The Big 3 had a strong start to season 3 last week, in both Detroit and Indianapolis.
In Detroit, defending champion Power showed once again that they are a force to be reckoned with, 3 Headed Monsters looked strong behind Rashard Lewis and Reggie Evans, and tempers flared as Royce White and Josh Smith received ejections in the Enemies/Bivouac matchup.
In Indianapolis, Joe Johnson was dominant in leading the expansion Triplets to a win, and Tri-State and Killer 3s battled in a 54-52 thriller, and Ghost Ballers handled the Ball Hogs.
This week, Week 2 descends on Charlotte and Philadelphia, with a big debut and a big matchup highlighting the weekend. Saturday at 12pm in Charlotte, the Enemies' Gilbert Arenas, three-time NBA all-star, makes his debut against the 0-1 Ball Hogs. Arenas' debut in the Big 3 has long been anticipated, as many NBA fans have clamored for him to join the league, feeling like he is the ideal player for it. Arenas, who displayed unlimited range during his career, will surely take his share of four point shots, and will excel in isolation situations. It will be interesting to see the Enemies in action at full strength, as they've been thought by many to be one of the favorites for the Big 3's season 3 title.
Also on the docket in Charlotte is Trilogy vs Triplets, where Joe Johnson will look to build off his week 1 27 point outing vs the Aliens. Trilogy will likely use a combination of Sam Young and James White to guard Johnson. 3s Company faces off against Killer 3s, with Baron Davis likely making his season debut after missing week 1 with a quad injury. Davis gives Company a weapon that they sorely need, as he initiates their offense and is their primary scorer.
In Philadelphia, at the Licouras Center on the campus of Temple University, the marquee matchup has Power going up against Tri-State, with Naismith Hall of Famers Julius Erving (Tri-State) and Nancy Lieberman (Power) leading their teams into battle. Power is coming off a convincing week 1 victory, and will look to build on it as they go up against a Tri-State team that, despite losing last week, is much improved. They are arguably the team with most accomplished NBA players - with 12 combined all-star appearances between big men Amare Stoudemire and Jermaine O'Neal. O'Neal revealed last week that he was recently diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, and is on a wait and see basis in terms of when he'll be back in action. Jason Richardson, replacing David Hawkins who now plays for Trilogy, provides Tri-State with better shooting and a more explosive player. Nate Robinson also gives them a guy who can fill it up scoring.
For Power, Cuttino Mobley continues to be a tough cover, especially when his jumper is falling like it was in week 1. Glen Davis and Chris Andersen also give Power active big guys on the inside.
Also on Sunday, Ghost Ballers matches up with Bivouac, with both teams coming off impressive victories. While Bivouac's Will Bynum led them in week 1 with 22, Anthony Morrow chipped in 16. Jamario Moon, Mike Taylor, and Ricky Davis scored in double figures for Ghost Ballers with 20, 15, and 10, respectively.
Aliens and 3 Headed Monsters will be a good matchup, with Greg Oden and Larry Sanders battling down low. The Aliens will need more offense, as Brandon Rush and Andre Owens, with 13 and 11 points, accounted for 24 of the team's 40. Thte Aliens were held to just 14 second half points in week 1. Reggie Evans, who dominated against Trilogy with 22 points and 26 rebounds, will have another favorable matchup with the Aliens' other big man alongside Oden being Ryan Hollins.
Week 2 Picks
Saturday: Enemies, Triplets, 3s Company
Sunday: Bivouac, 3 Headed Monsters, Tri-State
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