NBA India Games 2019: 3 Player battles to watch out for

With the matchday just around the corner, it makes sense to dig deeper into the individual player matchups that are most likely to light up the NSCI Dome on October 4th and 5th in the NBA India Games. With the exception of injured Victor Oladipo, both franchises are flying out their best squads in hopes of tuning up for the upcoming regular season whilst also putting on a show for their Indian fans.

The preseason games are supposed to be nothing short of basketball brilliance, with both teams, Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers, housing considerable young and exciting talents. Let's take a look at the exciting player matchups that are bound to take our breath away in these preseason fixtures.

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#1 De'Aaron Fox vs Malcolm Brogdon

Two of the most underrated all-round talents across the league.

De'Aaron Fox's ability to intercept passes through his active hands as well as on-point court vision is probably one of his most under-appreciated traits. The 21-year-old averaged an impressive 1.6 steals per game last season, showing why he is not to be taken lightly while scoring.

When faced with the fundamentally sound scoring skills of Pacers' Malcom Brogdon, Fox is expected to go all out in search of a few easy fastbreak steals for his team. On the other hand, the 26-year-old is projected to aid his squad with his smooth offensive flow as well as a crucial defensive presence on the perimeter. Brogdon is a better three-point shooter than Fox, and would be desperate to get some early looks from deep in order to catch his groove.

Meanwhile, the Kings point guard is special when it comes to penetrating driving lanes at flashing speeds, and making the necessary adjustments near the rim. He has often been effective in collapsing defenses, and opening up opportunities for uncontested jumpers outside the paint. He clearly carries a slight edge talent-wise over Brogdon.

Brogdon in action for Bucks.

#2 Marvin Bagley vs Domantas Sabonis

Domantas Sabonis.

While Marvin Bagley presents impeccable athleticism meshed with extreme showmanship for a youngster, Domantas Sabonis' scoring abilities from all over the floor as well as skillful dominance in the paint is respectable beyond measure.

Bagley has a much higher ceiling than the Lithuanian, and possesses a noticeable edge in this talent matchup. The 20-year-old has shown early signs of being a surefire superstar in the future, courtesy his mature demeanour and sky-high basketball IQ, which is uncharacteristic of players in his age group.

On the other hand, Domantas has kicked off the upward curve of his career just recently but is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. He has the length and technique to evolve into an elite Power Forward, who could also supply meaningful minutes at the Center position when called upon.

Nevertheless, this matchup is as exciting as it gets and NBA's Indian fanbase is already salivating at the thought of it.

Marvin Bagley.

#3 Harrison Barnes vs Myles Turner

Two disciplined professionals carving their niche in small-market franchises.

Both Harrison Barnes and Myles Turner sacrificed their offseason rest for their country and chose to represent Team USA Squad at the FIBA World Cup in China. Despite the fact that they have had a busy schedule, they are expected to battle it out in India, this time for different squads.

The Pacers' center is well-known for his paint protection and immaculate use of his length. When he is faced by a true professional in Harrison Barnes, you can only expect fireworks all over the NSCI Dome in Mumbai. Both players are known to not hold back on effort once they step foot on a court, be it their country's pride or a pre-season matchup. Moreover, this would not be the the first time when Harrison Barnes would step foot on Indian soil.

While Turner is the favourable entity in this bout, this head-to-head battle is sure to leave us wanting for more.