For the first time since March 11, NBA players are back in action. Only, it’s not in the manner fans are used to seeing them. Unfortunately, the NBA is still on hiatus due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.
So now, players have resorted to playing 2K20 in the first-ever Players-Only Tournament, which kicks off on Friday.
Kevin Durant is featured in the event. Here’s how everything lays out for the Brooklyn Nets forward and the start of the event:
WHERE YOU CAN WATCH: ESPN, ESPN 2.
START TIME: Official tournament preview starts at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
OTHER WAYS TO WATCH: All games after Durant vs. Jones Jr are on ESPN 2. Everything is available on the ESPN App, NBA.com, the NBA App, and 2K (@NBA2K) and NBA (@NBA) social channels — Twitter, Twitch, YouTube and Facebook.
DURANT’S OPPONENT: Miami Heat wing Derrick Jones Jr. — No. 16 seed. (Players were seeded based on their NBA 2K rating. The tiebreaker was years played in the NBA.)
DURANT’S TIP-OFF: 7:30 p.m.
LINE: Durant -3 (via BetOnline.ag)
DURANT’S ODDS TO WIN IT ALL: 4/1 (via BetOnline.ag)
RULES TO KNOW: Per the NBPA, when it comes to picking teams, “Prior to the tournament beginning, every player will choose eight of today’s NBA teams, each of which can only be used once. If a mirror match is set, the away team is awarded first choice of team.” When it comes to the scheduling format, “Rounds one and two will be single elimination, with the semifinals and finals running best of three.”
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Not too long ago, Durant was having issues with 2K. If he hasn’t been able to adjust, his run in this tournament could be brief.
The transition defense on 2k is the most frustrating thing in my life at this moment
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) February 22, 2020