Now that we’ve taken some time to put the Slam Open to bed, we’re ready to switch gears, pun extremely intended, to the Switch Open! New groups, new standards, and most of all, new opportunities for teams to make the playoffs. If you haven’t already, go check out our power rankings coming off the Slam so you have a good idea where we stand heading into tournament #2. Without further ado, here are the 5 teams I’m watching closely this week, one per group!

Group 1: Magic Gaming – Oh wow, how original Harris, you’re going to watch the Slam Open finalist closely this week? Yes, yes I am. It’s not that I have any doubts about how good this team is, but now that they got their slow group stage start out of the way, I’m expecting scorched earth, total domination from this team. Sure, they’ve got a tough group with some very good teams, but I think this team is on a bit of another level currently. I want them to win this group outright  and truly stamp themselves as title contenders. This is around the time that both of our previous 3v3 champions really put their foot on the gas, so let’s see if Magic Gaming has that in them.

Group 2: Hawks Talon GC – After being told through the entirety of last year that I was crazy for wanting the #1 pick MDS to actually play 3v3, turns out he’s pretty damn good (shocker!). I’m not sure how sold I am on Low playing the Inside Center, but honestly? For the Hawks? Who cares? They are winning games with a unique style that fits their roster, finally! Their next step is consistency and efficiency. MDS and Underrated Goat both hit a bit of a  wall 3P% wise, so if they want to go up a level, their shot making has to take them there. I like what I see so far, but it’s time for Atlanta to buck their history and keep the winning going.

Group 3: Wizards District Gaming – This is an exclusive “I’m picking Benzo to break out” section. Something last week just clicked with him. PPG, APG, FG%, 3P% all up and I saw some real defensive improvement too. Just Awkward and  Newdini are already back to their usual elite selves, but their ceiling was always  going to be defined by Benzo’s talent and growth. It’s honestly a bit jarring to watch his film and be reminded he’s just a rookie playing his first few 3v3 games on the league build. He’s already that good, next step is for the big time wins to follow.

Group 4: T-Wolves Gaming – I’ve discussed this issue plenty on both my podcast and on Monday night’s broadcast of the closed qualifier, but the T-Wolves are under the microscope heading into this week. Igymo,the #5 pick, hasn’t played since the 3rd series of the year and while the talent was still good with Tutak, Sub, and Bear, that lineup wasn’t exactly over the top better. So, what gives? This week will tell us a lot about this team and what they want out of this year. Are they okay starting igymo and maybe taking some lumps in the beginning or do they want to win now and sacrifice his development in the short term? Tough to say which is the right call, but the T-wolves will have to decide one way or another.

Group 5: Bucks Gaming – After back to back shocking losses in the Slam Open bracket stage, Bucks Gaming has been left in a very strange spot. Dimez had to head home on paternity leave, so Retro had to step in to fill his spot. He was fine, but the whole team seemed a bit disheveled by Dimez’ absence. Now, after  a week of scrimming and getting the lineup in order, it’s time to see what this team can do. Johnny and Dawsix have been good so far, but a little off their usual level of greatness. Either they find it in them to get back to that level, or it’s the Steal Open for them.