WESTMINSTER, CO: Week 5 Preview | Which boys will become men?

The second half of the winter season kicks off in Westminster tonight. The game of the night will pit two three and one teams as the Ciroc Boyz take on The Bad Boys.

Purple Cobras vs. IMPACT Basketball

Purple Cobras are off to a pretty decent start for a team not many knew about coming into the season. This week will certainly be their biggest test of the season and unfortunately not many will be giving them a chance this week. To be fair though, there aren’t many teams that are given a chance against the number one team in Ultimate Hoops in IMPACT basketball. Beau Barney has his team playing some of their best basketball and they are still the dominant team to beat this season. Purple Cobras will be closer than most expect, but it will take close to a miracle to upset IMPACT.

VEGAS LINE: IMPACT -33.5

Long Shots vs. LT Ballers

Long Shots are undefeated on the year and will look to be in a strong position to remain that way after this week. LT Ballers are 1-2 but have showed some promise at times in the first few weeks. Derek Elliot has his team playing fast paced and aggressive basketball and that often proves difficult for teams to stop. The LT Ballers need to get the Long Shots to shoot themselves out of the game, and if they can get the Long Shots to play out of their ordinary then that could be the only way the Ballers could have a chance this week. LT Ballers need a full effort on both ends of the court and IF they can do that, then the game should be a lot closer than most expect.

VEGAS LINE: LONG SHOTS -22

Ciroc Boyz vs. Bad Boys

It’s the Boyz vs the Boys and only one team will walk out as the “Men.” Ciroc Boyz are off to a hot start this season and will be tested this week against one of the better teams in the league with the Bad Boys. A big game from Blake Mahler will be needed from the Bad Boys and it will be on someone from the Ciroc Boyz to step up and neutralize him. Chris Morgan could get the nod to guard Mahler, and if he can disrupt him, he can put the Ciroc Boyz in a good position to win. It is no secret that players from these teams don’t like each other so expect a chippy game and probably a few technicals along the way. Most everyone will have their eyes on this game on Tuesday night and its one game that has potential for game of the year.

VEGAS LINE: CIROC BOYZ -4.5

The Gladiators vs. Eat, Sleep, Ball, Repeat

The Gladiators are still trying to find themselves after Captain Saul Chavira was injured in week one but each week we can only expect them to get better and better. ESBR isn’t doing well in the standings, but have had possibly the toughest schedule so far of anyone. These two teams are both evenly matched and I expect this game to go down to the wire. The Gladiators like to shoot the 3 ball, and similarly so does ESBR. Likely this game will come down to which team has the hottest hand from 3. This should be a high scoring up and down game that will be fun to watch. Don’t be surprised if it will come down to a few last possessions of what will dictate the winner of this matchup.

VEGAS LINE: ESBR-3.5

Medicinal Mambas vs. Life Time Legends

The Mambas are seeming to find their groove and get some wins early this season. The Legends on the other hand are still looking to find their identity, but have been steadily improving each week. The Legends have never played together before and their chemistry is lacking, but each week that is only to improve and I think by the end of the season will be an impressive team heading into the playoffs. Ruben Rivas is the Mambas leading threat on offense and stopping him will be the game plan for most teams this season. Although the Legends are improving, the Mambas are just a little more polished and should get the easy win this week.

VEGAS LINE: MAMBAS -22