Whether it’s an automatic trip to the Ticket finals or one of the few remaining playoff spots, all four games have something on the line tonight.
Hornets Venom GT (8-6) vs. Nets GC (8-7), 7 p.m.
In what will be the game with the most on the line tonight, Hornets Venom GT and NetsGC will clash for their playoff lives to kick off this evening’s action. The Hornets have looked solid since Type’s return to the starting lineup, shaking off a bit of rust against Atlanta before confidently defeating the Tigers.
Brooklyn is officially in must-win mode even after reverse sweeping the Knicks last night. With the Bucks and T-Wolves favored to win in their remaining games this week, a loss to the Hornets would likely spell doom. A win tonight, however, would guarantee the team’s first playoff appearance.
Key Matchup: Hornets fast break vs. Nets’ offensive execution
Charlotte was at its best early in the season causing havoc on defense before breaking out into a sprint the other way. With Choc having the ball in his hands most of the time, his—along with the rest of the team’s—decision making will be key in preventing easy baskets for the Hornets.
Hawks Talon GC (6-8) vs. Celtics Crossover Gaming (3-12), 7 p.m.
With the 10th seed now being awarded an automatic trip to the Ticket finals, Hawks Talon GC has reason to continue its winning ways during the final week of regular season play. Considering who their remaining two opponents are—Celtics Crossover Gaming and Heat Check Gaming—the Hawks have a realistic shot at extending their winning streak and finishing the season at 8-8.
For Boston, we are still recovering from the shocking reveal of their point guard’s suspension for the remainder of the season. oFab practically carried the entire scoring load for the Celtics, and the rest of the roster took their first steps without him last week. While they were able to catch the Heat off guard, that momentum was stifled by Warriors Gaming Squad a few nights later.
Key Matchup: Lee vs. No Autographs
Both teams won games last week and a big reason for that was the production they got from their centers. Atlanta’s Lee averaged 12.5 points and 11.5 rebounds in their victory against Charlotte, while Boston’s No Autographs averaged 8 points and 14 rebounds in a three-game series against Miami. However, both centers also averaged over 5 assists, providing a much-needed boost in playmaking to both teams’ repertoire.
Wizards District Gaming (12-2) vs. Blazer5 Gaming (7-7), 9 p.m.
Wizards District Gaming will need a bit of help from either T-Wolves Gaming or Cavs Legion GC, but they can continue to stay hot on Jazz Gaming’s heels for the second seed with a win tonight over Blazer5 Gaming. While that should be enough motivation to put its best foot forward, a win would also keep Washington ahead of the fourth seed.
Meanwhile for the Blazers, they were swept by the defending champs last night and must win out to keep themselves in the conversation for the final playoff spot. An automatic berth in the finals of the Ticket would also be a great consolation prize, but the more concerning narrative is the fact that Portland has struggled against playoff-bound teams.
Key Matchup: JBM vs. LavishPhenom
As we’ve noted in the past, the Wizards unlock another gear when JBM is playing with confidence. Normally, the No. 1 pick allows the game to come to him while using his numerous weapons on this roster. But when JBM starts hunting for his own shots, it throws another wrinkle in the Wizards’ offense and makes them even more difficult to stop.
Jazz Gaming (12-2) Vs. T-Wolves Gaming (8-6), 9 p.m.
As Jazz Gaming continues its quest to remain locked in at the second or third spot of the standings, it’ll take on the defending champions in a potential playoff preview. Utah looked like it was on cruise control last night, confidently disposing of Pistons GT in game one before having bounce back second and fourth quarters in game two.
As for T-Wolves Gaming, we know what it can do when given an opportunity to be seated at the playoff table. The T-Wolves put the rest of the teams still racing for a playoff spot on notice after they swept the Blazers last night. If Minnesota can find a way to defeat the Jazz tonight, it’ll be difficult to find a top team that doesn’t have concerns about matching up with the champions in the opening round of the playoffs.
Key Matchup: Splashy vs. BearDaBeast
Two of the most entertaining point guards in the league—both on and off the court— clash tonight when Splashy and BearDaBeast finally match up. Splashy has cemented himself as one of the best rookies and players in the league, while Bear has reminded us why he should have never left the conversation for MVP.
