2024 NBA Season

[freedomgo]

And it will be fitting that he is going to face his former team as a assistant coach under Steve Kerr. So he might have the advantage because he should know the rotation and their defensive movement.

I don't see the advantage here because if he just copies the system, I think the Warriors have the better advantage in terms of players' skills. Also, take note that the Warriors are the defending champions, yet they haven't gained respect due to their bad regular season record, especially their road record.

So, let's talk about the road game. Based on record, Sacramento should have the advantage. However, this is playoffs, and there is a different atmosphere for sure.

It's 0-0 so there's no advantage even if Brown was used to be the assistant coach. Maybe the Warriors have different system now, and if I'm not mistaken, he is the defensive coach of the Warriors back then so if there is something that he is familiar then it will be how the Warriors play defense. On the other hand, they have new set of players and maybe they got a new defensive coach that have negated what Brown used to employ in the Warriors.

But as you have said, the Warriors has a bad record in the road, could be a factor. However, this is going to be a series so there's a lot of momentum changes, last year they were down against the Boston Celtics but they overcome them and win the NBA trophy.

I believe Kerr would have new set of strategies and would use those new players as well just to make Mike Brown wouldn't know what set of plays and defense they'll gonna make. Yeah Kings has a good record and kudos to Brown for making it on playoffs but I think Warriors has the experience when it comes to this kind of atmosphere.

Let's already assume that because I don't think coach Steve Kerr will just sit and won't do something knowing that the Kings head coach now knew about the Warriors playing system especially in terms of defense. Say to safe that Kerr already prepared for this one as he doesn't want to make his team at the disadvantageous side because of that, moreover, a lot of time has already passed and the Warriors probably improved what they have.

[redsun114]

To have special set of plays for everyone in the team is something every coach does. I have worked in basketball before, obviously it was some very local minor league with absolutely no talent at all, people who played with 20-30% fg and all that, it was terrible. But even in that situation, we had set plays for even the 12th man, think about it, this dude played maybe 30 minutes all season long, not in a single game, he played 30 minutes ALL season total, and we had set plays for him.

Because you can't have a player suddenly go into the game and not know what they are going to do and if a few injuries or rejected from the game then that guy could go into the game and you need to be ready to tell him what he should be doing.

[mirakal]

Bulls vs Miami, I already lock in my bet.

Do you favor Bulls or Miami ? Personally , I've watched both games and I must say Bulls really looked more solid than Miami in their first game and that is why I'm thinking seriously to take a bet on Bulls  even if once again , the odds and bookies don't see them as favorites.

Miami...for me is really hard to anticipate their games and style because in one night , they could drop 120 on you and the next night , they barely make it to 90. So I guess , I will stick with Bulls to qualify.

Most bettors are leaning on the Chicago Bulls even if they are listed as the underdogs because it seems that they are more reliable compared to the Miami Heat now. The latter may drop 120 in any given night but that's just the same meaning of unpredictable. What we're doing here right now is predicting the likelihood of their game and given the Heat's unpredictability, I'd also stick with the Bulls as they are all healthy as well now.

[stadus]

Bulls' confidence are probably still high after that epic comeback against the Raptors. Maybe DeMar and Zach could do it again. I just think that the Heat are better at handling things when their backs are against the wall. I would have placed my bet on them if the line was a bit higher at around 1.80. I don't like it at under 1.50

Both teams do have an equal chance of course but it's just hard to disregard the Miami Heat because they are more experienced when it comes to intense games as their roster are more comfortable and already accustomed playing games under stress in post season games. We'll see later, I can see that a lot of people here are rooting for the Bulls and not the Miami Heat.

Wolves would likely take that final playoff spot in the West.

Still debatable because they are still up against a young roster of Thunder who are also hungry to acquire more experience.

[dwyane36]

Do you guys agree with the fine that was applied to Mavs for resting their players ?  even if they wouldn't make the play in tournament...so I think they had all the rights to safe the rest of the season for some players and get them to rest earlier. I do hope Irving was not allowed to have any rest what so ever because he is the main reason of why Mavs missed play offs.

The fine was $750,000 towards Mavs org.

On the one hand, teams should let their players rest once in a while because it's hard to play all 82 games. On the other hand, you should keep in mind that the NBA is primarily a business, which means that its management has no interest in healthy players missing games because that could affect league revenues one way or another. For example, if a popular player misses a game, some fans may return tickets or stop going to games. Also, advertisers and TV companies like ESPN, TNT, and ABC would obviously not be happy because the absence of a popular player could affect TV viewership.
So I think that fine is reasonable.

[jakelyson]

Unfortunately, they might exit early in the playoffs as they're up against the Warriors, a proven championship team. If they manage to beat the Warriors, then they'll earn a lot of respect from the fans. Therefore, hopefully they'll pull off a big surprise and upset the defending champions.

I don't know if that's still the case right now because they are different rosters and looks like they can give GSW a hard time in the first round. Unless the GSW will know how to easily break their defensive strategy it will gonna damaged them a lot because if that happens, they will quickly be buried with a double-digit lead and when against the GSW, only a few teams are able to catch up with them. Especially right now, Andrew Wiggins is clean to play and he could be the asset to surprise the Kings and swiftly beat them in this first-round NBA playoffs series.

I read somewhere that Barnes got an ankle injury in practice. I do not know if he will be able to play in the first game, but it will be an important factor for the Kings. I favor the Warriors to have a better chance to move forward in the Playoffs because of their experience. It's been a long time since the Kings entered the playoffs. It could affect their game in tight situations against the Warriors.

[wheelz1200]

Unfortunately, they might exit early in the playoffs as they're up against the Warriors, a proven championship team. If they manage to beat the Warriors, then they'll earn a lot of respect from the fans. Therefore, hopefully they'll pull off a big surprise and upset the defending champions.

I don't know if that's still the case right now because they are different rosters and looks like they can give GSW a hard time in the first round. Unless the GSW will know how to easily break their defensive strategy it will gonna damaged them a lot because if that happens, they will quickly be buried with a double-digit lead and when against the GSW, only a few teams are able to catch up with them. Especially right now, Andrew Wiggins is clean to play and he could be the asset to surprise the Kings and swiftly beat them in this first-round NBA playoffs series.

I read somewhere that Barnes got an ankle injury in practice. I do not know if he will be able to play in the first game, but it will be an important factor for the Kings. I favor the Warriors to have a better chance to move forward in the Playoffs because of their experience. It's been a long time since the Kings entered the playoffs. It could affect their game in tight situations against the Warriors.

I agree and think most of the betting world does too.  I think gs is favored in this series and probably should.  I never bet against the reigning Champs until they aren't anymore.  I don't see anyone who can stop steph on Sacramento and green can defend enough against sabonis to keep him in check.  I got gs in this one winning in 6 games at home.

[Slow death]

Miami Heat - Chicago Bulls

Heat comes to this game with 44 wins and 38 losses and in the last 10 games they managed to have 5 wins and 5 losses, and in their last game they had a defeat, on the other side we have the Bulls who come to this game with 40 wins and 42 losses, and in the last 10 games the bulls had 6 wins and 4 losses and in their last game they had a win, I see that the bulls will come to this game with more optimism, so I think that the bulls will win this game. the odd in case they win the game is at @2.70 and a high odd, something quite risky but worth it. I'm still thinking about making a bet

Minnesota Timberwolves - Oklahoma City Thunder

Wolves come to this game with 42 wins and 40 losses, and in the last 10 games they had 6 wins and 4 losses in which in their last game they lost, meanwhile their opponent Oklahoma City Thunder comes to this game with 40 wins and 42 losses, and in the last 10 games they had 5 losses and 5 wins, but in their last game they had a win. I think that in this game the Oklahoma City Thunder can win in this game, despite Minnesota being seen as a favorite by bookmakers, the difference in odds is big, but I still see the Oklahoma City Thunder winning

[blockman]

Yeah, saw that news and that's why many Warriors fans are blowing up with the first match against the Kings. It was also exposed why he's been absent for a long time and it's personal to take care of his father.
I missed watching him inside the court and those that have bought tickets that are quite expensive and is historical for this match for game 1 is going to be worth it.

True, that's why when the Warriors announcement that Wiggins is not going to play at the regular season, then we know what it means already. That if they make the playoff then definitely he will go and play. He is still one piece of the equation for the Warriors. So they are back with full strength this playoff, with Curry, Thompson, Looney, Green and Wiggins at starting five. And then they have Poole, DiVincenzo and Payton to come-in. And then the 3rd unit will include Moody, Jerome and JaMychal Green, so that is very deep in rotation for them, healthy 100%. With that, it's going to be a fun and exciting series with the Kings, they don't have the advantage in this series, but they have been in this kind of situation before, they are still one of the most dangerous teams outside despite their sixth position. It's hard to beat that championship DNA with the likes of Steph, Klay and Draymond.

That's going to be a hell of a rotation for them but we all know that these stars always get to contribute and know their job while inside the team. There are those that are designated for scoring, defense, and also for ball rotation. Well, they've been in a bad season and now they're doing great on this season, and with all of these set of rosters that they have, they've got confidence. While as for the Kings, they may take time and hard time to adjust since it's like the first time for most of their players but I won't be belittling them.

[inthelongrun]

Do you guys agree with the fine that was applied to Mavs for resting their players ?  even if they wouldn't make the play in tournament...so I think they had all the rights to safe the rest of the season for some players and get them to rest earlier. I do hope Irving was not allowed to have any rest what so ever because he is the main reason of why Mavs missed play offs.

The fine was $750,000 towards Mavs org.

Oh my! So they were indeed found guilty by NBA officials. I guess the spirit of competitiveness applies to any team that has the chance to enter the play-ins to give it all and not rest its main players. Unlike those at the top wherein they already secured clear slots for the playoffs.

I am a fan of the Dallas Mavericks too but maybe the NBA is right because they gave up when there was still a chance. I guess the decision is more on Luka and is supported by the team overall. They would not risk possible injuries and maybe they already saw enough that queen Kyrie is not fit for their team.

I hope they will let go of queen Kyrie next season. For his $30+ million a season, that is enough to get seasoned players that can play roles to Luka. How about Markannen or Clarkson if the Jazz is still reluctant to provide quality players to their two stars?

[danherbias07]

^^ Yes, and I think there are others too in the past MVP race that really ruined the voting and it's just in the last couple of years that we have seen a unanimous MVP in Steph Curry.

Anyhow, Banchero deserves to be the ROY, and I'm sure we are all in consensus about it. Unless someone disagrees again and vote for someone else  .

Yeah, winning should be enough and I am sure Paolo Banchero would not care too much about 1 vote that became biased. It will happen and it won't stop even in the future Rookie of the Year voting.

It's good that you've mentioned it mate, I almost forgot about that specific award.

Well, what can I say, the Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown totally deserve to have that award and I won't be surprised if most of the coaches will vote for him because it's been quite a while since the Sacramento Kings participated in the playoffs and take note, not just barely participated, the team clinched a playoff spot on the #3 Western seed.
I actually looked it on the internet to see how long and it says that their last participation was last 2006, so it's been 16 long dry season for the franchise.

Yes, 16 years. That's how sweet this playoffs entry is and the largest reason why Coach Mike Brown should win the Coach of the Year too. I know the coaches respect that kind of achievement that's why they voted for him. Now, the challenge would be the media vote if they also agree about how the other coaches' decisions.

Bulls vs Miami, I already lock in my bet.

This was a tough choice for me but I already locked my bet for the Chicago Bulls with a +7.5 handicap last night. If the game stays as a close fight then I might win it. Both teams will be playing harder because this is a win-or-go-home situation. Chicago's key to winning is someone stepping up his game, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan will be guarded heavily that's given.

[Pamadar]

That's going to be a hell of a rotation for them but we all know that these stars always get to contribute and know their job while inside the team. There are those that are designated for scoring, defense, and also for ball rotation. Well, they've been in a bad season and now they're doing great on this season, and with all of these set of rosters that they have, they've got confidence. While as for the Kings, they may take time and hard time to adjust since it's like the first time for most of their players but I won't be belittling them.

Good thing with the Warriors is they know where they will position themselves when inside the court. I mean, like what you mentioned, they know who's the gunner, the protector, and the rebounder.

They play as one with one direction and with one intention to win the game. It's a difficult position with the Kings but they
already proven from the regular season that they can beat good teams. They just need to work with more trust with the
whole organization. They might be playing against the defending champ, but they've got each other's back. That's what is
important for now, trust the process and play their best.

[Botnake]

Congratulations to the Miami Heat for qualifying for the playoffs again. Butler took over the game and helped beat the Bulls. I hope Bam improves his game in the playoffs as he didn't perform well in the last two games. Fortunately, other players were able to step up.

Now, it's going to be Heat vs. Bucks. Can the Heat upset the number one team, or will the Bucks sweep the Heat? Which of the two is more likely to happen?

[famososMuertos]

Miami suffering to win, so was not that easy in fact they were losing by several points at the end of the game. 
You Q @Botnake:The Bucks win but they don't sweep.

[Harkorede]

Congratulations to the Miami Heat for qualifying for the playoffs again. Butler took over the game and helped beat the Bulls. I hope Bam improves his game in the playoffs as he didn't perform well in the last two games. Fortunately, other players were able to step up.

Now, it's going to be Heat vs. Bucks. Can the Heat upset the number one team, or will the Bucks sweep the Heat? Which of the two is more likely to happen?

I would got with the Milwaukee Bucks to win the series in maybe Game 5 or Game 6, but the chances of the Bucks recording a sweep is practically a far reach imo, the Miami defense is pretty rock solid and Giannis and co would surely not have it as an easy series, and more so if proper care isn't taken the Miami Heat could even eliminate them.

Bam Adebayo is having a great time, so the defense isn't their problem, and If Jimmy Butler and Max Struss could stay as sharp and terrific as they were tonight, then it's going to be really long series for the Bucks, in my opinion..

[OgNasty]

Congratulations to the Miami Heat for qualifying for the playoffs again. Butler took over the game and helped beat the Bulls. I hope Bam improves his game in the playoffs as he didn't perform well in the last two games. Fortunately, other players were able to step up.

Now, it's going to be Heat vs. Bucks. Can the Heat upset the number one team, or will the Bucks sweep the Heat? Which of the two is more likely to happen?

Bam brings a lot to the table in ways that don’t show up in the stats. Giannis is definitely going to have his hands full in the lane. Looks like the Minnesota Timberwolves are going to grab the last playoff spot from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Pretty much what I was expecting to go down tonight. Looking forward to watching the Kings vs Warriors game tomorrow.

[Getmon]

Miami suffering to win, so was not that easy in fact they were losing by several points at the end of the game. 
You Q @Botnake:The Bucks win but they don't sweep.

My initial thought was that Miami would emerge as the dark horse in the upcoming eastern playoffs. But when they cannot stop Atlanta in their own arena, I changed my mind. In addition, I stopped considering Bam Adebayo to become the next big star of Miami after Butler. Adebayo is not the kind of player that wanted to score and get rebounds however is more satisfied with turning into a role player. Bam is an intelligent player who shoots well from the perimeter and should take advantage of his offensive skills too if Miami is to contend with Milwaukee.

[LogitechMouse]

Congratulations to the Miami Heat for qualifying for the playoffs again. Butler took over the game and helped beat the Bulls. I hope Bam improves his game in the playoffs as he didn't perform well in the last two games. Fortunately, other players were able to step up.

Now, it's going to be Heat vs. Bucks. Can the Heat upset the number one team, or will the Bucks sweep the Heat? Which of the two is more likely to happen?

Bam brings a lot to the table in ways that don’t show up in the stats. Giannis is definitely going to have his hands full in the lane.

So it's a trilogy between these 2 teams, eh?
On their first match-up back in the bubble, the Heat won against the Bucks 4-1. In the next season, the Bucks swept the Heat and went on to the second round, and winning the title. Now it's the 3rd time that both these teams are facing each other.

TBH, I can't find a way for the Heat to win on the Bucks. Defense, Bucks obviously is better, and in offense, they are also better. I'm not disregarding the Heat though, but with how both these teams played during the regular season, we might see the Bucks using that "BROOM" against the Heat again.

Looks like the Minnesota Timberwolves are going to grab the last playoff spot from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Pretty much what I was expecting to go down tonight.

After having their best performances, SGA and Giddey are nowhere to be found on this game.
SGA only scored 22 points while Giddey only scored 6 points. Both of them had -22 plus-minus rating. The lead went up to as high as 29 points. It's a good game for the Thunder, but the Timberwolves really gave their best to retain that 8th seed.

Looking forward to watching the Kings vs Warriors game tomorrow.

As a Warrior fan, I will really watch this one. I will give some of my time just for this. Watching game 1 will give you a preview on what we will expect on the whole series. I believe that this series will be a high scoring one because both of them are the top 1 and top 2 in points per game.

[danherbias07]

Congratulations to the Miami Heat for qualifying for the playoffs again. Butler took over the game and helped beat the Bulls. I hope Bam improves his game in the playoffs as he didn't perform well in the last two games. Fortunately, other players were able to step up.

Now, it's going to be Heat vs. Bucks. Can the Heat upset the number one team, or will the Bucks sweep the Heat? Which of the two is more likely to happen?

I would got with the Milwaukee Bucks to win the series in maybe Game 5 or Game 6, but the chances of the Bucks recording a sweep is practically a far reach imo, the Miami defense is pretty rock solid and Giannis and co would surely not have it as an easy series, and more so if proper care isn't taken the Miami Heat could even eliminate them.

Bam Adebayo is having a great time, so the defense isn't their problem, and If Jimmy Butler and Max Struss could stay as sharp and terrific as they were tonight, then it's going to be really long series for the Bucks, in my opinion..

Bucks on 5 is my prediction. Their roster is so deep that they are difficult to defeat even without Giannis during the season. I don't underestimate the Miami Heat but what happened today is like a playoff game and Chicago Bulls gave them a hard time. When it comes to big men, they lack the numbers against the Bucks they might as well go small ball and try to use their speed against them. Their problem with that strategy will be Jrue Holiday.

Timberwolves won. They will be against the Denver Nuggets team. Both are offensive teams and will probably score high every game in the series.
Gobert did great tonight by dominating the paint. They badly needed that after their defeat against the Hawks. But Gobert must also prepare because next time it won't be that easy when he faces the Joker. That guy is too wise under the rim and he needs to be attentive at every move he will make.
I am with the Nuggets here at 5 too. With their healthy roster, I doubt they can be defeated easily.

[btc_angela]

Congratulations to the Miami Heat for qualifying for the playoffs again. Butler took over the game and helped beat the Bulls. I hope Bam improves his game in the playoffs as he didn't perform well in the last two games. Fortunately, other players were able to step up.

Now, it's going to be Heat vs. Bucks. Can the Heat upset the number one team, or will the Bucks sweep the Heat? Which of the two is more likely to happen?

I would got with the Milwaukee Bucks to win the series in maybe Game 5 or Game 6, but the chances of the Bucks recording a sweep is practically a far reach imo, the Miami defense is pretty rock solid and Giannis and co would surely not have it as an easy series, and more so if proper care isn't taken the Miami Heat could even eliminate them.

Bam Adebayo is having a great time, so the defense isn't their problem, and If Jimmy Butler and Max Struss could stay as sharp and terrific as they were tonight, then it's going to be really long series for the Bucks, in my opinion..

Bucks on 5 is my prediction. Their roster is so deep that they are difficult to defeat even without Giannis during the season. I don't underestimate the Miami Heat but what happened today is like a playoff game and Chicago Bulls gave them a hard time. When it comes to big men, they lack the numbers against the Bucks they might as well go small ball and try to use their speed against them. Their problem with that strategy will be Jrue Holiday.

I agree, they won't be the top seed in the East for nothing, they've done it with games without their big 3. Khris was even out for most of the regular season and when he came back that's where the Bucks started their big run.

Timberwolves won. They will be against the Denver Nuggets team. Both are offensive teams and will probably score high every game in the series.
Gobert did great tonight by dominating the paint. They badly needed that after their defeat against the Hawks. But Gobert must also prepare because next time it won't be that easy when he faces the Joker. That guy is too wise under the rim and he needs to be attentive at every move he will make.
I am with the Nuggets here at 5 too. With their healthy roster, I doubt they can be defeated easily.

Let's see if Rudy will be ready, as you said, Jokic is very tricky to guard, whether outside as he can shoot the 3 or down the paint as he will give a lot of moves and we might see Rudy dancing around. I guess Rudy just need to be dominant in the paint, get rebounds blocks or alter the shots of Murray if he ever penetrates.