Mavericks snubbed in NBA 2K20 Players Tournament

The Dallas Mavericks will not be represented in the NBA 2K20 Players Tournament, but here is why fans should watch anyway.

Dallas Mavericks supporters are searching for ways to pass the time without live basketball. The NBA suspended its season because of the novel coronavirus on March 11. They are letting fans watch NBA League Pass for free, though. Everyone can go back and watch all the games from this season plus a few classic contests.

The league also partnered with NBA 2K to put together a tournament featuring current NBA players. The aptly named NBA 2K20 Players Tournament begins on April 3 and will air on ESPN beginning at 6:00 p.m. CT.

Let us take a look at the field and why Dallas Mavericks fans should tune in.

Mavs snubbed

The 16 players taking part in the tournament were released on March 31. Unfortunately, the Mavs do not have a representative. We were all hoping for Luka Doncic, Jalen Brunson, Seth Curry, or Dorian Finney-Smith to take part in the action, but that is not the case.

The bracket was seeded by the player’s rating in NBA 2K. Here is a look at the matchups.

https://twitter.com/NBA2K/status/1245412921712074752

Why check it out

There may be no Mavericks, but fans should still watch. It will be basketball back on television even if it is only virtual. There will be plenty of trash talk as well. Expect the tournament to be competitive. No player is going to want to give up the bragging rights or $100,000 for their charity that is on the line.

Donovan Mitchell can ball in 2K. His matchup against Rui Hachimura should be one of the more exciting of the first round.

Former Maverick Harrison Barnes is in the field. He takes on Hawks guard and technical Mavs draft pick Trae Young in the first round. That will be an exciting showdown for Dallas supporters.

The best matchup is likely Patrick Beverley versus Hassan Whiteside, though. Expect that to be an intense battle with plenty of trash talk mixed in. Pencil that in as the top first round matchup to watch.

The NBA 2K20 Player Tournament will not be real basketball, but it should be exciting. Sports options are limited right now. This will be something to enjoy to take minds off the difficult situation we are all facing. Hopefully, you enjoy it. Please, stay safe and healthy.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website or the website for your state’s Department of Health.