2025 NBA Season

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

What I see in this Blazers team ever since is, they will just wait for that "promising" guy that they will be able to pick in the yearly rookie draft and expect that guy to become the next "big deal" for the team like on what happened to Damian Lillard.

I agree. Not really aiming for a championship caliber. They had a lot of chances before with Roy, Aldridge, and Oden. All are wasted.
1977. Their last championship. 92' their last conference championship with Clyde Drexler. After that, 1 conference finals appearance for Damian Lillard against the Warriors. It's a sad story.

They could have had a chance of winning a championship if Oden was not injured, that guy was a very dominant center, his career was just unfortunate. Lillard now is still leading the team, they are exciting to watch because they are an offensive team, unfortunately they always tank in the playoffs.

He barely played even in college dude broke his hand at Ohio state.  The bigger story with that draft was the fact they passed on Kevin Durant for Oden.  Drafting KD would have definitely changed the path of their franchise.  But who knows during the draft what guys will end up like. 

Yeah, I remember Greg Oden some time back, had a lot of hype in this center, unfortunately, he was fragile as a china ware that his name becomes synonymous with NBA draft bust. It could have been great if they got KD as number 1 and probably the franchise might be different today. And if I remember it correctly, it was about the time that Brandon Roy is unwinding his career with the Blazers and Aldridge was blossoming as well. Lots of what if with Lillard and this players in Portland.

[Jating]

Dame is proud of his loyalty with the Trail Blazers, so I don't think we will see him in another team.

Lillard's statement here;

Damian Lillard Is Proud Of Loyalty To Trail Blazers, Says That Winning A Championship With Another Team Wouldn't Be As "Fulfilling"

Damian Lillard expresses to the Blazers before that if the team won't work out properly to improve the team, he might break that loyalty thing.

But several seasons have passed now and looks like Dame already accepts that Blazers won't do their very best to sign a Superstar level to join him.

What's the reason? For me, it's because the Blazers have nothing to offer such a huge contract to other Superstars as they go all-in for Dame.

Inspired by the late Kobe, Jerry West, Larry Bird and Dirk? Maybe that's the reason why Dame is very vocal right now regarding him staying with the Blazers and be loyal instead of him going out and find another team. If he really is genuine into what he is saying then we might see him staying with the Blazers.

Right now, they are at the bottom spot again of the standings but they've got a promising player in Simons. Having better players alongside Lillard and Simons might change the whole team. On the other hand, their chances of winning a title so far is close to zero. I mean we don't see any reasons for the team to win a title right. . Maybe lets just hope that they will enter at least the playoffs or the play-ins this season.

Those name won championship that's why they remain loyal to the franchise. Dame has not proved anything yet so we shouldn't compare his name with those great players.

Yes, Simons is good but I don't think it will be enough help for Dame. It's just CJ 2.0, and we all know that their partnership didn't end well, not even close to bring the team into the WCF.

[yazher]

What about a step-back three for the win from NIKOLA JOKIC?

Man! this guy is really something and the only missing from him is a championship ring, hope he gets it soon because no doubt he really deserves one.

Video

I think the Nuggets will be the next team to enter the NBA finals if they will remain healthy throughout the season, they cannot spoil this one because such kinds of season performances cannot be assumed to be the same next year, they really need to do something this year to stop their traditional playoff knockouts.

[Oasisman]

What I see in this Blazers team ever since is, they will just wait for that "promising" guy that they will be able to pick in the yearly rookie draft and expect that guy to become the next "big deal" for the team like on what happened to Damian Lillard.

I agree. Not really aiming for a championship caliber. They had a lot of chances before with Roy, Aldridge, and Oden. All are wasted.
1977. Their last championship. 92' their last conference championship with Clyde Drexler. After that, 1 conference finals appearance for Damian Lillard against the Warriors. It's a sad story.

They could have had a chance of winning a championship if Oden was not injured, that guy was a very dominant center, his career was just unfortunate. Lillard now is still leading the team, they are exciting to watch because they are an offensive team, unfortunately they always tank in the playoffs.

He barely played even in college dude broke his hand at Ohio state.  The bigger story with that draft was the fact they passed on Kevin Durant for Oden.  Drafting KD would have definitely changed the path of their franchise.  But who knows during the draft what guys will end up like. 

I guess the Blazers just did the right pick for Oden over KD on the NBA draft 2007. I remember how dominant Oden was in his rookie days, and they were supposed to be a threat in the West if Oden was durable enough to endure his injuries. Just like you said, nobody knows what these guys end up after a few years from their career. With Oden became more fragile, the Blazers just got unlucky with how their pick turned out.

[Baofeng]

What a game between the Lakers and the Sixers, I thought that the Lakers is going to win the game because have a chance when Joel missed the shot and Russ got the rebound. Unfortunately, he went 1:1 fumble the ball and then force his shot with Joel in front of him.

I have a ML bet on the Lakers, was so close for a win because they are the underdog in this game.

Not sure why they didn't call a timeout, I think they still have 1 and with 14 seconds to go, they could have execute a better play to them in order to get that huge win.

[jakelyson]

I think the Nuggets will be the next team to enter the NBA finals if they will remain healthy throughout the season, they cannot spoil this one because such kinds of season performances cannot be assumed to be the same next year, they really need to do something this year to stop their traditional playoff knockouts.

They could, but so the other teams in the west. There are lots of strong teams right now in the west it is hard to predict who will win the WCF. They have the right roster though and with luck they might get to the finals. We will see, we will see what happens after the trade deadline since some teams get boosted with a good trade during that time. Maybe the Nuggets can still get a good trade and boost their roster to win the WCF.

[Twentyonepaylots]

I think the Nuggets will be the next team to enter the NBA finals if they will remain healthy throughout the season, they cannot spoil this one because such kinds of season performances cannot be assumed to be the same next year, they really need to do something this year to stop their traditional playoff knockouts.

They could, but so the other teams in the west. There are lots of strong teams right now in the west it is hard to predict who will win the WCF. They have the right roster though and with luck they might get to the finals. We will see, we will see what happens after the trade deadline since some teams get boosted with a good trade during that time. Maybe the Nuggets can still get a good trade and boost their roster to win the WCF.

Seeing Denver having a hard game with Orlando magic makes me think that maybe they are just another team to choke during playoffs, worse if they choke on finals. Imagine if Jokic missed the winning 3-pointer earlier, Orlando will have the momentum to regain the lead and will win the game for sure. Another thing is there's no really a superstar in Orlando, they are being carried by a rookie Banchero. It's just a 3 point lead for denver with that crucial game, over a team with just a soon to be superstar rookie.

[carlisle1]

What a game between the Lakers and the Sixers, I thought that the Lakers is going to win the game because have a chance when Joel missed the shot and Russ got the rebound. Unfortunately, he went 1:1 fumble the ball and then force his shot with Joel in front of him.

I have a ML bet on the Lakers, was so close for a win because they are the underdog in this game.

Not sure why they didn't call a timeout, I think they still have 1 and with 14 seconds to go, they could have execute a better play to them in order to get that huge win.

Miscalculation and I also agree that they can call a timeout and plan their offense instead of taking that force shot, maybe
Lakers coach just give his trust to Russ so he allows him to make his way to the basket.

Most of the time, coach will call a timeout knowing that they've got enough time to execute a play.

Not for you, mate, better to move forward and pick another game tomorrow. Grats to all those who take
the handicap, a close game for Lakers handicap, is fully covered.

[danherbias07]

Yeah, I remember Greg Oden some time back, had a lot of hype in this center, unfortunately, he was fragile as a china ware that his name becomes synonymous with NBA draft bust. It could have been great if they got KD as number 1 and probably the franchise might be different today. And if I remember it correctly, it was about the time that Brandon Roy is unwinding his career with the Blazers and Aldridge was blossoming as well. Lots of what if with Lillard and this players in Portland.

"China ware." Haha.  
Oh, and they had Rasheed Wallace too, iirc, then Rudy Fernandez. A lot of players could've been in their stardom if only they are surrounded by good players. Well, that's all in the past so I guess they should listen to what Lillard is trying to tell them for years now.

What about a step-back three for the win from NIKOLA JOKIC?

Man! this guy is really something and the only missing from him is a championship ring, hope he gets it soon because no doubt he really deserves one.

Video

I think the Nuggets will be the next team to enter the NBA finals if they will remain healthy throughout the season, they cannot spoil this one because such kinds of season performances cannot be assumed to be the same next year, they really need to do something this year to stop their traditional playoff knockouts.

Joker! How many times has he done that step-back three? Sometimes it's a one-footer shot like Dirk. That guy is really special and there is no doubt about it anymore.
Another triple-double listed in his career, that's his 12th this season. He is one assist shy against the Suns last Thursday but he should've been on 4th game triple-double streak.

[Natalim]

What a game between the Lakers and the Sixers, I thought that the Lakers is going to win the game because have a chance when Joel missed the shot and Russ got the rebound. Unfortunately, he went 1:1 fumble the ball and then force his shot with Joel in front of him.

I have a ML bet on the Lakers, was so close for a win because they are the underdog in this game.

Not sure why they didn't call a timeout, I think they still have 1 and with 14 seconds to go, they could have execute a better play to them in order to get that huge win.

Miscalculation and I also agree that they can call a timeout and plan their offense instead of taking that force shot, maybe
Lakers coach just give his trust to Russ so he allows him to make his way to the basket.

Most of the time, coach will call a timeout knowing that they've got enough time to execute a play.

Not for you, mate, better to move forward and pick another game tomorrow. Grats to all those who take
the handicap, a close game for Lakers handicap, is fully covered.

Lakers will play again tomorrow, this time it will be against the Rockets who are on a long losing streak already. I think they can easily manage to win, they were short against the 76ers, for sure not against the worst team in the NBA. For bettors, the spread is -6.5, are you willing to risk on that?

[Vaculin]

Clarkson is indeed playing like an all star, he is now a go to guy of the Jazz, even without Lauri Markkanen on the floor, the coaching staff are still choosing him to produce in crunch time because he is a clutch player. He dropped 38 points last night, that's a serious statement because it's against Embiid and Harden, actually, it looks like a batter between Harden and Clarkson, and see the level of Harden, he was a former MVP.

Jazz will miss the opportunity to have a player that will make the team better if they will let go of Clarkson, I guess he would stay if they will give him his desired range.

JC is indeed getting more and more impressive this season than the past seasons that he played, and I won't wonder why he became a go-to-guy of the Jazz especially when it comes to crucial situations because he repeatedly proved already that he's a clutch player and the guy who needs to make the shot in desperate times.

I've read a news earlier that the Jazz is not looking to trade him anytime soon, so maybe that means that the Jazz management and Jordan Clarkson have agreed to a specific price and that they are now on the same page. Good move.

[Japinat]

Dame is proud of his loyalty with the Trail Blazers, so I don't think we will see him in another team.

Lillard's statement here;

Damian Lillard Is Proud Of Loyalty To Trail Blazers, Says That Winning A Championship With Another Team Wouldn't Be As "Fulfilling"

Damian Lillard expresses to the Blazers before that if the team won't work out properly to improve the team, he might break that loyalty thing.

But several seasons have passed now and looks like Dame already accepts that Blazers won't do their very best to sign a Superstar level to join him.

What's the reason? For me, it's because the Blazers have nothing to offer such a huge contract to other Superstars as they go all-in for Dame.

Inspired by the late Kobe, Jerry West, Larry Bird and Dirk? Maybe that's the reason why Dame is very vocal right now regarding him staying with the Blazers and be loyal instead of him going out and find another team. If he really is genuine into what he is saying then we might see him staying with the Blazers.

Right now, they are at the bottom spot again of the standings but they've got a promising player in Simons. Having better players alongside Lillard and Simons might change the whole team. On the other hand, their chances of winning a title so far is close to zero. I mean we don't see any reasons for the team to win a title right. . Maybe lets just hope that they will enter at least the playoffs or the play-ins this season.

They don't need any superstar anymore because their roster is quite good already, they just need to add another role player that is flexible in offensive and defensive. There are lots players like that in the league right now who also belongs to the teams that aren't getting any chance to play in the post-season. Maybe the Blazers can pull out some strings and give a good trade in return so that they can grab another role player.

[püsür]

I think the Nuggets will be the next team to enter the NBA finals if they will remain healthy throughout the season, they cannot spoil this one because such kinds of season performances cannot be assumed to be the same next year, they really need to do something this year to stop their traditional playoff knockouts.

They could, but so the other teams in the west. There are lots of strong teams right now in the west it is hard to predict who will win the WCF. They have the right roster though and with luck they might get to the finals. We will see, we will see what happens after the trade deadline since some teams get boosted with a good trade during that time. Maybe the Nuggets can still get a good trade and boost their roster to win the WCF.

Seeing Denver having a hard game with Orlando magic makes me think that maybe they are just another team to choke during playoffs, worse if they choke on finals. Imagine if Jokic missed the winning 3-pointer earlier, Orlando will have the momentum to regain the lead and will win the game for sure. Another thing is there's no really a superstar in Orlando, they are being carried by a rookie Banchero. It's just a 3 point lead for denver with that crucial game, over a team with just a soon to be superstar rookie.

I see your point but the Magic game can be considered a mere bump in the road. We know the potential or a possible playoff performance from Nuggets. They were very very good without one of their best players, Jamal Murray, in the last playoffs. They can surely will be like that again. I also agree with the previous point, it is indeed very hard to predict about the western conference, especially who will win the conference finals. It will be one of the historic playoffs. For the Nuggets, I will not be surprised if they will not be knockedout early like previous years, if they stay healthy. Team is just more stable than ever before. Jokic is Jokic and you never know, as a superstar, he might have the playoffs of his life. So, what I mean is, Nuggets should not be taken lightly. They have the potential for sure.

[dimonstration]

I see your point but the Magic game can be considered a mere bump in the road. We know the potential or a possible playoff performance from Nuggets. They were very very good without one of their best players, Jamal Murray, in the last playoffs. They can surely will be like that again. I also agree with the previous point, it is indeed very hard to predict about the western conference, especially who will win the conference finals. It will be one of the historic playoffs. For the Nuggets, I will not be surprised if they will not be knockedout early like previous years, if they stay healthy. Team is just more stable than ever before. Jokic is Jokic and you never know, as a superstar, he might have the playoffs of his life. So, what I mean is, Nuggets should not be taken lightly. They have the potential for sure.

Nuggets is pretty strong even without Jokic while Jokic is a very consistent overall player and not just a typical star that only contributes on points. The current roster of Nuggets is on par with Boston in regards to the completeness of the role. I would say that Grizzlies are their number 1 contender while Mavs are still the dark horse in the western conference.  I think Jokic will be more motivated than ever to get this long waited championship since he has reliable teammates now compared to that he is carrying the whole team all by himself. Denver management did a pretty good job of developing Gordon to play as a duo with Jokic and acquiring Murray & Porter to give an additional boost to their score possibility. Placing an outright bet for Denver Nuggets to the finals is a very wise choice at this point.

[Kasabus]

Looks good on paper. That would be Dame + AD + Lebron. Dame is the outside shooter that the Lakers need. He would complement very well how AD and Lebron play. The only problem I see here is that these 3 will eat a big chunk of their salary cap. They will have the same problem that they have now. There is no budget left to get good role players that they need to support these 3. They will end up getting aging veterans to fill up their roster. But knowing the Lakers, if given the chance, they will push through in getting these trio together.

LeBron, Davis, and Dame on the same team sounds great, but I don't think it's possible since Dame has a huge contract with the Blazers until the end of the 25/26 season, including a player option until the end of the 26/27 season. I mean, there's no way the Blazers would trade him for nothing. So if the Lakers really want to get him, they will have to include both Davis and half the team in the trade.

I did laugh on this one, but it's true! The Blazers only chance right now is Dame and a handful of players in the team, other than that, I don't also see any chance that they will free him that easily without any good trade package in return. It's just like the Nets situation last off-season; they haven't freed Kevin Durant because they can't find any good package that can match the funds that they poured to Durant.

[Reid]

I see your point but the Magic game can be considered a mere bump in the road. We know the potential or a possible playoff performance from Nuggets. They were very very good without one of their best players, Jamal Murray, in the last playoffs. They can surely will be like that again. I also agree with the previous point, it is indeed very hard to predict about the western conference, especially who will win the conference finals. It will be one of the historic playoffs. For the Nuggets, I will not be surprised if they will not be knockedout early like previous years, if they stay healthy. Team is just more stable than ever before. Jokic is Jokic and you never know, as a superstar, he might have the playoffs of his life. So, what I mean is, Nuggets should not be taken lightly. They have the potential for sure.

Nuggets is pretty strong even without Jokic while Jokic is a very consistent overall player and not just a typical star that only contributes on points. The current roster of Nuggets is on par with Boston in regards to the completeness of the role. I would say that Grizzlies are their number 1 contender while Mavs are still the dark horse in the western conference.  I think Jokic will be more motivated than ever to get this long waited championship since he has reliable teammates now compared to that he is carrying the whole team all by himself. Denver management did a pretty good job of developing Gordon to play as a duo with Jokic and acquiring Murray & Porter to give an additional boost to their score possibility. Placing an outright bet for Denver Nuggets to the finals is a very wise choice at this point.

After Murray and MPJ came back. But, they are weak when those two are still injured. Without Jokic that team is nothing. Not anymore. Without Jokic they are a regular team than can defeat other teams with weak roster. They are at their best when the Joker is around.
Defeating this team will need a high caliber defensive center that could stop him from making play inside and outside the paint. That also means an exhausting job for a center.
I love the fastbreaks and transition plays he did yesterday. I never expect him to be successful at those plays and yet he made it happen.

[Yogee]

I agree that he deserves a better pay with the way he's playing now. The question is how much is his desired range? He's probably asking a franchise player level kind of deal that's why Jazz management couldn't give it to him.

Right now, the Jazz can only offer up to $16 Million for a contract extension. With the way Jordan Clarkson is performing right now, he deserves above $20 Million for the first year. The Jazz cannot legally offer that because of NBA restrictions on extensions. I think he will wait until the off season and then he can legally negotiate a higher price, whether it will be with the Jazz or another team. And if that does not pan out or no offers came, he can always pick up his player options for the 2023-2024 season.

Yes I read about the restrictions. I also think $20 Million or more a year is fair for both camps should they decide to settle on that deal. Clarkson already addressed the rumor on extension and says there hasn't been any significant talk with Jazz management and his team. Let's see how his agent will approach this. Not too aggressive hopefully.

[jakelyson]

What a game between the Lakers and the Sixers, I thought that the Lakers is going to win the game because have a chance when Joel missed the shot and Russ got the rebound. Unfortunately, he went 1:1 fumble the ball and then force his shot with Joel in front of him.

I have a ML bet on the Lakers, was so close for a win because they are the underdog in this game.

Not sure why they didn't call a timeout, I think they still have 1 and with 14 seconds to go, they could have execute a better play to them in order to get that huge win.

Miscalculation and I also agree that they can call a timeout and plan their offense instead of taking that force shot, maybe
Lakers coach just give his trust to Russ so he allows him to make his way to the basket.

Most of the time, coach will call a timeout knowing that they've got enough time to execute a play.

Not for you, mate, better to move forward and pick another game tomorrow. Grats to all those who take
the handicap, a close game for Lakers handicap, is fully covered.

I just watched the replay and in retrospect, it could have been a good call since Philly's defender is on the bench and Westbrook has a mismatch against Embiid. If Westbrook did not almost lose the ball, he could have a better momentum going to the ring and could have made that shot. It was a good game, too bad I missed it.

For bettors, the spread is -6.5, are you willing to risk on that?

The Lakers are coming from a back-to-back game and are 19-23 against the spread. so I do not think it is good idea to bet on that line.

[OgNasty]

The Lakers are coming from a back-to-back game and are 19-23 against the spread. so I do not think it is good idea to bet on that line.

Ya, but the Rockets are tanking on purpose while the Lakers are desperate to try and stay in position for a playoff spot.  I think they should be able to win today.  By how much, who knows...

There are a couple games to watch on TNT tonight.  First Miami and Atlanta.  I'll admit I won't tune in for this one because I don't care about either team and don't think either one of them have a chance to get past the first round in the postseason. 

Then we've got a little more excitement in the later game on TNT between the Grizzlies and Suns.  Always great getting a chance to see Ja Morant on tv.  He's got the most bounce of any player I've ever seen.  With the Suns still missing Booker, the Grizzlies may take home the W.

[wheelz1200]

What I see in this Blazers team ever since is, they will just wait for that "promising" guy that they will be able to pick in the yearly rookie draft and expect that guy to become the next "big deal" for the team like on what happened to Damian Lillard.

I agree. Not really aiming for a championship caliber. They had a lot of chances before with Roy, Aldridge, and Oden. All are wasted.
1977. Their last championship. 92' their last conference championship with Clyde Drexler. After that, 1 conference finals appearance for Damian Lillard against the Warriors. It's a sad story.

They could have had a chance of winning a championship if Oden was not injured, that guy was a very dominant center, his career was just unfortunate. Lillard now is still leading the team, they are exciting to watch because they are an offensive team, unfortunately they always tank in the playoffs.

He barely played even in college dude broke his hand at Ohio state.  The bigger story with that draft was the fact they passed on Kevin Durant for Oden.  Drafting KD would have definitely changed the path of their franchise.  But who knows during the draft what guys will end up like. 

Yeah, I remember Greg Oden some time back, had a lot of hype in this center, unfortunately, he was fragile as a china ware that his name becomes synonymous with NBA draft bust. It could have been great if they got KD as number 1 and probably the franchise might be different today. And if I remember it correctly, it was about the time that Brandon Roy is unwinding his career with the Blazers and Aldridge was blossoming as well. Lots of what if with Lillard and this players in Portland.

There was a other name that unfortunately never saw his total potential.  Brandon Roy was straight nasty at his peak.  Think it was his knee that wrecked his career.  He was on the verge of being a top player in the NBA.  And who can forget the biggest one of them all....picking Sam bowie over Michael Jordan 😂