The game, according to Wikipedia (2021): 

NBA Jam is a long-running basketball video game series based on the National Basketball Association (NBA). Initially developed as arcade games by Midway, the game found popularity with its photorealistic digitized graphics, over the top presentation and exaggerated style of two on two basketball play. The successor to Midways Arch Rivals, the original 1993 NBA Jam allowed players to jump many times above their own height, make slam dunks that defy human capabilities, and freely shove or elbow opponents out of the way and get flagged

The premise: 

Which teams would be the best if the games only required two players on the court at any time? Would the NSL landscape look different? Or are team’s fates and talents concentrated into a top player, or a couple players, for a lucky few teams? Lets see who would win a an NSL Jam tournament. The teams currently in the playoffs will be included and utilised for the tournament. The best two players for each team will battle it out across four rounds of NSL JAM action. Luckily for some teams, even injured players will be included (which affects the fates of teams like Denver, Toronto, Miami, with stars out of action).

Western Conference teams:

Portland
Kawhi Leonard, James Harden

The Blazers get to roll out two of their star trio in this exciting NSL JAM format. Three-tier scoring superstars, with playmaking and elite defense. But no height. If the shots aren’t going in, the rebounds aren’t going to be there. However, if anyone can win…

LAC

Giannis Antetokounmpo, RJ Barrett

The former MVP Giannis gets a boost in this format (if he could even be boosted higher than his mid 90s ratings), as he presents arguably the toughest one on one matchup in the tournament. RJ Barrett won the coin flip to join his leader.

San Antonio

LeBron James, Jimmy Butler

I would think that the Spurs, just like real NSL basketball, would be favourites to take out the NSL Jam tourney. Paring elite defense, strong, versatile offense and some mean, strong styles. I am sick at my admiration.

Minnesota

Lonzo Ball, Jonas Valanciunas

The upstart Wolves send their best two players in (sorry, Khris Middleton) to take on the world. Despite them overachieving in the NSL, I can’t see this pairing being able to do as well (as the deep, NSL Wolves). But it will be fun.

Memphis

Jaylen Brown, Jaren Jackson Jr.

I have to agree, J is the best letter in the alphabet. The Js, Jaylen and JJJ are representing the Grit and Grind Grizzlies in the tournament. This pairing presents size, speed and defense. Browns ascent as a scorer gives Memphis a punchers chance.

New Orleans

Ja Morant, Donovan Mitchell

Dont let the lack of height or inexperience fool you, these two are absolute dawgs. Both breaking into 90 ratings recently, they are the new school stars of the NSL. Morant is elite scoring inside, Mitchell is a sniper. Game on.

Houston
Nikola Jokic, Tyrese Maxey

An NSL team that relies on one star and depth to succeed will struggle in a 2 vs 2 format. Jokic is arguably as tough of a matchup as Giannis, but Maxey isn’t up to this level yet.

Denver

Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson

Oh baby. This is the format and health the Nuggets have been waiting for. No team can come close to the shooting power of this team. They lack other areas, but if they start with the ball, the other team might not get it back.

Eastern Conference teams:

Charlotte

Luka Doncic, Javale McGee

The floor generals? Not this time. Old man Chris Paul takes the day off for NSL Jam, with the Hornets opting for sheer size and a lob threat. Luka Doncic will have the ball and cook until the defense slips up, then it is McGee dunks on repeat.

Toronto

Paul George, Zion Williamson

What a fun team. A power forwards height in guards body, and a center in a small (really big) forwards body. Talk about mismatches. What a unique and potent pairing. The taller player being the outside player and the shorter player on the inside is tough to match.

Washington
Joel Embiid, Devin Booker

Perhaps no team benefits from this format as much as the Wizards. This combination could legitimately win the whole thing, with an elite inside outside game. Joel Embiid has elite old school post game and no one can really defend him/it.

Chicago
Anthony Davis, Bradley Beal

Classic inside/outside, defense/offense pairing here, of two star veterans. The Bulls chances to win the tournament probably sit a little higher in this format, but that would be disrespecting their NSL play to a degree. 

Detroit
Kyrie Irving, Bam Adebayo

Luckily for Kyrie and the Pistons, COVID protocols and vaccinations dont exist in the NSL Jam video game. Kyrie is one of a hand full of scorers who on a hot streak is likely to not even miss. Those guys are worth even more in this format.

Milwaukee
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Evan Mobley

The young Bucks are just that – young and inexperienced. Obviously, these two are extremely talented, but I feel they are too raw and relatively undeveloped to make any noise. Good experience, though.

New York

Damian Lillard, Clint Capela

Even though the Knicks are in the seventh seed, this team has the potential to knock out higher seeded opponents. Remember the outlook for players like Luka, Kyrie, being paired with a big pick and roll partner? Well, the fit is as good as it gets here. Dame, shoot. Clint, rebound.

Cleveland

Jarrett Allen, Evan Fournier

Cavaliers have been a fun story this year. Perhaps no team is disadvantaged in this format as much as the Cavs. Theres no team here to help.

The Bracket:

You decide who wins!

Complete the bracket and comment below which team you think survives the NSL JAM tournament and comes out the victor.