The fourth NBA 2K League season started on Wednesday with THE TIPOFF powered by AT&T. You can check the results from Day 1 here. The tournament begins with two days of group play, as this section of the competition will determine which eight teams advance to the playoff rounds on the final two days of play.

The team with the best record in each group will advance to the next stage, plus one wild-card team. The seeding will be based on record.

Once the playoff rounds begin, the outcome of each matchup will be determined by a best-of-3 format. There is some intrigue with each of the seven groups. It’s early for prediction, so take the following predictions with a grain of salt.

That said, from an intrigue and competitiveness standpoint, here is a power-ranked list of the groups in THE TIPOFF powered by AT&T.

#1 – Group 6

Jazz Gaming, Blazer5 Gaming, Mavs Gaming, and Lakers Gaming

This group looks like the most must-see of the seven. Jazz Gaming is coming off a tremendous regular season in Season 3, but they didn’t reach their goal of winning a title. They come back with most of the same cast from last year, minus Lotty, who wasn’t retained and was drafted by Bucks Gaming ahead of Season 4.

Still, Jazz Gaming returns Yeah I Compete, Ria, Beezus, and others who figure to make them a tough out again this season. Blazer5 Gaming has an entirely new look, but they will be led by one of the NBA 2K League’s best big men in Goofy757. It will be interesting to see how they perform without either Walnut or Mama I’m Dat Man.

Mavs Gaming always seems to cause a stir, and this year will be no different. The league’s first-ever No. 1 pick, Dimez, is back for his fourth campaign along with Ziah, the organization’s first-ever woman competitor. The spotlight will be on this franchise to see if they can build on last season’s performance.

Last but not least is Lakers Gaming. With Krazy, this year’s No. 1 overall pick, expectations are high, which shouldn’t be anything new for this franchise. However, after trading last year’s star rookie Sav to Heat Check Gaming, the Lakers will be looking to veteran and former league champion Reese to help the team establish a new identity. That journey will begin on Wednesday.

#2 – Group 7

Nets GC, Pistons GT, Bucks Gaming, Kings Guard Gaming

If you’re looking for the highest level of point guard play, you might not find a more entertaining group. Nets GC’s Choc and Kings Guard Gaming’s Mama I’m Dat Man represent the cream of the crop at the position.

There shouldn’t be any shortage of memorable games from this group during the first two days of action. The second-place finisher could be the wild card heading into the playoff rounds if these clubs play to their capabilities. My early prediction is for Nets GC and Kings Guard Gaming to finish 1-2.

#3 – Group 3

Hornets Venom GT, Celtics Crossover Gaming, Wizards District Gaming

Quite honestly, WDG is expected to blow through this group. If Dayfri and Co. went undefeated, it wouldn’t be a shock to anyone. That said, Hornets Venom and Celtics Crossover are likely going to add this bit of a prediction to their bulletin board.

Celtics Crossover Gaming is challenged with establishing a new identity now that they have traded the face of their franchise, oFAB, to Cavs Legion GC. They bring a charismatic group anchored by returning veteran WorthingColt, who fought his way back into the league after an absence. DJLayyy, the second woman in league history to be drafted, rounds out the intriguing new-look Celtics squad.

Hornets Venom GT will need Sherm and PeteBeBallin to play steady to keep pace with the defending champs, and to maintain hope of capturing the wild card.

#4 – Group 4

76ers GC, Magic Gaming, Cavs Legion GC

How will oFAB impact the Cavs’ roster? How will 76ers GC deliver without Radiant? Those are interesting questions at the point guard spot especially considering Cavs Legion GC was an abysmal 4-12 last season. oFAB has his work cut out for him as he tries to help change the culture.

Radiant’s exit from The City of Brotherly Love was one of the biggest offseason stories, but 76ers GC hopes to steady the ship with a former MVP in OneWildWalnut and the return of a mainstay in Steez.

They are stacked with veterans as ToxSik also helps to anchor the squad offering leadership and maturity.

Magic Gaming needs much better play from Reizey at point guard if they hope to improve upon their 7-9 finish from Season 3.

#5 – Group 1

Knicks Gaming, Gen. G Tigers of Shanghai, and Heat Check Gaming

Knicks Gaming and Heat Check Gaming will always remind me of Season 1, so there is some appeal to a group that includes those squads. Gen.G just announced their new relocation to the University of Kentucky campus, so watching how they get acclimated to their new digs offers some intrigue. However, if we’re digging deep to find the most exciting aspect of this group, it’s watching how Sav will play with his new team. If Heat Check Gaming manager Famous Enough can get a great season out of Sav, we might be looking at a resurgence for the team in Season 4.

#6 – Group 2

Warriors Gaming Squad, Pacers Gaming, and T-Wolves Gaming

Last season, Warriors Gaming Squad put it all together during the stretch run, but their efforts fell short in the NBA 2K League Finals against Wizards District Gaming. They are in a race with Knicks Gaming, Heat Check Gaming, T-Wolves Gaming, 76ers GC, and Wizards District Gaming to become the first squad to advance to the finals twice.

They are my favorites to win it all this season. They will miss Bsmoove, but the combination of Gradient, CB13, and Hezi could provide the kind of Big 3 component that makes them the most balanced team in the league.

I expect them to handle themselves in this group and to advance to the playoff round.

#7 – Group 5

Raptors Uprising GC, Hawks Talon GC, and Grizz Gaming

Raptors Uprising GC ran the table in the regular season only to fall short when it was all on the line. You have to love any team led by Kenny Got Work. He and Timely Cook have made a deadly combination for years. They should be strong again this year.

They won the TIPOFF in Season 3, and I’d expect them to emerge from this group, at the very least. Until Hawks Talon GC and Grizz Gaming can surprise us, it’s hard to imagine either squad besting Raptors Uprising GC. Both Hawks Talon GC and Grizz Gaming finished last season on the outside, looking into the postseason.

Barring a major step-up season from the point guards of Hawks Talon GC’s BP or Grizz Gaming’s Vandi, neither team projects as a title threat or a squad capable of keeping Raptors Uprising GC out of THE TIPOFF powered by AT&T playoff round.

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