2024 NBA Season

[OgNasty]

Heat pull-off to kick-out Celtics and reach NBA finals, while Denver is probably most happier with this, and they are pretty close to first title
didn't even considered possibility for Heat to win game 7, but they won it with style, and Celtics didn't show anything, pity they won three in a row, and made things interesting, while not being able to make game 7 interesting to watch

onwards to finals, could be a sweep, but no more than 6 matches, IMO, Denver to title

It could be a tough match-up for the Denver, Bam vs Jokic will be the one that I want to see. And then we have the trio of undrafted players in Caleb Martin, Mas Struss and Gabe Vincent maybe playing Jamay Murray.

I don't see a sweep though, Denver might win their first NBA title, but it might be 4-2.

And I think majority see Denver winning?

I definitely see Denver winning. Bam has his work cut out for him with Jokic and I think it will be a good example of solid fundamentals versus freak athleticism. The difference to me between Denver and all the other teams in the league is MPJ and Ben Gordon on the wings. They’re both so athletic and can shoot the ball, it’s almost unfair that they are both on the same team.

[carlisle1]

Well, that wasn’t the game I was hoping to watch but now we can look towards the Finals. You always hope a game 7 is going to be close but the Celtics just weren’t having it yesterday. The Heat got it done and now they have the Denver Nuggets to deal with. I personally think Denver will win this series easily, but I didn’t think Miami would get this far.

And again, probability and statistics are on on the side of Miami, and so numbers don't lie. They still get the job done after 7 games and still, there are no teams that comeback from a 0-3 lead, almost though by the Celtics, but they just get tired or the Miami Heat find their shooting range in time as everyone is hitting their outside shot including 3 point.

Jimmy Butler won the ECF MVP.

As he deserves it though, kudos as well for Martin and Bam they also added the pressure and the lift that Miami needed, moving back
with that last game, I also agree that fans expect a close game but Miami dominated Boston in their home court.

Sad to see that the defending ECF champ was unable to accomplish the first ever 0-3 comeback almost, but Miami manage to prevent that to happen.

Finals now between Miami and Nuggets, for sure there are different speculations and expectations.

[fuguebtc]

Win or lose against Denver Nuggets, they are already in the history books. A bunch of undrafted players with an extraordinary coach and Jimmy Buckets. This Miami Heat team needs to get under so much pressure first in order to activate its X-factor thing. They are supposed to be the #7 but lost to Atlanta in the play-ins that they still need to beat Chicago just to join this season's playoff. And after a surprising 2-0 win in Boston, they lost 3 straight games which was so unusual that they really have to undergo a very tough situation in TD Garden for a chance to be in the finals.

I say, what a journey for the Miami Heat before heading into the finals. And let's not forget that they are missing some key players due to injuries. But somehow they beat the #1 seed in the whole NBA, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the championship favorite Boston Celtics. 

The journey to the final has certainly been very interesting so far. I hope the final is also going to be as interesting as that. I would really like to see a very competitive match. At the same time, I know people are predicting that the Denver Nuggets are going to be the winner, But I would actually like to see the Miami Heat be the winner of this final. I have always been a fan of watching those teams win which are actually the underdogs. Actually, I don't know if they can be called the underdogs, to be honest. After all the way they have reached the finals has been nothing but thrilling. I have high hopes for the Miami Heat.

[bitgolden]

Celtics just didn't had a good day, it wasn't really all their fault, Tatum sort of injured, Brown having one off night, it all happens. They scored so little, 39% from the floor, 20% from threes, when you do those kinds of stats then you end up losing without a doubt. In the end they weren't given any chance at all before their run started, it was 3-0 and people thought they would lose anyway, it just took them 3 more games to lose. In fact, they probably caused Heat to lose the finals as well, how?

Well, there are some old players at Heat like Lowry, and the way they played 7 games so far and Nuggets ended up resting, it is clear that Heat will not be battling just Jokic and Murray, they will be battling fatigue as well. I say Nuggets in 6.

[wheelz1200]

Celtics just didn't had a good day, it wasn't really all their fault, Tatum sort of injured, Brown having one off night, it all happens. They scored so little, 39% from the floor, 20% from threes, when you do those kinds of stats then you end up losing without a doubt. In the end they weren't given any chance at all before their run started, it was 3-0 and people thought they would lose anyway, it just took them 3 more games to lose. In fact, they probably caused Heat to lose the finals as well, how?

Well, there are some old players at Heat like Lowry, and the way they played 7 games so far and Nuggets ended up resting, it is clear that Heat will not be battling just Jokic and Murray, they will be battling fatigue as well. I say Nuggets in 6.

Tatum was a shell of himself had no speed to his game because of his ankle.  That wrecked the game for the Celtics.  There game plan after that was mainly one on one amd jack 3s for most of the night.  I have to think once Tatum went down and they were scrambling the gameplan was centered around Tatum.  Especially since dude dropped 50 in the game 7 before this series against Philly.  Think its gonna be a quick and boring finals.

[danherbias07]

Caleb's highly efficient shooting couldn't have come at a better time. Team's overall shot percentage is good but that guy is on fire in game 7. This is one of the strengths of the Heat - the unpredictability of these underrated players makes them difficult to read. If it's not Caleb then it's Max or Gabe that steps up to help Jimmy. I hope these guys get better contracts. They deserve it.

Don't forget Duncan Robinson, his cuts down the paint are pure. I don't know what Coach Spo did to him but it is effective. He is like doing the Steph Curry thing where he runs all over the floor or sometimes a give-and-go while the defender's back is on the passer so it won't be easily stolen and he ain't ready to defend as well against the shooter. I think he had done it effectively like 10 times in this series. Something the Nuggets should be careful about when they put Robinson in.

I hope the Finals become entertaining as well. I'm rooting for Nuggets in 6 for now. Heat may steal game 1 or game 2 in Denver.

Nuggets in for me. Perfect start in 2 games because of their long rest and then steal one in Miami's home. But basketball analysts are right, the Miami Heat are still underrated and it's not because they are weak but because of the lack of players in their roster. Although one piece of good news has come out, Tyler Herro seems to be doing his practice sessions and he might play in Game 3 of this series if everything goes right for him.
That's the target according to this news.
https://sports.yahoo.com/tyler-herro-might-miami-heat-192349526.html
Also included in the article is the fireback of Tyler Herro against the comment of Coach Stan Van Gundy about his outfit during the Heat vs Celtics series.  He doesn't have to go that far, just be a sport and fireback with a hilarious answer to that. Maybe Coach Stan just don't understand the "in" outfit today.
Like how KD helped him out here about the "spittin" word.
https://twitter.com/ClutchPointsApp/status/1615786393766363136?s=20

[Pamadar]

Heat pull-off to kick-out Celtics and reach NBA finals, while Denver is probably most happier with this, and they are pretty close to first title
didn't even considered possibility for Heat to win game 7, but they won it with style, and Celtics didn't show anything, pity they won three in a row, and made things interesting, while not being able to make game 7 interesting to watch

onwards to finals, could be a sweep, but no more than 6 matches, IMO, Denver to title

It could be a tough match-up for the Denver, Bam vs Jokic will be the one that I want to see. And then we have the trio of undrafted players in Caleb Martin, Mas Struss and Gabe Vincent maybe playing Jamay Murray.

I don't see a sweep though, Denver might win their first NBA title, but it might be 4-2.

And I think majority see Denver winning?

Statistically wise, I can agree that Denver has the upper hands here.

But like you, I also consider the way Heat is playing. They are underrated but they keep impressing the fans and also those critics
who don't believe that they can make it up to this point.

Much be more entertaining if they can push a do-or-die game 7 but with the way the matchup is concern Nuggets got the height
speed and talents that they can really abuse to dominate the series. Just my personal take on this NBA finals.

[LogitechMouse]

Who would've thought that this fat person from Serbia will become the face of the biggest basketball in the world right now. I mean at first glance, you will look at him as an unathletic person who is just sitting there watching movies etc. Now he is on the road to give the Nuggets their first title in franchise history. I just shared it because until now, I'm amazed on how many teams passed on him. He's the 41st pick in the NBA draft if some here don't know, and he was drafted behind the scenes, and there was a taco bell commercial when it happened.

One thing's for sure (at least for me). Top draft picks doesn't mean better player. Sometimes, you will see better players at the bottom spot of the draft like Jokic.

~

It could be a tough match-up for the Denver, Bam vs Jokic will be the one that I want to see. And then we have the trio of undrafted players in Caleb Martin, Mas Struss and Gabe Vincent maybe playing Jamay Murray.

I don't see a sweep though, Denver might win their first NBA title, but it might be 4-2.

And I think majority see Denver winning?

Bam Vs. Jokic? Possible, but take note that the Heat have a very small line-up. If Jokic decided to stay beyond the three point area, and pass more, Bam's defense will adjust therefore, other Nuggets players are free to drive in the paint because other players are really small. I mean besides Bam which is 6'9", the tallest of them already is 3 6'7" players, and they aren't using Love, and Zeller that much as well. I'm not saying that it's impossible, but Bam will be having a hard time. Just imagine this. Davis who has been the best in terms of defense during the playoffs is just wasn't enough for Jokic, then how can Bam cope up with him.

Nuggets in 5, and I will stick with it. If it's the Celtics, I might predict 6-7 games, but it's the Heat. I'm not underestimating the Heat though, but the Nuggets is just an amazing team all throughout the season, and they manage to stay at the top even though the standings in the West are very close.

[tabas]

We will see how coach Spo and the guys will compete and try again to win the title.

He's an experienced one on these times and he probably had a strategy already on who is he gonna put on the court to at least disable or slow down Jokic.

The best way to win is by not allowing the Joker to score a triple-double, as that would elevate his teammates' performance. If the Nuggets' star player struggles, things will work in favor of the Miami Heat.

The Heat's lineup now consists of experienced players:

Kyle Lowry, a one-time champion.
Kevin Love, a one-time champion.
Jimmy Butler, who has played in the NBA Finals against the Lakers.
Bam Adebayo, who has also played in the NBA Finals against the Lakers.
Robinson, who has played in the NBA Finals against the Lakers.

So, I believe we should respect this team and have faith that they will match up well against the Nuggets.

I guess that there should be an assigned guy that will defend against Joker and that might be these big guys, Love and Adebayo. Or even not as big as these two but those athletic guys that can at least delay or stop Joker wherever he goes especially outside the perimeter. I have my respect to Heat and they've been into the finals for many times while the Denver Nuggets, even if this is the first time that they're in still look at how people are respecting them as well for thinking that this is going to be easy for them.

It's fair to think that the first game will in favor of the Denver Nuggets. While people are talking on how long they've waited for this match to come and the game for Heat and Celtics just ended, they've got more time for preparation and for their conditioning. Jokic is on a different level but this time he's being acknowledged because they've made it to the finals for the first time in their franchise history.

Honestly, I'm still undecided on which of these two teams I should place my bets on. On the one hand, most say that the Nuggets will be the favorites, and I partially agree with that since their current roster looks stronger than the Heat roster. On the other hand, as you said, this will be the first Finals for the Nuggets, which means they have no experience in this playoff stage at all, while the Heat has more than enough experience since this will be their second Finals series in the last four seasons.

It's true that the majority is saying that this is going to be Nuggets. But if you're unsure on which team you're going to bet, you might just want to observe for the game 1 and let the other following games decide whether you'll bet or not.

[MK-74]

I don't think there are many players who can keep Jokic. I don't think Bam Adebayo can defend Jokic.
Denver Nuggets will be champions this year.
I think the series will end 4-2 or 4-1.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

I couldn't have been more wrong about game 7 in the east, Miami played with the heart of a champion, if it will enough to become one, we shall see.

Denver has the deeper roster and more contributors than Miami. They don't rely on 1 or 2 guys to have a good game because they are so deep. And the Joker almost never has a bad game, that will be a problem for Miami in my eyes.

Then there is the home court advantage, and thats a big one. Denver has won all their home games in the post season. Nobody likes to play in the "mile high city", and there is a good reason for that saying.

Because of this I see the Nuggets win the finals with 4:2 or 4:1 even. They rested well (hopefully not rusted) and Miami has a long 7 games behind them. Everything other than a blowout win by Denver would be a surprise for me.

[Oasisman]

I don't think there are many players who can keep Jokic. I don't think Bam Adebayo can defend Jokic.
Denver Nuggets will be champions this year.
I think the series will end 4-2 or 4-1.

4-2 or 4-1 yeah that's most probably NBA fans are thinking right now. It feels like Miami Heat is underestimated again in this match up, but Denver is a much better team than the Celtics for sure. I'm curios about what percentage does the ESPN analytics are going to give the Heat this time. If they gave the Heat 3% against the Celtics, they might give the Heat like what 0.3% this time against the Nuggets? because like I said and majority will agree to it that the Nuggets it's a more explosive team than the Celtics. I don't see someone from the Heat who could put a clamp on Jokic and Murray. These 2 superstars are playing on another level that no one in the NBA today have ever played like them so far. Also, there is no lead that is safe for the Nuggets as long as there are time left in the clock. Murray or Jokic can heat up anytime at some point in the game even with a slow start. Saw it many times throughout the course of the post season. 

[Natalim]

I don't think there are many players who can keep Jokic. I don't think Bam Adebayo can defend Jokic.
Denver Nuggets will be champions this year.
I think the series will end 4-2 or 4-1.

4-2 or 4-1 yeah that's most probably NBA fans are thinking right now. It feels like Miami Heat is underestimated again in this match up, but Denver is a much better team than the Celtics for sure. I'm curios about what percentage does the ESPN analytics are going to give the Heat this time. If they gave the Heat 3% against the Celtics, they might give the Heat like what 0.3% this time against the Nuggets? because like I said and majority will agree to it that the Nuggets it's a more explosive team than the Celtics. I don't see someone from the Heat who could put a clamp on Jokic and Murray. These 2 superstars are playing on another level that no one in the NBA today have ever played like them so far. Also, there is no lead that is safe for the Nuggets as long as there are time left in the clock. Murray or Jokic can heat up anytime at some point in the game even with a slow start. Saw it many times throughout the course of the post season. 

I read similar predictions when the Heat played the Bucks, stating that no one can stop Giannis. However, in reality, the Heat did a great job on him, resulting in a big win for the Miami Heat. On paper, it may seem obvious that the Nuggets would dominate, but at the moment, there's nothing I can criticize about the Heat as they have reached this level of competition from being the 8th seed in the regular season.

[Kelvinid]

On paper, it may seem obvious that the Nuggets would dominate, but at the moment, there's nothing I can criticize about the Heat as they have reached this level of competition from being the 8th seed in the regular season.

It's a Cinderella story for the Heat. No one expected them to reach this level, yet they have made it to the NBA Finals. It's not just Jimmy Butler; many undrafted players have helped him achieve success. Players like Gabe Vincent and Caleb Martin have been consistently productive on both the defensive and offensive sides.

I have a feeling that what the majority is expecting may not actually happen. They believe it's a mismatch, but we might witness a very interesting series. Who knows, Miami might once again surprise the majority of us.

[MK-74]

I don't think there are many players who can keep Jokic. I don't think Bam Adebayo can defend Jokic.
Denver Nuggets will be champions this year.
I think the series will end 4-2 or 4-1.

4-2 or 4-1 yeah that's most probably NBA fans are thinking right now. It feels like Miami Heat is underestimated again in this match up, but Denver is a much better team than the Celtics for sure. I'm curios about what percentage does the ESPN analytics are going to give the Heat this time. If they gave the Heat 3% against the Celtics, they might give the Heat like what 0.3% this time against the Nuggets? because like I said and majority will agree to it that the Nuggets it's a more explosive team than the Celtics. I don't see someone from the Heat who could put a clamp on Jokic and Murray. These 2 superstars are playing on another level that no one in the NBA today have ever played like them so far. Also, there is no lead that is safe for the Nuggets as long as there are time left in the clock. Murray or Jokic can heat up anytime at some point in the game even with a slow start. Saw it many times throughout the course of the post season. 

I read similar predictions when the Heat played the Bucks, stating that no one can stop Giannis. However, in reality, the Heat did a great job on him, resulting in a big win for the Miami Heat. On paper, it may seem obvious that the Nuggets would dominate, but at the moment, there's nothing I can criticize about the Heat as they have reached this level of competition from being the 8th seed in the regular season.

You may be right about this, but it won't mean much if you take precautions only for Jokic on the team.
Because Denver's roster is very very better than the Miami Heat.
That's my opinion.

[avp2306]

I don't think there are many players who can keep Jokic. I don't think Bam Adebayo can defend Jokic.
Denver Nuggets will be champions this year.
I think the series will end 4-2 or 4-1.

4-2 or 4-1 yeah that's most probably NBA fans are thinking right now. It feels like Miami Heat is underestimated again in this match up, but Denver is a much better team than the Celtics for sure. I'm curios about what percentage does the ESPN analytics are going to give the Heat this time. If they gave the Heat 3% against the Celtics, they might give the Heat like what 0.3% this time against the Nuggets? because like I said and majority will agree to it that the Nuggets it's a more explosive team than the Celtics. I don't see someone from the Heat who could put a clamp on Jokic and Murray. These 2 superstars are playing on another level that no one in the NBA today have ever played like them so far. Also, there is no lead that is safe for the Nuggets as long as there are time left in the clock. Murray or Jokic can heat up anytime at some point in the game even with a slow start. Saw it many times throughout the course of the post season. 

I read similar predictions when the Heat played the Bucks, stating that no one can stop Giannis. However, in reality, the Heat did a great job on him, resulting in a big win for the Miami Heat. On paper, it may seem obvious that the Nuggets would dominate, but at the moment, there's nothing I can criticize about the Heat as they have reached this level of competition from being the 8th seed in the regular season.

You may be right about this, but it won't mean much if you take precautions only for Jokic on the team.
Because Denver's roster is very very better than the Miami Heat.
That's my opinion.

Its not surprising to see someone telling that Nuggets have better roster than Miami since this is really true but we cannot give disregard Miami since they show proof that when many doubt at them like what ESPN says that they have 3% chance to win they became more better so if this team will be taunted nor get challenge with Denver for sure we can see a more intense heat. Especially that they want to prove something and also want to became a champion this season.

[Coin_trader]

On paper, it may seem obvious that the Nuggets would dominate, but at the moment, there's nothing I can criticize about the Heat as they have reached this level of competition from being the 8th seed in the regular season.

It's a Cinderella story for the Heat. No one expected them to reach this level, yet they have made it to the NBA Finals. It's not just Jimmy Butler; many undrafted players have helped him achieve success. Players like Gabe Vincent and Caleb Martin have been consistently productive on both the defensive and offensive sides.

I have a feeling that what the majority is expecting may not actually happen. They believe it's a mismatch, but we might witness a very interesting series. Who knows, Miami might once again surprise the majority of us.

Jimmy Butler on Playoffs is a monster. I don't believe in the mismatch when Heat matchup with a strong team because they beat the top 1 and 2 seeds in their conference. They are really strong! They are just underrated because most of the Heat roster is undrafted and not top pick in NBA draft but overall, They have the same balance line-up with Nuggets with the same main star that is thirsty for a championship. I doubt that Nuggets can get an easy win with a team that shows resiliency in all of their matches despite they are always the underdog. I will still bet to Heat on Game 1 but with a handicap since they are on Nuggets home.

I really feel that this is a close fight not an easy match as most people expect.

[Reid]

Statistically wise, I can agree that Denver has the upper hands here.

But like you, I also consider the way Heat is playing. They are underrated but they keep impressing the fans and also those critics
who don't believe that they can make it up to this point.

Much be more entertaining if they can push a do-or-die game 7 but with the way the matchup is concern Nuggets got the height
speed and talents that they can really abuse to dominate the series. Just my personal take on this NBA finals.

They do have the upper hand. If we match players, Jokic has better position than Bam Adebayo, then they have Gordon to defend Butler, Jamal Murray will be against Caleb Martin if I am right, but let's not forget they have two premier shooters MPJ and KCP. The zone defense of the Heat might not work anymore on these circumstances. Every Nuggets player is a threat to them and Jokic is also shooting threes with high percentage, we have seen what he had done against the Lakers where Davis just shook his head to disbelief.
First, I want to see game 1 if the Miami Heat really has a chance, but I will be betting for the Nuggets for now. I am on the safe side on the first game with some spreads for the Nuggets. -5? or -6?

[dwyane36]

I guess that there should be an assigned guy that will defend against Joker and that might be these big guys, Love and Adebayo. Or even not as big as these two but those athletic guys that can at least delay or stop Joker wherever he goes especially outside the perimeter. I have my respect to Heat and they've been into the finals for many times while the Denver Nuggets, even if this is the first time that they're in still look at how people are respecting them as well for thinking that this is going to be easy for them.

It's worth noting that Coach Spo doesn't use Love much. Based on stats, Love has averaged 15-20 minutes on the court in previous playoff games, and he didn't play at all in the last two games against the Celtics. So I think either Adebayo will mostly defend against Jokic, or the Heat will use zone defense. In any case, the Heat should find some way to stop Jokic. Otherwise, it will be very difficult for them to beat the Nuggets.

[inthelongrun]

Agencies, teams, and NBA scouts have their own set of preferences. Some players are not that good but they have high potential to develop while there are already good already but they do not have more room for growth. There are too many very good players around the world and there are only 60 of them that will be drafted in the NBA. And there are also coaches like Popovich and Spoelstra that can turn ordinary players into something really good in their systems.

Occurrences like this should cause NBA team execs to rethink their talent scouting approach. The Lakers also uncovered a gem in the rough with Austin Reaves, or earlier Caruso. With all the focus on the draft the players left on the outside are a perhaps underappreciated talent pool.

Win or lose against Denver Nuggets, they are already in the history books. A bunch of undrafted players with an extraordinary coach and Jimmy Buckets...

Win or lose against Denver Nuggets, they are already in the history books. A bunch of undrafted players with an extraordinary coach and Jimmy Buckets. This Miami Heat team needs to get under so much pressure first in order to activate its X-factor thing. They are supposed to be the #7 but lost to Atlanta in the play-ins that they still need to beat Chicago just to join this season's playoff. And after a surprising 2-0 win in Boston, they lost 3 straight games which was so unusual that they really have to undergo a very tough situation in TD Garden for a chance to be in the finals.

I say, what a journey for the Miami Heat before heading into the finals. And let's not forget that they are missing some key players due to injuries. But somehow they beat the #1 seed in the whole NBA, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the championship favorite Boston Celtics. 

The journey to the final has certainly been very interesting so far. I hope the final is also going to be as interesting as that. I would really like to see a very competitive match. At the same time, I know people are predicting that the Denver Nuggets are going to be the winner, But I would actually like to see the Miami Heat be the winner of this final. I have always been a fan of watching those teams win which are actually the underdogs. Actually, I don't know if they can be called the underdogs, to be honest. After all the way they have reached the finals has been nothing but thrilling. I have high hopes for the Miami Heat.

Both teams deserved to become the champion but there can only be one. I am a fan of both although generally, I am more of an NBA fan first before teams and specific players. I just always want all the teams to become very competitive and I am glad that most of the teams nowadays are capable of entering the playoffs. And just like you, I am also a fan of the underdogs, not just in basketball.

But if I were to pick a team, I would side with the Denver Nuggets. They are the #1 in the west and proved it by reaching the finals. And kudos to Denver's management for bringing very good role players into the team to help Jokic who always gives his best without much complaining while the other superstars are always pressuring their teams to provide another superstars and capable role players. So the team management is the big difference IMO. Miami is always contending in the east despite being short-handed with players only because their coach is just super good and flexible and Jimmy Butler's extraordinary leadership.