2026 NBA Season

[dezoel]

I do believe that we are going to get to see Nuggets fighting their way back if they can, but it will definitely not be that easy. Coming back from 3-1 would be a tough deal we all know that, and that means Nuggets will need to win this next game, if not then they are going to be down 3-1. Not impossible to do it, they could still make it happen, the 3-2 part will be easy because court advantage but that 3-3 is harder and then the last game is even harder.

I believe that we are going to end up seeing something marvellous here, so it should not be all that complicated. Nuggets are a great team, but Gobert has been defending amazingly so far and I think having that type of length against Jokic makes it quite harder for everyone for sure.

[Maslate]

Both series look to be going 6/7 games as both teams down 2-0 took game 3.  Always like a good full series instead of a boring blowout but as a knicks fan would have been nice to steal one last night.  If OG doesn't come back it's going to be tough for them to pull this series out they just don't have enough healthy bodies.  Hole dudes hamstring comes through but those usually take weeks so im not holding my breath.  Onto game 4!

Knicks are still fighting and almost have that win in the end, so game 4 is still not safe for the home team as the Knicks are just very close to them. it's given that OG are not gonna play, Knicks are undermanned but they played like they are complete, so I think Pacers aren't really a championship team or capable of beating the Knicks, because even if they'll win game 4, back at New York, it's a very tough environment for them.

Yeah, It’s a very close match and I think Knicks can get that W if they didn’t run out of steam on the 4th quarter probably because they are already too exhausted on the 3rd quarter which they made most of there significant run on this match.

I’m surprised that Knicks still managed to give a good run even with incomplete line-up due to Donte stepping up with enough play time. You’re right that Pacers will be having a hard time when the home court shift and OG came back.

Both match today is so intense on earlier quarters but the last quarter becomes low energy.

Donte  proved to be clutch, he does not shy in an important occasion as they almost get a win on this if not for that deep 3 point shoot from the Pacers to give them a 3 point lead, but overall the Knicks have been playing good basketball. Now, I can say that the Warriors wasted the talent of Donte , they could have use him for their lack of consistent 3 point shooters.

[karabiber]

In the second game of the Boston-Cleveland series, probably no one expected such a result. Aside from Donovan Mitchell's great performance, Boston's lack of intensity in the game was inexplicable. Celtics center Al Horford said he expected them to play better and they did. The Cavaliers took the advantage and shocked their opponent. Now they will play two games at home. I expect Boston to bounce back quickly in this game. In general, the two teams have a significant advantage in the balance of power, but in the playoffs, teams have to be ready for any game at any time. I think Boston will focus on defense in this game, so I expect a low scoring game. If the Cavaliers win, the rest of the series will be very entertaining.

[freedomgo]

And Dallas too the lead in the series.

Luka been playing not 100% but everyone was playing great defense and have limited the OKC in the 2nd half. Kyrie understand the situation, took over but still get everyone involve. OKC trying to play a foul game on the Dallas big but Lively came up with consistent FT shooting after getting taken out for a minute. Overall, it was a great game, very physical but so entertaining to watch.

101-105 is the final score

As usual, Kyrie are Luka making contributions but once again, Washington was big again with    27 points which is actually the leading scorer. Not sure what the OKC are doing, they are just letting him to score this way?

[OgNasty]

And Dallas too the lead in the series.

Luka been playing not 100% but everyone was playing great defense and have limited the OKC in the 2nd half. Kyrie understand the situation, took over but still get everyone involve. OKC trying to play a foul game on the Dallas big but Lively came up with consistent FT shooting after getting taken out for a minute. Overall, it was a great game, very physical but so entertaining to watch.

101-105 is the final score

As usual, Kyrie are Luka making contributions but once again, Washington was big again with    27 points which is actually the leading scorer. Not sure what the OKC are doing, they are just letting him to score this way?

Best case scenario for me as I wanted Dallas to win but bet on OKC with the spread and OKC covered with the loss. It gets no better. Now hopefully Cleveland will make their game with Boston a good one and lose by less than 10 points while Boston takes the W and it will be a great day for NBA Playoff basketball.

[xLays]

And Dallas too the lead in the series.

Luka been playing not 100% but everyone was playing great defense and have limited the OKC in the 2nd half. Kyrie understand the situation, took over but still get everyone involve. OKC trying to play a foul game on the Dallas big but Lively came up with consistent FT shooting after getting taken out for a minute. Overall, it was a great game, very physical but so entertaining to watch.

101-105 is the final score

As usual, Kyrie are Luka making contributions but once again, Washington was big again with 27 points which is actually the leading scorer. Not sure what the OKC are doing, they are just letting him to score this way?

The performances in Game 2 and 3 by P.J. Washington were the key to Dallas leading this series. I didn't expect those threes from Washington; he has a 57% 3-point shooting percentage in this series against the OKC making 14 out of 26 attempts.

I think Luka got hurt in this game. Both Luka and Luguentz Dort had a hard fall while battling for a rebound, but Luka managed to win the jump ball. He might be questionable for Game 4.

I don't like the idea of the OKC coach intentionally fouling Lively in the fourth quarter, which gave Dallas 4 points. They should have played defense instead.

[wheelz1200]

Another great game.  Kyrie never seems to disappoint in the lights.  Big game 4 if Dallas goes up 3-1 I can't see okc stringing 3 in a row.  Game 4 is almost a must win for okc.  Not sure what I expect in the later game here.  Cabs shocked me in Boston I didn't see that coming.  Got to think Celtics are gonna come out hard.  Taking the Celtics money line in the first quarter

[EFS]

It's clear that this series is going to be very hard and very close. Again, we saw a very close game and the Thunder lost, perhaps because of their inexperience. They didn't play the right way in the final minutes, making simple turnovers and bad shot choices. Dončić did his best even though he had an injury. P.J. Washington was again the x-factor in this game. Hack-a-Lively didn't work for Thunder, he shot 8/12 from FT line. Game 4 is very important for the Thunder. If they don't win this one, the Mavericks will win the series with the momentum they gained.

[wheelz1200]

It's clear that this series is going to be very hard and very close. Again, we saw a very close game and the Thunder lost, perhaps because of their inexperience. They didn't play the right way in the final minutes, making simple turnovers and bad shot choices. Dončić did his best even though he had an injury. P.J. Washington was again the x-factor in this game. Hack-a-Lively didn't work for Thunder, he shot 8/12 from FT line. Game 4 is very important for the Thunder. If they don't win this one, the Mavericks will win the series with the momentum they gained.

I hate that strategy.  As a fan it's tough to watch when teams just hack someone back and forth.  I remember when they first starting using this on Shaq.  Definately worked with him, dude sucked at the line.  I also never got that.  How can you be that bad from the free throw line when ypu.do this as a job.  You literally can spend every day of your offseason practicing how don't you get better?

[stadus]

It's clear that this series is going to be very hard and very close. Again, we saw a very close game and the Thunder lost, perhaps because of their inexperience. They didn't play the right way in the final minutes, making simple turnovers and bad shot choices. Dončić did his best even though he had an injury. P.J. Washington was again the x-factor in this game. Hack-a-Lively didn't work for Thunder, he shot 8/12 from FT line. Game 4 is very important for the Thunder. If they don't win this one, the Mavericks will win the series with the momentum they gained.

They don't play basketball, Hack-a-Lively is a bad strategy as he wasn't really of a bad FT shooter like Dwight Howard or DeAndre Jordan. I hope they'll learn their lesson already. The game was pretty much very physical as both teams wanted to win, and this is what we call a playoffs play.

I'm impress with Luka actually, we can see the blood on the knee, probably he was playing hurt but he did finish the game and even player 40+ minutes IIRC.  Not only he scored but he also grabbed rebounds, that's a hardworking Luka, and what I like is he also improve his defense. Game 4 is very crucial for the OKC, as losing again will put them in a big disadvantage, imagine the pressure they'll feel every game, and considering they are still young, I doubt they'll able to come back and win.

[mirakal]

Another great game.  Kyrie never seems to disappoint in the lights.  Big game 4 if Dallas goes up 3-1 I can't see okc stringing 3 in a row.  Game 4 is almost a must win for okc.  Not sure what I expect in the later game here.  Cabs shocked me in Boston I didn't see that coming.  Got to think Celtics are gonna come out hard.  Taking the Celtics money line in the first quarter

Dallas will have a rest after a win, Luka has to take care of his body as he was playing injured in that game. The momentum is already on the Dallas now as they have won 2 straights already. However, Dallas can't be complacent enough because every game it was close, in fact game 1 was the only game that was not close because it was dominated by the OKC, but the next 2 games, it was a hard earned win by the Mavs and a total team effort.

As long as PJ Washington, Luka and Irving gets double digit, I think the outcome will be the same. SGA is the only player in the OKC who are consistent, as the series continue, he might be tired, so I expect his production to go down, maybe will start in game 4.

[danherbias07]

It's clear that this series is going to be very hard and very close. Again, we saw a very close game and the Thunder lost, perhaps because of their inexperience. They didn't play the right way in the final minutes, making simple turnovers and bad shot choices. Dončić did his best even though he had an injury. P.J. Washington was again the x-factor in this game. Hack-a-Lively didn't work for Thunder, he shot 8/12 from FT line. Game 4 is very important for the Thunder. If they don't win this one, the Mavericks will win the series with the momentum they gained.

PJ Washington suddenly became a player who is fun to watch, the Mavericks surely made a great move at acquiring him from the Hornets. He can contribute to the rebounding area, he can shoot from outside and his defense is high level too.

But I won't be relaxed if I am the Mavs. Chet Holmgren claiming 3 rebounds in the first quarter was something. The defense under the rim is great but the problem is those who are defending the outside shots. The OKC guards should do better at defending both Luka and Kyrie. Those guys can absorb the defense very quickly, spread the floor, and find an open man to shoot. I think that is why PJ Washington was always open because those two stars are playing phenomenally too.

[Wapfika]

Tomorrow we will see the game 3, let's see if they can still handle the Pacers without OG who had a huge contribution in the game 2 win before he got injured. And as per report, there's even a possibility that Bruson might not play as he was lited as questionable.

It will be a very hard task for Knicks to beat Pacers without OG and Brunson not only because of the home court advantage of Pacers but also they are already in close match when Knicks has strong line-up with the 2 players is active. I doubt that the current Knicks without Brunson can beat a solid Pacers.

I think Knicks will still face a difficulty beating Pacers in home court even with OG and Brunson in the court so I think they might use game 3 and 4 for regrouping then focus on the remaining games until their starters come back.

Let's wait until the actual game starts. Because I am not sure with all of these reports become a tactic for these teams to make their rival confident that if one of their stars aren't going to play, they will have an advantage. I am not really sure but it seems that it's sort of a mind game to me until the game starts and with that rumored player won't be playing actually entered to the first five. 

I’m late to response here but my prediction went well about Knicks can’t keep up with Pacers even with Brunson available and OG is the only one missing. Pacers was lead by Hali properly that creates a lot of opening and at the same time score for himself.

Knicks have a good run despite OG absence since DiVincenzo step up and cover for OG yet they fall short since Pacers is too consistent until the end while the Knicks is just too tired for keeping up with Pacers phase.

OG will still out for tonight’s match. I’m expecting that this series will be even.

[wheelz1200]

Tomorrow we will see the game 3, let's see if they can still handle the Pacers without OG who had a huge contribution in the game 2 win before he got injured. And as per report, there's even a possibility that Bruson might not play as he was lited as questionable.

It will be a very hard task for Knicks to beat Pacers without OG and Brunson not only because of the home court advantage of Pacers but also they are already in close match when Knicks has strong line-up with the 2 players is active. I doubt that the current Knicks without Brunson can beat a solid Pacers.

I think Knicks will still face a difficulty beating Pacers in home court even with OG and Brunson in the court so I think they might use game 3 and 4 for regrouping then focus on the remaining games until their starters come back.

Let's wait until the actual game starts. Because I am not sure with all of these reports become a tactic for these teams to make their rival confident that if one of their stars aren't going to play, they will have an advantage. I am not really sure but it seems that it's sort of a mind game to me until the game starts and with that rumored player won't be playing actually entered to the first five. 

I’m late to response here but my prediction went well about Knicks can’t keep up with Pacers even with Brunson available and OG is the only one missing. Pacers was lead by Hali properly that creates a lot of opening and at the same time score for himself.

Knicks have a good run despite OG absence since DiVincenzo step up and cover for OG yet they fall short since Pacers is too consistent until the end while the Knicks is just too tired for keeping up with Pacers phase.

OG will still out for tonight’s match. I’m expecting that this series will be even.

I laid off betting this game thankfully.  Knicks are just too hurt to keep up here.  Can't expect to start precious achuiwa with no one else behind him.  Losing mitch, julius and now OG is just too much front court loss.  Shame because they had a great year.  Health always drives this part of the year unfortunately.

[püsür]

A good bounce back for the Nuggets to pick up that momentum after being totally locked down in game 1 and 2. And the Wolves had a very very bad game that they even gave up early in the 3rd quarter. They looked complacent sitting at 2 nothing, even Edwards was too comfortable answering the post game conference as if the Nuggets ain't capable of bouncing back and win the next 3.
This is the huge difference between an experienced against a young team who hasn't been into the finals.

Denver Nuggets were also able to get back in the series with Minnesota Timberwolves, that was huge a statement from the defending champions and to show that can also get a win on any given day. I don't know if I say that the Wolves didn't actually get complacent, I mean they were 6-0 in the playoffs so far, sweeping the Suns, and getting 2 wins on the road, one without their best defensive asset only for them to then trail for the entire night and trying to play catch up, something must have been wrong from the get-go. However, regardless of how bad the Wolves looked for most of the entire night, the Denver Nuggets offense was extremely extraordinary and deserve pretty much an equal credit for a great game.

Everything just went well for the Nuggets in this game as they are not forcing to attack inside, most of their points came from outside and they had success on that because they are rotating the ball well to avoid the pressure defense from the Wolves. Gordon was also key here as he was not defended outside, so he enjoys shooting with being contested and made 3 of his 4 attempts. There was no defense on him since he wasn't really a good 3 point shooter, but this game sees the urgency and happy to see him have that confidence of a defending champion.

And the best news is Murray is already back on his usual stats, he shoot 11-21 in game 3, pretty high perentage compared to his stats in the prior 2 games at their home court, I think this will continue and Nuggets has a chance in game 4.

Good adjustments for the Nuggets after losing twice they did a great job moving back to the usual rotations and let the core players to takeover, and likw what you said, Jamal is doing the damage, pushing it for a much better percentage of his shots, plus Gordon and Porter and yeah Jokic as always he really show up and not to let his fans down, after winning his 3rd MVP he also rewarded his fans with a win, Wolves cores unable to match up the intensity of the defending champ, they dominated the game from start to finished.

I think that today's game 4 and the next game 5 are very important for Wolves and Edwards. If they win this one, I think they will win game 5 also and it will probably be 4-2. But if they lose both games, they will go to the last game-matches under the leadership of ant with the feeling of not succeeding despite coming so ready and strong as a team. The team will have to back players like kat, gobert, who have a glass mentality, again and more difficult. We've seen in this series that Denver can't win with just Jokic, they have to have someone to help him the whole game. No one who was mvp has made his team champion in the last 8 seasons. I really wonder what can Nuggets do now. Tonight's game is incredibly important for the whole playoffs IMO.

[LGD2Business]

Indiana Pacers played very well at home and ended the game early by increasing the lead to over 30 points in the 3rd quarter. The starting 5 players came to the side early to rest. The last quarter is played only as a formality because the difference is 38 points. Now the score is 2-2 in the series and the excitement is increasing. Haliburton and his friends didn't put in much effort in this match. They are still fresh.

[xLays]

Indiana Pacers played very well at home and ended the game early by increasing the lead to over 30 points in the 3rd quarter. The starting 5 players came to the side early to rest. The last quarter is played only as a formality because the difference is 38 points. Now the score is 2-2 in the series and the excitement is increasing. Haliburton and his friends didn't put in much effort in this match. They are still fresh.

There's too much disrespect here, even the Facebook page Basketball Forever is posting 2-2 eventhough the game still has 8 minutes left. Well, it might be reasonable because of the current lead.This is the result of playing your players 42+ minutes per game. Josh Hart playing average time 40 mins per game this playoffs. Not gonna lie, Knicks players look exhausted.

[blockman]

Yep, the Wolves were pretty mediocre in the first half of this game, and the Nuggets finally got them in the third quarter. However, the Wolves are still in the lead, and if you look at all-time playoff stats, they have an 80.1% chance of winning this series. So, the next game is clearly going to be critical for both teams.

Bad time for them, it wasn't the Wolves that we're expecting. But 2-1's are everywhere for this semis.

A good bounce back for the Nuggets to pick up that momentum after being totally locked down in game 1 and 2. And the Wolves had a very very bad game that they even gave up early in the 3rd quarter. They looked complacent sitting at 2 nothing, even Edwards was too comfortable answering the post game conference as if the Nuggets ain't capable of bouncing back and win the next 3.
This is the huge difference between an experienced against a young team who hasn't been into the finals.

That confidence is pretty normal when you're in the playoffs and that boosts yourself confidence and with your teammates too. I believe that everyone that's in there when being ask if they're going to beat their opponent, of course they'd say yes with confidence.
Game is on in a few and we're going to see if this is going to be 3-1 for the Wolves or the Nuggets is going to tie it.

[danherbias07]

Just like I thought, we cannot underestimate the MVP. Nikola Jokic won on the road again with 35 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds to tie the series at 2-2.
But the key player is Aaron Gordon, he had the hot hands with 11/12 field goals, talk about being efficient, he did it today. Jamal Murray also did some damage and I guess that's the recipe for the Nuggets to win. Their trio must work together on both ends of the floor to win it.

Antman was really fun to watch though, but the help was not there, especially from KAT. 5/18 field goals, that sucks and he got easily frustrated with the referees missing some fouls. He cannot do that.

And another story, will Gobert pay a fine again? He did the money sign again. We might hear that news later.

[Harkorede]

Just like I thought, we cannot underestimate the MVP. Nikola Jokic won on the road again with 35 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds to tie the series at 2-2.
But the key player is Aaron Gordon, he had the hot hands with 11/12 field goals, talk about being efficient, he did it today. Jamal Murray also did some damage and I guess that's the recipe for the Nuggets to win. Their trio must work together on both ends of the floor to win it.

Antman was really fun to watch though, but the help was not there, especially from KAT. 5/18 field goals, that sucks and he got easily frustrated with the referees missing some fouls. He cannot do that.

And another story, will Gobert pay a fine again? He did the money sign again. We might hear that news later.

I'm not sure that was the money sign from Rudy Gobert, I watched the game but I haven't given the gesture a 3rd look, although, from what I saw and the replay during the game it was more of a "cheap foul call" from my POV, but then that was an obvious foul on Jamal Murray with Rudy Gobert shoving him from behind.

It was yet another championship calibre performance from the Denver Nuggets again, the Wolves really need a lot of figuring out to do going forward, Anthony Edwards scored over 40 points but still, it all amounts to nothing because his other supporting cast weren't playing at his own level, unlike Jokic who is having Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray showing up pretty well in both game 3 and 4, while KAT wasn't having a great night, and Rudy Gobert while getting bullied in the defensive end isn't providing anything much on the offensive end of the court.