2024 NBA Season

[carlisle1]

They also acquired Gobert to help their team on the defensive side, and they were ready to play the twin towers but then this thing happened. Gobert did not understand how important his role was to the team, and he messed up their opportunity to make the playoffs. So with what happened, I doubt the team would still keep him.

Would be nice if Wolves win their games without Gobert and then start losing them, once he is back. That would mess him and the team up so much. It would be hilarious.

That's easier said than done. The Lakers are too dominant inside the paint with Davis and LeBron, and now that they have improved because of their great chemistry, I have no reason to believe that the Wolves will upset the Lakers. This game is very important for the Lakers as LeBron's reputation is at stake here. He is the king, and he can't miss the playoffs.

There will be more teams that the Lakers could beat once they are in the playoffs.

Very much possible that they can move forward once they beat the Wolves, I agree that with the chemistry Lakers have right now
and with the role players who can play 2-way the combination of LeBron and Davis has the chance to win.

After the game against the Wolves and if Lakers will move forward, it will be nice to see them facing Memphis, it would be nice to see how
the series will be between tough seeder youngster and the former old champs.

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[FanEagle]

I would guess that since it's the play-in game, I would have just postponed his punishment for next season.

Give him something harder, like give him 5 games, without pay, that would make sure that he won't do that again because 5 game pay cut is a lot of money for sure, people think NBA players are insanely rich but if you are not like Lebron or other big names where you make money from endorsements, then it is not going to be easy, making 20-30 million a year means half of that is easily gone between agents and taxes and other stuff, and the other half is just living expense, they don't live in a small apartment eating ramen obviously. So, I guess just give him the play-in game, but take 5 games next season at the start.

[Captain Corporate]

There is this logic between teams when one does something, there is a response and this is all within the league so they know whats what. If you do not punish Gobert, then Kyle would have been pretty upset about it. I still do not understand how Draymond even gets to play after what happened at the start of the year for example. All in all this is going to be a wicket playoff period because I see so much of west basically at the same level aside from maybe Nuggets, all the others are quite equal. This is why I believe that we should be seeing something better in the west, in the east there are 2.5 teams alone, sixers are the half, Celtics and bucks, but in the west we have so many teams that can fight for the title.

[Yaunfitda]

They also acquired Gobert to help their team on the defensive side, and they were ready to play the twin towers but then this thing happened. Gobert did not understand how important his role was to the team, and he messed up their opportunity to make the playoffs. So with what happened, I doubt the team would still keep him.

Would be nice if Wolves win their games without Gobert and then start losing them, once he is back. That would mess him and the team up so much. It would be hilarious.

Nah, I’m looking forward to watching them get smashed tonight. I think the Lakers are going to be firing on all cylinders and they just picked up a point guard for the purpose of shutting down Ja Morant so they must feel pretty confident about tonight. I’ll definitely be watching.

The playoffs (ins) are here! Happy days ahead.

It's gonna be a fun series, with Ja vs Lebron and the whole team involved in trash talking. And without Gobert that can give the Wolves like 10+ rebounds, they Lakers will be happy about that. But the Wolves are still a very dangerous team so they shouldn't underestimate them, Edwards for sure will want this game, so I expect him to go like 30 points and try to make it as very close game.

They are the underdog 4:1 and -6.5 handicap. And there are reports that KAT is going to play as well.

[wheelz1200]

I find it funny that everyone just thinks the Lakers are gonna roll.  They had a must win game the last one of the year and could barely hold off the Jazz who were basically throwing their g league team at a full strength Lakers.  The Lakers stink.  They aren't a good team, I just think it's funny everyone thinks they would just roll Memphis (if they win tonight).  Memphis will run circles around the Lakers.  And honestly I'd be surprised if they actually win tonight even without gobert on the floor. 

[EFS]

I thought that Gobert is not going to be suspended, but I guess the management has to send the message that no one is above the team. And even if  they are going to lose this game against the Lakers, they make the right decision of not allowing him to play because of that incident. I'm thinking though it might fire up the team against the Lakers. However, Lebron and AD will not get this one slip away from them. They wanted to go to the playoff so this is going to be fun to watch and it should be close.

He's suspended by the team, that was the right thing. It's unacceptable to make a fuss while the team was entering the play-offs. Arguments within the team are normal, but physical interference is unacceptable. I wonder the consequences of this, if Wolves lose today that would play a big part. Besides he was a vital player in Center rotation, it also possibly affected the team morale. AD will surely use this advantage.

[rhomelmabini]

I find it funny that everyone just thinks the Lakers are gonna roll.  They had a must win game the last one of the year and could barely hold off the Jazz who were basically throwing their g league team at a full strength Lakers.  The Lakers stink.  They aren't a good team, I just think it's funny everyone thinks they would just roll Memphis (if they win tonight).  Memphis will run circles around the Lakers.  And honestly I'd be surprised if they actually win tonight even without gobert on the floor. 

Well, we can't control their thoughts but maybe they're correct or they're not, we don't really know until we see the outcome. If you think they won't win then that's best if you bet it on sportsbook then that would mean much if you get money out of it.

[danherbias07]

I would guess that since it's the play-in game, I would have just postponed his punishment for next season.

Give him something harder, like give him 5 games, without pay, that would make sure that he won't do that again because 5 game pay cut is a lot of money for sure, people think NBA players are insanely rich but if you are not like Lebron or other big names where you make money from endorsements, then it is not going to be easy, making 20-30 million a year means half of that is easily gone between agents and taxes and other stuff, and the other half is just living expense, they don't live in a small apartment eating ramen obviously. So, I guess just give him the play-in game, but take 5 games next season at the start.

No, it's actually the right time. Make him pay for his stupidity so that next time he will think first about his actions for the consequences could be brutal and might jeopardize the chance of the whole team. Not just him. Make him understand that it will also be the whole Timberwolves management and roster that will be mad about what he had done.
These are crucial moments for players, a lot of them are not signed this season and are playing overseas just to make money while he is wasting away money and opportunity to be part of something big. I would not be surprised if he will have a hard time finding a team after his contract expires. This is what happens when you make a mess and the management doesn't love you, unlike in the Draymond Green case.

[ChiBitCTy]

I find it funny that everyone just thinks the Lakers are gonna roll.  They had a must win game the last one of the year and could barely hold off the Jazz who were basically throwing their g league team at a full strength Lakers.  The Lakers stink.  They aren't a good team, I just think it's funny everyone thinks they would just roll Memphis (if they win tonight).  Memphis will run circles around the Lakers.  And honestly I'd be surprised if they actually win tonight even without gobert on the floor. 

My buddy ( a huge LA Laker fan ) was telling me that the Lakers either had the best or second best record since the all-star break.  I was pretty shocked hearing this, as I knew that they had been playing better, but I didn't realize they were playing that well.  I certainly don't think they are just gunna roll..but I do think they have a decent shot at making a little bit of noise. I do agree, Memphis is a better team, no question.

[OgNasty]

DeMarcus Cousins came out and said that he believes he is the third best center in the league right now. That’s a little crazy when you think about how few games he’s played the last 5 years. No doubt he’s a beast and probably deserves a chance. There must be something keeping him from being signed though and I think it’s his attitude not any blackballing.

[EFS]

Hawks got the first ticket from play-in tournament and secured the 7th spot. They will play with Celtics. Heat have another chance two days later. Their opponent will be Raptors or Bulls.
Lowry played like Curry. Butler and Herro scored a lot but other players didn't join them and the big difference was offensive rebounds. Heat gave away too many second chance points to Hawks. Hawks got 16 more offensive rebounds, mostly from Capela. You can't play like that in play-in. Well deserved win for Hawks.

[Botnake]

Hawks got the first ticket from play-in tournament and secured the 7th spot. They will play with Celtics. Heat have another chance two days later. Their opponent will be Raptors or Bulls.
Lowry played like Curry. Butler and Herro scored a lot but other players didn't join them and the big difference was offensive rebounds. Heat gave away too many second chance points to Hawks. Hawks got 16 more offensive rebounds, mostly from Capela. You can't play like that in play-in. Well deserved win for Hawks.

Lethal Trae did it again! I really like the Hawks because they always seem to be an underrated team. In that game, they showed how prepared they were and outrebounded the Heat with their aggressiveness and will to win. Now, it's not just the Trae Young show anymore. They have Murray, who can really help him, while their defensive players remain intact. I honestly love their chances in the playoffs, so let's just wait and see what surprises await this team.

[wheelz1200]

Early on but wolves +8.5 is easy money right now.  Up 40-31, this Lakers team wouldn't be able to hang with Memphis.  Last year's wolves and Memphis series could use a round 2.  Would be a good matchup.  Lakers are in trouble this game, they just don't have the guard play to make it work.

[LogitechMouse]

DeMarcus Cousins came out and said that he believes he is the third best center in the league right now. That’s a little crazy when you think about how few games he’s played the last 5 years. No doubt he’s a beast and probably deserves a chance. There must be something keeping him from being signed though and I think it’s his attitude not any blackballing.

He is one of the best centers in the league in his prime, and even when after he got injured, he is still putting good numbers even though he is only a bench player unlike when he was in Sacramento and New Orleans.

He deserves a chance, but nobody wants to put a risk on a player who is injury-prone, and has a bad attitude. We know how bad the attitude of Cousins is when he played in the NBA, and add the fact that he is injury prone already. I guess if I'm the GM, I will not sign that player. The good thing though is that, he will be playing in Puerto Rico in one of the teams there which is a good thing. I just hope that his attitude will change there, and play better, so that NBA scouts will look at him again, and who knows. He might return to the NBA a few years from now.

[Japinat]

Early on but wolves +8.5 is easy money right now.  Up 40-31, this Lakers team wouldn't be able to hang with Memphis.  Last year's wolves and Memphis series could use a round 2.  Would be a good matchup.  Lakers are in trouble this game, they just don't have the guard play to make it work.

It's still too early, hehe. I have the Lakers at -7.5, and while they might struggle in the first half, I expect them to have a strong comeback in the second half. Regardless, this game is fun to watch, and I'm not worried about whether they'll cover the spread or not because I'm sure they'll play harder since it's a must-win game for them.

[Dave1]

Early on but wolves +8.5 is easy money right now.  Up 40-31, this Lakers team wouldn't be able to hang with Memphis.  Last year's wolves and Memphis series could use a round 2.  Would be a good matchup.  Lakers are in trouble this game, they just don't have the guard play to make it work.

It's still too early, hehe. I have the Lakers at -7.5, and while they might struggle in the first half, I expect them to have a strong comeback in the second half. Regardless, this game is fun to watch, and I'm not worried about whether they'll cover the spread or not because I'm sure they'll play harder since it's a must-win game for them.

Still very close at this point, I have the Lakers as well -7.5 so crossing our fingers here.

The T'wolves are making a comeback in the 2nd quarter and at some point take a 2 point lead. But still very early, if the Lakers are down at the end of first half, I'm expecting them to start the 3rd quarter strong to be able to pull this win. There's no way that they will allow the T'Wolves to take a huge lead and then try to make a catch up in the 4th. It will be very difficult task for them.

Edit: T'Wolves with double digit advantage end of 1st half.

[wheelz1200]

Early on but wolves +8.5 is easy money right now.  Up 40-31, this Lakers team wouldn't be able to hang with Memphis.  Last year's wolves and Memphis series could use a round 2.  Would be a good matchup.  Lakers are in trouble this game, they just don't have the guard play to make it work.

It's still too early, hehe. I have the Lakers at -7.5, and while they might struggle in the first half, I expect them to have a strong comeback in the second half. Regardless, this game is fun to watch, and I'm not worried about whether they'll cover the spread or not because I'm sure they'll play harder since it's a must-win game for them.

It's a must win game for the Timberwolves too

[Oasisman]

In other news, Rudy Gobert punched a teammate in a timeout today. I wonder what will happen now since they have their important game against the Lakers for the number 7 spot. In a normal situation he would be suspended for sure but now I’m not sure they will do it with such a big game coming up.

Pretty sure there will be no suspension on any of the player involved as they are about to play against the Lakers in a very important game this year. However, the Timberwolves ' chemistry now are in jeopardy. There will a two different side of stories regarding that scuffle, and some teammates may pick who ever side they think is right.
Well, they can't afford to lose Gobert though. Let's see if they can sort things out and play like nothing happened.

Nope, Gobert was reportedly suspended in the play-in tournament, and I think we won't be seeing him play again this post season.

Yep I was wrong lol. Haven't read announcement a few hours after I posted this so my mistake. But I really thought they have to do whatever is necessary to keep Gobert off for some suspension. However, the Timberwolves were doing a good job up by 11 in the first half against the Lakers. Mike Conley was confident in the interview that they could still win without Gobert and that the issue within the team was settled immediately.
Let's see if  there's a Laker comeback in 2nd half..
IMO, Ham have a terrible rotation, Towns is dominating and the Lakers was playing small ball lol.

[Distinctin]

IMO, Ham have a terrible rotation, Towns is dominating and the Lakers was playing small ball lol.

They will surely make adjustments in the second half since they cannot let the Wolves continue controlling the game. They have to at least trim the lead to a single digit going into the fourth quarter; otherwise, it will be hard for them to come back.

[wheelz1200]

IMO, Ham have a terrible rotation, Towns is dominating and the Lakers was playing small ball lol.

They will surely make adjustments in the second half since they cannot let the Wolves continue controlling the game. They have to at least trim the lead to a single digit going into the fourth quarter; otherwise, it will be hard for them to come back.

Does anyone really want to see this team in a 7 game series vs the Grizzlies or the Nuggets?  I'd love to see another Minnesota vs Memphis series last year's was great.  And I'd like to see the Pelicans against the Nuggets.  You can't throw Schroeder, austin reeves etc out there at the 1/2 and think you are gonna compete for anything serious.  They need a real guard in FA that can guard.  And a proper center.  Who is going to guard jokic if they play the Nuggets?  He will drag AD out on the perimeter and Nuggets will eat them up down low.