Here’s the thing about preseason predictions — they’re sure to require adjustment once games are actually played.

We’re one week into the NBA 2K League season, with every team having gotten at least two games under their belts during THE TIPOFF powered by AT&T. While it’s a small sample size, it’s enough to gauge which teams were ranked too high, and conversely, too low in the initial list.

The result? A fair amount of shuffling in this week’s Power Rankings.

Editorial note: This article is the opinion of this writer and do not reflect the views of the NBA 2K League or its clubs.

Up with a Rocket!

T-Wolves Gaming jumped 12 spots after an impressive tournament showing.

Falling Back

Knicks Gaming fell eight spots from their preseason No. 1 position following two losses.

 

 

1. 76ers GC

THE TIPOFF record: 5-0

Previous rank: 3

New year. Same champions. Unlike 2018, there was no surprise this time around for 76ers GC as Radiant put together another MVP performance to lift his team to back-to-back TIPOFF titles. 76ers GC just have a different feel than other teams, from their veteran poise to their eye-pleasing offensive sets. After coming up short on their mission of securing a league championship last season, this season feels like a redemption tour for them. They’ve established themselves as the team to beat moving forward.

 

2. Heat Check Gaming

THE TIPOFF record: 2-2

Previous rank: 2

They had a far better week than their .500 record would indicate. Heat Check’s two losses came by a total of four points to both of the eventual finals participants, 76ers GC and Celtics Crossover Gaming. Hotshot did his usual Hotshot things, while rookies JMoneyRep817 and Lotty made strong impressions in acclimating to a squad that finished as the league’s runner-up last season.

 

3. Celtics Crossover Gaming

THE TIPOFF record: 4-1

Previous rank: 10

Something about tournaments brings out the best in this bunch. Saturday marked Celtics Crossover’s third consecutive appearance in a tournament final. Unfortunately, the’ve come up empty each time. The finals loss on Saturday to 76ers GC notwithstanding, they look like a rejuvenated bunch in 2019 led by mainstays oFAB and ProFusion.

 

4. Magic Gaming

THE TIPOFF record: 3-1

Previous rank: 8

The way they ended the tournament might sting for a bit, as Magic Gaming were firmly in control at halftime of an eventual loss to 76ers GC that cost them a spot in the finals. Yet, the pieces are in place for a promising season, led by KingCamRoyalty down low and UCMANNY impressing in his move to a lockdown defender.

 

5. Pacers Gaming

THE TIPOFF record: 2-1

Previous rank: 5

They took part in one of the most exciting elimination games of the tournament, but came up on the short end of a two-point loss to Celtics Crossover in the quarterfinals. The loss doesn’t take away from an impressive early-season showing, particularly on the defensive end, as Pacers Gaming held every opponent to 53 points or less.

 

 

6. T-Wolves Gaming

THE TIPOFF record: 2-1

Previous rank: 18

They didn’t look like an expansion team at all, outclassing their two group-play opponents to march into the weekend. They had the misfortune of running into 76ers GC in the quarterfinals, putting an end to their run. T-Wolves Gaming got a good one in BearDaBeast23, their first-round pick who backed up his trash talk with his play (17.3 PPG, 6.6 APG).

 

7. Blazer5 Gaming

THE TIPOFF record: 1-1

Previous rank: 6

Never a bunch to shy away from talking a big game, Blazer5 were stunned in their opening game by Bucks Gaming. The picked up a win in their next outing over Jazz Gaming, but it wasn’t enough for them to escape group play, a disappointing showing for a team that owned the most regular-season victories last season.

 

8. Warriors Gaming Squad

THE TIPOFF record: 1-1

Previous rank: 7

They came a a few baskets shy of playing on the weekend. After a narrow loss to Pacers Gaming, WGS displayed the potential that have people talking about them as title contenders during a rout of Hawks Talon GC. Every player scored in double-figures in the win, showing the capabilities of their formidable starting five.

 

 

9. Knicks Gaming

THE TIPOFF record: 0-2

Previous rank: 1

The reigning champs were unceremoniously bounced from the tournament in quick order. Although give them credit for sacrificing a potential win late vs Magic Gaming with their eye on point differential and a spot in bracket play. Two losses by a combined eight points means there’s no need to sound the panic alarm.

 

10. Raptors Uprising GC

THE TIPOFF record: 1-2

Previous rank: 12

They were riding high after a lopsided win over Mavs Gaming in the tournament opener in part a stingy defense that features a pair of lockdown defenders. However, scoring on the other end proved to be Raptors Uprising’s downfall as they failed to break the 50-point mark in their ensuing two losses.

 

11. Mavs Gaming

THE TIPOFF record: 1-1

Previous rank: 4

A rough showing in their opener was made better by a win in the nightcap vs Cavs Legion. With four new starters around Dimez, they are a work in progress, so give them some time to figure out how to play with one another. Although getting more production out of Mo (2 of 14 on 3-pointers) is a necessity.

 

12. Cavs Legion GC

THE TIPOFF record: 1-1

Previous rank: 9

There was no better feel-good story of the week than oLARRY’s return to the stage after persevering through a turbulent offseason. He picked up right where he left off with 16 points and 9 rebounds in the opener vs Raptors Uprising. An ensuing loss, however, prevented Cavs Legion from advancing.

 

13. Nets GC

THE TIPOFF record: 1-1

Previous rank: 11

It was electric on opening night of the tournament with the most-anticipated early-season matchup between New York’s newest team and last season’s champions. Nets GC drew first blood in the rivalry with a win propelled by Lavish, Wavy and iiTzChas, a trio of rookies who more than looked the part in their first action.

 

 

14. Jazz Gaming

THE TIPOFF record: 1-1

Previous rank: 13

This week was the first chance to see Ria take the court. The No. 1 overall pick didn’t disappoint, racking up a pair of double-doubles in averaging 17.5 PPG and 11.0 RPG. When he and Yeah I Compete, the team’s top pick last year, get going at the same, Jazz Gaming will be a tough matchup.

 

15. Bucks Gaming

THE TIPOFF record: 1-2

Previous rank: 20

Without a doubt, the biggest surprise was Bucks Gaming. Their victory over Blazer5 Gaming in group play was a stunner, not to mention they won by a 15-point margin. They were rewarded with a trip to the quarterfinals, and despite falling to Heat Check, carry positive vibes into Week 1.

 

16. Wizards District Gaming

THE TIPOFF record: 1-1

Previous rank: 15

They were responsible for one of the better group-play endings, running a perfect inbounds play that was capped by USERPICK’s game-winning layup vs. Grizz Gaming. An ensuing blowout loss to T-Wolves Gaming put a slight damper on things. Dayfri made a strong impression with his new team, averaging 15.5 PPG and 10.0 RPG.

 

 

17. Lakers Gaming

THE TIPOFF record: 1-1

Previous rank: 16

In the first matchup between traditional NBA rivals, Lakers Gaming came a few possessions short of pulling off the upset against Celtics Crossover. They managed to come back strong with a win in their next game against Pistons GT. Rookie shooting guard Kev raised some eyebrows, totaling 31 points on nine 3-pointers.

 

18. Grizz Gaming

THE TIPOFF record: 0-2

Previous rank: 17

It was a brief tournament stay for a team that looked capable of winning their group. Instead, a pair of losses sent them packing early. On a positive note, they found their groove offensively after a slow start, paced by top returning scorer AuthenticAfrican (15.5 PPG) and rookie point guard Vandi (8.5 APG).

 

19. Hawks Talon GC

THE TIPOFF record: 0-2

Previous rank: 14

They’re the lone expansion team still winless after a pair of tough losses. They can hang their hat on giving Pacers Gaming a late scare following a sluggish start. Arsonal (15.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG) was a bright spot down low, but Hawks Talon have some work to do in sorting out their backcourt.

 

20. Pistons GT

THE TIPOFF record: 0-2

Previous rank: 19

A playoff team a year ago, Pistons GT’s new campaign got off to an inauspicious start. A pair of double-digit losses put an end to their tournament. There were some positives to build upon, however. Namely center Joseph (16.0 PPG, 17.0 RPG) and rookie point guard MrStylez (15.0 PPG, 8.5 APG).

 

21. Kings Guard Gaming

THE TIPOFF record: 0-2

Previous rank: 21

No team received a tougher group draw than they did in facing Heat Check and 76ers Gaming, The result was two defeats. Bp made a nice early impression, with the rookie point guard showcasing his slick ball-handling skills and pouring in 22 points in his second game.

Editorial note: This article is the opinion of this writer and do not reflect the views of the NBA 2K League or its clubs.