The 2021 NBA 2K League tips off tonight at 8:00 PM ET and runs through Saturday May 22. The four-day tournament will feature all 23 teams participating remotely from their local markets and competing for a total prize pool of $160,000.
Games begin at 6 PM ET each night and will air live on the NBA 2K League’s Twitch and YouTube channels. Games will also be available on ESRevolution, Loco in India, Sport1 in Europe and Dash Radio.
Here’s a preview of the event.
DEFENDING THE DISTRICT: The 2021 NBA 2K League Champion Wizards District Gaming begins its title defense tonight with games against Celtics Crossover Gaming and Hornets Venom GT. Ryan “Dayfri” Conger (14.8 PPG, 11.8 RPG) was named Finals MVP when the team defeated Warriors Gaming Squad 3-1 to capture the NBA 2K League Championship. Also returning is point guard John “JBM” Mascone who netted 46 points in the series-clinching Game 4 victory.
FROM THE NORTH: Defending champions of THE TIPOFF, Raptors Uprising GC is anchored by 2020 NBA 2K League Most Valuable Player Kenneth “Kenny Got Work” Hailey and 2020 NBA 2K League Defensive Player of the Year Trent “Timelycook” Donald. Last season, the team became the first team in league history to go undefeated during the regular season.
NEW STARS IN HOLLYWOOD: Lakers Gaming selected Arshia “Krazy” Karimi of Dallas, T.X. with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA 2K League Draft. The team also selected 2020 NBA 2K League Champion Maurice “ReeceDaGod” Delaney with the No. 7 pick in the Draft. Karimi, Delaney and Lakers Gaming make their season debuts on Thursday, May 20 against Mavs Gaming and Blazer5 Gaming.
EXCITING ROOKIE CLASS: Along with Karimi, this year’s rookie class is highlighted by Alaina “DjLayyy” Haney (Celtics Crossover Gaming) and Ziah “ziah” Minor (Mavs Gaming), the second and third women ever drafted to the NBA 2K League. Other notable players include Mario “avemario” Orega Ariza (Cavs Legion GC) and Meason “Milo“ Camille (Pistons GT) who became the first-ever NBA 2K League players from Spain and Australia, respectively. Click here to watch Minor’s interview with NBA2KLeague.com’s Brian Mazique about her journey to the league.
CAVS LEGION GC VS. 76ERS GC: When Cavs Legion GC takes on 76ers GC tonight, each team will feature a new star on their roster. During the offseason, 76ers GC acquired 2018 NBA 2K League MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Dayne “OneWildWalnut” Downey from Blazer5 Gaming while Cavs Legion GC acquired dynamic point guard and the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 Draft Albano “oFAB” Thomollari from Celtics Crossover Gaming.
HOMECOMING: When Kings Guard Gaming acquired point guard and 2019 NBA 2K League MVP Nidal “Mama Im Dat Man” Nasser, it brought San Bruno, C.A. native back to Northern California. During the 2020 season, Nasser finished third in scoring (33.1) and seventh in assists (8.1). The standout point guard makes his debut for Kings Guard Gaming on Thursday, May 20 against Bucks Gaming and Pistons GT.
