2024 NBA Season

[Japinat]

Gonna be difficult for the Lakers specially against the Suns, who have Kevin Durant back in the line up now and Booker still playing good basketball even if Durant is in the floor with him.

They are not going to face the Suns, as they will likely participate in the play-in tournament. If they succeed, they will face the Memphis Grizzlies, who are currently ranked second in the standings. This will be a tough challenge for Memphis, as they will be facing a team that has already won a championship. So, we can expect to see many upsets in the upcoming playoffs.

No mate, I believe that @cryptomaniac_xxx is referring to the Lakers next match-up which is against the Phoenix Suns. The season hasn't ended yet for the Los Angeles Lakers because they still have 2 games left to play which I also got some doubts if they can upset them especially now that Durant is there and Booker is still explosive, after that, they will be facing the Utah Jazz again.

 

[wheelz1200]

Gonna be difficult for the Lakers specially against the Suns, who have Kevin Durant back in the line up now and Booker still playing good basketball even if Durant is in the floor with him.

They are not going to face the Suns, as they will likely participate in the play-in tournament. If they succeed, they will face the Memphis Grizzlies, who are currently ranked second in the standings. This will be a tough challenge for Memphis, as they will be facing a team that has already won a championship. So, we can expect to see many upsets in the upcoming playoffs.

The one thing that is assured is that we are guaranteed an exciting playoffs at least from the west.  At this point series are still so far up in the air.  If Memphis does land with the Lakers I think it will be much tougher on the Lakers because memphis's athleticism might overwhelm them.  Be a good 2/7 matchup though.

[ChiBitCTy]

So who do you guys think deserves the MVP for the year? I've been hearing a lot about Joel Embiid on sports outlets like ESPN and my local Chicago sports radio station.  I know that he's been right in the race with Jokic over the past couple years and there's been a lot made about how Embiid should have maybe won one of those.  I also saw Doc Rivers "aggressively" proclaiming that there's nothing left to discuss, Embiid is the clear cut MVP already. 

Congrats to anyone who bet on this..it seems he's got it all but locked up.

I think Luka Doncic has had the most impressive season from an individual player standpoint. However, his team is fighting to make the playoffs now and they’re losing at the wrong time. That’s why everyone thinks it’s between Embiid and Joker. Embiid has missed more games this season than any MVP ever has, so if that is a major consideration then I think Joker will get it.

Nikola Jokic should get it. If it's value for the team then there's no doubt he is one of the valuable players in the league and the team. Joel Embiid too, but as you said, he missed a lot of game.
Next season, they will be applying the rule about how many games a player should be present and played to be able to receive an award, good thinking by the NBA to lessen those players that are not playing back to back games. Or, they could apply another rule on how many minutes a player should reach per season to establish a spot in one award.

The revised rules are excellent as they encourage players to participate in all available games if possible. Load management does not benefit anyone, particularly the fans who eagerly book tickets to see their favorite players, only to have them sit on the bench. With the new rules, load management should be eliminated.

I knew Embiid had missed some games, but I didn't realize it was the significant.  Let's be honest here, the MVP is absolutely 100% not about who's the best player that year.  The NBA MVP voters like a good story and the same player not getting it every year.  MJ and Lebron would both have more MVPs if this weren't true.  A prime example is Derrick Rose's MVP season.  In no way shape or form did he have a better searson than Lebron that year, but he was the young gun who the league was enamored with and the would become the youngest MVP ever, so he won it.  Look at his numbers versus Lebron...says it all.

[darewaller]

And probably that's why the Warriors as per Draymond wanted to face the Kings in the first round, because he knows that they don't have the experienced yet and maybe choke on a game series against 7. And the Kings lost to the Mavs today, they lead in the first 2 quarters but the Mavs with Christian Wood and Kyrie hitting that important 3's to seal the game for them.

Gonna be difficult for the Lakers specially against the Suns, who have Kevin Durant back in the line up now and Booker still playing good basketball even if Durant is in the floor with him.

That's true, facing a team that is not experienced in playoffs is a big advantage, I don't care if you are the third in the league or not, if you haven't bene to playoffs before, then you are not going to be playing that well. Plus with that going on, Warriors (or maybe lakers) knows that they are going to have a situation and be able to go to second round, after that it is going to be wildhorse and that is why it's not going to be as easy.

There is this road vs home type of difference for them and they will be mostly be at road during playoffs because they are lowly ranked and that's going to be something that they will have to end up with something to work towards.

[blockman]

No mate, I believe that @cryptomaniac_xxx is referring to the Lakers next match-up which is against the Phoenix Suns. The season hasn't ended yet for the Los Angeles Lakers because they still have 2 games left to play which I also got some doubts if they can upset them especially now that Durant is there and Booker is still explosive, after that, they will be facing the Utah Jazz again.

Durant's stats together with Phoenix Suns is good and that's why they can't just sweep them but with Jazz, it's possible that they're going to win against them.
Anyway, I believe in Lakers and that's why it's possible that they'll have some great ending on this season after being on the drowning status that we've all witnessed.

[wheelz1200]

No mate, I believe that @cryptomaniac_xxx is referring to the Lakers next match-up which is against the Phoenix Suns. The season hasn't ended yet for the Los Angeles Lakers because they still have 2 games left to play which I also got some doubts if they can upset them especially now that Durant is there and Booker is still explosive, after that, they will be facing the Utah Jazz again.

Durant's stats together with Phoenix Suns is good and that's why they can't just sweep them but with Jazz, it's possible that they're going to win against them.
Anyway, I believe in Lakers and that's why it's possible that they'll have some great ending on this season after being on the drowning status that we've all witnessed.

A lot of people are on the Lakers bandwagon but they are going to probably fall to a younger more athletic team.  I mean lebron and AD can be a force in the playoffs but their supporting cast just isn't there.  Don't give me hillbilly kobe.  He is a nice bench piece to co.e out for 15 or so minutes but as starting sg...they are gonna get exposed over 7 games series.

[blockman]

No mate, I believe that @cryptomaniac_xxx is referring to the Lakers next match-up which is against the Phoenix Suns. The season hasn't ended yet for the Los Angeles Lakers because they still have 2 games left to play which I also got some doubts if they can upset them especially now that Durant is there and Booker is still explosive, after that, they will be facing the Utah Jazz again.

Durant's stats together with Phoenix Suns is good and that's why they can't just sweep them but with Jazz, it's possible that they're going to win against them.
Anyway, I believe in Lakers and that's why it's possible that they'll have some great ending on this season after being on the drowning status that we've all witnessed.

A lot of people are on the Lakers bandwagon but they are going to probably fall to a younger more athletic team.  I mean lebron and AD can be a force in the playoffs but their supporting cast just isn't there.  Don't give me hillbilly kobe.  He is a nice bench piece to co.e out for 15 or so minutes but as starting sg...they are gonna get exposed over 7 games series.

Well, can't disagree on that because that's a fact. But still, that hope that's been set from them is hitting what fans and the bandwagons are thinking of.
It's true that they might not even to get to fulfill the playoffs but if it's a longer series, unexpected things might come. And from there, we all know that both of them are injury prone and that's why you've said it right.

[mirakal]

And probably that's why the Warriors as per Draymond wanted to face the Kings in the first round, because he knows that they don't have the experienced yet and maybe choke on a game series against 7. And the Kings lost to the Mavs today, they lead in the first 2 quarters but the Mavs with Christian Wood and Kyrie hitting that important 3's to seal the game for them.

Gonna be difficult for the Lakers specially against the Suns, who have Kevin Durant back in the line up now and Booker still playing good basketball even if Durant is in the floor with him.

That's true, facing a team that is not experienced in playoffs is a big advantage, I don't care if you are the third in the league or not, if you haven't bene to playoffs before, then you are not going to be playing that well. Plus with that going on, Warriors (or maybe lakers) knows that they are going to have a situation and be able to go to second round, after that it is going to be wildhorse and that is why it's not going to be as easy.

There is this road vs home type of difference for them and they will be mostly be at road during playoffs because they are lowly ranked and that's going to be something that they will have to end up with something to work towards.

That's undeniable, really. If ever the Warriors will come to face the Kings in the first round, the Warriors will truly have the advantage and it won't matter anymore to the Warriors if they are playing at the Kings homecourt as for them, this series game will be different and the Kings haven't got any experience to endure it. Of course, the chances of the Kings to move-on to the 2nd round and defeat the Warriors is still there, but we cannot deny that their chances are not that strong because they are facing a team which cores already got plenty of experience in the playoffs and in the Finals. Kings might win, but it will be a hard fought battle that they have to endure.

[Oasisman]

No mate, I believe that @cryptomaniac_xxx is referring to the Lakers next match-up which is against the Phoenix Suns. The season hasn't ended yet for the Los Angeles Lakers because they still have 2 games left to play which I also got some doubts if they can upset them especially now that Durant is there and Booker is still explosive, after that, they will be facing the Utah Jazz again.

Durant's stats together with Phoenix Suns is good and that's why they can't just sweep them but with Jazz, it's possible that they're going to win against them.
Anyway, I believe in Lakers and that's why it's possible that they'll have some great ending on this season after being on the drowning status that we've all witnessed.

A lot of people are on the Lakers bandwagon but they are going to probably fall to a younger more athletic team.  I mean lebron and AD can be a force in the playoffs but their supporting cast just isn't there.  Don't give me hillbilly kobe.  He is a nice bench piece to co.e out for 15 or so minutes but as starting sg...they are gonna get exposed over 7 games series.

Well, that's the best position AR15 could be. He ain't a good piece to be at the starting 5, but a more effective piece in the 2nd unit. The Lakers actually have a good supporting cast, Hamm just only need to execute a perfect rotation. He needs to learn when to pull out an ice cold player and when to fill in a more necessary pieces to help the team in both ends of the floor.
However, the chances for the lakers to win it all in the Western conference this year is way below .500 lol.

[rhomelmabini]

No mate, I believe that @cryptomaniac_xxx is referring to the Lakers next match-up which is against the Phoenix Suns. The season hasn't ended yet for the Los Angeles Lakers because they still have 2 games left to play which I also got some doubts if they can upset them especially now that Durant is there and Booker is still explosive, after that, they will be facing the Utah Jazz again.

Durant's stats together with Phoenix Suns is good and that's why they can't just sweep them but with Jazz, it's possible that they're going to win against them.
Anyway, I believe in Lakers and that's why it's possible that they'll have some great ending on this season after being on the drowning status that we've all witnessed.

Well, I think Lakers has still breathing room and that they can clinch that play-in spot but when it comes to the playoffs I think the chance is slim with how they perform, they really are not performing well except for LBJ and AD. Yeah it's still early to predict it but with Jazz as an opponent I think that's a difficult task.

[Jating]

No mate, I believe that @cryptomaniac_xxx is referring to the Lakers next match-up which is against the Phoenix Suns. The season hasn't ended yet for the Los Angeles Lakers because they still have 2 games left to play which I also got some doubts if they can upset them especially now that Durant is there and Booker is still explosive, after that, they will be facing the Utah Jazz again.

Durant's stats together with Phoenix Suns is good and that's why they can't just sweep them but with Jazz, it's possible that they're going to win against them.
Anyway, I believe in Lakers and that's why it's possible that they'll have some great ending on this season after being on the drowning status that we've all witnessed.

Well, I think Lakers has still breathing room and that they can clinch that play-in spot but when it comes to the playoffs I think the chance is slim with how they perform, they really are not performing well except for LBJ and AD. Yeah it's still early to predict it but with Jazz as an opponent I think that's a difficult task.

Only AD is performing very well for me, he even become player of the week because he average 30++ points. LBJ is different when he comes back, he take is slow in the first two quarters, maybe he wants to involved the team. Austin Reaves is also pushing himself every game.

But they still have the chance, they just need to be very consistent in the remaining games to get at least in the play-in.

However, it will be tough if they go against a team like Nuggets in the first round. Denver is complete now and they don't know someone to guard Jokic.

[dwyane36]

A lot of people are on the Lakers bandwagon but they are going to probably fall to a younger more athletic team.  I mean lebron and AD can be a force in the playoffs but their supporting cast just isn't there.  Don't give me hillbilly kobe.  He is a nice bench piece to co.e out for 15 or so minutes but as starting sg...they are gonna get exposed over 7 games series.

Unfortunately, the Lakers' current bench is their biggest weakness. In recent games, we can see that Ham is using the starting lineup as much as possible, keeping players on the court for 35-40 minutes. On the one hand, this strategy is having a positive effect, as the Lakers started to win more often. On the other hand, it's a risky move because if LeBron, Davis, or Reaves gets injured, the Lakers won't have any chance in the playoffs or even in the play-in tournament.

[blockman]

No mate, I believe that @cryptomaniac_xxx is referring to the Lakers next match-up which is against the Phoenix Suns. The season hasn't ended yet for the Los Angeles Lakers because they still have 2 games left to play which I also got some doubts if they can upset them especially now that Durant is there and Booker is still explosive, after that, they will be facing the Utah Jazz again.

Durant's stats together with Phoenix Suns is good and that's why they can't just sweep them but with Jazz, it's possible that they're going to win against them.
Anyway, I believe in Lakers and that's why it's possible that they'll have some great ending on this season after being on the drowning status that we've all witnessed.

Well, I think Lakers has still breathing room and that they can clinch that play-in spot but when it comes to the playoffs I think the chance is slim with how they perform, they really are not performing well except for LBJ and AD. Yeah it's still early to predict it but with Jazz as an opponent I think that's a difficult task.

I'll wait until these two matches end and let's see from there. They've proved themselves coming from the lowest of their standing up to this and that won't be just enough for them to underperform when they're already there but this is basketball, the ball is round and with everything expected and unexpected can be seen and exist at the same time.
Needless to say, I'll wish them all the best and they have to beat first Phoenix and this is where the debate and thoughts are mixing up because it seems that they can't.

[OgNasty]

The Warriors just announced that Andrew Wiggins will be out the remainder of the regular season.  I think the use of the words "regular season" gives Warriors fans reason to be hopeful that Wiggins will return for the playoffs.  This is likely their way to begin putting pressure on him to come back to the team while not putting pressure on him to come back to the team.  Still, the Warriors organization has been a class act throughout this entire process and I'm sure that Wiggins will return the favor by not leaving them hanging for the playoffs.  Hopefully Zion comes back for the Pels also.

[danherbias07]

The Warriors just announced that Andrew Wiggins will be out the remainder of the regular season.  I think the use of the words "regular season" gives Warriors fans reason to be hopeful that Wiggins will return for the playoffs.  This is likely their way to begin putting pressure on him to come back to the team while not putting pressure on him to come back to the team.  Still, the Warriors organization has been a class act throughout this entire process and I'm sure that Wiggins will return the favor by not leaving them hanging for the playoffs.  Hopefully Zion comes back for the Pels also.

Well, I guess they don't want to insert him into the rotation yet as he will need more practice again to get used to their plays. I was hoping he could help out for the Warriors to win their last 2 games but I think Steve Kerr can manage to win it using his main core and the bench for now. Their lack of defense seems to fade away after GP2 came back. They have more energy and it showed in their game against the Thunder.
Their next stop is in Sacramento battling with the Kings, I have a feeling Mike Brown will give this game away. It's also a good strategy to avoid them in the first round. Put the Warriors at number 5 to battle against the Suns. Then Kings could play against the injured Clippers, Lakers, or Pelicans.

Be careful with your bets guys, check the roster first. Some teams are already resting their stars like the Cavaliers playing right now.

[Distinctin]

The Warriors just announced that Andrew Wiggins will be out the remainder of the regular season.  I think the use of the words "regular season" gives Warriors fans reason to be hopeful that Wiggins will return for the playoffs.  This is likely their way to begin putting pressure on him to come back to the team while not putting pressure on him to come back to the team.  Still, the Warriors organization has been a class act throughout this entire process and I'm sure that Wiggins will return the favor by not leaving them hanging for the playoffs.  Hopefully Zion comes back for the Pels also.

Well, I guess they don't want to insert him into the rotation yet as he will need more practice again to get used to their plays. I was hoping he could help out for the Warriors to win their last 2 games but I think Steve Kerr can manage to win it using his main core and the bench for now. Their lack of defense seems to fade away after GP2 came back. They have more energy and it showed in their game against the Thunder.
Their next stop is in Sacramento battling with the Kings, I have a feeling Mike Brown will give this game away. It's also a good strategy to avoid them in the first round. Put the Warriors at number 5 to battle against the Suns. Then Kings could play against the injured Clippers, Lakers, or Pelicans.

Be careful with your bets guys, check the roster first. Some teams are already resting their stars like the Cavaliers playing right now.

That's a good point. When it comes to betting, it might be wise to choose a team that really needs a win. Other teams might just call it a season and rest their starters, letting the bench players play the whole game. As for today's games, I think the best team to bet on is probably OKC, with the spread, of course.

[Yamifoud]

As for today's games, I think the best team to bet on is probably OKC, with the spread, of course.

Looks like you made the right decision here as OKC is already leading the game with a double-digit lead. And knowing that the Jazz had missed some of their starters, I think it will be hard for the home team to come back. Of course, OKC will ensure that they get the win as they need to be in the play-in and eliminate Dallas in the ranking competition.

[LogitechMouse]

The Warriors just announced that Andrew Wiggins will be out the remainder of the regular season.  I think the use of the words "regular season" gives Warriors fans reason to be hopeful that Wiggins will return for the playoffs.  This is likely their way to begin putting pressure on him to come back to the team while not putting pressure on him to come back to the team.  Still, the Warriors organization has been a class act throughout this entire process and I'm sure that Wiggins will return the favor by not leaving them hanging for the playoffs.  Hopefully Zion comes back for the Pels also.

Well, the Warriors only has 2 games left on the regular season, so I guess it will just be a good time for them to just let Wiggins sit, train, make some shots, and practice.

Their remaining 2 games are against the Kings, and Blazers, and both are on the road. I don't know what will be the result of the Warriors-Kings, but since we've seen Warriors played awful on the road, and it's the Kings that they're facing, there's a chance that they might lose to them. As for the Blazers-Warriors, I think the Warriors can get that win even on the road since the Blazers doesn't let Lillard play anymore this season.

I think this is a strategy for the Warriors so that they can retain that 6th seed, but it's very risky knowing that the standings on the 5th-9th are very close to each other. I guess let's just hope for Wiggins to come back on the playoffs, and be a big help for the team. Maybe this is their way also to prevent their all-star player from getting injured like many other teams who already have a spot in the playoffs are doing.

[Yaunfitda]

I just caught the tail end of the game between the Spurs vs Portland. San Antonio has a huge 13-0 round late in the game and take the lead from the Trailblazers. And they just hold on that lead, 4 players with 20 plus or more for the Spurs and then Tre Jones, continuing his good stats, with 18 points and 10 assists.

Heat winning against the Sixers, but then again, as I check the minutes of Joel Embiid, he just played 30 minutes and Harden 28 minutes, so maybe they just decided to just let this game be taken away from them by the Miami Heat and not risk of injuries from both of their star players.

[btc_angela]

As for today's games, I think the best team to bet on is probably OKC, with the spread, of course.

Looks like you made the right decision here as OKC is already leading the game with a double-digit lead. And knowing that the Jazz had missed some of their starters, I think it will be hard for the home team to come back. Of course, OKC will ensure that they get the win as they need to be in the play-in and eliminate Dallas in the ranking competition.

And they still leads by double digit entering the 4th quarter, Jazz though is trying to close the gap, but not sure if they have enough firepower as we all know some of their starters are already out.

SGA has already 20 points, but he is sitting at the start of the 4th and the Jazz should take advantage of it.

Thunder and Mavs though are tied as far as the standing goes, but if the Thunder win this, they could close on the T'Wolves at 9th place.