2025 NBA Season

[Pamadar]

Booker was obviously their main scorer even before CP3 joined the team but let's not forget their position in the league back then. They were fighting for playoff spot which is completely diffefent now.

Paul changes the team from a playoff potential team to a championship potential team.

This season, I see that their chance to be back in the finals again are huge, not underestimating the other teams like the GSW, Nuggets and Dallas, but as a team, they are so consistent and they have the best chemistry IMO.

No doubt, the chance is high for this team. They are a complete package, each player is really contributing well.

CP3 really brings the team to the place they deserve. The leadership to guide the young core of Suns gives them this success,
I look forward to this guy to win a title before leaving this league. He's nearing to his retirement. Having a ring will complete
his resume.

[Dave1]

Booker was obviously their main scorer even before CP3 joined the team but let's not forget their position in the league back then. They were fighting for playoff spot which is completely diffefent now.

Paul changes the team from a playoff potential team to a championship potential team.

This season, I see that their chance to be back in the finals again are huge, not underestimating the other teams like the GSW, Nuggets and Dallas, but as a team, they are so consistent and they have the best chemistry IMO.

No doubt, the chance is high for this team. They are a complete package, each player is really contributing well.

CP3 really brings the team to the place they deserve. The leadership to guide the young core of Suns gives them this success,
I look forward to this guy to win a title before leaving this league. He's nearing to his retirement. Having a ring will complete
his resume.

True, I think last year lost against the Bucks really contributed well for them, I mean they have gain so much experience from that, they are now ready again to win and maybe go to the finals with the current roster.

If CP3 will be healthy in the playoffs, chances are very high that they can repeat their performance or even exceed it. Booker has matured as well and Ayton still dominating and then they have a good solid team overall that can play defense as well, and as you have said, they are a complete package.

[TravelMug]

I watched Bulls - Pelicans game last night. It was head to head until third quarter but then Pelicans took the lead and didn't give any chance for Bulls to catch up. Zach LaVine had an impressive performance for Bulls but others didn't help much except Coby White. On the Pelicans side there was a team effort. Specifically Devonte' Graham and CJ McCollum carried the score but Valanciunas and even Alvarado helped them. Pelicans looked strong for Play-in, they are racing with Lakers for 9th seed. I guess Spurs won't catch them and we'll see both Pelicans and Lakers in last two seeds for play-in challenge.
Rearranged poll for that, let's see how everybody else think.

It was really close up to the 3rd quarter and Zach Lavine was all over and I thought that they have a good chance to win.

But suddenly the Pels put the pedal on the gas in the 4th and that was all they needed to make a separation. DeRozan though didn't play so it's hard for Lavine to carry the team if no one is going to help him maybe except for Coby White. Yeah, chances are high for the Pels to make it for the Play-in but we will see.

[dimonstration]

I agree with you depending on who is playing I might take the pels in that too.  Back against the wall I'd hate to bet against lebron though, his best comes out in those games.  I think the question that really needs to be answered is will AD be playing or not.  That is huge.

They might play AD because it's an important game, if they'll lose, that would be too embossing for the team who started to look like a super team prior to the start of the season. Even with AD, I still feel backing the Pelicans because I believe that the struggle of the Lakers this season will not end right away.

You're right that this game against the Pelicans will be very important for the Lakers. However, there is no chance that Davis will play because he has not yet fully recovered from his injury. It is expected that he will be able to return only by the first week of April. So LeBron will have to try to win this game alone again.

There's still no assurance that Lebron can play on there Sunday match against Pelicans. Lakers show an impressive improvement without James basae on there previous match against strong opponent 76ers because Westbrook is finally awaken his inner beast skills. I assume they can beat Pelicans without James if they will maintain the same level of performance during 76ers match. I hope there coach will not force Lebron to play the game if he is still not ok to play because there playoffs spot will be useless if his injury will gonna worsen later on. 

[goinmerry]

I hope there coach will not force Lebron to play the game if he is still not ok to play because there playoffs spot will be useless if his injury will gonna worsen later on. 

Lakers Coach Vogel needs to wake up and learn something from that previous game against the Sixers. He should already see by now who's players are likely to build up a good performance if he will utilize their respective playing time. It's just happened that why just now he understands that using those role players are a big help. If only Lebron does have that kind of teammates who are playing at the same level last game, the Lakers might be in good hands.

I'm expecting more minutes, especially to Dwight Howard, next game. Even without Anthony Davis as long as Howard keeps up on his good performance, they won't notice the absence of AD. Vogel needs to do the same setup he did last game. That loss to Sixers is something, not a shy loss since they were able to keep up until the dying seconds.

[Yaunfitda]

I hope there coach will not force Lebron to play the game if he is still not ok to play because there playoffs spot will be useless if his injury will gonna worsen later on. 

Lakers Coach Vogel needs to wake up and learn something from that previous game against the Sixers. He should already see by now who's players are likely to build up a good performance if he will utilize their respective playing time. It's just happened that why just now he understands that using those role players are a big help. If only Lebron does have that kind of teammates who are playing at the same level last game, the Lakers might be in good hands.

I think it's too late for him to wake up. I mean we already saw that the line up that he put up in the 4th quarter are not going to give him victories. Specially with that kind of short lineup. They will be abuse in the middle as they opted to sit out Dwight Howard.

I'm expecting more minutes, especially to Dwight Howard, next game. Even without Anthony Davis as long as Howard keeps up on his good performance, they won't notice the absence of AD. Vogel needs to do the same setup he did last game. That loss to Sixers is something, not a shy loss since they were able to keep up until the dying seconds.

Grew tired of him sitting Dwight in the crucial minutes of the game, there is no Anthony Davis, so he should insert Dwight to help in the middle. Guys like Ayton, Jokic and even KP take advantage of that small line up of them.

[OgNasty]

Big night for James Harden in the Sixers blowout win. He led the team with 29 points and 15 rebounds while adding 7 assists. I’m not sure what was going on with him in Brooklyn, but it’s like his dip in performance was due to an unhappiness being in his requested destination and not a change in the rules. He’s back to being bailed out on drives to the hoop with free throws and putting up big numbers. I don’t believe it’s just due to him having new teammates. I feel like there was a little something else going on behind the scenes with Harden and the Nets.

[btc_angela]

Big night for James Harden in the Sixers blowout win. He led the team with 29 points and 15 rebounds while adding 7 assists. I’m not sure what was going on with him in Brooklyn, but it’s like his dip in performance was due to an unhappiness being in his requested destination and not a change in the rules. He’s back to being bailed out on drives to the hoop with free throws and putting up big numbers. I don’t believe it’s just due to him having new teammates. I feel like there was a little something else going on behind the scenes with Harden and the Nets.

Maybe not putting enough effort with Brooklyn Nets? Specially the drama around Kyrie Irving's anti-vac and then Durant getting injured. So he did not put his 100% on the game that time. Initially we are blaming the new rule of the game, but others have adjusted like Trae Young. But him, looking for someone to blame for everything that is happening to him.

The mentality might be there again for James Harden to win a ring this year and chances are very high for him. The Sixers are one of the hottest in the East. But they will have to contend with the reigning champion. Joel though, might win the MVP so it's a big season with the Sixers with Harden making it to the party.

[Viscore]

Even though the Lakers are playing like this right now, lets not forget that they still have Davis that can play maybe in the playoffs ............

I will stop you there. My worry now is what if they cannot make it to the playoffs?

For sure with their ranking, they might be in the play-in tournament, but what if they'll fall again?
I mean, if they want to be in the playoffs, maybe they should start winning now consistently.

The last games were a bit disappointment as Frank Vogel said but with  Lebron and Davis around, he still hopes for progress within the last month of the competition. The probability for Los Angeles Lakers to make it to playoffs is still 50-50 and this means that the team should exert more efforts to win the next games even pulling a miracle out from a single hat.

[danherbias07]

Big night for James Harden in the Sixers blowout win. He led the team with 29 points and 15 rebounds while adding 7 assists. I’m not sure what was going on with him in Brooklyn, but it’s like his dip in performance was due to an unhappiness being in his requested destination and not a change in the rules. He’s back to being bailed out on drives to the hoop with free throws and putting up big numbers. I don’t believe it’s just due to him having new teammates. I feel like there was a little something else going on behind the scenes with Harden and the Nets.

Locker room issues? Could be. There's one same issue that leaked out and it is Bertans in the Wizards team before being traded to the Mavericks. They don't know who is who, everyone wants to be a star and everyone wants the ball.
Could be the same with how James Harden feels but I think it focuses on Kyrie and not Durant.
Kyrie has a bad mouth and there are proofs all over the internet, one of them is against Lebron James. I think now Harden found a new home and I am glad they are accepting him even though he is new to the team. Tyrese Maxey, for example, is on his path to stardom but it was cut for a bit and he didn't bother as long as it is for the win.

[Sanitough]

Even though the Lakers are playing like this right now, lets not forget that they still have Davis that can play maybe in the playoffs ............

I will stop you there. My worry now is what if they cannot make it to the playoffs?

For sure with their ranking, they might be in the play-in tournament, but what if they'll fall again?
I mean, if they want to be in the playoffs, maybe they should start winning now consistently.

The last games were a bit disappointment as Frank Vogel said but with  Lebron and Davis around, he still hopes for progress within the last month of the competition. The probability for Los Angeles Lakers to make it to playoffs is still 50-50 and this means that the team should exert more efforts to win the next games even pulling a miracle out from a single hat.

Really necessary if they don't want to get embarrassed, at least reaching the playoffs would ease the pain. There's still no timetable of Davis's return, for sure they'll improve a bit with Davis but if no Davis in the play-in, I have a feeling we will see the unexpected.

[Japinat]

Even though the Lakers are playing like this right now, lets not forget that they still have Davis that can play maybe in the playoffs ............

I will stop you there. My worry now is what if they cannot make it to the playoffs?

For sure with their ranking, they might be in the play-in tournament, but what if they'll fall again?
I mean, if they want to be in the playoffs, maybe they should start winning now consistently.

The last games were a bit disappointment as Frank Vogel said but with  Lebron and Davis around, he still hopes for progress within the last month of the competition. The probability for Los Angeles Lakers to make it to playoffs is still 50-50 and this means that the team should exert more efforts to win the next games even pulling a miracle out from a single hat.

Really necessary if they don't want to get embarrassed, at least reaching the playoffs would ease the pain. There's still no timetable of Davis's return, for sure they'll improve a bit with Davis but if no Davis in the play-in, I have a feeling we will see the unexpected.

All we can read are just speculation for now - https://hoopshype.com/storyline/anthony-davis-injury/

In the update from the link, it says he could be back by the first week of April.
I don't know, I think I would not keep my hope so high because I know how fragile Davis is, and I'm afraid he won't be 100% if he would be forced to play.

[Reid]

I watched Bulls - Pelicans game last night. It was head to head until third quarter but then Pelicans took the lead and didn't give any chance for Bulls to catch up. Zach LaVine had an impressive performance for Bulls but others didn't help much except Coby White. On the Pelicans side there was a team effort. Specifically Devonte' Graham and CJ McCollum carried the score but Valanciunas and even Alvarado helped them. Pelicans looked strong for Play-in, they are racing with Lakers for 9th seed. I guess Spurs won't catch them and we'll see both Pelicans and Lakers in last two seeds for play-in challenge.
Rearranged poll for that, let's see how everybody else think.

CJ McCollum. Suddenly, that guy changed by a lot. I can't think of a good reason why the Trail Blazers traded him. He was a good partner for Dame. Like the Pippen of Jordan or the Klay Thompson of Steph Curry.
He is proving it now in a different team that he is good. He ain't the problem but someone else. They may have misunderstood Dame about "the change" he was looking for.
Regardless, he is in a good team now and they are trying to push back up and maybe try to win the play-in tournament. A big punch to the face of the Blazers management if he does so.

[Hypnosis00]

I watched Bulls - Pelicans game last night. It was head to head until third quarter but then Pelicans took the lead and didn't give any chance for Bulls to catch up. Zach LaVine had an impressive performance for Bulls but others didn't help much except Coby White. On the Pelicans side there was a team effort. Specifically Devonte' Graham and CJ McCollum carried the score but Valanciunas and even Alvarado helped them. Pelicans looked strong for Play-in, they are racing with Lakers for 9th seed. I guess Spurs won't catch them and we'll see both Pelicans and Lakers in last two seeds for play-in challenge.
Rearranged poll for that, let's see how everybody else think.

CJ McCollum. Suddenly, that guy changed by a lot. I can't think of a good reason why the Trail Blazers traded him. He was a good partner for Dame. Like the Pippen of Jordan or the Klay Thompson of Steph Curry.
He is proving it now in a different team that he is good. He ain't the problem but someone else. They may have misunderstood Dame about "the change" he was looking for.
Regardless, he is in a good team now and they are trying to push back up and maybe try to win the play-in tournament. A big punch to the face of the Blazers management if he does so.

TrailBlazers stick with Lillard as their main man, they know what they sacrifice but for sure next season they will be a different team. Good for CJ, at least he is in a team now that he could be the superstar, not living under the shadow of CJ.

[Sanitough]

Even though the Lakers are playing like this right now, lets not forget that they still have Davis that can play maybe in the playoffs ............

I will stop you there. My worry now is what if they cannot make it to the playoffs?

For sure with their ranking, they might be in the play-in tournament, but what if they'll fall again?
I mean, if they want to be in the playoffs, maybe they should start winning now consistently.

The last games were a bit disappointment as Frank Vogel said but with  Lebron and Davis around, he still hopes for progress within the last month of the competition. The probability for Los Angeles Lakers to make it to playoffs is still 50-50 and this means that the team should exert more efforts to win the next games even pulling a miracle out from a single hat.

Really necessary if they don't want to get embarrassed, at least reaching the playoffs would ease the pain. There's still no timetable of Davis's return, for sure they'll improve a bit with Davis but if no Davis in the play-in, I have a feeling we will see the unexpected.

All we can read are just speculation for now - https://hoopshype.com/storyline/anthony-davis-injury/

In the update from the link, it says he could be back by the first week of April.
I don't know, I think I would not keep my hope so high because I know how fragile Davis is, and I'm afraid he won't be 100% if he would be forced to play.

If that is true, then it's good for the Lakers.
For those who does not know when the play-in will start, here's a good read for you.

https://www.marca.com/en/basketball/nba/2022/03/13/622e116de2704e010d8b4578.html

When is the 2022 Play-In Tournament?
The Play-In Tournament has two key dates: its beginning on Tuesday, April 12, and its end on Friday, April 15.

Teams with the seventh and eighth winning percentages from each conference will have two chances to win one game each to earn a playoff berth.

Teams with the ninth and tenth winning percentages in each conference will have to win two consecutive games to earn a playoff berth.

If Davis will make it in the first week of next month, then he will have a chance to help the team win in the play-in tournament.

[Yamifoud]

If Davis will make it in the first week of next month, then he will have a chance to help the team win in the play-in tournament.

Question is, how big he could contribute to the team.

We've seen Draymond Green after a long rest due to injury, in his return he wasn't contributing as his normal contribution, so what I'm saying is that Davis will have to readjust again to get back on his game, and every game may cause the Lakers an L .

Remember that San Antonio Spurs could overtake the Lakers if they won't be consistent, their record are very close now and Spurs are in a winning streak.

[Oasisman]

If Davis will make it in the first week of next month, then he will have a chance to help the team win in the play-in tournament.

Question is, how big he could contribute to the team.

We've seen Draymond Green after a long rest due to injury, in his return he wasn't contributing as his normal contribution, so what I'm saying is that Davis will have to readjust again to get back on his game, and every game may cause the Lakers an L .

Remember that San Antonio Spurs could overtake the Lakers if they won't be consistent, their record are very close now and Spurs are in a winning streak.

Purely depends on the player but usually most players suffers during the return from a long injury rest.
Plus, Davis will be limited on his playing time. So, I guess he won't make enough impact to help his team especially when he cannot be consistent offensively.
Spurs has indeed a chance to take over the Lakers on the 10 spot  since their remaining schedule is up against not so strong teams compared to the Lakers.

[Distinctin]

That was because of CP's mental attitude, after they lose to the NBA finals, he said he will get back to work.You see? This guy is really born a winner, he wants to pursue his big goal to make the team better and achieve the ultimate success, and in this case, should be the ring.

Remember when CP3 joined other teams and compared him to another superstar.

Cp3 joined Harden Rockets and OKC, he help to make the team improve, especially the Rockets because they reach the Western Conference finals with CP3 of course, if he wasn't injured during that hime, they had a decen chance of beating the Warriors.  

It's just a bad luck for him that he doesn't have any experience yet of a championship. I like him to take a chance last Finals but I'm rooting for Milwaukee Bucks that time because I have a bet on it. They are now currently sitting pretty at the standing and hope that this time, he will now finally have a championship moment.

Don't want to see him end up without a championship like other superstars in the league. He truly deserves one. But seeing how competitive teams today, lots of strong teams are deserving to win the chip this year.

We don't know yet, maybe this season is going to be for him and yea I'd also love that, I also don't want him to retire without getting a ring. They also deserve it, the man has been preparing and helping his team to win every games and it's almost impossible that we cannot see his doings. As for this year, their chances are high but yes we cannot also take the other teams away because they're also very competitive.

This season is really interesting, lots of competitive teams in East and West and lots of young guys stepping up their game.

[Ziskinberg]

If Davis will make it in the first week of next month, then he will have a chance to help the team win in the play-in tournament.

Question is, how big he could contribute to the team.

We've seen Draymond Green after a long rest due to injury, in his return he wasn't contributing as his normal contribution, so what I'm saying is that Davis will have to readjust again to get back on his game, and every game may cause the Lakers an L .

Remember that San Antonio Spurs could overtake the Lakers if they won't be consistent, their record are very close now and Spurs are in a winning streak.

Purely depends on the player but usually most players suffers during the return from a long injury rest.
Plus, Davis will be limited on his playing time. So, I guess he won't make enough impact to help his team especially when he cannot be consistent offensively.
Spurs has indeed a chance to take over the Lakers on the 10 spot  since their remaining schedule is up against not so strong teams compared to the Lakers.

How exciting it would be, If the Lakers would not make it, the Spurs would be a dangerous opponent to the upper team because they have a very good coach who is get used to the playoffs already and has won a lot of games than losing.

you are right, we can check the remaining games of the LA Lakers, https://www.espn.ph/nba/team/schedule/_/name/lal/los-angeles-lakers

only one team that are not a playoff team, and that is the OKC, the rest might go in the playoffs and some teams are already guaranteed a spot.

[LogitechMouse]

If Davis will make it in the first week of next month, then he will have a chance to help the team win in the play-in tournament.

Question is, how big he could contribute to the team.

We've seen Draymond Green after a long rest due to injury, in his return he wasn't contributing as his normal contribution, so what I'm saying is that Davis will have to readjust again to get back on his game, and every game may cause the Lakers an L .

Remember that San Antonio Spurs could overtake the Lakers if they won't be consistent, their record are very close now and Spurs are in a winning streak.

I also said to Davis back when he got his first injury that when he comes back, he will not be as efficient as he is but I was wrong and he put huge numbers and he is as efficient as he is though I still say that he is really fragile and injury prone. Maybe Green can still feel his injury until now and I don't think that he needs to put huge numbers in his name but just his mere presence in the court is enough to boost the morale of the team.

Pelicans, Lakers and Spurs are the ones who are fighting at the 9th and 10th spot. It would be very disappointing for the Lakers if they will be the ones who will be eliminated and will not enter the play-in tournament. I want Lakers though to enter at least the play-in . Maybe Spurs and Lakers .