OAKLAND OTTERS VS NOLA RIDERS

Wednesday - 7:30 PM ET

Written by Hoe Jarris

GSB S3 | Week 2

Oakland continued their positive momentum from S2 into the first matchup of the new season, as they manhandled the Martiansin a 41 point victory, winning 113-72. Most of the usual suspects shone in this victory, with Stank leading the way for the Otters with 21 points, 3 assists and 3 steals. Rookie Klank Thompson also showed out for the Otters in their week 1 win, putting up 18 points and 6 assists.

The Otters come up against the NOLA Riders who are hungry for another victory after defeating the Vice City Kings in week 1 behind big performances from Cajun Saint, Bam Bam Hayes, and Big Swoosh. The Riders are a team that are looking to return to the playoffs after missing out last season, and will need similarly strong play in this game if they're going to defeat a very strong Otters team.

Matchups To Watch

Anthony Stank, OAK vs. Brendan Goshay, NOLA

This battle of two dominant scorers will surely be one to look out for. Stank's S2 resume speaks for itself as his MVP/MIP/championship season will surely go down as one of the best in league history. On the other hand, Goshay was one of the most impressive rookies in a class that had lots of bright talent. These two will surely be going back and forth on the court tonight to try and lead their respective teams to victory.

Dan Glisack, OAK vs Bam Bam Hayes, NOLA

These two experienced big men will be fighting for supremacy on the inside. Both known for their inside scoring ability, rebounding, and shot swatting, they will surely be battling in the paint all game. Hayes had a dominant game vs Vice City last time out, being a point shy of a double-double with 9 points, 11 rebounds, a steal and 3 blocks in what was a great all around game. Dan Glisack had an even better game, putting up 16 points and 15 rebounds in the dismantling of the Martians. These two will have a huge impact on how this matchup will play out.

Prediction:

While NOLA will likely surprise some people this year and should make the playoffs, the Oakland Otters are champions for a reason. They're able to score any way they want and have the deepest roster in the league. NOLA should keep this close but expect a victory for Oakland.

Oakland 104 - 91 NOLA

BALTIMORE CONSTELLATION VS ATLANTIC CITY SEA DOGS

WEDNESDAY - 9:30 PM ET

Written by Tim Riggins

GSB S3 | Week 2

Baltimore had a major overhaul this offseason bringing in key S1 players in Tim Riggins, Aldo Huxley, and Ernesto Romero to help them push towards playoff contention. Week 1 in their debuts they did not disappoint. Tim Riggins won POTW with an outstanding 33 point outing to go along with 4 assists, Huxley chipped in 17 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals, and Romero added 8 rebounds and a combined 3 stocks. Former S2 all-rookie SF Jack Lawson was also brought in and dropped 16 points with 4 assists. Baltimore seemed very dangerous in week 1, but will it continue and be consistent? 

Being a new S3 team with almost half a roster with rookies, the Sea Dogs were seen as one of the bottom teams in the league. However, Atlantic City was very competitive in both preseason games, and produced a week 1 victory over S2 division champions, New York Skyliners. AC had a very impressive 7 players to score in double digits in the season opener showing this team can spread the ball around effectively and efficiently. Former Pioneers star, Hoe Jarris, is the man leading the Sea Dogs along with Javier Munoz which creates one of the best 2-way backcourts in the league. Will they be enough to lead AC to the playoffs?

Keys For The Game

Atlantic City: Shooting

Baltimore: Depth

Players To Watch

Timo Shuttlesworth

An under the radar scorer for the Constellation, Timo seems to be taking advantage of the opportunity for easier looks with the addition of Riggins and Huxley. The SG shot 7-7 from the field and 2-2 from 3. I expect Timo to have another solid outing this week against AC, and give them a huge spark off the bench. 

Jack Lawson

Lawson will have a very tough task being matchup with Javier Munoz today on the defensive end of the floor. The S2 SF has transitioned into being Baltimore’s primary defender this season, but has also shown the capability of scoring the ball and getting his teammates involved as well.

Truck Ackles

Ackles is getting a huge workload this season being the only true center on the AC roster. Ackles is going up against Jamal Davis and Ernesto Romero who are two very good centers. The Sea Dogs will need their center to give his all on both ends of the court all game long to help them control the paint. 

Javier Munoz

The PG for the Sea Dogs, Munoz, will be guarding Tim Riggins and be defended by Jack Lawson. That is a tough task for another player in the league, but if anyone can perform that task it’s Munoz. Javier is a very good defensive guard with great size that can slow down the 6’8 Riggins, and is a good playmaker/finisher to still be able to make plays happen on offense.

Prediction: 

I expect this game to be close and able to go either team’s way.

Baltimore: 90 - Atlantic City: 84