2024 NBA Season

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

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.

Right, we thought that the Heat is done with their poor performance the last time, but Jimmy and Struss combine for 62 big points to close out the Bulls. And their defence is superb in the last 3 minutes of the game, DeRozan can't get a decent shot, Lavine was block.

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 highly doubt that the Heat has enough firepower to counter the Bucks. Giannis will be a nightmare match up for them.
The Bucks has also Brook Lopez in the middle, so Bam has his hands full against Giannis and Lopez. And they have of course Holiday and Middleton and then the second unit as well. I wouldn't be surprised if there will be a sweep.

[Oasisman]

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?

If the Heat beats the Bucks, that's gonna be a good indicator that they're playing well in the post season and the chances for them to be in the finals will be the most in the Eastern conference. That's a big IF for the Heat.
The Bucks are just different and they're obviously a stronger team than the Heat. I mean who will going to stop Giannis? Bam and Love can't guard him, they'll most probably going to pick up a lot of foul against Giannis.
Let's see what the Heat are capable of against the #1 team in the NBA.

[Jating]

How about Rudy Gobert bouncing back from one game suspension with a double double of 21 points and 10 rebounds. He has this highlight behind the back dribble for a layup? However, SGA is on the receiving end as his eye was swollen when Rudy unintentionally elbow him.

Match up between Gobert  and Jokic? Jokic is going to eat up Gobert and I don't think that he can outsmart Jokic.

But for sure, the series will be fun to watch. But I'm seeing Nuggets winning in 5.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

Little bit sad that both 10th seeded teams didn't make it after their strong performances some days ago in the "first round" .

This time Miami and Minnesota didn't mess up their chance to win it at home and some players redeemed themselfes.

Denver vs Minnesota seems good on paper but I give the Wolfes max 2 wins at home. On the road they will not win 1 game in Denver.

In the east pretty much everything s possible. All teams had stretches where they looked like contenders and then totally not.  

Good thing is, we don't have to wait long for the playoffs to start, just some hours and the fun begins with Philly vs Brooklyn.
Game 1 is always a tough one for the higher seed and often enough we see big upsets.

Philly is strong of course but Brooklyn looked solid after the trade. I wouldn't be surprised if they steal this one on the road.

[fuguebtc]

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?

If the Heat beats the Bucks, that's gonna be a good indicator that they're playing well in the post season and the chances for them to be in the finals will be the most in the Eastern conference. That's a big IF for the Heat.
The Bucks are just different and they're obviously a stronger team than the Heat. I mean who will going to stop Giannis? Bam and Love can't guard him, they'll most probably going to pick up a lot of foul against Giannis.
Let's see what the Heat are capable of against the #1 team in the NBA.

There is no doubt that if the Miami Heat are able to defeat the Bucks on Monday, it will be an outstanding result for them. It will not, however, be an easy task, and there will be plenty of obstacles along the way. As a matter of fact, this match is going to be quite a bit more challenging than Miami Heat's last match. Now it is very possible that they will be able to beat the Bucks. As a result, the Miami Heat will need to perform much better in this game than they did in the previous game against the Bulls, in order to avoid losing.

Personally, I don’t think they will be able to win against Bucks. In terms of the players that the Bucks have right now, they are really good. As of right now, they seem to be unstoppable as well.

[Pamadar]

How about Rudy Gobert bouncing back from one game suspension with a double double of 21 points and 10 rebounds. He has this highlight behind the back dribble for a layup? However, SGA is on the receiving end as his eye was swollen when Rudy unintentionally elbow him.

What a great connection with him Anderson and KAT. If they can use that tower alongside with Conley and Edwards, they just need to work with defensive strategy to compete well with the Nuggets.

Match up between Gobert  and Jokic? Jokic is going to eat up Gobert and I don't think that he can outsmart Jokic.

Much better if KAT will take this not Gobert, as he can move quicker, but I still go with Jokic as he can just smoothly work his way to score or to create good assist to his teammates.

But for sure, the series will be fun to watch. But I'm seeing Nuggets winning in 5.

I hope it won't be a sweep as Nuggets has that capability to finish this series quicker.

[Japinat]

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?

Dang! I didn't thought that the NBA were that serious about the Mavs resting their players even if they still got a chance to earn themselves a spot in the Play-in, what I expected was that the NBA will just look into the issue without any seriousness and will just let it cools down until everyone will move on as people will forget about it as the playoffs is already approaching.

And for Kyrie Irving, there are some speculations that the Mavs are still looking forward to have him in their roster and said that he will sign him in the free agency because they believed that they can still have a different outcome in the next season. Well, as of now, that's just a rumor and we will likely know what will happen in the off-season.

[Taskford]

How about Rudy Gobert bouncing back from one game suspension with a double double of 21 points and 10 rebounds. He has this highlight behind the back dribble for a layup? However, SGA is on the receiving end as his eye was swollen when Rudy unintentionally elbow him.

He need to do that because if he cannot provide any good performance on thay game and they officially take vacation for this season then Wolves management might think about trading him.

But since all went well on his end and Anderson with their accumulated when to get a spot on playoffs maybe all went well to them and management will not think about touching up this guys and focus to get a good run this playoffs.

[YuginKadoya]

But there are few remaining games and they are 1 game ahead of lakers so imagine what will happen to them if they lose on their next game and lakers win? Provably they will drop into play in and lakers can get their spot to playoffs. To crazy things that can possibly happen and this is what makes this series more exciting because there are to many events to speculate. They also need to fix their problem on their road games since it seems that they have curse and they are continue losing on their road games.

I really think there is a big difference between the Golden State Warriors from their game against the Nuggets and their games entering the Play-offs They badly needed the away games and right now they are doing great with the Sacramento Kings game and the Portland Trail Blazers game those are a very crucial game that they manage to win and that is an away game right now the Golden State Warriors is fooling every team in the NBA they manage to fool everyone that they will keep losing their away games and the return of Andrew Wiggins in the nick of time will surely give them an edge, and likely for me I have faith in them taking the championship again,

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.

It is likely a personal issue why Wiggins can not play many regular games, but for me, that is a hidden strategy that the Warriors have plotted and make this opportunity that Andrew Wiggins can not play and turn this into an advantage for them in the playoffs and the Warriors bracket is proven that they can handle every team in their bracket and right now they will be facing the Sacramento Kings if I am not mistaking, then if they win against the Kings they are going on with the winner between the Los Angeles Lakers VS the Memphis Grizzlies which I think the Los Angeles Lakers is a bigger treat than with the Grizzlies right now, this will be a great time for the Warriors moving forward,

[boltz]

Too bad Bulls didn't make it to next round but last night Miami really played way better than them and overall they did deserve to win. The game of Miami is always the same , they even score a lot of points or they barely make it to 100 and even if they made it look kinda easy , Miami had to fight in Q3 and especially in q4 to avoid OT because Bulls were on a row in the last two quarters.

OKC is still a very talented team who already had a great year and a great run so the fact that they were in play in tournament is already an achievement for them and I see a bright future for this franchise as long as they keep some players. 

[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..

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.

Did you see the team Miami Heat had to play with for majority season, Khris Middleton, but would compare that to a Miami Heat that had Gabe freaking Vincent as their PG for most of the season, the guy is absolute trash of a PG imo, while Milwaukee had a Jrue Holiday that could it all.

I'm just saying Milwaukee Bucks are going to have their hands full, not that they'll get blown away, but the Heat is never a team to look down on,

[Wapfika]

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.

Agree on this if Bulls will maintain their balance game. As you mention already, Miami heat has the capacity to show explosiveness especially when Jimmy Butler is on the zone. I still go for Butler over DeRozan in terms effectiveness when they are both on fire. I think Miami will give Bulls a hard time since this is a play-in tournament that means a last chance opportunity to be on the playoffs.

As expected, Miami Heat qualified after beating Chicago bull convincingly on the 4th quarter. Jimmy Butler perform as expected and lead the Heat with the help Strus to increase the gap for securing playoffs spot. Heat is more dangerous than Bull on Playoffs and I’m so happy to see them contesting the Bucks on the first round. I’m not a believer of Derozan due to his concistency during crucial game.

Can we see any upset match in both east and west on this first round coming from the team that entee playin tournament?

[wheelz1200]

Knick game day finally here!  Been waiting all week.  What's everyone think of the knicks/cavs series.  I'm a knick fan so I see through different colored glasses but I think the knicks can pull this series out.  They on 3 out of 4 during the year and were an excellent road team.  I think if they can pull off 1 of the first 2 on clevland they got a good shot.  Took the odds on knicks to win the series.  Interested in peoes take on the series that aren't fans of either team?

[dwyane36]

Heat is more dangerous than Bull on Playoffs and I’m so happy to see them contesting the Bucks on the first round.

The Heat has been pretty mediocre this season, and I wouldn't expect them to perform well in the playoffs since their opponent in the first round will be the Bucks. By the way, the Heat and Bucks last faced each other in the 20/21 playoffs, and that time the Bucks just didn't give the Heat any chance by beating them in 4 games in the first round. This time, the result will most likely be the same.

[Coin_trader]

Knick game day finally here!  Been waiting all week.  What's everyone think of the knicks/cavs series.  I'm a knick fan so I see through different colored glasses but I think the knicks can pull this series out.  They on 3 out of 4 during the year and were an excellent road team.  I think if they can pull off 1 of the first 2 on clevland they got a good shot.  Took the odds on knicks to win the series.  Interested in peoes take on the series that aren't fans of either team?

Knicks all day long on this series. Knicks is very strong after the acquisition of Jalen Brunson. Besides Knicks beat Cavs 4 times in a row on their recent matches with the same roster.

The current odds is in favor with Cavs due to their standings on regular season and home court advantage but not based on previous match. I think this odds will start to shift in favor of Knicks once they get a game against Cavs. Brunson is a reliable player even when he is still on Mavs helping Luka to carry Mavs. He is now given the spotlight to perform all out and I think he can deliver on Knicks what he can’t on Mavs because of Luka.

[SirLancelot]

Looking at how Memphis is growing and how they are doing decently, I would guess that Lakers will not have an easy time. Many people think that because Lakers have Lebron and Lebron plays differently on playoffs, they will end up with a win. However, lets realize that Lebron is in his 20th year and he can't just carry the whole team anymore, he hasn't done that in a long time, they barely got into the playoffs this season thanks to that trade, without that trade they might have even lost it as well.

So all in all I would guess that it is not going to be easy, Memphis on the other hand has been playing well all season long and should be able to defend Lebron very well, if Lebron still can manage to win it, then it would be something amazing without a doubt.

[püsür]

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.

Don't let the Golden State Warriors' position deceive anyone. They did not play a full squad all year, they approached the ideal squad as the play-offs approached and their performances increased significantly. The only thing missing is Andrew Wiggins, who is expected to return these days. So no one should be surprised if GSW become champions again. With the return of Wiggins, Warriors will be much more energetic, much more physical and more whole. (I believe wiggins will return well) Payton returned and started to contribute. Kuminga brings an efficient 10-15 points + very good energy every match. Divincenzo does his part by doing a little bit of everything. Although the starting 5 of this team did not include a large sample in the time they played together, they were the top 5 of the league. And now it has created a good 2nd unit.

[OgNasty]

Knick game day finally here!  Been waiting all week.  What's everyone think of the knicks/cavs series.  I'm a knick fan so I see through different colored glasses but I think the knicks can pull this series out.  They on 3 out of 4 during the year and were an excellent road team.  I think if they can pull off 1 of the first 2 on clevland they got a good shot.  Took the odds on knicks to win the series.  Interested in peoes take on the series that aren't fans of either team?

Knicks all day long on this series. Knicks is very strong after the acquisition of Jalen Brunson. Besides Knicks beat Cavs 4 times in a row on their recent matches with the same roster.

The current odds is in favor with Cavs due to their standings on regular season and home court advantage but not based on previous match. I think this odds will start to shift in favor of Knicks once they get a game against Cavs. Brunson is a reliable player even when he is still on Mavs helping Luka to carry Mavs. He is now given the spotlight to perform all out and I think he can deliver on Knicks what he can’t on Mavs because of Luka.

I tend to agree with you but more because I’m not sure how the Cavs have been winning at all with their roster. Still, their first playoff appearance without LeBron on the team in ~25 years. Pretty crazy, they must be doing something right.

No surprises in the early games but I have a feeling these next 2 games today are going to be a little closer.

[freedomgo]

Looking at how Memphis is growing and how they are doing decently, I would guess that Lakers will not have an easy time. Many people think that because Lakers have Lebron and Lebron plays differently on playoffs, they will end up with a win. However, lets realize that Lebron is in his 20th year and he can't just carry the whole team anymore, he hasn't done that in a long time, they barely got into the playoffs this season thanks to that trade, without that trade they might have even lost it as well.

So all in all I would guess that it is not going to be easy, Memphis on the other hand has been playing well all season long and should be able to defend Lebron very well, if Lebron still can manage to win it, then it would be something amazing without a doubt.

No doubt, there would be Los Angeles Lakers facing the Memphis Grizzlies in the playoffs now if that trade didn't happen as the previous line up they had was just a total mess. I know they can win some games but probably play-in will be too much for them, luckily, that's not their situation now because the additional they've received was a lot more useful than the players they had before the trade.

Just one thing though, Thomas Bryant should be a big help for the team but he requested a trade that's why he is now in the Nuggets playing less than 6 minutes per game or mostly, just sitting on the bench. He could have been a good substitute for AD if he's resting as without AD the Lakers are struggling in the paint.

[LogitechMouse]

Looking at how Memphis is growing and how they are doing decently, I would guess that Lakers will not have an easy time. Many people think that because Lakers have Lebron and Lebron plays differently on playoffs, they will end up with a win. However, lets realize that Lebron is in his 20th year and he can't just carry the whole team anymore, he hasn't done that in a long time, they barely got into the playoffs this season thanks to that trade, without that trade they might have even lost it as well.

So all in all I would guess that it is not going to be easy, Memphis on the other hand has been playing well all season long and should be able to defend Lebron very well, if Lebron still can manage to win it, then it would be something amazing without a doubt.

Inconsistency, injuries, age, inexperience.

The Lakers are one of the best defensive teams post-trade deadline, but they are very inconsistent. Though they played better after the trade deadline, there are many times where their supposed shooters are playing awfully in one game, and in another, and in another. Injuries are a big factor when it comes to playoffs, and we know that their 2 all-star players Lebron and AD are injury prone. Both of them need to stay healthy if they want to have a chance to beat the Grizzlies. I said age because that affects the stamina, and endurance of a player. Grizzlies' roster are way younger than that of the Lakers thus, they have more stamina to play 7 games compare to the Lakers. I also included inexperience because even though Lebron and AD has playoff experience already, their coach doesn't have one, and I believe it affects the whole team.

Even before, many believe that this will be a hard series for both teams, but I will pick the Grizzlies to win on this one maybe in 6 games.

Just one thing though, Thomas Bryant should be a big help for the team but he requested a trade that's why he is now in the Nuggets playing less than 6 minutes per game or mostly, just sitting on the bench. He could have been a good substitute for AD if he's resting as without AD the Lakers are struggling in the paint.

I just don't know why he requested a trade where he is already playing better when he is in the Lakers.
Obviously, his performance jumped when he was the back-up center for the Lakers, and he played very well as the Lakers' starting center when AD is out because of injury. I don't know why he requested a trade, but whatever reason it is, it's a wrong move coming from him. He must've have a better season if he stayed on the Lakers. Maybe personal reason.