MLP Miami Determines the Fate of the Playoffs: As the 2024 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season reaches its thrilling conclusion, Miami is set to host the next and final regular-season stop. The tournament kicks off on Thursday, with multiple playoff spots and crucial positioning on the line. With so much at stake in these final matches, the intensity will undoubtedly be at an all-time high.
Playoff Picture
Only six teams will make the playoffs, with the top two teams receiving first-round byes. Notably, the St. Louis Shock, Dallas Flash, and Texas Ranchers have completed all their matches and will not compete in Miami. The St. Louis Shock and Dallas Flash Pickleball have secured their playoff berths, while Texas Ranchers are nearly a mathematical lock.
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The remaining playoff contenders include the New Jersey 5s, D.C. Pickleball Team, and New York Hustlers, with the New Jersey 5s assured a spot. Meanwhile, D.C. Pickleball Team and New York Hustlers control their own destinies. On the outside looking in are the Arizona Drive and Orlando Squeeze having slim hopes of qualification.
The Carolina Pickleball Club and Los Angeles Mad Drops will participate in Miami but are out of playoff competition. The Columbus Sliders and Utah Black Diamonds have already been eliminated and will not be in Miami.
Key Teams to Watch
- New Jersey 5s: Currently in a strong position, the New Jersey 5s need to score at least seven points across their last five matches to guarantee a first-round bye. A total of 13 points will secure the top seed. They have one relatively easy match against the Los Angeles Mad Drops, but their other four matches are against playoff contenders: Arizona Drive, New York Hustlers, D.C. Pickleball Team, and Orlando Squeeze. How the New Jersey 5s perform in Miami will not only determine their final standings but also significantly impact the playoff race for other teams.
- D.C. Pickleball Team: Likely to finish fifth, D.C. Pickleball Team has relatively straightforward matches against the Carolina Pickleball Club and Los Angeles Mad Drops, where they will aim to grab three points in each. Their other matches against the New Jersey 5s, Arizona Drive, New York Hustlers, and Orlando Squeeze will heavily influence the outcomes for those teams.
- New York Hustlers: As the bubble team, the New York Hustlers probably need six points from their five matches in Miami. However, they will enter as the underdog in four of those matches. If they struggle, finishing 1-4 could allow either Arizona Drive or Orlando Squeeze to overtake them for the last playoff spot.
- Arizona Drive and Orlando Squeeze: Both teams are in similar positions. Arizona Drive has two more points than Orlando Squeeze entering Miami, but Orlando Squeeze has an extra match to play. They will face each other and both teams will compete against the New York Hustlers, making these head-to-head matches critical for their playoff hopes.
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Must-Watch Matches
- Thursday: The Carolina Pickleball Club can play spoiler in their matches against Orlando Squeeze and D.C. Pickleball Team. The match between Carolina Pickleball Club and Orlando Squeeze is particularly crucial; if Orlando Squeeze secures three points, it could set a positive tone for their weekend. However, if they leave with one point or less, their playoff chances will reduce.
- Friday: The New York Hustlers will take center stage, starting their day with matches against D.C. Pickleball Team and Orlando Squeeze. The New York Hustlers vs. Orlando Squeeze match is pivotal; if the New York Hustlers win, especially in a Dreambreaker scenario, they are likely in the playoffs, while Orlando Squeeze’s chances will be severely threatened. Arizona Drive will face New Jersey 5s in their first Miami match on Friday, needing a win to gain momentum.
- Saturday: The remarkable matchup is Orlando Squeeze vs. Arizona Drive, a potential playoff elimination match. The intensity will be noticeable, making this a must-watch encounter.
- Sunday: The tournament will conclude with critical matches that will shape the playoff picture. The New York Hustlers will face Arizona Drive in a must-win match for Arizona Drive, while the Miami Pickleball Club will close out with New Jersey 5s vs. Orlando Squeeze. This final match could very well determine whether Orlando Squeeze qualifies for the playoffs and if New Jersey 5s secure a first-round bye.
Looking Ahead: The Playoffs
Following the Miami tournament, the first round of the playoffs will commence on November 1 in Dallas. The St. Louis Shock and New Jersey 5s are expected to secure byes, avoiding action in Dallas.
The St. Louis Shock has been strong all season, featuring a solid lineup of Anna Bright, Hayden Patriquin, Gabe Tardio, and Kate Fahey, who consistently send out four reliable doubles teams and a capable Dreambreaker unit.
The New Jersey 5s, led by Anna Leigh Waters, Mari Humberg, Will Howells, and Zane Navratil, have relied heavily on Dreambreaker wins, particularly due to the shakiness of their second mixed doubles pair.
Anna Leigh Waters boasts the best record of any player this season, while Will Howells, who was picked late in the draft, has proven to be instrumental in the New Jersey 5s’ success, competing for the regular season MVP alongside Anna Leigh Waters and Anna Bright.
News in Brief: MLP Miami Determines the Fate of the Playoffs
The 2024 Major League Pickleball season concludes this weekend in Miami, with playoff spots and positioning on the line. Thirteen teams, including the New Jersey 5s, D.C. Pickleball Team, and New York Hustlers, will compete in 30 matches.
The New Jersey 5s seek a top playoff seed, while the D.C. Pickleball Team and New York Hustlers aim for crucial points. Key matchups include New York Hustlers vs. Orlando Squeeze and Orlando Squeeze vs. Arizona Drive.
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