Week 10 rolls along with an immensely crucial NetsGC vs. Grizz Gaming matchup, while Bucks Gaming, with playoff aspirations of its own, takes on another West Coast team and Heat Check and Magic Gaming face off in the battle of Florida.
Heat Check Gaming (3-7) vs. Magic Gaming (4-9)
We haven’t seen Heat Check Gaming play since its head-turning win against the Gen.G Tigers back in week eight. In that matchup, we saw the perfect balance between having a more team-oriented attack (all five players scoring in double digits in game one), and GlennRatty going supernova in game two, dropping 44 points. While the Heat likely won’t be chasing a playoff spot to close out the season, tonight’s game is winnable and should continue to boost Miami’s confidence headed into the remaining two tournaments.
Meanwhile for Magic Gaming, it’s been a rather bumpy season—minus their games against west coast teams—and while their playoff hopes have faded, tonight’s matchup provides the team with an opportunity to work on a stagnant offense. Far too often do the Magic go on scoring droughts, and this was especially on display during their 0-4 stretch last week against Hawks Talon GC and Pistons GT.
Key Matchup: Three-point shooting vs. three-point defense
Lately, Miami hasn’t taken a lot of threes, while Orlando likes to shoot a lot of threes but doesn’t necessarily make them. How each team decides to frame its defense around these facts could prove the difference maker. Ironically, this could also set the stage for a three-point barrage.
NetsGC (7-5) vs. Grizz Gaming (6-6)
A loss against streaking 76ers GC opens up week ten play for NetsGC. Choc looks to quickly rebound, and secure a playoff spot for his franchise, but he’s slated to play a team with similar motivation to win. If Brooklyn drops this series, their record would match the ‘gritty Grizz’ at 7-6 as we head into week eleven. Major playoff implications riding on this matchup.
From 0-4 to 6-6, Grizz Gaming poses as a serious threat to steal a playoff spot away from any team suffering a late season slump. As we hinted at above, a Memphis win serves as an opportunity for Vandi and co. to pull themselves closer to their playoff race opposition. As far as Grizz Gaming’s comeback plans have gone according to plan, NetsGC could prove to be the nail in their coffin.
Key Matchup: Choc vs. Vandi
I know they won’t be guarding one another, but a pair of the league’s most talented point guards squaring off has to be our key matchup. Both players play an incredibly fun brand of basketball, creating scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates all game, each series.
Wizards DG (10-2) vs. Pacers Gaming (4-9)
After releasing their hold on the second seed in a letdown series against Jazz Gaming, Wizards District Gaming bounced back in dominating fashion by sweeping Hawks Talon last night. If they want to keep pace with the Jazz, they’ll first need to defeat a vulnerable but desperate Pacers Gaming team.
Indiana has been the Rubik’s Cube of the league during season three. Various combinations make it look like they are one step closer to figuring out the puzzle, but the occasional dead ends and second-guessing scare them into believing they may have taken a step back. Fortunately, there’s talent and time to stumble onto the winning formula before the final two tournaments.
Key Matchup: Dayfri vs. Pacers Gaming’s inside attack
Assuming the lineup stays the same for Indiana, Dayfri will have his hands full dealing with the increased amount of traffic in the paint. On top of keeping Bobby Buckets off the glass, he’ll also have to help out on any Swizurk post ups or Jomar drives. The Pacers offense looked lively in their games against Brooklyn, and it’ll be up to Dayfri to stifle that momentum.
Warriors Gaming Squad (9-3) vs. Bucks Gaming (6-5)
Warriors Gaming Squad is coming off a series sweep of Pistons GT less than 24 hours ago. While game one provided us with a pair of overtime periods, the team managed to take game two with ease. With a 9-3 record, Golden State virtually controls its own destiny as far as playoff positioning goes. Winning out means locking in a top-four seed, and that begins with Bucks Gaming this evening.
There’s not a rookie point guard, or any point guard for that matter, that’s playing at a higher level than Regg has in the last week or so. Bucks Gaming is coming off a series upset in which the team knocked off Jazz Gaming as Regg averaged 34 points and 12 assists on 64% shooting. In order to strengthen their playoff chances, and keep momentum swinging their way, Milwaukee will have to bottle up the consistent CB13-led Warrior offense.
Key Matchup: Ty vs. CB13
It’s no secret that this Bucks Gaming defense has struggled heavily at times this season. Their primary lockdown defender Ty isn’t immune to these struggles, but has improved with recent play. Tonight, the Bucks will need to play the best defense they’ve played all year long to contain CB13 and Golden State’s potent offensive attack.
