2025 NBA Season

[crunck]

....
Can Jordan Poole repeat what he did against the Raptors or will this just be another game to give up without Steph Curry around?
I want to see a new face stepping up his game, maybe Moody, Lamb, or Kuminga. Just to fill the missing piece while their injured players are resting.

Jordan Poole is very talented but Curry is a legend who can do it night in and night out.  It takes years to get to that level.

40+ night in and night out is tough to pull off even with the likes of Curry or any other legends. Jordan Poole is already doing 20 to 30 a night and has been consistent with that range lately.

It's one thing to be the 3rd option and get your shots in but when teams are game planning for you it's a whole different level which is why you need the superstar guys who can do it when other teams game plan to stop them.

Right but we already know the GSW system doesn't just rely on too many ISO plays. They are pretty good at ball distribution and setting up screens which allows many opportunities for open shots so any defensive plays aimed at stopping just one player like Poole isn't really going to work long-term.

That's right, you're not wrong at all. As long as a player can successfully take responsibility for himself in the absence of Stephen Curry, then I do not think there is a problem so long as he is able to do so successfully. In fact, I am looking forward to seeing the Warriors play their next game. Specifically, I would like to see if Poole can actually perform as well as he did in the last game or if someone else needs to take on that responsibility.

[autoprt]

....
Can Jordan Poole repeat what he did against the Raptors or will this just be another game to give up without Steph Curry around?
I want to see a new face stepping up his game, maybe Moody, Lamb, or Kuminga. Just to fill the missing piece while their injured players are resting.

Jordan Poole is very talented but Curry is a legend who can do it night in and night out.  It takes years to get to that level.

40+ night in and night out is tough to pull off even with the likes of Curry or any other legends. Jordan Poole is already doing 20 to 30 a night and has been consistent with that range lately.

It's one thing to be the 3rd option and get your shots in but when teams are game planning for you it's a whole different level which is why you need the superstar guys who can do it when other teams game plan to stop them.

Right but we already know the GSW system doesn't just rely on too many ISO plays. They are pretty good at ball distribution and setting up screens which allows many opportunities for open shots so any defensive plays aimed at stopping just one player like Poole isn't really going to work long-term.

That's right, you're not wrong at all. As long as a player can successfully take responsibility for himself in the absence of Stephen Curry, then I do not think there is a problem so long as he is able to do so successfully. In fact, I am looking forward to seeing the Warriors play their next game. Specifically, I would like to see if Poole can actually perform as well as he did in the last game or if someone else needs to take on that responsibility.

as long as Klay stays healthy they will be fine.  with him in the lineup they can't just key on Poole.   However the Knicks are no longer the win you can just mark off.  I know the Lakers now kicking themselves for letting Julius Randle go he has been a a monster lately.  I actually think had the lakers kept that core group they would have a better record than they do now.

[ChiBitCTy]

Woowee it has been one heck of a rough year for the Chicago Bulls.  I watched a really good video yesterday which broke down the current state of the Chicago Bulls and gave a few suggestions/ideas of where they might want to head from this point- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdbKmmvsucI .

As a die hard bulls fan, without a mega-star, we don't have a chance. Period.  I'm a realist, and I realize though Lavine, DeRozan, Vucevic are good players, maybe even great..but not great enough.  Also with no Ball, they've got no chance.  In my opinion it's time to do some restructuring. 

I say the Bulls move DeRozan and try and move Vucevic as well.  They need more young talent to build upon while they try and find that mega-star (which is almost impossible, I'm certainly aware of).

actually i think the Bulls should try to get Derrick Rose back and let him retire as a Bull.  Lonzo isn't going to be coming back any time soon if at all since he is still having knee troubles.  Based on the reception he got vs. the Knicks I really wish they would do that.

I think that would be fun in terms of a cool thing for Derrick and the organization and fans, but that's really all that it is, more of a marketing ploy rather than doing what they need to be doing and that is acquiring players that are going to help move this team closer to a potential championship.

Yeah unfortunately it looks almost like a complete certainty that Lonzo is not coming back this season.  I have no idea what the hell takes over a year like that to recover from.  That whole situation is an absolute mess.   

[Yaunfitda]

....
Can Jordan Poole repeat what he did against the Raptors or will this just be another game to give up without Steph Curry around?
I want to see a new face stepping up his game, maybe Moody, Lamb, or Kuminga. Just to fill the missing piece while their injured players are resting.

Jordan Poole is very talented but Curry is a legend who can do it night in and night out.  It takes years to get to that level.

40+ night in and night out is tough to pull off even with the likes of Curry or any other legends. Jordan Poole is already doing 20 to 30 a night and has been consistent with that range lately.

It's one thing to be the 3rd option and get your shots in but when teams are game planning for you it's a whole different level which is why you need the superstar guys who can do it when other teams game plan to stop them.

Right but we already know the GSW system doesn't just rely on too many ISO plays. They are pretty good at ball distribution and setting up screens which allows many opportunities for open shots so any defensive plays aimed at stopping just one player like Poole isn't really going to work long-term.

That's right, you're not wrong at all. As long as a player can successfully take responsibility for himself in the absence of Stephen Curry, then I do not think there is a problem so long as he is able to do so successfully. In fact, I am looking forward to seeing the Warriors play their next game. Specifically, I would like to see if Poole can actually perform as well as he did in the last game or if someone else needs to take on that responsibility.

as long as Klay stays healthy they will be fine.  with him in the lineup they can't just key on Poole.   However the Knicks are no longer the win you can just mark off.  I know the Lakers now kicking themselves for letting Julius Randle go he has been a a monster lately.  I actually think had the lakers kept that core group they would have a better record than they do now.

Of course everyone needs to be healthy, but he also has to contribute more since Steph is sideline. And you said rely to Poole only? he needs to put up numbers that he should be putting not just like 18 ppg, he needs to produce more as the second offensive option for the Warriors.

I also disagree that the Lakers are kicking themselves of letting Julius Randle go because at that time they really don't know how he will blossom. Same with Jordan Clarkson and Ball and others that they traded to get Lebron. On the handed, it's a win for them as they were able to win a ring with Lebron.

[autoprt]

....
Can Jordan Poole repeat what he did against the Raptors or will this just be another game to give up without Steph Curry around?
I want to see a new face stepping up his game, maybe Moody, Lamb, or Kuminga. Just to fill the missing piece while their injured players are resting.

Jordan Poole is very talented but Curry is a legend who can do it night in and night out.  It takes years to get to that level.

40+ night in and night out is tough to pull off even with the likes of Curry or any other legends. Jordan Poole is already doing 20 to 30 a night and has been consistent with that range lately.

It's one thing to be the 3rd option and get your shots in but when teams are game planning for you it's a whole different level which is why you need the superstar guys who can do it when other teams game plan to stop them.

Right but we already know the GSW system doesn't just rely on too many ISO plays. They are pretty good at ball distribution and setting up screens which allows many opportunities for open shots so any defensive plays aimed at stopping just one player like Poole isn't really going to work long-term.

That's right, you're not wrong at all. As long as a player can successfully take responsibility for himself in the absence of Stephen Curry, then I do not think there is a problem so long as he is able to do so successfully. In fact, I am looking forward to seeing the Warriors play their next game. Specifically, I would like to see if Poole can actually perform as well as he did in the last game or if someone else needs to take on that responsibility.

as long as Klay stays healthy they will be fine.  with him in the lineup they can't just key on Poole.   However the Knicks are no longer the win you can just mark off.  I know the Lakers now kicking themselves for letting Julius Randle go he has been a a monster lately.  I actually think had the lakers kept that core group they would have a better record than they do now.

Of course everyone needs to be healthy, but he also has to contribute more since Steph is sideline. And you said rely to Poole only? he needs to put up numbers that he should be putting not just like 18 ppg, he needs to produce more as the second offensive option for the Warriors.

I also disagree that the Lakers are kicking themselves of letting Julius Randle go because at that time they really don't know how he will blossom. Same with Jordan Clarkson and Ball and others that they traded to get Lebron. On the handed, it's a win for them as they were able to win a ring with Lebron.

ok i can give you the point on lakers kicking themselves.  they did get a ring and if they didn't take Lebron clippers would have gotten him since he was determined to get to LA.  The only thing is once Lebron retires which will be soon Lakers are going to not see the playoffs for a while.

[OgNasty]

A couple of well matched up games happening tonight on nation TV.  The crew at TNT will be watching the Steph-less Warriors take on the Knicks.  Seems crazy that the Knicks are such favorites, even with Steph out, but they've been winning a lot this year, surprisingly.  Then the Grizzlies and the Nuggets...  You don't get to see Ja very much on national TV so I am expecting some highlights.  Jokic should put on the usual MVP performance as well.  If I were to guess...  I'd say the Knicks and Nuggets win tonight.  Both games should be close though.

[btc_angela]

A couple of well matched up games happening tonight on nation TV.  The crew at TNT will be watching the Steph-less Warriors take on the Knicks.  Seems crazy that the Knicks are such favorites, even with Steph out, but they've been winning a lot this year, surprisingly.  Then the Grizzlies and the Nuggets...  You don't get to see Ja very much on national TV so I am expecting some highlights.  Jokic should put on the usual MVP performance as well.  If I were to guess...  I'd say the Knicks and Nuggets win tonight.  Both games should be close though.

Very hard to predict this games, yes Steph is not playing, and playing away from their home, and they are a aweful road team right now. And probably the Knicks will win, but it could be a very close game. Similar to the Nuggets vs Memphis game, Jokic is putting MVP numbers but Murray should step up in this game. He is very inconsistent and if not for Jokic, they could have lost close games too. So I wouldn't be surprised though if the Memphis still one from Nuggets home court with -1.5.

[beerlover]

For me he isn't, or should I say his main goal isn't getting a triple double every game but, that's just how he plays right now. I mean he can do everything. He can rebound, he can be a passer and he can be a shooter as well though he is very awful on that aspect considering how much he's being paid right now.

Lakers are doing well compared to their first 10 games. Their chemistry is being built slowly. Coach Ham is slowly becoming a better coach right now and he utilizes his other players like Reeves, Walker and Schroeder. The problem right now is Davis being out for a month again. After him being the most dominant player to now getting injured again.

We know how impactful he is and how much he improved compared to last year. Now injuries are coming to him again and ruining his whole season. One month of him being out is a huge disaster to the Lakers already. Him playing and they are at the 12th spot still. How will the Lakers perform with him out for a month?

He can't really be a shooter, we have seen him shoot last year and at the start of this year and we can easily say that he is not a shooter at all, dude sucks at shooting. However, we can say that he is great at running very fast and disrupting defences, and during this era being able to disrupt the defence is all that matters.

What he gives to the team is the fact that when other teams defence is trying to recover, he can pass and the person who gets it could catch the other team off-guard and either score or get fouled. They have done this a lot now, and it's working and with second unit. On first unit they have Lebron, and westbrook is not an off-ball runner, so he just waits and watches Lebron and that didn't work obviously.

[autoprt]

I was totally shocked to find when I was looking at NBA 2022-2023 Team Payrolls and saw that San Antonio's Team Payroll is half of GSW total team payroll.  When I look at the standings in the West it's like SA isn't all that far from where GS is in the playoff hunt.   I know GSW will make the playoffs somehow this year but the team salary difference is crazy.

https://hoopshype.com/salaries/

[carlisle1]

A couple of well matched up games happening tonight on nation TV.  The crew at TNT will be watching the Steph-less Warriors take on the Knicks.  Seems crazy that the Knicks are such favorites, even with Steph out, but they've been winning a lot this year, surprisingly.  Then the Grizzlies and the Nuggets...  You don't get to see Ja very much on national TV so I am expecting some highlights.  Jokic should put on the usual MVP performance as well.  If I were to guess...  I'd say the Knicks and Nuggets win tonight.  Both games should be close though.

Very hard to predict this games, yes Steph is not playing, and playing away from their home, and they are a aweful road team right now. And probably the Knicks will win, but it could be a very close game. Similar to the Nuggets vs Memphis game, Jokic is putting MVP numbers but Murray should step up in this game. He is very inconsistent and if not for Jokic, they could have lost close games too. So I wouldn't be surprised though if the Memphis still one from Nuggets home court with -1.5.

Like you, I see both games will be close and even without Curry, if Warriors players will play as one, the chance to win is possible
we already witness them winning without Curry as Poole stepup and cover his numbers.

I don't expect that to happen again, but in the back of my mind I'm thinking that he will try to do it again, plus the help of
Green and Thompson, the chance of surviving is still for the Warriors.

Nothing I can say with Nuggets and Memphis. Both are unpredictable teams, they can explode or they can also have off-night.

[wheelz1200]

I was totally shocked to find when I was looking at NBA 2022-2023 Team Payrolls and saw that San Antonio's Team Payroll is half of GSW total team payroll.  When I look at the standings in the West it's like SA isn't all that far from where GS is in the playoff hunt.   I know GSW will make the playoffs somehow this year but the team salary difference is crazy.

https://hoopshype.com/salaries/

That's what happens when ypu have multiple homegrown players that became superstars.  These teams can offer them more money and tend to keep them.  The Spurs got rid of anyone they would have offered max contracts too.  Usually to open up cap space to get good young guys on the squad then offer a couple big contracts to lure free agents.

[jakelyson]

Unfortunately, it looks like Davis will miss most of the regular season games once again, and this has happened to him for the 3rd season in a row.

I tried to research it but there is still no official report yet concerning Anthony Davis's injury. It is just a hint from Brian Windhorst. Will keep a positive outlook until the official reports come in. But if Davis is really out longer than one month, that will really hurt the Lakers' chance to even get illegible for the play-in. The surge of win they had lately was on the back of a great performance coming from Anthony Davis. It will be hard to fill that up with the roster the Lakers have right now. We may see a losing skid against from the Lakers.

I was totally shocked to find when I was looking at NBA 2022-2023 Team Payrolls and saw that San Antonio's Team Payroll is half of GSW total team payroll.  When I look at the standings in the West it's like SA isn't all that far from where GS is in the playoff hunt.   I know GSW will make the playoffs somehow this year but the team salary difference is crazy.

https://hoopshype.com/salaries/

San Antonio is a rebuilding team; they do not have expectations this year and the salary is just proportional to a rebuilding team. The Golden State Warriors superstars alone will already match the salary of the San Antonio Spurs. They are a stacked team having a slow start. I do not expect the Warriors to be in this slump for too long. We may see them get back on the ranking next year. Warrior's income last year is almost a billion dollars. They can afford to pay their players + luxury tax, which come with a very high expectation.

[harizen]

Dallas Mavericks, for instance, I don't think they won't be able to play in the playoffs.

We can have a better preview of what teams might enter the playoffs once the All-Star break commences. It's roughly about over a month and a half to go and team standings might show big changes, especially in the Western Conference where the competition is really tough.

Referring to the Dallas Mavericks specifically, there are games where I am really upset about their performance but still, I believed they will able to enter the playoffs. Although I'm expecting them to compete in a play-in tournament.

[ingiltere]

Phoenix had a great comeback but the final minutes of the last quarter couldn't have been worse. They lost the match with the series they got in 3-4 minutes. I'm not sure if things would have changed if it had been Booker, but it's clear that they made some very bad choices when using the ball.
Shamet and Ayton played well but overall turnovers and taking the opponent too far to the free throw line were the main reasons for the gap.
Beal was the most effective player for Wizards and Kuzma had one of his good games. This is their first win after ten games losing streak.
Shamet just broke his career high with 31 points after that last second 3 pointer.

[Pamadar]

Dallas Mavericks, for instance, I don't think they won't be able to play in the playoffs.

We can have a better preview of what teams might enter the playoffs once the All-Star break commences. It's roughly about over a month and a half to go and team standings might show big changes, especially in the Western Conference where the competition is really tough.

Referring to the Dallas Mavericks specifically, there are games where I am really upset about their performance but still, I believed they will able to enter the playoffs. Although I'm expecting them to compete in a play-in tournament.

After the All-Star break, if there are movements of players, if trades will take place, we might see more good competitions with all the teams that are trying to push their position to move forward in the second round.

Can't predict which teams will be in the list, especially in the west where there are lots of super-teams
who can bring big surprises with a huge winning streaks.

[LogitechMouse]

Dallas Mavericks, for instance, I don't think they won't be able to play in the playoffs.

We can have a better preview of what teams might enter the playoffs once the All-Star break commences. It's roughly about over a month and a half to go and team standings might show big changes, especially in the Western Conference where the competition is really tough.

Referring to the Dallas Mavericks specifically, there are games where I am really upset about their performance but still, I believed they will able to enter the playoffs. Although I'm expecting them to compete in a play-in tournament.

I thought that the acquisition of Christian Wood will make the Mavericks better than last season, but I guess I was wrong.

The Mavericks are better last season because their offense was distributed. They have more options to score. Now, most of the points are coming from Luka. I watched a video on Youtube yesterday and it shows that when Luka is off the court, they are -12 on points. Just look at how much points Luka is putting per game. 32 PPG and this just shows that he is doing most of the offense. Wood and Dinwiddie who are we expecting to help him only averages at around 16 and 17PPG.

Without an all-star beside Luka, he will never win a title. That's how NBA is right now. In order for a team to win, you need to have at least 2 all star player on the team. You expect them to be in the play-in tournament. I believe they might make a roster change or make some trades this season, and maybe that might change the tempo of the team. I expect them to be at the 5-8th spot. Slightly higher than your prediction.

[danherbias07]

.... they are now ruled like a technical foul where the player will shoot free throw and get possession.

One of the approved rules in the NBA that actually makes sense. I'm glad they made changes and add a harsher penalty because the old one was just unfair. I wish they apply it to the whole period of the game and completely remove that "last two minute exception" which allows a take foul without a free throw penalty.

Yeah, and they become stricter with traveling and ball carry too. It's near the rules of the Fiba and Olympics already, that unsportsmanlike rule. 
I think it's better. More fast break and transition plays can take advantage of the game especially teams with young stars and strong foot who can advance the ball in haste.

Oh and guys, you can now vote for your favorite star to enter the All-Star event.
https://vote.nba.com/en?cid=nba%3Avote%3Aown%3Adig%3Asite%3AHomepage%3Aallstar%3Aasv%3Avote%3At-gpm%3Au-glo%3A&%24web_only=true&_branch_match_id=983903729203143241&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXTywo0MvJzMvWy0tK1EvOz9VP1XeucC009nBL9S9LAgBY%2FAwDJgAAAA%3D%3D

I am still filtering my list as I have so many stars that I want to join the event.  Enjoy voting.

[yazher]

Without an all-star beside Luka, he will never win a title. That's how NBA is right now. In order for a team to win, you need to have at least 2 all star player on the team. You expect them to be in the play-in tournament. I believe they might make a roster change or make some trades this season, and maybe that might change the tempo of the team. I expect them to be at the 5-8th spot. Slightly higher than your prediction.

They truly need to do quick action about it because they making some huge mistakes right now about how they play and it's not effective enough to secure a top 6 spot in the current league nowadays. The western conference is truly wild random play nowadays and some straight wins these next few days will lift them up to the top and might gonna hold it well if they managed to change their line-ups and the way they play right now of course. Surely Luka is a star player but he really needs someone to rely on to take some contested shots and clutch shots whenever he is doubled.

[Pamadar]

.... they are now ruled like a technical foul where the player will shoot free throw and get possession.

One of the approved rules in the NBA that actually makes sense. I'm glad they made changes and add a harsher penalty because the old one was just unfair. I wish they apply it to the whole period of the game and completely remove that "last two minute exception" which allows a take foul without a free throw penalty.

Yeah, and they become stricter with traveling and ball carry too. It's near the rules of the Fiba and Olympics already, that unsportsmanlike rule. 
I think it's better. More fast break and transition plays can take advantage of the game especially teams with young stars and strong foot who can advance the ball in haste.

Oh and guys, you can now vote for your favorite star to enter the All-Star event.
https://vote.nba.com/en?cid=nba%3Avote%3Aown%3Adig%3Asite%3AHomepage%3Aallstar%3Aasv%3Avote%3At-gpm%3Au-glo%3A&%24web_only=true&_branch_match_id=983903729203143241&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXTywo0MvJzMvWy0tK1EvOz9VP1XeucC009nBL9S9LAgBY%2FAwDJgAAAA%3D%3D

I am still filtering my list as I have so many stars that I want to join the event.  Enjoy voting.

Thanks for the link and like you, I'm also having a hard time placing my vote. There are many deserving young stars who can be considered to be part of the All-Star while old-timers are tough not to bring them in as well.

Going to sort and see if I'll be able to complete every position, just like what I've said there are
lots of options and that makes it harder to decide, maybe a good combination of old and
new rising stars.

[Natalim]

Without an all-star beside Luka, he will never win a title. That's how NBA is right now. In order for a team to win, you need to have at least 2 all star player on the team. You expect them to be in the play-in tournament. I believe they might make a roster change or make some trades this season, and maybe that might change the tempo of the team. I expect them to be at the 5-8th spot. Slightly higher than your prediction.

Luka is the main man of the Mavericks, he is the Kobe Bryant of LA Lakers and Giannis of Bucks, so you can't really expect to win without him. Dallas IMO are better this season, though they have struggle this early but comes playoffs, Wood will be very useful as they have a good scorer inside unlike last season.