2025 NBA Season

[matchi2011]

Now 2 stars are out, how much mess will it be?

Let's hope Embiid is alright, he will undergo and MRI on Thursday per update of : https://www.rotoworld.com/basketball/nba/player/30040/joel-embiid
He is an important piece of the team, so he needs to be back healthy again, I don't mind if he will rest a week as long as he comes back since they still have a good standing right now.

They've got a good position coming to the next round but without Simon and Embiid, it will be difficult for this team to handle whoever they've going to face without there Stars. Though the chance of getting back much quicker is no longer impossible as there's already advance treatment. It's just need for both stars to have a good rest and proper medications.

[Questat]

Now 2 stars are out, how much mess will it be?

Let's hope Embiid is alright, he will undergo and MRI on Thursday per update of : https://www.rotoworld.com/basketball/nba/player/30040/joel-embiid
He is an important piece of the team, so he needs to be back healthy again, I don't mind if he will rest a week as long as he comes back since they still have a good standing right now.

They've got a good position coming to the next round but without Simon and Embiid, it will be difficult for this team to handle whoever they've going to face without there Stars. Though the chance of getting back much quicker is no longer impossible as there's already advance treatment. It's just need for both stars to have a good rest and proper medications.

That is why it's very important they will be healthy in the playoffs, they'll rest now and it doesn't matter if they will end up in the number 8 spot, I am pretty sure they can still match up with the Bucks, maybe they can upset the Bucks, who knows, right?

[Reid]

Now 2 stars are out, how much mess will it be?

Let's hope Embiid is alright, he will undergo and MRI on Thursday per update of : https://www.rotoworld.com/basketball/nba/player/30040/joel-embiid
He is an important piece of the team, so he needs to be back healthy again, I don't mind if he will rest a week as long as he comes back since they still have a good standing right now.

Yeah, unlike any other centers this guy could change the pace of the game.
He is really someone which is on the top 10 list of big men with a great skill. 
Not too many centers/power forwards now can be like that.
Jokic, Brook Lopez, Davis. Those name are the most known. Others are mostly shot blockers or waiting for the alley oop. Howard, McGee, Allen.

An agile big man is difficult to find this days and they are expensive.  Not to mention he is still young.

[darewaller]

I am still hoping that Spurs would make a push, they have a good young core in their team and they got rid of one player (didn't get any new as far as I know) and they are doing better with the minutes for the young players, they also have Derozan and Aldridge who can change games when they are on their day. I know there is a big difference and it is harder to go into the playoffs this year since every team is equally strong in that last 8-9-10-11 spots so it would be hard for Spurs to go beyond all of them.

However, we are talking about Spurs here, I know they are not the spurs back in the day anymore but the culture is there so I still feel like they may have a chance, it will all depend on how they finish the season and I really wish they go so the record will still belong to them and increase it instead of finally not going to playoffs.

[Rikafip]

I'd rather let the last roster stay when they fought Raptors or before that.
It was a dream of a good pointguard. (I think we have talked about here just a few days back)
Filled with 3 point shooters. Reddick, Saric, Covington, Belinelli. Those names and a lot more was given up for what?

I really liked that 76s roster, and i watched quite a few games. They played some nice team basketball, but their management decided to go all in, gave Saric and Covington, their 2 starting players for Butler that left them soon. It was obvious bad decision even back then, rushed one, as they wanted to go for title too soon. Later on, Butler didn't want resign with them despite them ofeering him max 5 year contract. So they end up giving Tobias Harris way too much, 150M/5 contract. To be honest, even Horford contract ain't too good either, 109M/4 years. A lot of money for  what it looks now like a bench player.
Currently, they don't have much wiggle room, and who knows how all this will end, but it doesn't look good at all.

I am still hoping that Spurs would make a push, they have a good young core in their team and they got rid of one player (didn't get any new as far as I know) and they are doing better with the minutes for the young players, they also have Derozan and Aldridge who can change games when they are on their day. I know there is a big difference and it is harder to go into the playoffs this year since every team is equally strong in that last 8-9-10-11 spots so it would be hard for Spurs to go beyond all of them.

It will be very very hard for them to get that 8th spot, with 4 wins behind Grizzlies, and tough end of the regular season. In their last 7 games they will play 2x vs Pelicans, 2x Rockets, 76s, Indiana and Kings. Won't be easy at all , and i wouldn't put my money on them to reach that 8th spot, despite them being Spurs.

[Captain Corporate]

 I think Sixers are in both a good place and a bad place right now. They couldn't keep giving JJ Reddick all that much money and they realized they needed a star as well and sent some of their players for Jimmy Butler who just left. Now what they have to do is get rid of the bad contracts, mainly if they get rid of Tobias Harris and Al Horford (even just Horford is enough) they could potentially afford to get a superb player that would change things in a big way. Horford was a good player in Celtics so it made sense to actually pay him that much but unfortunately in the small ball world where Rockets are literally going to court with 6'6 as their tallest player, it is only natural that playing with both Embiid and Horford on the floor clogged the paint a lot with Simmons not shooting that was just horrible strategy.

[goinmerry]

They've got a good position coming to the next round but without Simon and Embiid, it will be difficult for this team to handle whoever they've going to face without there Stars. Though the chance of getting back much quicker is no longer impossible as there's already advance treatment. It's just need for both stars to have a good rest and proper medications.

Since it's "EAST", it's now safe to assume they will be in playoffs and still safe for now that they won't be facing the 1st or 2nd on the playoffs on the first round.

23 games left and the remaining players should just do everything to win as much as possible.

As long as the injury isn't that major or results are turned out good, they have lots of time to rest and recover. Playoffs start in April 2020.

[FlightyPouch]

If zion has the career most people expect, than it will be one of those games they replay as one older great versus a new up and coming great.  Zion definately looks good to this point.  He is already dominating the court at times and he really hasn't even gotten his feet wet yet.  Would love to see them make the playoffs just for the fun of it.

I really hope that he could live to that hype since we all know he started in the NBA with an injury, even T-Mac compared his injury to Zion's. It is not sever but it is a force that could affect his career. I really hope they could advance to playoffs so that he could experience the pressure in that kind of games where he realy needed to step up and carry his team up.

[Natalim]

I am still hoping that Spurs would make a push, they have a good young core in their team and they got rid of one player (didn't get any new as far as I know) and they are doing better with the minutes for the young players, they also have Derozan and Aldridge who can change games when they are on their day. I know there is a big difference and it is harder to go into the playoffs this year since every team is equally strong in that last 8-9-10-11 spots so it would be hard for Spurs to go beyond all of them.

However, we are talking about Spurs here, I know they are not the spurs back in the day anymore but the culture is there so I still feel like they may have a chance, it will all depend on how they finish the season and I really wish they go so the record will still belong to them and increase it instead of finally not going to playoffs.

If they want to be in the playoffs again, they need to start winning especially at home.
I noticed that Gay is back in the game against the Dallas Mavericks but they still loss, they need to re-evaluate their line up and adjust accordingly.

Spurs has a good coaching stuff but their players seems to be inconsistent, especially Aldridge who is not been as effective as before anymore.

[Reid]

I'd rather let the last roster stay when they fought Raptors or before that.
It was a dream of a good pointguard. (I think we have talked about here just a few days back)
Filled with 3 point shooters. Reddick, Saric, Covington, Belinelli. Those names and a lot more was given up for what?

I really liked that 76s roster, and i watched quite a few games. They played some nice team basketball, but their management decided to go all in, gave Saric and Covington, their 2 starting players for Butler that left them soon. It was obvious bad decision even back then, rushed one, as they wanted to go for title too soon. Later on, Butler didn't want resign with them despite them ofeering him max 5 year contract. So they end up giving Tobias Harris way too much, 150M/5 contract. To be honest, even Horford contract ain't too good either, 109M/4 years. A lot of money for  what it looks now like a bench player.
Currently, they don't have much wiggle room, and who knows how all this will end, but it doesn't look good at all.

They are piling up big men. Is this an Elton Brand strategy? 

If it is East we are talking about here.
There is a lot of chances that Heat could snatch the ECF or it could also be Celtics.
It is difficult to predict. Remember, something in those players wakes up whenever the playoffs starts.
They suddenly becomes strong and every second will count.

[harizen]

It will be very very hard for them to get that 8th spot, with 4 wins behind Grizzlies, and tough end of the regular season. In their last 7 games they will play 2x vs Pelicans, 2x Rockets, 76s, Indiana and Kings. Won't be easy at all , and i wouldn't put my money on them to reach that 8th spot, despite them being Spurs.

This is what I've posted before why Spurs will struggle to reach the 8th spot.

Some say here before that it's just a few games behind so no worries for the Spurs without realizing that being behind 4 or 5 games on the 8th when the season is near half is already a tough spot in the West (the time I posted that, Spurs I think have 22 wins). The bottom 8 on the West can't be just taken easily so while Spurs is doing their best to climb the ladder, other teams are also doing the same. It's not easy to make 4 to 5 consecutive wins.

Still have a chance but for me, but very low.

I bet Pelicans would advance.

They are very close, actually how about we make this betting for real?

Just in case you missed my bump. If interested, shoot me a reply. Today's the deadline. I can't risk to extend it for another week.

I like to bump my previous bet challenge here; will Pelicans make it to playoffs?

I'm with NO for BTC0.005.

Zion is doing great now so there's a chance that the Pelicans can make it. Will accept the deal for 2 users only.

Accepting challenge until Friday 23:59 forum time. Just for fun guys.

[Oasisman]

If it is East we are talking about here.
There is a lot of chances that Heat could snatch the ECF or it could also be Celtics.
It is difficult to predict. Remember, something in those players wakes up whenever the playoffs starts.
They suddenly becomes strong and every second will count.

I'll take Celtics over the Heat to advance in the ECF. I mean the Celtics were a very good team and still developing. If only the Celtics had a dominant big man, they could've easily dominate the East. Though Daniel Theis is having a great season with the Celtics but I think he's not gonna be enough if they'll going to face the much taller Bucks in the playoffs. They need a center that could pull a double digit rebounds every game. Still, i'll be betting for the Celtics for the East conference this playoffs.

[Kasabus]

If it is East we are talking about here.
There is a lot of chances that Heat could snatch the ECF or it could also be Celtics.
It is difficult to predict. Remember, something in those players wakes up whenever the playoffs starts.
They suddenly becomes strong and every second will count.

I'll take Celtics over the Heat to advance in the ECF. I mean the Celtics were a very good team and still developing. If only the Celtics had a dominant big man, they could've easily dominate the East. Though Daniel Theis is having a great season with the Celtics but I think he's not gonna be enough if they'll going to face the much taller Bucks in the playoffs. They need a center that could pull a double digit rebounds every game. Still, i'll be betting for the Celtics for the East conference this playoffs.

Celtics are a good 3 point shooting team, Bucks advantage are on the insider as its where there defense is focus, however, if these two will meat in the ECF, I would go with the Boston as they are not a one man team, everyone is willing to give their best and the are so unpredictable, and maybe they can beat the Bucks but their very good 3 point shooting.

[NavI_027]

Celtics are a good 3 point shooting team, Bucks advantage are on the insider as its where there defense is focus, however, if these two will meat in the ECF, I would go with the Boston as they are not a one man team, everyone is willing to give their best and the are so unpredictable, and maybe they can beat the Bucks but their very good 3 point shooting.

Honestly, these two teams are my top picks in in the East so it's very hard to decide whether which one of them will make it. Hmm, I think I'll go with the Bucks. Their inside defense are stronger like what you've said and their 3 point shooting is not bad either (IMO) since Korver, Hill and Middleton were there; and take note, Giannis can now also shoot one . So for me they can dominate the East this year.

[Vaculin]

and take note, Giannis can now also shoot one . So for me they can dominate the East this year.

That's a good improvement for him this season but it's not really that big that he can defend on that, his strength is still on driving the ball inside.

Actually if you saw the last game of the Bucks against the Raptors, you will see that the Raptors did a pretty solid job on Giannis by doubling him every time he has the ball and he is at a spot where he is effective, the only problem with the Raptors is they don't have Gasol that time to man the paint, but I am pretty sure they'll employ the same technique in the playoffs.

Guys, let's also talk about Sixers, they are a big threat ast well.

[NavI_027]

and take note, Giannis can now also shoot one . So for me they can dominate the East this year.

That's a good improvement for him this season but it's not really that big that he can defend on that, his strength is still on driving the ball inside.

Of course, that was fairly understandable because the paint is his comfort zone. But if there would be a call for a shift of strategy especially in crucial situations, Mike could use that as their as a part of their winning play .

Actually if you saw the last game of the Bucks against the Raptors, you will see that the Raptors did a pretty solid job on Giannis by doubling him every time he has the ball and he is at a spot where he is effective, the only problem with the Raptors is they don't have Gasol that time to man the paint, but I am pretty sure they'll employ the same technique in the playoffs.

Indeed but a double team is a double team after
all. It could be a disadvantage because it naturally create spaces for other opposing players. Thus, Gasol should be present always because their defense is very weak without him.

Guys, let's also talk about Sixers, they are a big threat ast well.

Sorry mate, my eyes are not on them this time .

[Vaculin]

and take note, Giannis can now also shoot one . So for me they can dominate the East this year.

That's a good improvement for him this season but it's not really that big that he can defend on that, his strength is still on driving the ball inside.

Of course, that was fairly understandable because the paint is his comfort zone. But if there would be a call for a shift of strategy especially in crucial situations, Mike could use that as their as a part of their winning play .

Let's see, hopefully Giannis will not choke in the playoffs, especially against the Raptors.
I just feel that Nick Nurse knew how to beat the Bucks in a series games.

Actually if you saw the last game of the Bucks against the Raptors, you will see that the Raptors did a pretty solid job on Giannis by doubling him every time he has the ball and he is at a spot where he is effective, the only problem with the Raptors is they don't have Gasol that time to man the paint, but I am pretty sure they'll employ the same technique in the playoffs.

Indeed but a double team is a double team after
all. It could be a disadvantage because it naturally create spaces for other opposing players. Thus, Gasol should be present always because their defense is very weak without him.

If the Bucks are a good 3 point shooting team, they can capitalize on that strategy, but the thing is, they are not.
yes they have shooters but in overall as a team, they are not a big threat.

Guys, let's also talk about Sixers, they are a big threat ast well.

Sorry mate, my eyes are not on them this time .

okay. NEXT TIME.

[Reid]

If it is East we are talking about here.
There is a lot of chances that Heat could snatch the ECF or it could also be Celtics.
It is difficult to predict. Remember, something in those players wakes up whenever the playoffs starts.
They suddenly becomes strong and every second will count.

I'll take Celtics over the Heat to advance in the ECF. I mean the Celtics were a very good team and still developing. If only the Celtics had a dominant big man, they could've easily dominate the East. Though Daniel Theis is having a great season with the Celtics but I think he's not gonna be enough if they'll going to face the much taller Bucks in the playoffs. They need a center that could pull a double digit rebounds every game. Still, i'll be betting for the Celtics for the East conference this playoffs.

Good choice.
I am going for the Bucks though.
I am just saying there are chances for this guys as long as they will do good at the first round.
Bucks and Raptors might get a sweep against an injured Kyrie of the Nets or the 8th seed Orlando.
The great games will be in the middle.
Celtics vs 76ers or Pacers
Heat vs 76ers or Pacers

If Celtics though will win more then they could take the 2nd seed for an easier 1st round and then a lot of rest and practice.
A change for the 76ers to play against the Raptors again for pay back. 

[Questat]

Now 2 stars are out, how much mess will it be?

Let's hope Embiid is alright, he will undergo and MRI on Thursday per update of : https://www.rotoworld.com/basketball/nba/player/30040/joel-embiid
He is an important piece of the team, so he needs to be back healthy again, I don't mind if he will rest a week as long as he comes back since they still have a good standing right now.

Yeah, unlike any other centers this guy could change the pace of the game.
He is really someone which is on the top 10 list of big men with a great skill. 
Not too many centers/power forwards now can be like that.
Jokic, Brook Lopez, Davis. Those name are the most known. Others are mostly shot blockers or waiting for the alley oop. Howard, McGee, Allen.

An agile big man is difficult to find this days and they are expensive.  Not to mention he is still young.

He is only 25 years, old, at 30 if he will not have an injury problem he could still play for sure.
Getting a Max contract is what makes him obliged to play better and take his team to the Finals if possible.

his contract will expire in 2020 per these reports.

https://hoopshype.com/player/joel-embiid/salary/
https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/76ers/sixers-joel-embiid-agree-5-year-148m-extension

[beerlover]

I know this will sound crazy and the trade deadline is over but I had an idea about the trades. What if Celtics somehow got Drummond? I mean they don't have to give too much in return as well, Drummond already wants to be out of Cavs so we know they are not really going to keep him, what is better for Cavs a team who is tanking right now to give away a player in return of some valuable picks?

Hayward is not really making a lot of noise in Celtics as well since they have Tatum and Brown so maybe Hayward + some picks in exchange for Drummond could be a really good one for them? I know it may not happen but this off season that type of trade would benefit both teams.