2024 NBA Season

[Jating]

^ Maybe D. Lee is a good option, but he might be a liable on offense that's why they experimented and put Wiggins on Morant which obviously didn't work because of Ja's speed and Wiggins is no much for the young guy. Definitely, they will have to find a way to stop this kid, double or triple him early, or prevent him from touching the ball.

And this is where the Warriors really missed GPII as he provided a good defense against Morant. Of course, no one can stop Morant 1:1, but what GPII is doing is to really put a lot of pressure on him, make him shoot contested shot and force him not to his favorite spot which is driving going to his left. We will see what adjustment Steve Kerr will bring into the table next game.

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[Japinat]

^ Maybe D. Lee is a good option, but he might be a liable on offense that's why they experimented and put Wiggins on Morant which obviously didn't work because of Ja's speed and Wiggins is no much for the young guy. Definitely, they will have to find a way to stop this kid, double or triple him early, or prevent him from touching the ball.

And this is where the Warriors really missed GPII as he provided a good defense against Morant. Of course, no one can stop Morant 1:1, but what GPII is doing is to really put a lot of pressure on him, make him shoot contested shot and force him not to his favorite spot which is driving going to his left. We will see what adjustment Steve Kerr will bring into the table next game.

What about just imitating the strategy Minny did to the Morant? He was pretty limited in that game and there are games in that series that Minny was able to take a big lead, their problem is that they cannot protect their big lead. If Morant still produce huge number in game 3, then we should not expect anymore that he will be limited.

[LogitechMouse]

~
Embiid will be playing is still possible, they can win with him playing alongside with other Sixers stars, ~

if only he forces himself and brings everything instead of thinking of his injury, ~

If he forces himself to play for game 3 and win, I still doubt it would help the team win the series. Maybe he'll be fine after the game but what are the odds he won't aggravate his injury? I think we've seen enough players sidelined longer than what they should have been because they rushed coming back.

It's a tough decision to make.

Embiid is ruled as out in Game 3 but if there is some progress in his injury then he might play. LINK
There is is a high chance that he might be out for Game 3 but if he will play, it will be limited minutes and not as productive as he was in his past games and worse he might be a liability because of missed shots.

Embiid most likely will not play in Game 3 I think. One thing more is that the Sixers are 0-13 when trailing 0-2 in a best of 7 series and no team ever came back after having a 0-3 deficit so... I think right now we can already say that this series is over. Might be too early but lets just see the availability and performance of their star players.

Harden can't carry anymore and can't score like when he is in Houston. Maxey played better in Game 2 but its obvious that it isn't enough.

[Sanitough]

~
Embiid will be playing is still possible, they can win with him playing alongside with other Sixers stars, ~

if only he forces himself and brings everything instead of thinking of his injury, ~

If he forces himself to play for game 3 and win, I still doubt it would help the team win the series. Maybe he'll be fine after the game but what are the odds he won't aggravate his injury? I think we've seen enough players sidelined longer than what they should have been because they rushed coming back.

It's a tough decision to make.

Embiid is ruled as out in Game 3 but if there is some progress in his injury then he might play. LINK
There is is a high chance that he might be out for Game 3 but if he will play, it will be limited minutes and not as productive as he was in his past games and worse he might be a liability because of missed shots.

Embiid most likely will not play in Game 3 I think. One thing more is that the Sixers are 0-13 when trailing 0-2 in a best of 7 series and no team ever came back after having a 0-3 deficit so... I think right now we can already say that this series is over. Might be too early but lets just see the availability and performance of their star players.

Harden can't carry anymore and can't score like when he is in Houston. Maxey played better in Game 2 but its obvious that it isn't enough.

Therefore 76ers has to win game 3 if they want to come back in the series competition. As the trends suggest, no team has ever come back from a 0-3 deficit, therefore if Embiid will play, he should play in game 3.

[stadus]

Game 3 will be the deciding game, if Memphis wins, then maybe we can say that Morant and Memphis will beat the Warriors. Honestly, though Memphis won, but I'm still not so much impress because at the end of the day, I see they are struggling winning on their home court.

Yes, both teams have made their adjustment, so it's the Warriors time to adjust in game 3.
We cannot make the last game result as a basis to presume that the winner will also win the next game. Look at the Bucks in game 1 against the Celtics as an example, they dominated the home team but in game 2 celtics bounced back and also dominated them.

There is no telling about who will win this series yet, Memphis Grizzlies have something to prove like they also capable and worthy to be in the Finals and probably have the championship but the Warriors as well certainly doesn't want to be defeated by a group of young hungry who don't have enough experience in the playoffs than them. There will more interesting happenings in the next few days.

[wheelz1200]

^ Maybe D. Lee is a good option, but he might be a liable on offense that's why they experimented and put Wiggins on Morant which obviously didn't work because of Ja's speed and Wiggins is no much for the young guy. Definitely, they will have to find a way to stop this kid, double or triple him early, or prevent him from touching the ball.

And this is where the Warriors really missed GPII as he provided a good defense against Morant. Of course, no one can stop Morant 1:1, but what GPII is doing is to really put a lot of pressure on him, make him shoot contested shot and force him not to his favorite spot which is driving going to his left. We will see what adjustment Steve Kerr will bring into the table next game.

What about just imitating the strategy Minny did to the Morant? He was pretty limited in that game and there are games in that series that Minny was able to take a big lead, their problem is that they cannot protect their big lead. If Morant still produce huge number in game 3, then we should not expect anymore that he will be limited.

Minnesota had Patrick Beverley to guard ja.  Pat is one of the best defenders in the league.  GP was gonna play that part for golden state.  The offense will always be there for golden state in the end but will the defense.  Memphis throves on the offensive boards and getting to the paint.  Doubling ja will only allow Memphis do what they do best.  They are in a crap pickle right now.  GS isn't the favorite anymore don't care what the odds say

[OgNasty]

Joel Embiid just cleared concussion protocol and is now eligible to play in game 3. It’s still likely he’ll be out because of his orbital bone fracture, but it is POSSIBLE he could return for game 3 tonight. Personally, I’m not sure I’d rush him back and risk a longer recovery time or a worse injury, but this is the moment he’s been waiting for so maybe he’ll throw caution to the wind and suit up. Whatever happens, I hope he’s able to play near his usual at some point in this series. I’d like to see the 76ers snatch a win without him to give him more time, but I’m not sure that’s possible.

[mirakal]

Heat and Suns had a great night and have made their series 2-0 now. Heat beat Sixers by 119-103 again and this is quite alarming for Sixers now. Of course they would still stay focused as Heat haven't got 3-0 ahead yet. But I hope that Embiid returns by the next game and they can start fighting much better against Heat. Sixers are going to have two home games consecutively now and they can make it 2-2 if Embiid is able to play in those. And for the Suns - Mavericks game, the result didn't surprise me. Suns have just an awesome team play but it isn't the same for Mavericks. Doncic is trying to carry the team by himself and he scored 35 points in this one.

It was always obvious that with Embiid gone, Sixers couldn't beat Heat. I am starting to believe that Harden is cursed or something, not that he left OKC, he was basically let go, but ever since those days he has been cursed. When he was there they were almost at a level where they would be the best team in the league and then they split up and he went to rockets. At rockets he played with both Chris Paul who went to finals last year at least, and Westbrook and they both failed to help him as well.

And Nets plan didn't work out for him in the end and was sent to Sixers and now Embiid is injured. Wherever he goes, they become good enough to be title contenders and then someone gets injured. Funniest one is when they missed 27 three pointers, almost won if that did not happen.

Maybe try to find a way to join LeBron or Curry next season, just kidding! But the season is still up and the chance that

Embiid will be playing is still possible, they can win with him playing alongside with other Sixers stars, the timing of those injuries
is really annoying, he almost has that chance last season with the Nets,

if only he forces himself and brings everything instead of thinking of his injury, KD is doing everything but the help comes
from Harden is not much to win that final game against the Bucks.

Let's just accept the fact that Harden cannot carry a team alone especially the kind of Harden we are seeing in the past 2 years until now, it's already undeniable that he needed someone who can do way much better than him. And speaking of Embiid, he will be back next game that's why the sports bookies are listing the 76ers with a -1.5 spread.

[danherbias07]

Joel Embiid just cleared concussion protocol and is now eligible to play in game 3. It’s still likely he’ll be out because of his orbital bone fracture, but it is POSSIBLE he could return for game 3 tonight. Personally, I’m not sure I’d rush him back and risk a longer recovery time or a worse injury, but this is the moment he’s been waiting for so maybe he’ll throw caution to the wind and suit up. Whatever happens, I hope he’s able to play near his usual at some point in this series. I’d like to see the 76ers snatch a win without him to give him more time, but I’m not sure that’s possible.

I think he will force it. A mask may be, just like old times. He did wear it before having a face injury so he might do it again.
If I am in Embiid's position I won't risk a 3-0 if I want the championship so bad just like what the stories tell about how he is eager to make it happen.
He already risked his thumb from playing against the Raptors and he knows it needs surgery. I don't think he will pass this one.

How about Mavs vs Suns? They got the lead in the first half of game 2 so that gives them the benefit to be gambled for. They need to play perfectly in this game if they want that win. Very less space for errors and the shooting percentage must be high. I want to see Luka rotate the ball and put Bullock and Finney-Smith in their 3 point rhythm.

[dwyane36]

I think he will force it. A mask may be, just like old times. He did wear it before having a face injury so he might do it again.
If I am in Embiid's position I won't risk a 3-0 if I want the championship so bad just like what the stories tell about how he is eager to make it happen.
He already risked his thumb from playing against the Raptors and he knows it needs surgery. I don't think he will pass this one.

Yesterday the 76ers listed Embiid as out, but they already upgraded his status as doubtful a few hours ago. Besides, there is already news that Embiid will most likely warm up before game 3, which means that the final decision on his status will be made immediately before the game. However, even if Embiid plays, I doubt that the 76ers will be able to win the Heat since Embiid's minutes on the court will be very limited due to injury.

[Yogee]

Looks like Sixers is playing a mind game with Embiid's status to throw off the Heat hehe.

Sixers fans will have someone new to blame if they go out this time and that would be Harden hehe. He becomes an easy target since he's been under 25 PPG in the playoffs so far which is below what's expected of him. Expect another low scoring game for him as Celtics defense will be tight again.

I don’t think you can blame Harden for this. Without Joel Embiid and all the pieces they lost to get Harden, their offense is pretty centered about Harden and therefore easy to stop.

He's still scoring less even when Embiid was playing so that excuse is not really going to save him from the fan criticisms. It could also be argued that he should be able to get 30 or 40 a game now since he's the only one remaining. It doesn't help that he used to put up those big numbers in another team with little assistance from teammates. It sounds unfair but nothing stops the fans from the blaming him.

[lulumiya]

Sixers - Heat game is about to start in less than minutes. And it looks like we still don't know anything about Embiid's final condition. Sixers must be begging for him to be able to play in this game. Because I believe that this is a crucial game in the series. Sixers must be winning this no matter what. Otherwise they will need to work incredibly hard to be able to turn the series around from 0-3. I expect Sixers to win this game.

[goinmerry]

Sixers - Heat game is about to start in less than minutes. And it looks like we still don't know anything about Embiid's final condition. Sixers must be begging for him to be able to play in this game. Because I believe that this is a crucial game in the series. Sixers must be winning this no matter what. Otherwise they will need to work incredibly hard to be able to turn the series around from 0-3. I expect Sixers to win this game.

There's no such thing, even in any team, that will beg for their superstar to play amid injuries lol.

Anyways, Joel Embiid is currently playing and as far as the current game progress, they are in the lead of over double-digit in the 2nd quarter.

If they will maintain that lead, we don't know. Looking good for the Sixers now.

[Yaunfitda]

Sixers - Heat game is about to start in less than minutes. And it looks like we still don't know anything about Embiid's final condition. Sixers must be begging for him to be able to play in this game. Because I believe that this is a crucial game in the series. Sixers must be winning this no matter what. Otherwise they will need to work incredibly hard to be able to turn the series around from 0-3. I expect Sixers to win this game.

There's no such thing, even in any team, that will beg for their superstar to play amid injuries lol.

Anyways, Joel Embiid is currently playing and as far as the current game progress, they are in the lead of over double-digit in the 2nd quarter.

If they will maintain that lead, we don't know. Looking good for the Sixers now.

Right, personally, I don't think that the Sixers will not let Joel play because of his injuries. But it seems is not that worse as the media may have put it. So he played today and surprisingly, bring back the confidence of the team to win against the Heat.

So now this series has a momentum shift, Sixers now will try to even out the series next game with Embiid still at the center. Time for the Heat to make some adjustments, specially allowing Green to score 20++ this game.

[el kaka22]

Embiid will not be available for the third game, it is already said. I just hope that he gets better eventually, and they can try it again next year. They didn't have Harden all year, so next season they will have many games with Harden on the floor and they will get used to playing together and they should be able to win the title if they are all healthy and play well together.

There is no way that Sixers could comeback from 3-0 down, never been done before and this won't be the first one. Plus, I am guessing that there is a good chance Sixers would just let go at this point, I do not see the passion in their eyes anymore since Embiid has been down.

[carlisle1]

Sixers - Heat game is about to start in less than minutes. And it looks like we still don't know anything about Embiid's final condition. Sixers must be begging for him to be able to play in this game. Because I believe that this is a crucial game in the series. Sixers must be winning this no matter what. Otherwise they will need to work incredibly hard to be able to turn the series around from 0-3. I expect Sixers to win this game.

There's no such thing, even in any team, that will beg for their superstar to play amid injuries lol.

Anyways, Joel Embiid is currently playing and as far as the current game progress, they are in the lead of over double-digit in the 2nd quarter.

If they will maintain that lead, we don't know. Looking good for the Sixers now.

Right, personally, I don't think that the Sixers will not let Joel play because of his injuries. But it seems is not that worse as the media may have put it. So he played today and surprisingly, bring back the confidence of the team to win against the Heat.

So now this series has a momentum shift, Sixers now will try to even out the series next game with Embiid still at the center. Time for the Heat to make some adjustments, specially allowing Green to score 20++ this game.

Green's contributions create that huge difference between these two teams, though it's Embiid's presence inside that

collapse the defense outside and allow those shooters to throw and make those raining 3's. It's good to see Sixers playing like this.

They are the one who did show dominance both their defense and offense though Butler try to fight, but without the productions of

Herro and Bam, they can't win it. Adjustments for the visiting team would be expected in the next upcoming games they need to play

solid to avoid Sixers to gain that momentum.

[Reid]

Green's contributions create that huge difference between these two teams, though it's Embiid's presence inside that

collapse the defense outside and allow those shooters to throw and make those raining 3's. It's good to see Sixers playing like this.

They are the one who did show dominance both their defense and offense though Butler try to fight, but without the productions of

Herro and Bam, they can't win it. Adjustments for the visiting team would be expected in the next upcoming games they need to play

solid to avoid Sixers to gain that momentum.

Old school Danny Green. 
76ers played way different with Embiid's presence. Miami Heat's defense is not that bad but if they can space the floor with so many shooters and Embiid being a big threat for an easy two the defense will be broken. Heat will need to adjust again or come up to a solution on how they could stop the shooters and also cage Embiid to avoid him getting near the rim.

Mavs Luka Doncic may have found the solution in their problem. Ball rotation. All of a sudden the Mavs became a passing team and points where spread better unlike their past 2 games. 8 turnovers and 12 steals. Superb.

[goinmerry]

Green's contributions create that huge difference between these two teams, though it's Embiid's presence inside that collapse the defense outside and allow those shooters to throw and make those raining 3's. It's good to see Sixers playing like this.

They are the one who did show dominance both their defense and offense though Butler try to fight, but without the productions of Herro and Bam, they can't win it. Adjustments for the visiting team would be expected in the next upcoming games they need to play solid to avoid Sixers to gain that momentum.

Joel Embiid's presence really plays a big role. Even though he didn't meet his usual game average in that Game 3, his presence really lifts up the spirit and morale of his teammates. It's pretty not usual to see Miami Heat performing slow like that where almost the entire roster is not contributing.

But the Sixers should not rely on Embiid alone. They should be pumped regardless of whether Embiid is there or not. Just look at their recent game, they were able to win even though Embiid is low scoring. It means they can have that performance that can match the Miami Heat.

[1kodumtek7]

And it looks like my scenario can happen for the Suns - Mavericks matchup. It is still early for it though but we will see. I thought that Mavericks would win 2 or 3 games the most after Suns brought the series to 2-0. Mavericks won last night by a good effort. And the next game is going to be in home court for them. Mavericks can win this game too in my opinion but they will need to make the same amount of effort at least. Because Suns would be stronger next time. After the series come to 2-2, I will be expecting Suns to take control of it.

[LogitechMouse]

Embiid will not be available for the third game
~

Last minute changes and he played and I think its the right decision for the Sixers to let him play if he can play since if he will not play, they will be down 0-3 and we know what will happen after that.
Its a good decision for them since he played well though less efficient and its understandable. His presence alone affects the whole team and they won by 20.

Green's contributions create that huge difference between these two teams, though it's Embiid's presence inside that collapse the defense outside and allow those shooters to throw and make those raining 3's. It's good to see Sixers playing like this.

They are the one who did show dominance both their defense and offense though Butler try to fight, but without the productions of Herro and Bam, they can't win it. Adjustments for the visiting team would be expected in the next upcoming games they need to play solid to avoid Sixers to gain that momentum.

Joel Embiid's presence really plays a big role. Even though he didn't meet his usual game average in that Game 3, his presence really lifts up the spirit and morale of his teammates. It's pretty not usual to see Miami Heat performing slow like that where almost the entire roster is not contributing.

But the Sixers should not rely on Embiid alone. They should be pumped regardless of whether Embiid is there or not. Just look at their recent game, they were able to win even though Embiid is low scoring. It means they can have that performance that can match the Miami Heat.

Embiid is just a decoy to the Heat. They thought that he will be the one who will be scoring but it didn't go that way.
Most of them stepped up offensively. Their 4 starters has double digits and Harris got an almost triple double. One thing more is their defense. 2 players only in Heat are in double digits and Herro shot 5/15 in the field while Butler is 12/22. If they will play like this in Game 4, I think they will tie the series. I just hope that Embiid will play the whole series.