Playoffs on the Line

MLP Dallas, hosted by the Dallas Flash at the brand new Picklr Universe facility, kicks off today. Premier teams participating are: Carolina Hogs, Dallas Flash, Los Angeles Mad Drops, New Jersey 5s, New York Hustlers, Phoenix Flames, SoCal Hard Eights, St Louis Shock, Texas Ranchers. (No Challenger teams are playing this event.)

With playoffs two events away, several teams sit on the deciding line. And after last week’s flurry of trades, some of those have made a significant shift in their lineups, either giving them an edge to make the top 10, or sliding even further out of contention.

Here’s where the teams currently stand in the race to playoffs:

Storylines we’re watching

• After cleaning house of all their starters, out of morbid curiosity, we’re to see how the Carolina Hogs will look. In 12th place, they certainly aren’t likely to make playoffs now, especially when their matchups this weekend include the Flash, Shock, Mad Drops, and Ranchers.

• With Ben Johns on the roster, are the LA Mad Drops unstoppable? They’re comfortably in 6th place, so at this point they’re playing for first round bye. The most interesting matchup will be on Saturday against the Fives, with Anna Leigh across the net.

• The Texas Ranchers still have 11 matches left to play, and after trading Etta Tuionetoa for Kaitlyn Christian, it will be interesting to see how the bounce back after a few rough events. They currently have the 8th position, so they’re pretty secure for the playoffs, but can they sneak into the top 6 and secure a first round bye?

• St. Louis Shock saw a healthy home field advantage last weekend; will the Dallas Flash get the same this time? The Flash finally took their first loss in St. Louis to the Shock, then the Columbus Sliders in a Dreambreaker. They currently sit in 3rd, but will take over Brooklyn’s #2 spot (who has now played all their matches for the regular season), and will be right on the Shock’s heels for #1. Either way, they’ll get their bye and lock in for playoffs.

If you’re attending MLP Dallas, be sure to secure your tickets today, using code KOTC!

PLAYOFFS - Mark your calendar

There are just 2 MLP events before the playoffs - Dallas this weekend, and Salt Lake City next week! Click to buy your tickets (and use KOTC at checkout):

Dallas: July 24-27

Salt Lake City: July 31 - Aug 3

Episode 154:

Recap of MLP St. Louis, thoughts on the latest trades, plus fan questions

PLUS - catch our interview with Kelsea Thompson of PickleCon!

Coming up in less than 3 weeks, is PickleCon, taking place in Kansas City, MO from August 8-10.

PickleCon is an “all-inclusive, all-encompassing pickleball experience for everyone with a desire or curiosity for the sport.” This annual event features speakers & panel discussions, tournament & open play, a Celebrity Pickleball Bash, vendors, giveaways, and more!

Register here for your access or player pass, and don’t miss some of our most anticipated events, like puppy yoga and the glow-in-the-dark kickoff part!