Four more series on Thursday night, featuring arguably the most important series of the season to date between playoff hopefuls Bucks Gaming and Grizz Gaming.
Wizards District Gaming (11-2) vs. Gen.G Tigers of Shanghai (5-8)
Wizards District Gaming didn’t have much time to celebrate its return to the post-season. now setting their eyes on reclaiming the second seed. While no one would blame Washington for looking past the Gen.G Tigers and onto next week’s opponents, tonight is still a must-win if the Wiz want to keep pace with Jazz Gaming. Look for the Wizards to impose their perfect balance of methodical offense and fundamentally sound defense on the Tigers’ breakneck style.
The Tigers’ volatility finally found caught up to them and they now must fight their way through a gauntlet to reclaim a playoff berth. Once viewed as one of two expansion teams destined to continue the inaugural-season success of T-Wolves Gaming, Gen.G is now stuck trying to figure out what lineup gives them the best chance in preparation for the Ticket.
Key Matchup: Dayfri vs. Deadeye
Dayfri has officially punched his ticket to the postseason for the first time in his career. If it’s safe to assume no one is more difficult on Dayfri than Dayfri himself, it’ll be fun to see if finally achieving this milestone unlocks another level of confidence for the veteran center. He’s never needed validation from his peers or from he media.
Raptors Uprising GC (14-0) vs. Lakers Gaming (3-11)
Kenny and co. have just two series left before polishing off their perfect 16-0 regular-season record. After defeating Kings Guard Gaming in a tightly contested series last night, expect Raptors Uprising GC to put away Lakers Gaming early in search of a record-setting fifteenth win.
Lakers Gaming has made some noise in recent weeks. During the Turn, LA shocked everybody, sweeping Grizz Gaming handily while advancing to the tournament’s round-of-16. Last night’s win over Heat Check Gaming wasn’t necessarily a shock, but it’s notable anytime a team with two wins claims a series. Raptors Uprising GC poses a more lethal threat than last night’s opponent. LA will have to come out firing on all cylinders to stand a chance.
Key Matchup: Lakers Gaming vs. Turnovers
There’s somewhat of a blueprint when it comes to competing with Toronto. It’s simple really: limit turnovers, don’t let them run in transition, force Kenny, Timely, and Reece to use different archetypes… but alas. There’s no blueprint, but limiting turnovers is step one and Sav will have to take care of the ball if LA wants to even compete with Toronto tonight.
Celtics Crossover (2-11) vs. Warriors Gaming Squad (11-3)
Celtics Crossover Gaming is coming off a surprising 2-1 series win over Heat Check Gaming. However, what’s more surprising than the win itself was the fact that Boston was able to succeed without star point guard Fab. While the strength of their opponent wasn’t top tier, the Celtics rallying to earn their second win of the season was more than enough reason to celebrate. It’ll take a more herculean team effort for them to overcome Warriors Gaming Squad, but even a competitive result could give Boston the confidence it needs going into the Ticket.
Golden State is also coming off their own game three victory after taking down the defending champs in T-Wolves Gaming. With a playoff spot already in the bag, the Warriors can now focus on trying to catch the Jazz or Wizards. There’s potential for some jockeying near the top of the standings, with a few tough outs remaining on Utah and Washington’s schedules.
Key Matchup: Bulleyy vs. CB13
While Bulleyy didn’t look comfortable shooting from deep, he did an admirable job of filling in for Fab at point guard. It took him a few reps to get settled in, but when it mattered most, Bulleyy dropped 28 points to close out the series. His contributions tonight will be compared to one of the most respected point guards in the league in CB13. Like Bulleyy, CB13 has been more comfortable scoring inside, but as a bonafide scorer and playmaker, he’ll likely give Celtics fits all night.
Bucks Gaming (7-6) vs. Grizz Gaming (7-7)
Bucks Gaming can kill two birds with one stone tonight. Not only will a win clear up their murky playoff picture, but would also essentially knock out fellow first-time playoff hopefuls Grizz Gaming at the same time. Rookie point guard Regg has hit another gear in the last month, hitting game-winners while recording ridiculous stat lines as his team makes its playoff push. A few weeks from now, this is a series we’ll be able to look back on and see the ripple effects it had on the playoffs.
Grizz Gaming was hitting its stride heading into the Turn. Goofy, AuthenticAfrican, and fearless point guard Vandi had rebounded from a 0-4 start, revitalizing what seemed like a lost 2020 season. While Memphis fell short on their tournament prospects, they know it’s win-or-go-home time. Expect two desperate teams tonight in what should make for entertaining NBA 2K League action.
Key Matchup: AuthenticAfrican vs. Regg
Both teams will be hungry for a win tonight, and it all comes down to this matchup. It’s no secret Bucks Gaming struggles on the defensive side of the ball. Regg will have to run a clean offense while scoring plenty of points, in order to limit Grizz Gaming’s transition opportunities and give his defense a chance. AuthenticAfrican, I’m sure, has other plans as he gears up for a late-season playoff run.