BIG3 Basketball League 2022: Predictions for Top Players on Week 1 Schedule
The NBA season may be over, but there's still going to be some entertaining basketball to watch this summer. That's because the 2022 BIG3 season is set to begin this weekend, and there will be plenty of talented players competing in the 3-on-3 action.
Founded by rapper/actor Ice Cube in 2017, the BIG3 has been a popular place for former NBA standouts to continue their playing careers. The rosters for the league's 12 teams also feature players who have had success in leagues overseas.
The number of players on the court isn't the only difference from the NBA. In the BIG3, games are played on a halfcourt, and the first team to reach 50 points wins (although the margin of victory has to be by at least two points).
The regular season consists of eight weeks before the playoffs begin in mid-August. A champion will then be crowned on Aug. 21.
The Week 1 schedule consists of three games on Saturday and three more on Sunday, all of which will be played at Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago—the site for the first two weeks of games.
Here's a look at the full slate for the opening weekend, followed by predictions for the top players to watch.
Week 1 Schedule
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Saturday, June 18 (Starts at 2:30 p.m. ET)
Game 1: Triplets vs. Trilogy
Game 2: Bivouac vs. 3's Company
Game 3: 3 Headed Monsters vs. Ghost Ballers
Sunday, June 19 (Starts at 3 p.m. ET)
Game 1: Aliens vs. Enemies
Game 2: Killer 3s vs. Ball Hogs
Game 3: Power vs. Tri State
Joe Johnson, Triplets
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Joe Johnson may be 40 and have 1,277 games of NBA experience under his belt, but he seems to have more left in the tank. He's proved that over his first two seasons in the BIG3, each of which ended with him being named the league's MVP.
In 2019, Johnson led the Triplets to a championship in his first BIG3 season. Last year, they came up short, losing to the 3 Headed Monsters in the playoff semifinals. Still, it was another impressive season for Johnson, who led the league with 182 points and 72 field goals made.
There's a good chance that Johnson will power the Triplets to another successful showing in 2022. They open the season on Saturday against Trilogy, the defending BIG3 champions. However, Trilogy no longer has Jarrett Jack, who served as the team's 2021 captain. So it may take a little bit for Trilogy's new lineup to jell.
Johnson should pick up right where he left off last season, and don't be surprised if he leads the Triplets to a big win to begin the 2022 campaign.
Prediction: Johnson tallies 28 points and 10 rebounds
Michael Beasley, 3's Company
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Every year, the BIG3 has some fresh faces in the league, and 2022 will be no different. And among this new class of "rookies," perhaps no player will be more exciting to watch than Michael Beasley.
An 11-year NBA veteran, the 33-year-old Beasley has a skill set that should translate well to the BIG3's style of play. He's 6'9" and has the ability to shoot from long range, so he could put up some big numbers in his debut season in the league.
Beasley will be a co-captain for 3's Company, and he'll be reuniting with his former Miami Heat teammate Mario Chalmers, who is again serving as the team's captain. For a roster that's had plenty of turnover in the BIG3's brief history, that connection could help lead 3's Company to more success this year.
On Saturday, Beasley will make his BIG3 debut when 3's Company plays Bivouac, who went winless and finished in last place in the league in 2021. Seems like a great matchup for Beasley to break on to the scene in a big way.
Prediction: Beasley tallies 25 points and 14 rebounds
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Leandro Barbosa, Ball Hogs
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It wasn't a surprise that Leandro Barbosa immediately had success in his first BIG3 season in 2021. A 14-year NBA veteran, Barbosa had a strong debut campaign for the Ball Hogs, finishing second in the league in scoring (169 points) and tallying a BIG3-high 34 assists.
Barbosa's play didn't lead to great results for the Ball Hogs, though, as they went 3-5 and have still yet to finish with a winning record in their team's history. But with Barbosa and co-captain Jodie Meeks returning for 2022, the Ball Hogs could be poised for a better showing this season.
The Ball Hogs open the year with a matchup against the Killer 3's on Sunday, which should provide them with an opportunity to start with a solid victory. That will especially be the case if the 39-year-old Barbosa gets off to a hot start.
There's a good chance he will, as Barbosa has proved he can still play at a high level and excel in this type of league. Expect him to put up some solid numbers in his 2022 debut.
Prediction: Barbosa tallies 24 points and six assists
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