The final night of week nine sees plenty of playoff implications at stake, with Cavs Legion GC and Jazz Gaming vying for positioning and Hawks Talon GC taking on Kings Guard Gaming in a BP vs. Dat Boy Shotz grudge match in the game of the week.
Pacers Gaming (4-7) vs. Celtics Crossover (0-11)
Celtics Crossover Gaming was one game away from securing its first win of the season but unfortunately didn’t game plan for any possible connection issues. Some of the Celtics went to social media to voice their displeasure, citing the times they had to deal with delays in the past. None of this mattered, however, and now Boston must quickly regroup and prepare for new-look Pacers Gaming.
Indiana is fresh off a bit of its own controversy, likely dropping a series due to connection issues which ultimately set the stage for the classic ‘teleport the entire defense to halfcourt’ finish. Despite this, the Pacers did have plenty of film to go over as they continuously failed to put the Nets away at numerous points throughout the series. It’s likely neither of these teams end up in that final playoff spot, so tonight’s contest should be a good opportunity to build on some of their recent success.
Key Matchup: Jomar vs. Fab
In what is one of the unlikeliest “Key Matchups” of all time, the Pacers’ Jomar and the Celtics’ Fab will clash in what should be a fun point guard battle tonight. With a surprise move from center, Jomar provided the Pacers with the type of offense the team had been sorely missing all season. His experience handling the ball as the NBA 2K MyTeam champion proved valuable in the recent game against Brooklyn. If he counters even half of Fab’s own scoring prowess, then the Pacers may be able to keep the Celtics winless.
Magic Gaming (4-8) vs. Pistons GT (2-9)
Magic Gaming had a tough series to open the week, being swept handily by Hawks Talon GC on Tuesday evening. Both losses were by double-digit margins and the Orlando offense was stagnant as ever. We keep bringing up potential playoff scenarios, and I’m just not sure Magic Gaming is a team we should be involving in those conversations anymore. This squad has specialized in upsets this season, so never say never, but the clock is ticking on its 2020 campaign.
“Facility Pistons GT” sounded a lot cooler than what reality had in store for us. Detroit was supposed to get in their facility and begin their Cinderella-esque run to the playoffs. In an alternate world, Ramo is screaming “REALO” and DemonJT is in opposing point guards’ heads on stage, but 2020 has disappointed us in a variety of ways. Sitting at 2-9, winning the Ticket is the only way this team sniffs the playoffs, but they can help play spoiler along the way. Beating Magic Gaming tonight would all but seal Orlando’s fate.
Key Matchup: Ramo vs. May
Just typing the words “REALO” above had me ready to run through a brick wall. May will need to match the virtual intensity Ramo brings to the table for Orlando to have a chance down low tonight. May, the steadiest of Magic Gaming’s roster this season, against Ramo in the paint will be a show for all viewers.
Cavs Legion GC (4-5) vs. Jazz Gaming (9-2)
Hopefully the internet in Cleveland is good to go tonight, since tonight is a key series for both teams, but especially for Cavs Legion GC, who currently sits outside of the playoff bubble. While we have no idea what the final results of the Boston series may end up being, a win against Jazz Gaming is necessary nonetheless. As Strainer and co. gear up for their final playoff push, Utah aims to rebound from a tough loss to Bucks Gaming last night.
Jazz Gaming will certainly come out hungry for a win tonight. The team dropped its first regular season series since the opening month, and while the sky isn’t falling in Utah, a win against Cavs Legion would steer the ship straight. Currently, Jazz Gaming has all but clinched a spot in the playoffs, and at 9-2 are fighting for the best possible playoff seeding. A win keeps Jazz Gaming top-two, but a loss allows Washington Gaming District to slide ahead. Playoff implications are on the line for both squads tonight.
Key Matchup: Godddof2K vs. Splashy
Tonight we have a DPOY winner matching up with a talented rookie ball-handler with the playoffs on the line. Splashy has been one of the best the 2020 draft class has had to offer, but tonight he draws a challenging assignment: outplaying 2019’s top defensive player.
Kings Guard Gaming (8-3) vs. Hawks Talon GC (4-5)
The team hailing from Sacramento continue to live like kings lately, not having lost a regular season game in almost a month, and that was against the west coast warriors in Magic Gaming. Not allowing their Tipoff Tournament finals letdown affect their momentum, Kings Guard tamed T-Wolves Gaming before slowing down Pistons GT in their last two matchups. This team’s identity as a gritty group with a stout defense and opportunistic offense has made them elite and should bode well for the Turn Tournament and eventual playoff stretch.
Meanwhile in Atlanta, Hawks Talon GC took a quick break from taking on a laundry list of elite teams and defeated the aforementioned Magic earlier in the week. When you have the firepower Atlanta has, you’re never out of a game, and despite the slow starts in game one and two, the Hawks were able to claw back. BP—going up against his former team—is still as talented as ever, but he’s also been getting a lot of help lately.
Key Matchup: Kel vs. Bash
Earlier in the season, when BP got cold, the entire Hawks team was prone to folding as well. However, with Kel exploding from the two spot, Atlanta now has the ability to keep pace while BP finds his rhythm or tries to get off a cold ring. Against Orlando, he averaged 26.5 points on 71% shooting, while also shooting 54% from deep. While Crush will likely chase BP around the court, Bash will have to account for Kel on every possession. The rookie did a great job of making life difficult for Demon JT a few nights ago and will attempt to duplicate that against Atlanta.
