2026 NBA Season

[freedomgo]

Bad day to be a Grizzlies fan…

Blown away in game 1.

The trend continues as OKC has consistently beaten them by double digits in their past matchups. With a new coach that lacks experience, I doubt we'll see effective adjustments in time. Another loss could completely demoralize them, even if they manage to win one at home, this series likely ends in 5 games with OKC getting early rest.

Good thing I avoided the high handicap trap.
The numbers don't lie, and blindly betting against this dominant trend would've been reckless.

[LogitechMouse]

Bad day to be a Grizzlies fan…

Blown away in game 1.
---
They need to do better in the next games otherwise OKC will the cue and send them off the playoffs.

To think they started well and got early points only to see that pace dwindle afterwards. Ja morant tried hard to stir some up but mehh.

I don't think the Grizzlies have the pieces in order to win on this series.

OKC just made a statement that they're different from what they were last year. They're better now, and they've shown it in this game where the offense is just too much for them. At the same time, the defense is also very good knowing that the Grizzlies only scored 80 points. The duo of Hartenstein and Holmgren really is a big problem to the opponents. I mean imagine how can you score when there's 2 7-footers defending the paint.

I will not be surprised if this series will end up in a sweep just because of how the Thunder demolished them in Game 1, but if you're a Grizzlies fan, it already is a bad day to be a fan since firing Coach Jenkins. :X

[Japinat]

OKC just made a statement that they're different from what they were last year.

It’s only Game 1, no need to overreact. I’ve seen plenty of series where a blowout opener ended up being competitive. But even if OKC dominates Memphis, their potential matchup with Minnesota if that would happen would be interesting as I believe the ANT man could beat this very dominant team.

[Volgastallion]

We see the Grizzlies in the pitch? I know this can sound pretty dumb, but is ironical.

What the hell they do, they dont even look like a tank team who is waiting the season to end to grab new players and being in a better place in the draft. They were absolute garbage, all the players starters and subs.

Well done thunder showing all his strenghts.

[stadus]

Another decisive victory as the Boston Celtics dominated the Magic 103-86 at home. Unlike the Grizzlies' blowout loss, Orlando actually led at halftime before collapsing, making this slightly more competitive.

So far, we've seen two one-sided playoff openers. Next up would be Heat vs Cavaliers, which might finally deliver some drama. But the game that is a must watch is the Rockets vs Warriors. question is: Can Rockets' defense still hold Curry to 3 points or fewer like last time, or will he erupt in this crucial matchup?

[ultrloa]

OKC just made a statement that they're different from what they were last year.

It’s only Game 1, no need to overreact. I’ve seen plenty of series where a blowout opener ended up being competitive. But even if OKC dominates Memphis, their potential matchup with Minnesota if that would happen would be interesting as I believe the ANT man could beat this very dominant team.

Agree, there's no need to react since its early we don't see the real picture yet if they are really going to win. 1 game doesn't tell everything since there's provably an adjustment will happen especially that their opponent is also hungry to win this series.

If they win again against Memphis on game 2 then maybe we can say that chances to win is really high and provably that those things what they say and possible match up will happen. But they cannot assure that automatically Wolves will be there opponent since even if Lakers lost in Game 1 remember that this team is well built and they have the best players on the league. So game 2 between Wolves and Lakers would be another exciting match to watch.

But lets see since somehow its good to see if OKC and Wolves will meet since we provably could see if ANT could able to defeat OKC or the other will totally dominate this season and became a champion.

[Baofeng]

Bad day to be a Grizzlies fan…

Blown away in game 1.

The trend continues as OKC has consistently beaten them by double digits in their past matchups. With a new coach that lacks experience, I doubt we'll see effective adjustments in time. Another loss could completely demoralize them, even if they manage to win one at home, this series likely ends in 5 games with OKC getting early rest.

Good thing I avoided the high handicap trap.
The numbers don't lie, and blindly betting against this dominant trend would've been reckless.

Yeah, OKC has beaten a lot of teams by double digits during the regular the season, so the trend continues and it just shows the OKC is really the number 1 team in the NBA. And with this kind of performance, I wouldn't be surprised for them to sweep the Memphis.

Houston vs Warriors, there are a lot of predictions that the Warriors are going to win this series. And the odds slight favors the Houston Rockets to win game one. But if you look at the handicap is just -1.5 for the Rockets.

[Shinpako09]

Before the series started, I knew, and others knew, that OKC would beat the Grizzlies in this series. That was to be expected, and possibly even a sweep. But a 51-point difference? What was that? LOL. I didn’t expect that. Ja got no help. Aside from Bagley, who scored 17 points, same with him, no one else on the team even scored in double digits. They only had 6 3s compared to 17 from OKC. OKC also had twice the assists of Memphis. Damn, it was really a blowout. OKC even set a franchise record.

[boyptc]

Bad day to be a Grizzlies fan…

I feel you.

But it's expected when they're against the #1 on this season. There are still a lot of games that will come for them and let's just hope that it won't have the same lead as they've got.

131 - 80.

Was this history in the NBA in terms of having a lot of lead? I'm sure that if the fans are disappointed, how much more the players and the coaching staff. Hope they bounce back.

[AbuBhakar]

Bad day to be a Grizzlies fan…

As expected, it’s a massacre because Grizzlies has no defense team while OKC is pretty solid both offense and defense. The reason why OKC is being underrated as top seed because of their last year performance.

I’m sure everyone that is doubtful about their performance this playoffs will now started to believe on this solid team.

OKC is so intense from start to finish leaving Grizzlies can’t overcome the offense of OKC.

[jossiel]

The next match up for Heat is the Cavaliers, I think this is an interesting match up. Both good teams but let's see how the Heat will play without Butler on the playoffs.

Forget about Butler, that guy wasn't healthy last playoffs, so the Heat got eliminated early. Of course now it's different since they're facing the #1 team in the East, but when it comes to experience, Miami has the clear edge with their veteran core and multiple Finals appearances.

Still, we can't underestimate the Heat here. Spoelstra is the ultimate game-changer, he's got endless tricks up his sleeve that could surprise Cleveland. And I can't wait to see that unfold in Game 1. 

Can't deny that he's always like a force to be reckoned with during the playoffs and that's why I have remembered him, anyway he's with the GSW and let's see how they will go against the Rockets.

Currently, the game of Heat and Cavs is on the 2nd quarter, obviously Cavs are leading with 14 points with 6 minutes time left on the game. Still, 2 more quarters to see if Coach Spo will be able to turn this over.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

The next match up for Heat is the Cavaliers, I think this is an interesting match up. Both good teams but let's see how the Heat will play without Butler on the playoffs.

Forget about Butler, that guy wasn't healthy last playoffs, so the Heat got eliminated early. Of course now it's different since they're facing the #1 team in the East, but when it comes to experience, Miami has the clear edge with their veteran core and multiple Finals appearances.

Still, we can't underestimate the Heat here. Spoelstra is the ultimate game-changer, he's got endless tricks up his sleeve that could surprise Cleveland. And I can't wait to see that unfold in Game 1. 

Can't deny that he's always like a force to be reckoned with during the playoffs and that's why I have remembered him, anyway he's with the GSW and let's see how they will go against the Rockets.

Currently, the game of Heat and Cavs is on the 2nd quarter, obviously Cavs are leading with 14 points with 6 minutes time left on the game. Still, 2 more quarters to see if Coach Spo will be able to turn this over.

The Rockets are now leading the Houston Rockets, end of the first half. It was a defensive game between the two team. Lots of turnovers but the experience of Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry are showing in this game.

And the Warriors are the slight underdog in this fight, and it looks like many of us here could have put their bet on the Warriors to win this game one. Although still a lot of basketball in the second half, but the Warriors looks relaxed in this game, away from their homecourt.

[btc_angela]

You really have to admire what the Warriors are doing against the Rockets in the middle of the 3rd quarter. They are no leading by 20 points, thanks to Jimmy. Only Sengun is on the double digit scoring for the Rockets.

All of them are struggling including Jalen Green, their leading scoring. While the Warriors have Curry and Butler to lead and Podz and Moody are going great in the defense. And Draymond playing mind games against Brooks and Sengun.

[Shinpako09]

There you go. The Warriors take the first game against the Rockets. Although they’re lacking in points in the paint, they’re making up for it with their 3s, which is what they’re known for. They’re also lacking in rebounds, the Rockets grabbed 22 offensive boards.

The Rockets even caught up, from a 23-point lead by the Warriors down to just 3. They almost caught up again when VanVleet hit a 3 and cut the lead to 4 with under 3 minutes left in the 4th quarter. I thought it was going to be a close game from that point, but then Moody answered with a 3 as well, a much needed shot.

I almost thought GSW would choke. LOL.

[Cointxz]

You really have to admire what the Warriors are doing against the Rockets in the middle of the 3rd quarter. They are no leading by 20 points, thanks to Jimmy. Only Sengun is on the double digit scoring for the Rockets.

All of them are struggling including Jalen Green, their leading scoring. While the Warriors have Curry and Butler to lead and Podz and Moody are going great in the defense. And Draymond playing mind games against Brooks and Sengun.

This is the weakness of Rockets. Jalen Green is so inconsistent while their play usually revolves around him to create space or make a shot. Sengun leading Rockets means all of the Rockets supposed to be point maker is not doing well.

Warriors is a high scoring team so battling them with low scoring paint shots that usually being contested will not gonna be effective in the long run when fatigue takes effect.

[TravelMug]

You really have to admire what the Warriors are doing against the Rockets in the middle of the 3rd quarter. They are no leading by 20 points, thanks to Jimmy. Only Sengun is on the double digit scoring for the Rockets.

All of them are struggling including Jalen Green, their leading scoring. While the Warriors have Curry and Butler to lead and Podz and Moody are going great in the defense. And Draymond playing mind games against Brooks and Sengun.

This is the weakness of Rockets. Jalen Green is so inconsistent while their play usually revolves around him to create space or make a shot. Sengun leading Rockets means all of the Rockets supposed to be point maker is not doing well.

Warriors is a high scoring team so battling them with low scoring paint shots that usually being contested will not gonna be effective in the long run when fatigue takes effect.

I stopped watching till the 3rd quarter, although during that time they are making a comeback as the Warriors already established 20 point lead, I doubt that the Rockets will able to comeback from that with the way they played.

As you have said, Green the supposedly leader of the Rockets, but in this game he was check by Moody and when he goes inside, he will be met by anyone in the middle and so he makes changes on his shot and missed it.

Warriors are up 1-0 in this series.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

Bad day to be a Grizzlies fan…

As expected, it’s a massacre because Grizzlies has no defense team while OKC is pretty solid both offense and defense. The reason why OKC is being underrated as top seed because of their last year performance.

I’m sure everyone that is doubtful about their performance this playoffs will now started to believe on this solid team.

OKC is so intense from start to finish leaving Grizzlies can’t overcome the offense of OKC.

Indeed this was expected. Memphis is a good team but a stacked OKC roster they have no chance with their half axxed defense.  
OKC is on a mission, every player knows his role and they just clock. Both offense and defense are on point and that's the most important part. They will get out of the west and will be a tough challenge for whatever team from the east will face them. This is OKC's year, plain and simple.

[LogitechMouse]

You really have to admire what the Warriors are doing against the Rockets in the middle of the 3rd quarter. They are no leading by 20 points, thanks to Jimmy. Only Sengun is on the double digit scoring for the Rockets.

All of them are struggling including Jalen Green, their leading scoring. While the Warriors have Curry and Butler to lead and Podz and Moody are going great in the defense. And Draymond playing mind games against Brooks and Sengun.

This is the weakness of Rockets. Jalen Green is so inconsistent while their play usually revolves around him to create space or make a shot. Sengun leading Rockets means all of the Rockets supposed to be point maker is not doing well.

Warriors is a high scoring team so battling them with low scoring paint shots that usually being contested will not gonna be effective in the long run when fatigue takes effect.

The good thing about the Rockets team is that they have a solution towards Green's inconsistency through other role players. Players like Brooks, VanVleet, Smith Jr, Whitmore, and Eason are averaging double-digits this regular season and that's enough to cover Green's bad night. It's just that the Warriors are simply more experienced and is playing better in Game 1.

It's a low scoring game indeed, but they can't stop the duo of Butler and Curry. I mean just imagine having a player that can up his performance one notch during the playoffs (Butler) and aside from him, you have an opponent that's considered the "Greatest shooter in NBA History". How can you defend those 2? Yes, they manage to let Curry only score 3 points in their final meeting in the regular season, but this is playoffs already, and we know that at some point, Curry will just explode just like what happened in Game 1.

The Rockets might be young, and has talent and more athletic, but nothing of that matters if you're inexperienced in playoffs. We've seen it against the Thunder last year, and now we will be seeing it again with the Rockets. I will not be surprised if this will end in 5 games, but most likely it will be Warriors in 6.

[Jating]

You really have to admire what the Warriors are doing against the Rockets in the middle of the 3rd quarter. They are no leading by 20 points, thanks to Jimmy. Only Sengun is on the double digit scoring for the Rockets.

All of them are struggling including Jalen Green, their leading scoring. While the Warriors have Curry and Butler to lead and Podz and Moody are going great in the defense. And Draymond playing mind games against Brooks and Sengun.

This is the weakness of Rockets. Jalen Green is so inconsistent while their play usually revolves around him to create space or make a shot. Sengun leading Rockets means all of the Rockets supposed to be point maker is not doing well.

Warriors is a high scoring team so battling them with low scoring paint shots that usually being contested will not gonna be effective in the long run when fatigue takes effect.

I wouldn't consider the Warriors as a high scoring team, maybe if they still have Klay Thompson, but now they turn into a good defensive team with the likes of GPII, Butler, Santos and Moody, they also have the height, with Looney, Post and Trayce Jackson.

Although the one missing in this game is Kuminga, Kerr decided to put Buddy Hield in a low scoring game as compare to a high flying Kuminga. So perhaps Kerr is looking at the per game and might adjust if he needed, Kuminga will play. If not, then it's still going to be a pure defensive game. It's Udoka's time to adjust in game 2 and Kerr going to counter what he is going to see.

[Japinat]

I wouldn't consider the Warriors as a high scoring team, maybe if they still have Klay Thompson, but now they turn into a good defensive team with the likes of GPII, Butler, Santos and Moody, they also have the height, with Looney, Post and Trayce Jackson.

Although the one missing in this game is Kuminga, Kerr decided to put Buddy Hield in a low scoring game as compare to a high flying Kuminga. So perhaps Kerr is looking at the per game and might adjust if he needed, Kuminga will play. If not, then it's still going to be a pure defensive game. It's Udoka's time to adjust in game 2 and Kerr going to counter what he is going to see.

It was definitely their defense that won them this game, but it was a scary moment for the Warriors. They were up by 23 points, but the Rockets made a strong run and turned it into a one-possession game in the 4th quarter. The Rockets were just unlucky as even their putbacks weren’t falling, and Green and VanVleet had a rough night struggling with their shots.

The good thing for the Warriors, though, is that they adjusted well, and Curry wasn’t as limited this time. I can see the Rockets bouncing back in Game 2 -- they’ll have to.