wanted heading into season three, but it hasn’t provided them with the results they were expecting.
Key Matchup: Doza vs. Boston’s perimeter defense
That aforementioned “next gear” has come on the heels of Doza’s recent shooting prowess. After being called out by Brooklyn’s point guard Choc in one of Mama’s Freakshow periscopes, Doza has shown flashes of elite play. Give credit to Strainer for putting his teammate in a position to succeed like he said he would, because when Doza is firing on all cylinders, Cleveland has a chance at making a legitimate push.
