Preview: MLP Playoffs, Round 2

Round 2 (Finals) starts tomorrow

The conclusion of MLP’s 2024 season is upon us, as round 2 of the playoffs begin in Orlando, at the USTA National Campus. This round features the top 4 teams from each league facing off in semifinals and finals, to crown the ultimate winner.

Prize Money

Cash prizes are awarded to the top 3 teams, and teams get to decide how that money is doled out (if at all) to their players.

Premier:

• 1st place $80,000

• 2nd place $40,000

• 3rd place $20,000

Challenger:

• 1st place $30,000

• 2nd place $20,000

• 3rd place $10,000

Competition Structure

The #1 seed teams had the benefit of choosing their opponent from the teams that advanced from Quarterfinals in Dallas (aka they can’t select #2 seed… but who would?). New Jersey 5s selected Texas Ranchers, leaving the St. Louis Shock and Dallas Flash in the other half of the bracket. On the Challenger side, the Chicago Slice opted to play the Atlanta Bouncers, and the SoCal Hard Eights will take on Miami Pickleball Club. In both leagues, the playoff rounds will be a best-of-3 format, with the 3rd match only played if necessary.

Top-seeded teams also get coin toss benefits in their first 2 matches (3rd matches, regular coin toss process will be followed), which includes choice to serve or receive; which end they’ll start on; they will react in mixed; and select the gender doubles order. They’ll also get to respond to the DreamBreaker lineup, should the match go that way.

Brackets

Matchups

New Jersey 5s vs. Texas Ranchers

The Fives feed off their #1 pick ALW, and clearly preferred matching up against Etta Wright and Tina Pisnik for women’s instead of Tyra and Jorja.  Does Alshon’s coach Leigh allow Christian to beat ALW, or is he forced to lose (a word that Alshon seems to be obsessing over lately)?  Texas will have a tough time beating the Fives in regulation.  The Fives will be heavy favorites in women’s dubs, and then they will most likely save ALW/Will to beat up on the Ranchers #2 mixed team.  Unless QD has some new tricks, this will most likely force a Dreambreaker at a minimum.  The Texas women probably don’t have the singles prowess to get it done.

Jimmy’s Pick: The Fives

Tyler’s Pick: The Fives

St. Louis Shock vs. Dallas Flash

The Fives’ choice left the Dallas Flash to play the St. Louis Shock.  Two extremely balanced teams filled with seasoned pros.  AB is a leader in every sense of the word, and will make sure her team is dialed in.  The Flash are perhaps the emotional opposite: calm, cool, and collected, Jorja drives the energy when needed, but generally the team stays relaxed and focused.  We think Fahey will be the difference maker in a Dreambreaker.  Coming off her singles title from Milwaukee, she will be ready for the singles portion and will be the one to get the Shock to the finals

Jimmy’s Pick: Shock

Tyler’s Pick: Shock

Finals Winner

Chicago Slice vs. Atlanta Bouncers

Let’s just call this “APP superstars vs. ex-Bears.” With Jaume’s planned absence in this event, Challenger rising star Anderson Scarpa has big shoes to fill for the Bouncers. Brendan Long for the Slice is also out, with Wyatt Stone taking his place. The teams are statistically even (56% vs. 52% season games won), but without Jaume who got the Bouncers to the winners’ circle, they’re going to struggle to overcome the Slice. We doubt it’ll go to Dreambreaker, but if it does, Fudge and Munro will carry.

Jimmy’s Pick: Slice

Tyler’s Pick: Slice

Miami Pickleball Club vs. SoCal Hard Eights

This one is going to be a toss-up. Miami had a rough event on their home turf last month (winning 0 games in regulation, and 2 in Dreambreakers) but they’ve only beaten the Hard Eights head-to-head once (in Atlanta in May). Noe anchors Miami as the #10 Challenger player, with the Hard Eights’ Lange, Yana, and Purple Jesus on his heels at 11 -13, respectively. In almost every season-long metric, they’re nearly idential. It honestly could go either way.

Jimmy’s Pick: Hard Eights

Tyler’s Pick: Miami

Finals Winner

Coming to Orlando? Use code KOTC for discounted tickets!

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