Playoff Preview: Top Teams and Teams Still In The Hunt

Ace McPickleface
EPL Staff Writer

The anticipation is building as we approach the thrilling culmination of the regular season and the fast-approaching EPL playoffs!

With the stakes higher than ever and the competition more intense, our crystal ball reveals a glimpse of the potential contenders and underdogs gearing up for the big showdown.

So, buckle up, hold on to your paddles, and join us on this exhilarating journey as we forecast the teams that could take center stage in the upcoming playoff battles!

Top 4.5+ Division Contenders

With the regular season nearing its end, let's examine the 4.5+ division's leading teams and their chances in the playoffs. Remember, only four teams will make it to the postseason, so the competition is fierce. Here's a breakdown of each team's performance and potential in the upcoming playoffs.

Divisional Frontrunners

TJ Happy Valley

Currently undefeated with a 2-0 record and a flawless 4-0 game win-loss ratio, TJ Happy Valley has displayed dominance on both sides of the court. They've scored 44 points with a points won percentage of 66%, while their formidable defense has allowed just 23 points. With a point differential of 21, TJ Happy Valley has showcased their prowess and stands as a formidable competitor in the playoffs.

Paul & Scott

Matching TJ Happy Valley's 2-0 record and 4-0 game win-loss ratio, Paul & Scott have emerged as another powerhouse team. They've also scored 44 points and held their opponents to a mere 23 points, achieving an identical 66% points won percentage and a point differential of 21. As the playoffs approach, Paul & Scott could be the team to beat, provided they maintain their high level of play.

FPC

Boasting a solid 2-0 record and a 4-1 game win-loss ratio, FPC has demonstrated their strength on the court. Their offense has accumulated 53 points, leading to a points won percentage of 55%. However, they have allowed 43 points against, resulting in a point differential of 10. FPC will need to tighten up their defense in the playoffs to contend with the top-scoring teams.

Teams in the hunt

Long Pickles

With a 1-2 record and a 2-4 game win-loss ratio, Long Pickles finds themselves in a challenging position. They've scored 54 points but have a points won percentage of just 47%, indicating room for improvement. Their point differential of -6 demonstrates that they have struggled in close games. Long Pickles will need to elevate their game to secure a playoff spot and compete with the top-tier teams.

Rip City

Sporting a 1-3 record and a 3-7 game win-loss ratio, Rip City has work to do if they hope to make the playoffs. Their offense has produced 80 points, but a points won percentage of 43% suggests inconsistency. With a point differential of -27, Rip City will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities to make a postseason push.

Drop It Like It's Hot

Currently winless with a 0-3 record and a 1-6 game win-loss ratio, Drop It Like It's Hot faces an uphill battle. They've scored 59 points, earning a points won percentage of 43%. A point differential of -19 highlights their struggle to contain opposing offenses. To make the playoffs, Drop It Like It's Hot must significantly improve both their offense and defense in their remaining games.

Top 4.0 Division Contenders

In the 4.0 division, the top team from each division will advance to the playoffs, along with the next two best records as the 3rd and 4th teams. With each team playing five matches in the regular season, let's break down the front-runner teams and those still in the hunt based on the stats.

Divisional Frontrunners

Dinks on the House (North Division)

Currently undefeated with a 4-0 record and an 8-1 game win-loss ratio, Dinks on the House leads the North Division. They've scored 98 points, achieving a 64% points won percentage. Their defense has been impressive, allowing only 56 points and securing a point differential of 42. Dinks on the House's balanced gameplay and consistency are their most notable strengths, making them a top contender for the playoffs.

Picklelicious (South Division)

Picklelicious boasts an identical 4-0 record and an 8-1 game win-loss ratio, taking the top spot in the South Division. They've accumulated 95 points, resulting in a 63% points won percentage. Their defense has allowed just 56 points, leading to a 39-point differential. Picklelicious's aggressive offense and strong defense are their standout strengths, making them a formidable playoff team.

Andrew & Matt (South Division)

With a 2-0 record and a perfect 4-0 game win-loss ratio, Andrew & Matt are still in the playoff hunt. They've scored 44 points, achieving an impressive 69% points won percentage. Their defense has allowed only 20 points, resulting in a 24-point differential. Andrew & Matt's high-scoring efficiency is their most interesting strength, which could propel them into the postseason.

Beaver Ball (North Division)

Beaver Ball holds a 2-1 record and a 4-2 game win-loss ratio, making them a contender for a playoff spot. They've accumulated 56 points, with a points won percentage of 53%. Their defense has allowed 49 points, resulting in a 7-point differential. Beaver Ball's resilience in close games is their key strength, which could prove crucial in their pursuit of a playoff berth.

Teams Still in the Hunt

A Little High (South Division)

A Little High sports a 2-1 record and a 4-1 game win-loss ratio. They've scored 58 points, earning a 50% points won percentage. They've allowed 58 points, yielding a neutral point differential. A Little High's ability to maintain an even balance between offense and defense is an intriguing strength, which could help them in their quest for a playoff spot.

Chicken Hawks (North Division)

With just one match under their belt, Chicken Hawks have a 1-0 record and a 2-0 game win-loss ratio. They've scored 22 points and have an astounding 79% points won percentage. Their defense has allowed only 6 points, securing a 16-point differential. Chicken Hawks' small sample size makes them a wildcard, but their defensive prowess could be a significant advantage in securing a playoff position.

Mixed Pickles (North Division)

Mixed Pickles hold a 1-2 record and a 2-4 game win-loss ratio. They've accumulated 52 points, resulting in a 51% points won percentage. They've allowed 50 points, leading to a 2-point differential. Mixed Pickles' ability to keep matches close despite a losing record is a noteworthy strength, making them a potential dark horse in the playoff race.

3.5 Division Contenders

In the 3.5 division, only the top team from each division and one wildcard team with the next best record will advance to the playoffs. With each team playing five matches in the regular season, let's examine the top contenders, and the potential wild card teams.

Divisional Frontrunners

Evan & Thomas (East Division)

Undefeated with a 3-0 record and a perfect 6-0 game win-loss ratio, Evan & Thomas are a dominant force in the East Division. They've scored 66 points, earning an exceptional 75% points won percentage. Their defensive prowess has allowed a mere 22 points, resulting in a massive 44-point differential. With their strong play, Evan & Thomas look poised to secure a playoff spot. Their balanced offense and defense make them a formidable opponent.

The BB's (South Division)

The BB's are also undefeated, boasting a 3-0 record and a 6-2 game win-loss ratio. They've managed to score 75 points, giving them a 56% points won percentage. Their defense has allowed 59 points, leading to a 16-point differential. The BB's seem solid for a playoff berth, and their ability to perform under pressure is their standout strength.

Dan & Mark (North Division)

With a 3-1 record and a 7-4 game win-loss ratio, Dan & Mark have demonstrated their competitiveness. They've scored an impressive 103 points, obtaining a 58% points won percentage. They've conceded 76 points, resulting in a 27-point differential. Dan & Mark's offensive firepower is their most notable strength, making them a team to watch in the postseason.

Wild Card Teams

Hide Your Wives (South Division)

Hide Your Wives shares a 3-1 record with Dan & Mark and has a 7-4 game win-loss ratio. They've racked up 103 points, with a points won percentage of 56%. However, they've allowed 81 points, leading to a 22-point differential. Hide Your Wives is still in the hunt for the playoffs, and their tenacity in high-scoring games is their most remarkable strength.

Mollies (South Division)

Mollies hold a 2-1 record and a 4-2 game win-loss ratio. They've scored 60 points, achieving a 61% points won percentage. Their defense has conceded 38 points, amounting to a 22-point differential. Mollies have a chance to make the playoffs, and their efficient scoring is an intriguing strength that could benefit them in crucial matches.

Big Dill Energy (East Division)

Big Dill Energy sports a 2-1 record and a 4-2 game win-loss ratio. They've accumulated 55 points, resulting in a 60% points won percentage. Their defense has allowed 36 points, yielding a 19-point differential. Big Dill Energy is in contention for the playoffs, and their adaptability in various game situations is a key strength.

Desert Duo (North Division)

With a 2-1 record and a 5-2 game win-loss ratio, Desert Duo is a competitive team in the North Division. They've scored 59 points, giving them a 59% points won percentage. They've conceded 41 points, resulting in an 18-point differential. Desert Duo's playoff chances are alive, and their consistency in both offense and defense is an important strength.