2024 NBA Season

[yazher]

No answer from the Kings because they cannot spot the production of the Lakers and the Lakers are shooting a high percentage compared to the Kings. It's very evident that there's less defense on this game because the total score is too high, total score combined 270 points.

We see here that, if the players are not hesitant to shoot due to some kind of doubt about whether they can take those shots or not because they will gonna be paid for it if they missed it, they ended up passing the ball even though they have the chance to score. But this time since LBJ is not around, they managed to play their usual game where they are the ones who will take the call and the result was good and effective. This is how they should be and so far they haven't lost any game this year, hope that it will continue because it's getting hard to increase your rank in the playoff tree when we are closing to All-Star week.

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[danherbias07]

It's looking good for the Chicago Bulls and for their fans out there.
3rd a winning streak. Zach LaVine is sizzling hot. Yesterday 41 points were against the 76ers and now a hot 36 points against the Jazz and defeating them in the process. That's a back-to-back game for him and yet there's no trace of exhaustion.
With him playing like this with most of their games, they will go back to a higher seed in speed. Now, they are sitting at the 9th spot but that should not stop there.
Their next stop is against the Boston Celtics on the road, it will be a rough game for them. Offensive duos will clash at TD Garden.

Jazz are trying to make it a close game, in fact, they were able to lead in the 4th quarter, but Lavine was just too much, the shot a barrage of 3 points that gave the bulls a comfortable lead. Also, DeRozan doing his usual thing, that very accurate perimeter shot was witnessed by the fans.

Yeah, that's two games in a row now with the same performance from Zach LaVine. I think he is back and their locker room issue (assuming there is one because of the trade rumors) was already fixed.
If they keep this up (fewer or minimal injuries, avoiding absence in back-to-back games) while waiting for Lonzo Ball to return then a playoff opportunity might come true. Who knows. There's no safe spot in the East yet. Rankings are not that far from the top 10.
Speaking of Lonzo Ball. Here's an update from Coach Billy Donovan.

Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said Friday that Ball is making some progress in his recovery from left knee surgery, Rob Schaefer of NBC Sports Chicago reports. "[He is] regularly on the court shooting, which has been good," Donovan said of Ball. "Actually jumping a little bit while shooting. He's been doing some light jogging...it is progressing, it's just really slow. But there has definitely been some improvements and he's actually doing more physically than the last time we spoke."

https://www.rotowire.com/basketball/player/lonzo-ball-4110
Thoughts? Do you guys think he can still play this season or if ever the Chicago Bulls can squeeze a playoff spot?

[inthelongrun]

So the Utah Jazz continues to shop and lobby its players that step up in an incredible early season performance. Obviously, Utah Jazz wants a better chance of getting this year's potential top pick, the 19-year-old Victor Wembanyama. And its supposedly rebuilding roster is still fighting in the top 8 playoff spot which isn't beneficial for Utah's real goal. In late December, they rejected a proposal to send Malik Beasly and Jarred Vanderbilt to the struggling Phoenix Suns. Utah wanted more future first-round picks for these guys. At present Utah has to step up its shopping because the trade deadline is approaching. They still have tradeable valuable assets like Clarkson, Markannen, Vanderbilt, Sexton, and Beasly if they want to lose more games this season for the Wembanyama lottery and to add more future draft picks. So far Utah already has a whooping 7 future first-round draft picks.

[Baofeng]

It's looking good for the Chicago Bulls and for their fans out there.
3rd a winning streak. Zach LaVine is sizzling hot. Yesterday 41 points were against the 76ers and now a hot 36 points against the Jazz and defeating them in the process. That's a back-to-back game for him and yet there's no trace of exhaustion.
With him playing like this with most of their games, they will go back to a higher seed in speed. Now, they are sitting at the 9th spot but that should not stop there.
Their next stop is against the Boston Celtics on the road, it will be a rough game for them. Offensive duos will clash at TD Garden.

Yep mate, that's what I have predicted that's why I chooses the Bulls to win again against the struggling Jazz team. Remember that there are rumors that he wants to be traded, but we are not sure about it. But with this performance of him and DeRozan, it's hard to stop them if both star players are playing that offensive basketball.

There were anxious moments in the game wherein I thought that they are going to lose specially at the start of the 4th that they are still trailing. But in the last 8 minutes, both of them turn the game over, they made a run and they build a 10 point lead and that was enough to hold off the Jazz late rally.

[carlisle1]

It's looking good for the Chicago Bulls and for their fans out there.
3rd a winning streak. Zach LaVine is sizzling hot. Yesterday 41 points were against the 76ers and now a hot 36 points against the Jazz and defeating them in the process. That's a back-to-back game for him and yet there's no trace of exhaustion.
With him playing like this with most of their games, they will go back to a higher seed in speed. Now, they are sitting at the 9th spot but that should not stop there.
Their next stop is against the Boston Celtics on the road, it will be a rough game for them. Offensive duos will clash at TD Garden.

Yep mate, that's what I have predicted that's why I chooses the Bulls to win again against the struggling Jazz team. Remember that there are rumors that he wants to be traded, but we are not sure about it. But with this performance of him and DeRozan, it's hard to stop them if both star players are playing that offensive basketball.

There were anxious moments in the game wherein I thought that they are going to lose specially at the start of the 4th that they are still trailing. But in the last 8 minutes, both of them turn the game over, they made a run and they build a 10 point lead and that was enough to hold off the Jazz late rally.

If both stars will play in the same level the winning chance of the team is better, those trade rumors might cooldown for a while and we
are seeing good performances from Lavine and DeRozan.

Like you said, if they will continue playing like this and those role players who are playing with them will also contribute decently.

They can move back on top and chase for the playoff spot, too early but hopefully they will.

[YuginKadoya]

Well, I admit I was a little out of date with this All-Star game information.
But I think that's what I had in mind, LJ and Curry on one side and Durant and Kyrie Irving on the other.
I confess that it will be an interesting game!

I was really excited to see some stuff with the voting and the final voting will be announced on TNT, and this time Lebron James and Kevin Durant are the two favorable captains again, I really liked the last time when these 2 captains try to pick their likable players, in their team, but this time It is up to fans that will vote for the 2023 NBA all-star, it will be an interesting game and what ay happen with the 2023 all-stars,

Well, to whoever was complaining, I guess Westbrook and Reeves deserve a spot in the allstar game. The only reason why they look like a mediocre with the Lakers, is because they were under the shade of LeBron's spotlight. I kinda admire Westbrook for embracing his role and adjusting himself into a position where he can still contribute to the team. Look at him, he could still drop a triple double even with a minimal scoring. Put Westbrook or Reeves to a team that has no legit superstar that carries the team the whole time and they'll surprise with their potential.

You are right, and even though I am pretty much not a Westbrick fan, I think both him and Austin Reeves deserves to play, in the all-star, which is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander aswell have made it via fan vote, I really think there are fresh faces that made it on the list because fans have seen something in them and that potential is surely put up to good used,

It is posted during the Denver game too so I think it's an updated version. But it's just the initial returns, this is not yet the final list of who will be in the All-Star.
SGA getting a lot of votes, that's good news for the OKC Thunder fans.
Lauri Markkanen at 7th spot, nice. I am voting for this dude, he is an All-Star caliber and he is showing it now in NBA and so does in FIBA Euroleague.
6 players in the Golden State Warriors. I think that's just too much. I am a Steph Curry fan but this is not looking good if we see their whole team faces in All-Star.
Draymond Green
Kevon Looney
Klay Thompson
Andrew Wiggins
Jordan Poole
Steph Curry
Is Sacramento Kings fanbase that small? Where are Fox and Sabonis? I mean I am glad to see Haliburton for the Pacers but the two guys from Kings should join too. I hope it's just because the initial results from Sacramento was just late.

Well that is good to hear that this is really an updated list but yes it could not be the final or initial line-up for the all-star 2023 actually I like this line of Lebron James and Kevin Durant are once again the captain for each team while Stephen Curry is for the west and Kyrie Irving for the East but yeah mostly in there are Warriors which means a big payout for the team next season, which is not really looking good and yes the Kings player should have been given a chance, there should be a De'Aaron Fox, Kevin Huerter, Harrison Barnes, Domantas Sabonis or even the new faces Keegan Murray,

[gagux123]

I'll be curious to watch the Kings vs Lakers game tonight.

James scored over 30 points once again, and his teammates (Bryant, Schroder, and Westbrook) also had good performances. As a result, the Lakers beat the Kings by only 2 points, and that's their 5th win in a row. However, the Lakers are still in 12th place in the standings, but this winning streak has clearly improved their position, as the win/loss difference between the 5th and 12th place in the Western Conference is small now.

Yes, exactly!
I believe that LeBron James just kept up his performance as literally almost every game he plays he scores 20+ points.

An interesting factor is that several other players are helping LJ in these last games, Schroder and Bryant for me was one of the biggest surprises, because in the last games they are scoring a lot and consequently helping the Lakers in these victories.
If AD will return in time and the Lakers maintain this performance, I have no doubt that the Lakers will qualify for the playoffs and I even speculate that they can, yes, advance in the playoffs.

[FanEagle]

Honestly, the last foul may not be a foul at all, Lakers got away with murder there and definitely helped them get the win. To be fair, they are a bit older, and they were looking at Lebron to carry them and dude is like 60 years old, he did all he could but doubt OT would be easy for him, not that there is a guarantee they would lose, but they were having a bit fatigue issues, so no OT really saved them for sure.

In the end, Lakers still suck, they are still under 0.500 and there is nothing they could do, they will miss playoffs again, and they did last year, and did on Lebrons first year. They basically got one ring, and that's it from this whole era and that ain't too bad.

[wheelz1200]

It's looking good for the Chicago Bulls and for their fans out there.
3rd a winning streak. Zach LaVine is sizzling hot. Yesterday 41 points were against the 76ers and now a hot 36 points against the Jazz and defeating them in the process. That's a back-to-back game for him and yet there's no trace of exhaustion.
With him playing like this with most of their games, they will go back to a higher seed in speed. Now, they are sitting at the 9th spot but that should not stop there.
Their next stop is against the Boston Celtics on the road, it will be a rough game for them. Offensive duos will clash at TD Garden.

Yep mate, that's what I have predicted that's why I chooses the Bulls to win again against the struggling Jazz team. Remember that there are rumors that he wants to be traded, but we are not sure about it. But with this performance of him and DeRozan, it's hard to stop them if both star players are playing that offensive basketball.

There were anxious moments in the game wherein I thought that they are going to lose specially at the start of the 4th that they are still trailing. But in the last 8 minutes, both of them turn the game over, they made a run and they build a 10 point lead and that was enough to hold off the Jazz late rally.

If both stars will play in the same level the winning chance of the team is better, those trade rumors might cooldown for a while and we
are seeing good performances from Lavine and DeRozan.

Like you said, if they will continue playing like this and those role players who are playing with them will also contribute decently.

They can move back on top and chase for the playoff spot, too early but hopefully they will.

I keep hearing lavine talks to new york but why would the bulls give up on Levine?  I think it's all talk and click bait.  They knicks have 7 first round picks in the next 5 years but lavine's spot as a guard isn't what the Knicks need.  Depending on how obi rebounds from injury, the Knicks need another viable power forward.  Lavine ain't going anywhere.

[Kasabus]

I don't really like what Mike Brown did back in Cleveland, he used Lebron way too much like he was a horse, and that ended horribly, as he was always exhausted. But he did learn a lot being the assistant of Coach Kerr, now we can see those changes in Sacramento Kings which is now 5th in the West.

True, Sacramento Kings are a big surprise this season, it's the same lineup but they have a better season. What we want to see now is consistency, and as long as their system works, I think they'll be in good shape in the playoffs. Getting in the playoffs might be possible for them, but winning in the playoffs is just another thing.

It's unlikely that the Kings will have an impressive performance in the playoffs. At least, I don't expect them to be able to of getting past the second round. By the way, it's worth noting that the Kings haven't reached the playoffs in the last 16 seasons. So the fact that the Kings are now in fifth place in the standings and have a good chance of reaching the playoffs is already a great achievement for both their current roster and for the Kings franchise as a whole.

I think as well too that the Kings management is not putting their roster in a hard situation where there's a pressure to reach far this season and at least play in the playoffs. The management are already happy with what they have right now because it's been a while since the Kings somehow dominated in the hardwood and giving teams some struggles before they can beat them as the roster nowadays are really hard to beat.
Just like the Jazz, nobody expected them to be this good, even the management haven't expected it because they are still in the rebuilding process where they are still figuring things out what lacks in them but it turns out that having no star besides Clarkson helps the team well.

[chaser15]

In the end, Lakers still suck, they are still under 0.500 and there is nothing they could do, they will miss playoffs again, and they did last year, and did on Lebrons first year.

Hey, don't be bitter there, mate.

You are right that the Lakers still suck and are still far away from playoff contention or even in the play-in but to say there's nothing they could do, I disagree. They are working on it now and that's why they are on their 5th game-winning streak now.

They just need to keep up with that consistency as much as they could to keep alive for their playoff chances. We can't just assume that Lakers is done for.

[jakelyson]

https://www.rotowire.com/basketball/player/lonzo-ball-4110
Thoughts? Do you guys think he can still play this season or if ever the Chicago Bulls can squeeze a playoff spot?

It was a very long time since he played in NBA, almost a year now. The article said it is a slow recovery so we may not see him play this season. And even if he plays, he has been away for too long. He will be rusty as hell and will only be on the way to the team's success. I think he should not push it but let his injury fully heal. He still has 2 years in his contract. If he can heal properly, he can perform better on those two years left.

An interesting factor is that several other players are helping LJ in these last games, Schroder and Bryant for me was one of the biggest surprises, because in the last games they are scoring a lot and consequently helping the Lakers in these victories.
If AD will return in time and the Lakers maintain this performance, I have no doubt that the Lakers will qualify for the playoffs and I even speculate that they can, yes, advance in the playoffs.

Schroder is performing the way he should be. He is just back to his old self when he was offered a big contract in LA before. Hopefully, they retain him and offer him again a good contract after this season. And hopefully, he accepts it.

The Lakers are still lacking a role player, I think, that can push them to the playoffs. And their goal is not just entering playoffs, it is winning the chip. That is why they are paying premiums for AD, Westbrook, and Lebron. They have to make a move now or the only thing they will achieve is Lebron taking the scoring title. 

[goinmerry]

In the absence of Anthony Davis, Thomas Bryant is being more utilized and so far looking good.

Established last game with 29 points and 14 rebounds, he is clearly improving in every game. That line of stats is not his usual before.

Hope that he will be able to continue that good performance as the Lakers badly really need a product like that from their role players.

[danherbias07]

Oh, Clarkson. What are you doing?!
This is the second time he raised those fists of him. The first was against Kuminga and now against Desmond Bane and he ain't done even on his way out after ejection due to flagrant 2, acting like a thug in the court. I am a Filipino but I don't like these unsportsmanlike actions, you get mad when you are hit not when you are the one who hit. It's not fit for a physical sport. Also, he acts like he is guilty about the smack in the face of Bane.
If you didn't mean it, say you're sorry or just walk out to the bench. If they attack you then just push them back, don't raise your fist. I bet the NBA will make him fine for that gesture.
Here is the clip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXUDaOG-gFE
He's doing the Steph Curry "night-night" teasing the Grizzlies.
My bet builder for him and Markkanen was wasted because he was ejected and the Jazz lost the game.
They will meet again on February 16 at Grizzlies' home before the All-Star.

[Oasisman]

Honestly, the last foul may not be a foul at all, Lakers got away with murder there and definitely helped them get the win. To be fair, they are a bit older, and they were looking at Lebron to carry them and dude is like 60 years old, he did all he could but doubt OT would be easy for him, not that there is a guarantee they would lose, but they were having a bit fatigue issues, so no OT really saved them for sure.

In the end, Lakers still suck, they are still under 0.500 and there is nothing they could do, they will miss playoffs again, and they did last year, and did on Lebrons first year. They basically got one ring, and that's it from this whole era and that ain't too bad.

Yeah Lakers still suck, until they secure a playoff spot. I'm not sure if they'll probably miss the playoffs this year or they'll make it if they're being consistent. Nobody knows.
However, I disagree to what you said that the last call might not be a foul? Bro, that was a blocking foul as Fox push Schroeder away from the basket using his body. Well, clearly you were not actually watching the game, I guess you've only had the glimpsed of the last second replay to say that the Lakers got away with the L. The refs favoured the Kings the whole game, that 3 pt continuation play from Westbrook could've ended the game already.

[yazher]

The Brooklyn Nets still getting more wins than losses after they beat the Miami Heat and it was an all-lucky rebound from O'Neal after a missed three-point shot from Kyrie. Though the Miami heat still have more time to steal the show, they couldn't make it because of the tight defense from the Brooklyn Nets. also, Durant has taken some serious damage in this game and he is uncertain about their next game. Hoping that it won't get affected their incredible runs this year and it's really good if he can just take a rest before going to the playoffs because they need his full strength there.

[YuginKadoya]

Oh, Clarkson. What are you doing?!
This is the second time he raised those fists of him. The first was against Kuminga and now against Desmond Bane and he ain't done even on his way out after ejection due to flagrant 2, acting like a thug in the court. I am a Filipino but I don't like these unsportsmanlike actions, you get mad when you are hit not when you are the one who hit. It's not fit for a physical sport. Also, he acts like he is guilty about the smack in the face of Bane.
If you didn't mean it, say you're sorry or just walk out to the bench. If they attack you then just push them back, don't raise your fist. I bet the NBA will make him fine for that gesture.
Here is the clip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXUDaOG-gFE
He's doing the Steph Curry "night-night" teasing the Grizzlies.
My bet builder for him and Markkanen was wasted because he was ejected and the Jazz lost the game.
They will meet again on February 16 at Grizzlies' home before the All-Star.

Jordan Clarkson is a really legit "KATIPUNERO" for challenging Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. but we also know how Desmond Bane plays, he is full of trash talk just like Drillon "Dynasty" Brooks, and Ja "Almost" Morant, that is why the bird with the same feather flocks together, I think Desmond Bane have initially trash talked Jordan Clarkson in my opinion that Triggered his KATIPUNERO side, Well I am not siding with Jordan Clarkson and I am not siding with anyone, but I agree he shouldn't act like that I should have said if he is Filipino he should have good moral and right conduct but seeing him getting ready to brawl I should say the NBA should have fined him for doing such gesture,

Yeah Lakers still suck, until they secure a playoff spot. I'm not sure if they'll probably miss the playoffs this year or they'll make it if they're being consistent. Nobody knows.
However, I disagree to what you said that the last call might not be a foul? Bro, that was a blocking foul as Fox push Schroeder away from the basket using his body. Well, clearly you were not actually watching the game, I guess you've only had the glimpsed of the last second replay to say that the Lakers got away with the L. The refs favoured the Kings the whole game, that 3 pt continuation play from Westbrook could've ended the game already.

I haven't watched the full match aswell but as you have said, it was clearly a foul and the Lakers have to get away from it and won the game, for me, the Lakers are doing great right now but wrong calls from the referee will surely matter with the games and can surely affect the whole outcome but it is really part of what is happening the Sacramento Kings can surely file a petition about this but it will be a long and excruciating process so no ones is filing anything,

[gagux123]

Schroder is performing the way he should be. He is just back to his old self when he was offered a big contract in LA before. Hopefully, they retain him and offer him again a good contract after this season. And hopefully, he accepts it.

The Lakers are still lacking a role player, I think, that can push them to the playoffs. And their goal is not just entering playoffs, it is winning the chip. That is why they are paying premiums for AD, Westbrook, and Lebron. They have to make a move now or the only thing they will achieve is Lebron taking the scoring title. 

In the last few games Schroder has been a key player for the Lakers, I would even dare to say that he is in one of his best phases.
Another important factor that I can say, is Schroder's consistency, he's been keeping a good rhythm for some time now, and scoring in most of the games he plays.

I have no doubt that AD is a huge lack for the Lakers.
I even speculate that this type of player who is having this gap in LAL is a good quality PF or C.

I believe, that situation of the Lakers being without quality PF or C, can be similar to the Cavs in previous seasons.
Cavaliers had several good players, unfortunately, Cavs at that time, it was the absence of a quality PF or C to help the team.

TT did a good job, but even so he was not that important player as AD is for the Lakers, another example is Kevin Love, he managed to play PF, but his defense was not very good, but in compensation his attack was good.

[Pamadar]

The Brooklyn Nets still getting more wins than losses after they beat the Miami Heat and it was an all-lucky rebound from O'Neal after a missed three-point shot from Kyrie. Though the Miami heat still have more time to steal the show, they couldn't make it because of the tight defense from the Brooklyn Nets. also, Durant has taken some serious damage in this game and he is uncertain about their next game. Hoping that it won't get affected their incredible runs this year and it's really good if he can just take a rest before going to the playoffs because they need his full strength there.

Hopefully that damage won't seat him for long, but I see your point better to give him some rest and let Kyrie and the other players to
work and try winning more games before the All-Star break.

Nets run is amazing and they really establishing good relationship around, which for sure is the factor that allowing
them to keep winning games, stars and role players are doing the best adjustments to in between for a successful
run.

[LogitechMouse]

In the absence of Anthony Davis, Thomas Bryant is being more utilized and so far looking good.

Established last game with 29 points and 14 rebounds, he is clearly improving in every game. That line of stats is not his usual before.

Hope that he will be able to continue that good performance as the Lakers badly really need a product like that from their role players.

With the absence of Davis, Thomas Bryant is the one who is being used as their starting center and he really improved when he is in the Lakers. In his past teams, he isn't given many minutes to play. Now he is showing what he is capable off.

The Lakers are now 5-0 this year which is a good sign. I just hope that this will continue with or without Davis. The bad thing though is that they are still at the bottom part of the standings, and we are halfway thru the regular season already. We might see them do like what the Celtics did last year where they are at the bottom before the all-star break and just right after it, they just went on a winning streak after winning streak until they reached the top spot. Can we see it on the Lakers this season?