2026 NBA Season

[yenerbatmaz]

I couldn't figure out what Haliburton did today. I've never seen him this bad. He scored 4 points in the game, and those 4 points were free throws. He didn't score any threes or twos.

If Haliburton is this bad and doesn't keep scoring, Indiana won't be able to win the championship they are looking for this year.

Game 6 is critical for Indiana. Nothing is over yet. The players are going to win Game 6 and go to Game 7 where they will make Indiana history.

They have come back very well this year.

I expect Haliburton, who has been mediocre in recent games, to score very well in the remaining two games.

I really want Indiana to win the championship.
Today was a disappointment for me.

Haliburton was a nightmare today. If he can explode from his slump in the last two games, he could even make Indiana champions.
I'm an Oklahoma fan, but I want whoever deserves to win.
Shai has set a standard for himself in terms of points and continues to do so. Oklahoma can win the game in Indiana and become champions. The game on June 20 is very important.

[Shinpako09]

Now, Indiana is the one hanging by a thread. I understand Haliburton is more of a facilitator, but I think he should at least try harder to score when needed. He struggled this time, going 0 for 6 from the field. Siakam can't do it all. Although four others scored in double digits, it still wasn’t enough. They need another player who can consistently score 20+ points.

As for OKC, aside from SGA, they also have Williams, who is consistently contributing on offense. I expect him to secure a bigger bag in his next contract and he definitely deserves it.

[MK-74]

Looking at the trade, it does seem like a lot was given up just for Bane. If it were one or two draft picks it would make sense, but four picks feels excessive. KCP is past his prime and Anthony go up to a level. On the other hand, Bane has serious potential. He could level up more with the Magic. They've built a solid core with Banchero, Wagner brothers and Suggs. Since they'll likely be in the play-off picture for the next few years, those picks won't be very high. So from that perspective, the trade doesn't seem all that unbalanced on second thought.

The reason it seems unbalanced to me is that 4 picks were given for Bane.
Even Luka Doncic was only given 1 pick.
I think the Memphis Grizzlies pulled off a total robbery here, it seems to me.

I'm already wondering what the other trades will be like.

[Yaunfitda]

Now, Indiana is the one hanging by a thread. I understand Haliburton is more of a facilitator, but I think he should at least try harder to score when needed. He struggled this time, going 0 for 6 from the field. Siakam can't do it all. Although four others scored in double digits, it still wasn’t enough. They need another player who can consistently score 20+ points.

Yes, everyone thought that the Pacers have the upper hand and the momentum in this series. But in the last game, they were expected to win, but it seems that they are the one who did choke. But hopefully, the Pacers can still make one last push to force a game 7.

As for OKC, aside from SGA, they also have Williams, who is consistently contributing on offense. I expect him to secure a bigger bag in his next contract and he definitely deserves it.

Williams also performed very well in the last game against the Pacers and then SGA taking over in the 4th. I'm not sure when is his contract going to expire, but for sure he will be offered by the management with a good salary as we have seen other players in the league right now not even in the All Star bagging up huge contract and pays. So if ever they win here, Williams deserved a pay raised.

[Japinat]

I think the main issue here was Haliburton, he only scored 4 points. The good news is, every time he has a bad game, he usually bounces back strong. So I’m going all in for Game 6, since I believe the Pacers will do everything they can to win and force a Game 7.

It’s expected that the home team has the edge, but despite Haliburton’s poor performance, the Pacers were still competitive, they just fell short at the end. 

[avp2306]

I couldn't figure out what Haliburton did today. I've never seen him this bad. He scored 4 points in the game, and those 4 points were free throws. He didn't score any threes or twos.

If Haliburton is this bad and doesn't keep scoring, Indiana won't be able to win the championship they are looking for this year.

Game 6 is critical for Indiana. Nothing is over yet. The players are going to win Game 6 and go to Game 7 where they will make Indiana history.

They have come back very well this year.

I expect Haliburton, who has been mediocre in recent games, to score very well in the remaining two games.

I really want Indiana to win the championship.
Today was a disappointment for me.

Haliburton was a nightmare today. If he can explode from his slump in the last two games, he could even make Indiana champions.
I'm an Oklahoma fan, but I want whoever deserves to win.
Shai has set a standard for himself in terms of points and continues to do so. Oklahoma can win the game in Indiana and become champions. The game on June 20 is very important.

This is the problem of Haliburton since he's not giving any good help for his team on crucial games. He need to step up and start strong since Pacers need to gain the momentum first since OKC is very dangerous especially if they gain confidence since lots of them can score and defend.

They have good chance to came near closer on 4th quarter but their turnovers is killing them. That's the reason why OKC take advantage on the mistakes committed by Pacers and convert it to huge lead which secure their team to a great victory.

Williams is pretty much amazing today and he's doing so well on finals series.

[btc_angela]

I think the main issue here was Haliburton, he only scored 4 points. The good news is, every time he has a bad game, he usually bounces back strong. So I’m going all in for Game 6, since I believe the Pacers will do everything they can to win and force a Game 7.

It’s expected that the home team has the edge, but despite Haliburton’s poor performance, the Pacers were still competitive, they just fell short at the end. 

He should need to bounce, otherwise, it's the end of their magical run. When they won the first game against the Thunder, we thought that they will have a good chance to win as the underdog and they did. They even lead by 2-1 and it always goes to 3-1.

But the Thunder has won back to back games, and with this kind of momentum on their side, it will take a lot from the Indiana Pacers to turn back and tie the series and force a decider game 7. So let's see, Haliburton being the leader should be the one stepping in game 6 and lead the Pacers again.

[Ziskinberg]

I think from the current perspective on the who will be traded from Jackson,  I think the Los Angeles lakers are kind of interested in acquiring jare Jackson jr, I think because of his defensive skills and his very good at stretching the floor with his shooting, however to me it seem like the Memphis Grizzlied will trade him, as what was said by his team offering he over $200 million.

But my question is, who would the Lakers trade to get Jaren Jackson Jr.?
I haven’t seen any solid articles or rumors about this specific deal yet, so I’m genuinely curious about what kind of trade package you’re imagining.
Could you give more details about what you’ve read?

[Velvet78]

I think the main issue here was Haliburton, he only scored 4 points. The good news is, every time he has a bad game, he usually bounces back strong. So I’m going all in for Game 6, since I believe the Pacers will do everything they can to win and force a Game 7.

It’s expected that the home team has the edge, but despite Haliburton’s poor performance, the Pacers were still competitive, they just fell short at the end.  

I'm not sure whether Haliburton's performance was the main reason behind this loss.    Because in the series so far it was like they lost half of the games while he was scoring 14+ points in each game.

But yeah his performance was still really bad last night. 0/6 FG and 0/4 3-PT... All his points came from free throws. That's a horrible performance though. Pacers needed to defend tighter but couldn't prevent the Jalen - Shai duo from putting on a big show.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

I think from the current perspective on the who will be traded from Jackson,  I think the Los Angeles lakers are kind of interested in acquiring jare Jackson jr, I think because of his defensive skills and his very good at stretching the floor with his shooting, however to me it seem like the Memphis Grizzlied will trade him, as what was said by his team offering he over $200 million.

But my question is, who would the Lakers trade to get Jaren Jackson Jr.?
I haven’t seen any solid articles or rumors about this specific deal yet, so I’m genuinely curious about what kind of trade package you’re imagining.
Could you give more details about what you’ve read?

Nah, the Lakers won't get him. They have nobody to trade that would be interesting for Memphis. Also they don't really have draft picks they could give and if the Grizzlies actually want to start a rebuild or something like that picks is all they want/need. Or maybe some you talent like a combo of Dalton Knecht and Austin Reaves. I would do that deal for sure, especially since JJJ only has 1 year left on his contract and Knecht is on a nice little rookie deal -> saves them a lot of money.

[arwin100]

I think from the current perspective on the who will be traded from Jackson,  I think the Los Angeles lakers are kind of interested in acquiring jare Jackson jr, I think because of his defensive skills and his very good at stretching the floor with his shooting, however to me it seem like the Memphis Grizzlied will trade him, as what was said by his team offering he over $200 million.

But my question is, who would the Lakers trade to get Jaren Jackson Jr.?
I haven’t seen any solid articles or rumors about this specific deal yet, so I’m genuinely curious about what kind of trade package you’re imagining.
Could you give more details about what you’ve read?

Nah, the Lakers won't get him. They have nobody to trade that would be interesting for Memphis. Also they don't really have draft picks they could give and if the Grizzlies actually want to start a rebuild or something like that picks is all they want/need. Or maybe some you talent like a combo of Dalton Knecht and Austin Reaves. I would do that deal for sure, especially since JJJ only has 1 year left on his contract and Knecht is on a nice little rookie deal -> saves them a lot of money.

What Lakers could offer to Grizzlies is Knecht and Reaves plus another future picks. Provably this trade offer is not enough for Grizzlies and they would decline this offer.

Windhorst stating good point on why this trade won't gonna happen https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25208864-windhorst-says-no-chance-lakers-get-jaren-jackson-jr-amid-nba-trade-rumors

And Grizzlies is committed to retain Jaren on their team so provably that this is another failed expectation for Lakers fans so maybe better they should not hope that this trade would really push thru.

[Fredomago]

I think the main issue here was Haliburton, he only scored 4 points. The good news is, every time he has a bad game, he usually bounces back strong. So I’m going all in for Game 6, since I believe the Pacers will do everything they can to win and force a Game 7.

It’s expected that the home team has the edge, but despite Haliburton’s poor performance, the Pacers were still competitive, they just fell short at the end.  

I'm not sure whether Haliburton's performance was the main reason behind this loss.    Because in the series so far it was like they lost half of the games while he was scoring 14+ points in each game.

But yeah his performance was still really bad last night. 0/6 FG and 0/4 3-PT... All his points came from free throws. That's a horrible performance though. Pacers needed to defend tighter but couldn't prevent the Jalen - Shai duo from putting on a big show.

Hali got his whole squad to back him up that's why even he's not performing well they are still able to keep that distance and not to let OKC to over dominated them, but like what you both said he's performance needs to improve especially that they are now a game away from losing their opportunities to win the title, they need to win game again at home and force these series to a final do-or-die game 7, let see if what adjustments that they'll be brining now that they are a game away from losing the title..

[danherbias07]

Tyrese Haliburton from the Pacers was terrible, he didn't even score in the first half.
They reported that he has a problem with his right calf.

Yeah, and I think he was forced/forcing to play that game. Like RJ said while commentating, if he is really in bad shape, then the Pacers could've just let him rest, and maybe they can bounce back in Game 6 with him in full throttle. They let him play, the bigger question now is if that right calf is still okay. However, the odds tell that he will still play at x2.55.

When asked about his status.

“It's the Finals, man,” Haliburton said after the game. “I've worked my whole life to be here and I want to be out there to compete. Help my teammates any way I can."

https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2025/06/17/tyrese-haliburton-injury-update-game-6-pacers-thunder/84239317007/

Like I said, he will force it, whatever happens. I think he is already worried about the injury because he ain't that aggressive offensively anymore. That needs to change in Game 6 because they badly need him.

[Mr. Magkaisa]

+9.5 was successful for the OKC. and almost lose to the bet.

The last play of Indiana from a lay-up to turnover. if the lay-up was completed and did not cvommit the turnover the deficit will be 9 points and the OKC will not play the remaining time due to sportmanship.


I really thought Pacers can complete the comeback with their offensive play that make their run a success.
BUT! turnover (steal) was the key factor for the OKC to shut the visiting tea,. not 1, 2 or 3. but a huge turnover that the OKC convert to points.

Game 6 will be in INDIANA and hoping for game 7!

[Cointxz]

+9.5 was successful for the OKC. and almost lose to the bet.

The last play of Indiana from a lay-up to turnover. if the lay-up was completed and did not cvommit the turnover the deficit will be 9 points and the OKC will not play the remaining time due to sportmanship.

You meant -9.5 right since OKC is leading the whole match therefore there’s no way bookies will give them a +9.5mon today’s match.

I really thought Pacers can complete the comeback with their offensive play that make their run a success.
BUT! turnover (steal) was the key factor for the OKC to shut the visiting tea,. not 1, 2 or 3. but a huge turnover that the OKC convert to points.

Game 6 will be in INDIANA and hoping for game 7!

They have the chance but Haliburton and Nembhard commit al lot of mistake. People is blaming the coach for sitting TJ and Toppin but they don’t consider the fatigue factor on the game. I observe TJ is already catching his breath before he was benched for rest.

That breathing time should be hali moment to close the game but failed to deliver since OKC is already prepared.

It’s too risky to bet on Indiana next but I will choose Indiana too if I will place a bet.

[Volgastallion]

What a game made by Jalen Williams, just incredible, not only because he scored 40 points but also because his high shot percentage, he had 60% from 3 points.

Oklahoma yesterday really show they want to be the champions, being dominant since the start of the game. Now Indiana is in a very difficult position to hold on the fight.

[sana54210]

OKC winning the fifth game wasn't really what I expected. Pacers looked like the better team, but OKC seems like they are just one inch away from the title now. It's still a huge shock to me to see these teams, because I did not expected either to be at the finals, they both looked like they would lose somewhere during the playoffs, and the finals are nearly over and I am still trying to get used to it.

There is no "correct" bet here, I mean it looks like they will have that chance for next season or something if they keep it up, but for now, you can bet on either team and it's still pretty close and not sure what will happen. I am pretty sure we are going to face a lot of issues with these teams on the long run if we are not careful with our bets.

[OgNasty]

This is probably a question for AI, but is this much time between every game normal for the NBA Finals?  I feel like these rests are a day longer than they've been in the past.  I guess that's a good thing for the players if I am not imagining it.  I think instead of focusing on the Finals though they should probably extend the length of the season a bit and give the guys less back to back games during the season...

Sad times...  Thursday might be the final day of the NBA season.  I'm already missing it.

[xzone]

OKC winning the fifth game wasn't really what I expected. Pacers looked like the better team, but OKC seems like they are just one inch away from the title now. It's still a huge shock to me to see these teams, because I did not expected either to be at the finals, they both looked like they would lose somewhere during the playoffs, and the finals are nearly over and I am still trying to get used to it.

There is no "correct" bet here, I mean it looks like they will have that chance for next season or something if they keep it up, but for now, you can bet on either team and it's still pretty close and not sure what will happen. I am pretty sure we are going to face a lot of issues with these teams on the long run if we are not careful with our bets.

To be honest, I don't think these are the teams we expected to be in the finals. There were teams that performed better throughout the season or that we thought would improve their performance in the playoffs. The Pacers in particular surprised many.
So can we say this series is over? I don't think so. The Pacers are this year's miracle team, I wouldn't be surprised if they win the next game. Then we will have watched a really good NBA Finals

[CLS63]

It was a really solid performance by Thunder side. Just as I waited for they managed to get ahead in the series finally. Jalen Williams and Shai both were incredible. 71 points combined is really insane. Sometimes Jalen is doing this extra work really nicely.

I didn't like Haliburton at all. He was like lost on the court. He couldn't do anything in a 34 minutes of play. I will hope for him to pull himself together. Because I'm rooting for Pacers in Game 6 to watch a 7-game series.