2025 NBA Season

[Captain Corporate]

 You are free to support your team as much as you want, there is really nothing anyone can say that could change that, you are a supporter of a team and it is your right to think you will be the champions. Without that hype and without that excitement, it is like watching every game knowing you are a bad team and you are going to lose, which is a sad thing. Not that it never happens, remember the Sixers during their "process" period, they had multiple under 20 win seasons and every fan knew they were going to lose quite a lot. So there are times you hype about your team and there are times when you are upset about it.

 However lets be honest, ranking wise Lakers and Clippers are first seed and second seed, whereas Dallas is 7th seed, there is 11 GB difference between Lakers and Dallas and there is 5.5 GB difference between clippers and Dallas. Don't get me wrong it is still possible, as a Dallas fan you should know that 8th seed could beat first seed, Golden State Warriors managed to beat Dallas Mavericks as the 8th seed versus 1st seed, so anything is possible. However is it probable? I do not think so, its just as possible as a sport match could be possible about but thats about it.

[harizen]

Look I am not saying Denver or Dallas is bad teams but you guys have to be dreaming if you think Dallas versus Denver west finals is even possible.

You really take that Dallas vs Denver match-up possibility seriously huh?

I got the picture but you should also understand why the discussion leads on that.

"Disregarding the dominant ones" - in my case of picking the Mavericks.

As an NBA enthusiast for almost 2 decades, I understand technically, generally, specifically, etc, etc. "the true distance between our favorite team to the stronger ones". No need to explain how small the chance of either Dallas or Denver to reach the finals.

[freedomgo]

So, for Denver and Dallas to be at west finals you have to eliminate Lakers, eliminate clipplers, eliminate Utah and eliminate Rockets. You are expecting awfully a lot from one team that never been to playoffs together and another that is basically 2-3 years in playoff adventure versus teams with multiple championship fmvp players.

That's it, but no one sees the future, based on the betting odds we can clearly see how tiny the chance of these two teams to be an NBA champion or to be playing in the West Finals at least, it's always known to us as the odds are their, but it doesn't mean it's impossible and though you call this as a dream, still I'd like to see it happening.

WHO KNOWS MY FRIEND>

[Oasisman]

So, for Denver and Dallas to be at west finals you have to eliminate Lakers, eliminate clipplers, eliminate Utah and eliminate Rockets. You are expecting awfully a lot from one team that never been to playoffs together and another that is basically 2-3 years in playoff adventure versus teams with multiple championship fmvp players.

That's it, but no one sees the future, based on the betting odds we can clearly see how tiny the chance of these two teams to be an NBA champion or to be playing in the West Finals at least, it's always known to us as the odds are their, but it doesn't mean it's impossible and though you call this as a dream, still I'd like to see it happening.

WHO KNOWS MY FRIEND>

Nothing is impossible in NBA. If we're talking about teams who has a very tiny chances to play in the NBA finals, remember that one major injury could change the outcome. Look at what happened to the GSW the last time they played the Raptors? They lost Durant and Klay due to a devastating and career threatening injury.
That guy above got some point, but the possibility for the young Mavs are always there.

[Vaculin]

So, for Denver and Dallas to be at west finals you have to eliminate Lakers, eliminate clipplers, eliminate Utah and eliminate Rockets. You are expecting awfully a lot from one team that never been to playoffs together and another that is basically 2-3 years in playoff adventure versus teams with multiple championship fmvp players.

That's it, but no one sees the future, based on the betting odds we can clearly see how tiny the chance of these two teams to be an NBA champion or to be playing in the West Finals at least, it's always known to us as the odds are their, but it doesn't mean it's impossible and though you call this as a dream, still I'd like to see it happening.

WHO KNOWS MY FRIEND>

Nothing is impossible in NBA. If we're talking about teams who has a very tiny chances to play in the NBA finals, remember that one major injury could change the outcome. Look at what happened to the GSW the last time they played the Raptors? They lost Durant and Klay due to a devastating and career threatening injury.
That guy above got some point, but the possibility for the young Mavs are always there.

God forbid that injury, it's not fun to watch games when some players are injured, as much as possible we would like to see teams that are intact so they can give their best to compete for the championship. Mavericks are a young team, but they always have a chance. I understand that we might be bias so let's just consider our opinion as bias opinion.

Way back in 2011, it happened that the number 1 seed was eliminated by the number 8 seed team, this would tell us that nothing is impossible.

Memphis Grizzlies eliminate No. 1-seeded San Antonio Spurs | NBA playoffs




Maybe that time people are thinking that Memphis has no chance since Spurs are a pretty good team that time, but it happened.

[freedomgo]

So, for Denver and Dallas to be at west finals you have to eliminate Lakers, eliminate clipplers, eliminate Utah and eliminate Rockets. You are expecting awfully a lot from one team that never been to playoffs together and another that is basically 2-3 years in playoff adventure versus teams with multiple championship fmvp players.

That's it, but no one sees the future, based on the betting odds we can clearly see how tiny the chance of these two teams to be an NBA champion or to be playing in the West Finals at least, it's always known to us as the odds are their, but it doesn't mean it's impossible and though you call this as a dream, still I'd like to see it happening.

WHO KNOWS MY FRIEND>

Nothing is impossible in NBA. If we're talking about teams who has a very tiny chances to play in the NBA finals, remember that one major injury could change the outcome. Look at what happened to the GSW the last time they played the Raptors? They lost Durant and Klay due to a devastating and career threatening injury.
That guy above got some point, but the possibility for the young Mavs are always there.

God forbid that injury, it's not fun to watch games when some players are injured, as much as possible we would like to see teams that are intact so they can give their best to compete for the championship. Mavericks are a young team, but they always have a chance. I understand that we might be bias so let's just consider our opinion as bias opinion.

Way back in 2011, it happened that the number 1 seed was eliminated by the number 8 seed team, this would tell us that nothing is impossible.

Memphis Grizzlies eliminate No. 1-seeded San Antonio Spurs | NBA playoffs




Maybe that time people are thinking that Memphis has no chance since Spurs are a pretty good team that time, but it happened.

Good point, but we are talking of championship here, how about we use some statistics.

According to https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/2ws9po/nba_finals_winners_by_seed/





It was posted 5 years ago but it might give us a picture on the chances.. so Dallas Mavericks is currently at number 7 (https://www.nba.com/standings) therefore its chance is 0%, can the mavericks break this trend?

[rhomelmabini]

Just an update for Nikola Jokic:
https://sports.yahoo.com/nuggets-star-nikola-jokic-among-players-to-test-positive-for-coronavirus-before-nbas-return-204814692.html

I'll doubt if he will ever play right now for the playoffs with this recent news to him, that's very unfortunate for Denver if Jokic will not play for the season since he is the main factor for the team.

[Rikafip]

However lets be honest, ranking wise Lakers and Clippers are first seed and second seed, whereas Dallas is 7th seed, there is 11 GB difference between Lakers and Dallas and there is 5.5 GB difference between clippers and Dallas. Don't get me wrong it is still possible, as a Dallas fan you should know that 8th seed could beat first seed, Golden State Warriors managed to beat Dallas Mavericks as the 8th seed versus 1st seed, so anything is possible. However is it probable? I do not think so, its just as possible as a sport match could be possible about but thats about it.

I wouldn't put my money on teams like Mavericks to win the title, due their regular season record and lack of playoff experience. AFAIK, only two players in their roster have playoff experience, Seth Curry ( 1 season with Portland) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (2 seasons with Atlanta). With that being said,  I think this could be a perfect season to see some major underdog winning the title due few reasons:

• No home advantage for any team, so all teams are equal. Teams that play very good in front of their crowd might be at a little disadvantage, like Philadelphia, that has much better home record.
• Covid 19 factor. If 1 player in the team gets positive on virus, there are huge chances that other team members will get it as well. I wouldn't be surprised if some team gets decimated by that, completely ruining their chances.

I simply can't wait for all this  to start, as I think we could have one of the more interesting playoffs due all this uncertainty.

[Russlenat]

Just an update for Nikola Jokic:
https://sports.yahoo.com/nuggets-star-nikola-jokic-among-players-to-test-positive-for-coronavirus-before-nbas-return-204814692.html

I'll doubt if he will ever play right now for the playoffs with this recent news to him, that's very unfortunate for Denver if Jokic will not play for the season since he is the main factor for the team.

Bad news for Nuggets fans, I'm wondering when he was infected, was that news about his weight loss related to the corona virus infection?
I'm really disappointed now, I was expecting that Nuggets would give a good fight fight this coming playoffs.

I also like to ask to those experts here, how many days is the recovery period of a person infected with covid-19?

If Jokic will recover and his team is still not eliminated, can he still play?

[Natalim]

Just an update for Nikola Jokic:
https://sports.yahoo.com/nuggets-star-nikola-jokic-among-players-to-test-positive-for-coronavirus-before-nbas-return-204814692.html

I'll doubt if he will ever play right now for the playoffs with this recent news to him, that's very unfortunate for Denver if Jokic will not play for the season since he is the main factor for the team.

This might have a big changes on the betting of NBA futures.
I tried to check it now https://nitrogensports.eu/sport/Basketball/NBA%20-%20Futures, but it seems the line is off, probably they are adjusting it now.

I really wish he can still play, he had been working hard for the opening of the NBA and this news has surprised him.

[Rikafip]

I also like to ask to those experts here, how many days is the recovery period of a person infected with covid-19?

Since he is young and healthy guy in general, and an professional athlete, most likely he will be fine in a two or three weeks. NBA season restarts in 5 weeks, so could be back in time, but problem now is that he won't be able to prepare properly for continuation of season. You can't just jump in after few months break without proper physical preparation.
It is his own fault imo, a lot of people behave like it is all good, like virus suddenly disappeared. He was going out, meeting other people (among them was Djokovic who also is positive). Pretty stupid and irresponsible behavior, since he knew that season will start soon, and his team relies heavily on him.

[verita1]

Just an update for Nikola Jokic:
https://sports.yahoo.com/nuggets-star-nikola-jokic-among-players-to-test-positive-for-coronavirus-before-nbas-return-204814692.html

I'll doubt if he will ever play right now for the playoffs with this recent news to him, that's very unfortunate for Denver if Jokic will not play for the season since he is the main factor for the team.

Despite the recent news of the positive cases I remain optimistic that we are going to enjoy the return of the NBA.
I have read the NBA plan that if a player tested positive, he would isolate to retest if he has the same result. If the player is definitely positive for Covid19 he could be out for 14 days.
Nikola Jokic or other players could run with being lucky to heal fast as the virus has been detected in its initial stage.

[rhomelmabini]

Bad news for Nuggets fans, I'm wondering when he was infected, was that news about his weight loss related to the corona virus infection?

Jokic was seen sitting courtside next to the world’s top tennis player, Novak Djokovic, at an exhibition game in Belgrade last week. Neither were wearing masks in photos taken at the event. A participant in the game who was reportedly in close contact with Jokic tested positive for the virus shortly afterward. Djokovic and his wife announced they tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday. The tennis star was heavily criticized over the past week as his charitable tennis tournament operated without required masks or social distancing measures.

This is what indicated on the report.

I'm really disappointed now, I was expecting that Nuggets would give a good fight fight this coming playoffs.

You don't have to, as always that's life, most are unexpected happenings.

I also like to ask to those experts here, how many days is the recovery period of a person infected with covid-19?

If Jokic will recover and his team is still not eliminated, can he still play?

That varies from person to person, unless this pandemic is over experts will not yet confirm such things. Athletes have more chance of survival, that's a fact considering their lifestyles. I think he can but if his manager says so that he can't play for the rest of the playoffs that's all there is to it.

[Maslate]

I also like to ask to those experts here, how many days is the recovery period of a person infected with covid-19?

Since he is young and healthy guy in general, and an professional athlete, most likely he will be fine in a two or three weeks. NBA season restarts in 5 weeks, so could be back in time, but problem now is that he won't be able to prepare properly for continuation of season. You can't just jump in after few months break without proper physical preparation.
It is his own fault imo, a lot of people behave like it is all good, like virus suddenly disappeared. He was going out, meeting other people (among them was Djokovic who also is positive). Pretty stupid and irresponsible behavior, since he knew that season will start soon, and his team relies heavily on him.

I think he can still play, 2 weeks of practice I guess is already enough and I think the NBA organization has already seen this kind of possibility so they made the test early to give an ample time to recover for players who are tested positive.

[mirakal]

I also like to ask to those experts here, how many days is the recovery period of a person infected with covid-19?

Since he is young and healthy guy in general, and an professional athlete, most likely he will be fine in a two or three weeks. NBA season restarts in 5 weeks, so could be back in time, but problem now is that he won't be able to prepare properly for continuation of season. You can't just jump in after few months break without proper physical preparation.
It is his own fault imo, a lot of people behave like it is all good, like virus suddenly disappeared. He was going out, meeting other people (among them was Djokovic who also is positive). Pretty stupid and irresponsible behavior, since he knew that season will start soon, and his team relies heavily on him.

I think he can still play, 2 weeks of practice I guess is already enough and I think the NBA organization has already seen this kind of possibility so they made the test early to give an ample time to recover for players who are tested positive.

2 weeks is very short, they have a good standing now and they are already insured of a playoff spot, so there is no pressure on the side of Jokic, all he has to do is just to recover from covid-19 and take more rest and just come back when playoffs start.

I think it's possible to see a fully healthy Jokic again.

[Maslate]

I also like to ask to those experts here, how many days is the recovery period of a person infected with covid-19?

Since he is young and healthy guy in general, and an professional athlete, most likely he will be fine in a two or three weeks. NBA season restarts in 5 weeks, so could be back in time, but problem now is that he won't be able to prepare properly for continuation of season. You can't just jump in after few months break without proper physical preparation.
It is his own fault imo, a lot of people behave like it is all good, like virus suddenly disappeared. He was going out, meeting other people (among them was Djokovic who also is positive). Pretty stupid and irresponsible behavior, since he knew that season will start soon, and his team relies heavily on him.

I think he can still play, 2 weeks of practice I guess is already enough and I think the NBA organization has already seen this kind of possibility so they made the test early to give an ample time to recover for players who are tested positive.

2 weeks is very short, they have a good standing now and they are already insured of a playoff spot, so there is no pressure on the side of Jokic, all he has to do is just to recover from covid-19 and take more rest and just come back when playoffs start.

I think it's possible to see a fully healthy Jokic again.

That would be a great solution too, of course he can choose not to play in the remaining games of the season, besides they will still quality in the playoffs. I hope we won't hear another NBA players who are infected with the covid-19, especially those who are really vital in their team, like Jokic.

[yazher]

Just an update for Nikola Jokic:
https://sports.yahoo.com/nuggets-star-nikola-jokic-among-players-to-test-positive-for-coronavirus-before-nbas-return-204814692.html

I'll doubt if he will ever play right now for the playoffs with this recent news to him, that's very unfortunate for Denver if Jokic will not play for the season since he is the main factor for the team.

This is sad news for Denver fans since they fell short on the NBA playoffs last year, the fans had been rooting for them all this year. Jokic is one of the key players in Denver to climb the playoff tree. I wonder how will they adjust their game without him. playoffs game is more intense and everyone is doing their best to compete with each other. this time the star player is more needed than ever. Let's just hope for his fast recovery and if he can't play this year for the playoff, it's not that bad for the Denver team. there will be always next year.

[Reid]

I fully agree with that. If fans of Dallas/Nuggets don't believe their teams can reach the final,then what's the point? You gotta believe in your team and hope for the best, that's part of being a fan.

Thank you Rikaflip for making that clear. 

However lets be honest, ranking wise Lakers and Clippers are first seed and second seed, whereas Dallas is 7th seed, there is 11 GB difference between Lakers and Dallas and there is 5.5 GB difference between clippers and Dallas.

Ranking wise yes.
But where would those winners of bets for the 1st seed get their payment if no one will believe for an upset? 

I am just saying, there is always a chance for everyone here.
It's the playoffs, there is no ranking when it happens. Everyone will do their best to win the 1st and 2nd round.

Way back in 2011, it happened that the number 1 seed was eliminated by the number 8 seed team, this would tell us that nothing is impossible.

Memphis Grizzlies eliminate No. 1-seeded San Antonio Spurs | NBA playoffs

I am on the brink to bring this up but thank you for doing it in advance. 
Saved me the time for digging the grave.

[dwminer1]

JR Smith at Lakers? Quite possible. Avery Bradley told ESPN on Tuesday night that he was opting out of the season's restart for family considerations. In my opinion, this is a big loss for Lakers. Bradley has shown an equal level throughout the season. Robust in attack and great in defense. Is Smith a worthy deputy? I have doubts. I know that LBJ likes to play with him, but Smith hasn't played an NBA game since November 2018. The only thing JR has won recently is a street fight with a guy.

Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29356222/lakers-eye-jr-smith-top-candidate-replace-avery-bradley

[Rosilito]

Anyone else you might know?

-

And now LA Lakers Avery Bradley. But wait was he mentioned already .

Source: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29355391/lakers-avery-bradley-opts-nba-restart-cites-family-concerns%3fplatform=amp

TL;DR. His reasons were about his family concerns 'cause someone's ill, and needs watching.

On a side note. Due to Avery's concern it seems like JR Smith was the top candidate to replace him. Do you think we might be able to see Smith - Bron tandem once again? My bet is, he won't be picked  ... just a hunch  .  I don't wanna see a confused Smith once again, runnin' around with a though that they were on the lead though, not to mention that regular season is just 8 games away to playoffs, and Lakers were the top contender, and heavy favorites to reached the finals in the West.

Source: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29356222/lakers-eye-jr-smith-top-candidate-replace-avery-bradley%3fplatform=amp