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East Asia Super League Playoff Race Heats Up: Two Final Four Spots on the Line

Photo by PBA ME\edia

As the 2024-25 East Asia Super League (EASL) regular season nears its dramatic conclusion, the competition is reaching a fever pitch. With just two Final Four spots remaining, four teams will battle for survival in win-or-go-home matchups that could define their seasons.

Two pivotal games will determine which teams advance to the semifinals, making these the most crucial matchups of the year.

Feb. 5 – Taoyuan Pauian Pilots (P. LEAGUE+) vs. Hong Kong Eastern (HKA1) @ 7:10 p.m. CST

Momentum Shift in a High-Stakes Clash

The Taoyuan Pauian Pilots started their campaign in dominant fashion, racing to a 3-0 record, while Hong Kong Eastern stumbled early at 0-2. However, the tides have turned dramatically—Taoyuan has now lost two straight, while Hong Kong has won three in a row, making this matchup a showdown between teams on opposite trajectories. Only one will secure a Final Four spot.

Key Players to Watch

  • Chris McLaughlin – The Double-Double Machine
    Hong Kong’s Chris McLaughlin has been a dominant force throughout the season, recording five consecutive double-doubles—the only player to do so in the league. Averaging 17.8 points and 14.2 rebounds per game, McLaughlin will be looking to extend his streak and carry his team to victory.

  • Taoyuan’s Big Three Must Deliver
    The Pilots rely heavily on their star trio of Lu Chun-Hsiang, Treveon Graham, and Alec Brown, who have combined for an impressive 63.6 points and nearly 20 rebounds per game. If they can impose their offensive firepower, Hong Kong Eastern will have its hands full trying to contain them.

Feb. 12 – New Taipei Kings (P. LEAGUE+ 2023-24 Champions) vs. Meralco Bolts (PBA) @ 7:10 p.m. CST

Elite Offense vs. Lockdown Defense

This matchup features a clash of styles—New Taipei Kings, the highest-scoring team in the league, averaging 97.5 points per game, go head-to-head against the defensive juggernaut Meralco Bolts, who have held opponents to a league-best 80.6 points per game.

Key Storylines to Watch

  • Mighty Mitchell Returns
    Meralco’s Akil Mitchell has been unstoppable in his two EASL appearances, averaging a staggering 25 points and 20 rebounds per game. He missed the Bolts’ last matchup against Ryukyu, but if available, he could be a game-changer in this must-win contest.

  • Will Jeremy Lin Play?
    The biggest question heading into this matchup is the status of New Taipei Kings’ star point guard, Jeremy Lin. The 2019 NBA champion exited the Jan. 21 game against Busan KCC Egis with an apparent lower leg injury. If Lin is unavailable, Meralco’s chances of pulling off an upset increase significantly.

How to Watch

Fans across six major Asian territories can catch all the action live. To find out where to watch in your region, visit the "Watch" tab on the official EASL website: https://www.easl.basketball/

With playoff spots and championship aspirations on the line, these matchups promise to deliver intensity, drama, and high-level basketball. Will Taoyuan or Hong Kong Eastern advance? Can New Taipei hold off Meralco, or will the Bolts’ defense prove too strong? The answers will be revealed on February 5 and February 12—don’t miss it!

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