2024 NBA Season

[Yamifoud]

Three games were postponed last night. But I was contented with watching the big game that was Chicago Bulls - LA Lakers. There were important missing players like Zach LaVine and Anthony Davis for both teams. We watched a great competition in this game and Bulls succeeded in beating Lakers by 115-110. They were really effective especially in the first and last quarters. We watched a great duel between DeRozan and LeBron. DeRozan ended the game by being the top scorer (38 pts) of the game and had a big role in the win. And LeBron made a great double-double having 31 pts, 14 reb, 6 ast.

DeRozan was the winner here and he continues to show his MVP plays in this game. LA Lakers lose another game, I'm so disappointed although they really fought hard here because I was expecting that they'll start winning especially against a strong team like the Bulls.

You don't have to because in the first place LA Lakers are very inconsistent so far, you'd be surprisedd if they win against a good team, not disappointed. However, I believe it's still too early, the LA Lakars still have enough time to figure out how to win consistently and I believe it will happen this season.

If Westbrook and Davis gives consistent contribution, then most likely the LA Lakers will gain the trust of the fans.

I became hopeless for AD now especially that he's injured. He plays differently this season and it seems like he has been very contented with just 1 title.
I've seen consistent contribution from Westbrook, the only thing he needs to minimize is his turnover numbers and start improving his passing accuracy.
Isiah Thomas could be a good addition as he puts on good numbers for the Lakers, he might still need a little time to blend in.

Yes, AD is really a problem now, he has become more prone to injury and it has affected the Lakers a lot. Speaking of Thomas, I think we should not expect much from him, his out of his prime already and he would not be able to contribute big time for the Lakers as there's Lebron and Westbrook who would always love to bring the ball.

[mirakal]

Yes, AD is really a problem now, he has become more prone to injury and it has affected the Lakers a lot. Speaking of Thomas, I think we should not expect much from him, his out of his prime already and he would not be able to contribute big time for the Lakers as there's Lebron and Westbrook who would always love to bring the ball.

Without Davis the Lakers are in trouble, that's the reality as we already saw what happened to this team last playoffs when they face the Suns. However, there's still a good news on the injury of Davis as he will not be out for a long period of time, as per report, he will only missed 4 weeks as the injury was just an MCL Sprain.

read for more information
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10021287-lakers-anthony-davis-out-at-least-1-month-after-knee-injury-diagnosed-as-mcl-sprain

[danherbias07]

I was surprised while browsing my social media so I double-checked and was shocked it was real.
https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/32899963/deron-williams-beats-frank-gore-via-split-decision-boxing-exhibition-ex-nba-nfl-stars

Deron Williams beats Frank Gore via split decision in boxing exhibition between ex-NBA, NFL stars

Yes, Deron Williams, former NBA All-Star. The one who I idolized when he was playing for the Nets with his crossovers and ankle breakers. I even bought a jersey of this guy but suddenly he was gone due to weight problems if I remember correctly.

"I always was a physical point guard," Williams said after the fight. "I never shied away from contact, and I showed that today. People think basketball players are soft, but I never was one. That's what I was looking to accomplish here today."

It's nice to see he is still into sports.

[Viscore]

Yes, AD is really a problem now, he has become more prone to injury and it has affected the Lakers a lot. Speaking of Thomas, I think we should not expect much from him, his out of his prime already and he would not be able to contribute big time for the Lakers as there's Lebron and Westbrook who would always love to bring the ball.

Without Davis the Lakers are in trouble, that's the reality as we already saw what happened to this team last playoffs when they face the Suns. However, there's still a good news on the injury of Davis as he will not be out for a long period of time, as per report, he will only missed 4 weeks as the injury was just an MCL Sprain.

read for more information
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10021287-lakers-anthony-davis-out-at-least-1-month-after-knee-injury-diagnosed-as-mcl-sprain

That's right, as long as he comes back, that's what is more important and Davis is very important in the playoffs than the regular season as the Lakers can enter in the playoffs even without him. I wish him a speedy recovery, Lakers would improve with him as he is a good producer of points inside.

I was surprised while browsing my social media so I double-checked and was shocked it was real.
https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/32899963/deron-williams-beats-frank-gore-via-split-decision-boxing-exhibition-ex-nba-nfl-stars

Deron Williams beats Frank Gore via split decision in boxing exhibition between ex-NBA, NFL stars

Looks like Deron Williams has found a new career.  I never thought he is good in boxing, of course I've known him as a great NBA player before he was injured and he also had some big contracts in his NBA career. After that win, I think he can still have a new fight coming, maybe the main event next time.

[Finestream]

While checking the game today, I'm surprised that the Lakers are playing against the Bulls today.

Why were you surprised when the schedule was already available for the entire season?

About the game, both teams are missing key players. Bulls had DeRozan back but they are also without Lavine. They are currently leading but it's just the first quarter. The way it looks now, DeAndre Jordan could drop 20 points today. I don't know if that will help them win but he's showing the team could still rely on him. I'm also looking forward to how IT will perform.

If both teams have they key players present in the game, it should've been more interesting to watch to have these two dream team battle in the basketball court because this match isn't gonna always. But I bet if Davis is present in that game, the results would have been drastically changed and different. Too bad he's away because of his knee injury. But overall, the chemistry between the players of the Bulls is great and impressive especially DeRozan and their center Vucevic.

[püsür]

Well, I don't know if anyone watched the Lakers vs Bulls game.
Unfortunately the Lakers lost again, but one thing in particular caught my attention... It's the performance of some reserve players!

Both teams had some great contribution from the bench. Particularly the Bulls. Even though they didn't have Lavine at this game, the bench stepped up and did the job.

But DeRozan stole the show. 11/24 FG and 16/17 free throws... Not bad for a game like this.

With Lavine, I consider them a team to be reckoned with in the playoffs. I expect at least the conference finals from them.

[Baofeng]

Well, I don't know if anyone watched the Lakers vs Bulls game.
Unfortunately the Lakers lost again, but one thing in particular caught my attention... It's the performance of some reserve players!

Both teams had some great contribution from the bench. Particularly the Bulls. Even though they didn't have Lavine at this game, the bench stepped up and did the job.

But DeRozan stole the show. 11/24 FG and 16/17 free throws... Not bad for a game like this.

With Lavine, I consider them a team to be reckoned with in the playoffs. I expect at least the conference finals from them.

Seems that DeRozan is trying to put a point in his comeback game as he carry the team without Zach Lavine. He goes toe to toe against all the defenders the Lakers have thrown on him .

I also love how Caruso takes on Lebron one on one, maybe they have done this a lot during their practice when Caruso was still in LA. But now as a Bulls he is not backing out, but Lebron opted to pass more often though.

[freedomgo]

Well, I don't know if anyone watched the Lakers vs Bulls game.
Unfortunately the Lakers lost again, but one thing in particular caught my attention... It's the performance of some reserve players!

Both teams had some great contribution from the bench. Particularly the Bulls. Even though they didn't have Lavine at this game, the bench stepped up and did the job.

But DeRozan stole the show. 11/24 FG and 16/17 free throws... Not bad for a game like this.

With Lavine, I consider them a team to be reckoned with in the playoffs. I expect at least the conference finals from them.

Seems that DeRozan is trying to put a point in his comeback game as he carry the team without Zach Lavine. He goes toe to toe against all the defenders the Lakers have thrown on him .

I also love how Caruso takes on Lebron one on one, maybe they have done this a lot during their practice when Caruso was still in LA. But now as a Bulls he is not backing out, but Lebron opted to pass more often though.

DeRozan is unstoppable, he is having the best season of his career so he will make sure that the Bulls would go to the playoffs and earn a home-court advantage once the regular season is over. The Bulls have always been playing that way, whenever one of the big 3 is unavailable, the others will work hard to win, I just remember when Vucevic's was out, both Lavine and DeRozan were doing very well to carry the team and they are still winning.

[justdimin]

When I saw the box score that was the first thing that came to my mind.  He must be on cloud nine right now.  I know it was just a regular season game and the Lakers are down some important pieces, but still.  All those years of torment in the playoffs from LeBron James when DeRozan was on the Raptors...  Getting this win and outplaying him must feel damn good.  Somewhere DeRozan is on the phone with his old Toronto buddy Lowry laughing about what took place tonight.

I feel you.. It's something that he and his old buddy can chat with or talk with a much sweeter laugh..

Yes, it's only in the regular season but a win like this always count, I like to see that old DeRozan who played very solid without any
hesitations, just like the way he played with the Raptors.

Good for him to feel home with the company all each bulls players.

I doubt that Demar cares about anything at the regular season level, they never really had trouble there at all. They got stuck at Cavs and against Lebron that is true but on regular season we have seen them be awesome and still get eliminated.

So, I am guessing that all he cares about is playoffs now, and we all know they are sort of good enough to be going to finals, not guaranteed and not the favorites but they are definitely close enough if you ask me. If they go to finals I am 90% sure that Lakers won't be there, so he has a very slim chance to meet with Lebron since it would require both teams to be on finals and I do not see that happening.

[Yamifoud]

If they go to finals I am 90% sure that Lakers won't be there, so he has a very slim chance to meet with Lebron since it would require both teams to be on finals and I do not see that happening.

Maybe because Bulls' journey is easier than the Lakers to reach the Finals?
According to the NBA Futures, LA Lakers still has more chance to reach the NBA Finals than the Bulls, so I would stick with the experts analysis.

https://www.vegasinsider.com/nba/odds/futures/

ODDS TO WIN 2022 NBA FINALS
Team   Odds
Brooklyn Nets   +260
Golden State Warriors   +600
Milwaukee Bucks   +700
Phoenix Suns   +900
Los Angeles Lakers   +1000
Utah Jazz   +1100
Miami Heat   +1200
Los Angeles Clippers   +2000
Philadelphia 76ers   +2000
Denver Nuggets   +2500
Chicago Bulls   +3000

Updated Mon., Dec. 13 10:00 p.m. ET - Odds provided by BetMGM - Subject to Change

[LGD2Business]

Both teams had some great contribution from the bench. Particularly the Bulls. Even though they didn't have Lavine at this game, the bench stepped up and did the job.

But DeRozan stole the show. 11/24 FG and 16/17 free throws... Not bad for a game like this.

With Lavine, I consider them a team to be reckoned with in the playoffs. I expect at least the conference finals from them.

Derozan is playing differently this year. Chicago Bulls team chemistry is very good. They formed a good squad of both young and experienced players. Derozan began to outperform even his Toronto and San Antonio days. I hope this effort turns into success.
The Lakers have built a very ambitious roster this season, but they haven't been able to reap the benefits so far. Things are much more difficult in the Western Conference.

[gagux123]

I was very happy to hear about the return of IT and also for his score, where he got 13 points.
Honestly, I would like to see him active these days, not like he was in the Celtics (because this is unlikely), but I hope he will be consistent in the regular season.

He only has a 10 day contract but I hope this will be extended as he is good scorer and at least he is contributing with the team offensively.
The only problem with him that I see is the defense. Since he is a small guard compare to other guards, they are just shooting in front of him. Well, that is what I see.

Carmelo Anthony was another player that in my opinion is playing very well! I would never have imagined he would have that comeback and performance in the NBA.
I even imagine, Anthony has great chances and ability to start in some games... and he is showing it.

He got 21 points in this game although they lost but for Melo and with his age, it is a huge contribution already.
I think its better to put him at the starting 5 instead of being a center . I wonder though what will happen to his head after doing his signature move after hitting a three multiple times . JK

Well, I don't know if anyone watched the Lakers vs Bulls game.
Unfortunately the Lakers lost again, but one thing in particular caught my attention... It's the performance of some reserve players!

Both teams had some great contribution from the bench. Particularly the Bulls. Even though they didn't have Lavine at this game, the bench stepped up and did the job.

But DeRozan stole the show. 11/24 FG and 16/17 free throws... Not bad for a game like this.

With Lavine, I consider them a team to be reckoned with in the playoffs. I expect at least the conference finals from them.

@LogitechMouse
Yes, IT was an excellent player in the past, worthy to compete in MVP in that season. I sincerely hope his contract is renewed, I believe he can still show how good he is...
But unfortunately, because he is short, IT defect's os his defense, I believe that another player on the team needs to help him defend, floating the mark on the defense.

@püsür
Yes, I have no doubts, DeRozan surprised me with his performance in this last game, he played so good... well, I believe the Bulls are practically in the playoffs this season, let's see how they perform in the playoffs, I'll be anxious to see them in the playoffs this season!

[Japinat]

Yes, I have no doubts, DeRozan surprised me with his performance in this last game, he played so good... well, I believe the Bulls are practically in the playoffs this season, let's see how they perform in the playoffs, I'll be anxious to see them in the playoffs this season!

Don't be, DeRozan will lead the Bulls to succeed in the playoffs, they might not win the championship but I think they have a decent chance to at least reach the Easter conference finals, this trio (DeRozan, Lavine, and Vucevic) are playing very well so I would trust and be confident on what they can achieve.

[gagux123]

Don't be, DeRozan will lead the Bulls to succeed in the playoffs, they might not win the championship but I think they have a decent chance to at least reach the Easter conference finals, this trio (DeRozan, Lavine, and Vucevic) are playing very well so I would trust and be confident on what they can achieve.

Well, I confess that this season the Bulls have a relatively good team, but I don't know, I believe they can make it to ECF or semi finals (of course that's my humble opinion).
That's what I always say to my friends "The playoffs separate men from children." I'm curious to see the Bulls possibly in the playoffs this season.

DeRozan, Lavine and Vucevic is a really good trio, I think even Lonzo Ball is managing to collaborate with the Bulls.

Another team that is also surprising me in the ranking is the Cavs, I would never have imagined that they could currently be in 3rd place in the ranking.

[goinmerry]

Don't be, DeRozan will lead the Bulls to succeed in the playoffs, they might not win the championship but I think they have a decent chance to at least reach the Easter conference finals, this trio (DeRozan, Lavine, and Vucevic) are playing very well so I would trust and be confident on what they can achieve.

Chicago Bulls at Eastern Conference Finals? I hope so for a change and it's been a while since Chicago Bulls are at that level of competition. But I can't see it for now. The current competition in the Eastern Conference is more tough compare to other seasons.

In the past, we can only see Rank 1 to 3 dominating on the East but now at least the top 5 teams currently in the standing are all explosive. Hoping also for DeRozan to keep that kind of playing until the end. He is one of the best players in the league but mostly inconsistent ever since his Toronto Raptors days.

[Yogee]

One of the less talked about teams is making some serious statement in the East. What do you think of the Cavs resurgence? They also looked like a bunch of players put together that just worked. Their "quiet" rise reminds me of teams that do well in the regular season but would be trashed in the playoffs.

[harizen]

Without Davis the Lakers are in trouble, that's the reality as we already saw what happened to this team last playoffs when they face the Suns. However, there's still a good news on the injury of Davis as he will not be out for a long period of time, as per report, he will only missed 4 weeks as the injury was just an MCL Sprain.

Actually no need for Anthony Davis to literally come back once he was cleared to play after 4 weeks. The Lakers can extend his recovery time and what the team should do is to try to keep winning for them to maintain their current standing or much better. It's still good instead to miss those key players while in the elimination round compare to when the playoffs come.

For 4 weeks period, it's around January 4th week for Anthony Davis to return. He can be put to limited minutes while All-Star is coming extending his much recovery period unless he will be chosen as one of the players that will play for the All-Star game.

[agustina2]

One of the less talked about teams is making some serious statement in the East. What do you think of the Cavs resurgence? They also looked like a bunch of players put together that just worked. Their "quiet" rise reminds me of teams that do well in the regular season but would be trashed in the playoffs.

I'm surprised too on what they are achieving but not putting my hopes for them. In NBA season, everything is possible to happen but in playoffs, that's where the serious competition happened. Cavaliers will surely make it to the playoffs but not seeing them in Semis or Conference Finals.

But since no one knows what will happen, that's only my speculation. Let's see once the season ended and the playoffs began.

[chaser15]

Another team that is also surprising me in the ranking is the Cavs, I would never have imagined that they could currently be in 3rd place in the ranking.

Many of us are in no doubt that we don't expect this Cavaliers team to be on the top of the standings in the Eastern Conference. They have no superstars in their roster and all our good role players. If they will keep up that kind of level of play, they will surely end on their current standings.

But I doubt them in the playoffs. Who knows though in the first place that we will see again an unusual team playing in the playoffs.

[yazher]

The Bulls are sinking threes in this first half against the Rockets and they are up by 20 points already. looks like the Houston Rockets are having a hard time with them right now because even the Bench players are doing well with also 20+ points coming up from them. They need to do something in the second half if they really wanted to get the win but seems that one is impossible since every players in the Bulls are doing good today.