2025 NBA Season

[püsür]

I thought Ja Morant got some help this time because he said it himself before that he will take what happened to him seriously for him to be a better version, but what happened is the better version is his worse. Seriously though, this kid should be surrounded with people that have real goals to help him achieve his full potential in the court and not being a gangsta when they aren't.

Remember that a real gangsta like Damian Lillard is not even bragging it, he knows what's the true meaning of it unlike Ja here who just wanted to be the next Ja Wick, but the worse version.

His suspension is nothing to what he is earning from NBA. If they really want to teach Ja Morant a lesson, they should hit him with something that could hurt him. He has not learned anything if he has done it again. I think the previous statement that he got helped and everything, is just a press release written by a corporate lawyer or something. He did not really get help. His talent will be wasted if he continues to act like this. He has not even proven anything in NBA yet and he acts like this.

By the way, game 7 between Philly and Boston just got started. I want Philly to win but they might lose their chances when they let Boston force this deciding game. 

Not the game 7 of a playoff series that I am expecting. It was a blowout game. Jason Tatum was unstoppable. I think he made 50+ points in that game. He redeemed himself after a few bad games in this series. The stars of Philadelphia are nowhere to be found. I bet for Boston in this game because of the record of Doc Rivers not being able to win on a game 7 and this proves to be the right call.

Embid already seems to be the most over rated MVP in the league history. He's soft and can't even pick up his team in any aspect of basketball. Can't score at will against decent guards. Can't guard against decent centers or power forwards, he can pass and create space but it's at a bare minimum at this point. The 76ers are absolutely getting destroyed against the Celtics in game 7 with almost 30 points lead, going into the 4th qtr. Absolutely no hopes from them and with even harden being shut down. The game has been tragic after the first qtr. I just wanted to watch competitive basketball..a thriller of a game 7. Nope, not tonight.

He is exposed today. Jason Tatum had a field day on him. The Boston Celtics took advantage of the pick-and-roll because he can't guard the guards of Boston. Another disappointing season ending for the 76ers. I thought they would be able to win it all this season since they are really good this year. They have the right roster to win but they failed again in the second round this year.

I agree with almost all of the points you have made except the blowout game comment about Boston game. First half of the game was surely competitive and I thought Philly might finally win some accomplishment. But as you have pointed out, Tatum was amazing and 3rd period was crazy. In the first half Harden was kind of good and Embid was trying. But second half Boston just impossible to contend. I also agree with your comments about Embiid. He has quite a number of problems on the defensive side. I respect his offensive skills because it is versatile and effective. But he can't be at the same level of other superstars in my opinion. And he is already at 29 years old. There so many stars in Nba history that were unsuccessful in the playoffs. Embiid probably will be remembered as one of them.

Great couple of conference finals await us. I see the chances of Celtics quite high.  

[fuguebtc]

I honestly believe that having Stephen Curry is probably a bad thing for the team right now. Because the team seems to be depending on Stephen Curry too much at the moment. And that is actually the thing holding them back in my opinion. They are expecting a certain level of performance from Stephen Curry. That is actually probably the thing which is also making the players feel relaxed.
The Warriors will have to do something about it. Otherwise, this situation is not going to change. It doesn't matter how good Stephen Curry is, he is not going to be able to successfully carry the team in all the matches.

I dont believe such idea because if they were really that too dependent then they cant really just able to win up multiple nba championship, it wont really be that a solid reasoning about Curry is carrying up the team all this time. Yes, its partly true that they might really be that feel that relaxed but you could notable be able to see on what other members been doing or into their specific role.
It is really just that it turns out that they've been had able to face up a team which successfuly be able to isolate their three point kind of game and been had been dominated under the basket
because of Davis. We arent that blind on how Lakers did successfully able to stop them.
Well, there's still another season and its impossible that they cant really be able to see and wont really be making out some adjustments for the next one. This is really just like on what Lakers
had experienced in past season which they didnt able to get through playoffs.

I still think that Stephen Curry is hard carrying the team almost every time they play. Often if Stephen Curry does not score big the golden state warriors end up losing the game. I am not saying that the other players on the team are absolutely worthless. But it is also true that without Stephen Curry it was going to be really bad for the Golden State Warriors. In almost every achievement of the Golden State Warriors, Stephen Curry has a big say. I am not saying that he is the only reason for the Golden State Warriors to win. But he is certainly a very big reason.

The Warriors are going to look very different next year. Draymond wants a max extension as does Klay. The team isn't going to trade Steph period, and the cannot afford 2 max extensions with a massive luxury tax hit.
I look for them to trade Draymond and maybe Poole or Wiggins and open up some rook to max out Klay Thompson. Steph will likely retire a Warrior, he is 35 now and only has a few years left at most.

The team should think about getting rid of the problems that they have right now. Stephen Curry is certainly going to stay on the team. There is no doubt about that. But there has been a lot of problems going on in the team regarding some others like Poole. I think they have to fix the team chemistry. Any troublemaker has to go from the team in my opinion.

[Japinat]

It wasn't easy for other teams, but it was easy for them. If you still remember, they did the same to the Bucks last season, although in the ECF. And now, they have repeated their dominance in the semifinals. Game 7 was a complete domination by the Celtics, and Tatum had a big bounce back after his not-so-good performance in Game 6. Now, it will be the Celtics versus the Heat. This is certainly an exciting series, and although the Heat had the easiest journey to the ECF, it's the Celtics who are the favorites to win.

Their last match was not really good and the Heat will not gonna miss this chance to get back to competing for the NBA championship this year and so as the Celtics. it will be an interesting game and might gonna also end up in game 7 because these teams right now are on fire because they have their star players playing well and it could be their last time to get back to this point so they will gonna play more intensely than ever before to get back to the NBA finals especially the Boston Celtics cause they kinda mess up last year.

Both have that mindset that they needed to bring all the best from their squad, the same goal to move forward and win the ECF and then
win the NBA finals.

I also see that angle where both teams are really hunger as we can see from the performances of their superstars. All are well coordinated and
all are really contributing the way they are needed by the team.

Though only one can win and make it to the finals, so let see if how both teams will try every knowledge and skills they've got,
from the coaches to each player that will have that chance playing the game.

Yes, both teams that has managed to get on this phase is not entirely  because of luck because they worked so hard to earn the place they have now. That said, games will be more interesting to watch and the intensity will increase as well because in this phase it will determine which team will go towards the Finals and will have the chance to earn another ring while some of them will be their first as well.

History has been made for both Western and Eastern Conference because they both have teams that are still alive since play-in tournament up until now. If this is a rematch from the bubble then maybe we will see another rematch when it comes to the Finals, what do you think folks? Is it possible?

[lixer]

It looks like an easier win for the Celtics if you looks at the roster for each team. Heat has Buttler and not so many great individual players unlike the Sixers who have Embiid and Harden. They have Lowry but they can't really rely on him the entire series and I bet he'll be out injured in one or two games.

I think it's another difficult match up in reality. Celtics have more talented players but Heat plays really good as a team and they hustle. This could be a six or seven game series.

Yes, we know that the Celtics will be the favorite in this series, not just every game. But just like in the Sixers series there could be unexpected results, like Sixers stealing game 1 for them. But they were able to get it back and win it in 7, so not every easy. And as we are now in the conference finals, it will be harder against the veteran Miami Heat. We thought that they are done, but this experience players specially Jimmy Butler still has one aces down in their sleeves and will everything they got against the Celtics. so it could really be six or seven series again.

There is definitely a big favorites there and Celtics will do their best, Heat is great but only when Jimmy Butler gets it going, he is a magnificent player that can win a series but lets remember that it is not that black and white. This is one on one remake of the bubble finals, and there we saw Heat won, so there is definitely a chance for Heat to win it again, nobody can deny such a fact and I believe that it will be something wonderful to see.

I think it is important to remember that the best thing to do in this case would be just focusing on per game basis, lets see how it will look at first 2 games, and then you can bet a lot easier because you would be able to see the difference, or maybe even then it won't be easy to predict. I feel like Celtics are the favorites, but Heat is not too far behind.

[OgNasty]

Tatum with the highest scoring game 7 performance was something to witness. I think they’ll be able to take Miami and win the East.

I also saw the Suns got rid of their coach. I think it was him or Ayton at this point…

Looking forward to some more playoff basketball tomorrow after a night off tonight. Hopefully the Lakers can beat Denver and repeat what happened in the bubble.

[carlisle1]

It wasn't easy for other teams, but it was easy for them. If you still remember, they did the same to the Bucks last season, although in the ECF. And now, they have repeated their dominance in the semifinals. Game 7 was a complete domination by the Celtics, and Tatum had a big bounce back after his not-so-good performance in Game 6. Now, it will be the Celtics versus the Heat. This is certainly an exciting series, and although the Heat had the easiest journey to the ECF, it's the Celtics who are the favorites to win.

Their last match was not really good and the Heat will not gonna miss this chance to get back to competing for the NBA championship this year and so as the Celtics. it will be an interesting game and might gonna also end up in game 7 because these teams right now are on fire because they have their star players playing well and it could be their last time to get back to this point so they will gonna play more intensely than ever before to get back to the NBA finals especially the Boston Celtics cause they kinda mess up last year.

Both have that mindset that they needed to bring all the best from their squad, the same goal to move forward and win the ECF and then
win the NBA finals.

I also see that angle where both teams are really hunger as we can see from the performances of their superstars. All are well coordinated and
all are really contributing the way they are needed by the team.

Though only one can win and make it to the finals, so let see if how both teams will try every knowledge and skills they've got,
from the coaches to each player that will have that chance playing the game.

Yes, both teams that has managed to get on this phase is not entirely  because of luck because they worked so hard to earn the place they have now. That said, games will be more interesting to watch and the intensity will increase as well because in this phase it will determine which team will go towards the Finals and will have the chance to earn another ring while some of them will be their first as well.

History has been made for both Western and Eastern Conference because they both have teams that are still alive since play-in tournament up until now. If this is a rematch from the bubble then maybe we will see another rematch when it comes to the Finals, what do you think folks? Is it possible?

That last statement will be hard to answer as both teams in these two different series already have players which is not part
of the old squad, maybe the main cast was still the same, but role players already changed up.

Again, it is an interesting match up a nice gift for the fans as we all know that all teams who reached up to this far are teams who really exceed.

They win their respective series with tough competitors and were now able to play in the conference finals.

[blockman]

Hopefully the Lakers can beat Denver and repeat what happened in the bubble.

And this has brought up that the bubble doesn't really count for the Lakers champ title. I do hope that this is going to clear all of those doubters against the bubble and even against the Lakers.

History has been made for both Western and Eastern Conference because they both have teams that are still alive since play-in tournament up until now. If this is a rematch from the bubble then maybe we will see another rematch when it comes to the Finals, what do you think folks? Is it possible?

Everything is possible as of now and we just have to wait until the games are all started. For now, everything is going to be a speculation and this is a nice coincidence that we've never thought of.

[wheelz1200]

Hopefully the Lakers can beat Denver and repeat what happened in the bubble.

And this has brought up that the bubble doesn't really count for the Lakers champ title. I do hope that this is going to clear all of those doubters against the bubble and even against the Lakers.

History has been made for both Western and Eastern Conference because they both have teams that are still alive since play-in tournament up until now. If this is a rematch from the bubble then maybe we will see another rematch when it comes to the Finals, what do you think folks? Is it possible?

Everything is possible as of now and we just have to wait until the games are all started. For now, everything is going to be a speculation and this is a nice coincidence that we've never thought of.

I'm hoping they don't I don't need to see the same 4 tes cycle through the finals over and over again.  I'd love to see Denver play in the finals.  See what jokic can do on the grand stage of the NBA.  Cmon who doesn't want to see that besides Laker/Bron fans. 

[YuginKadoya]

Well, having "superstars" that are injury prone is a gamble and a high risk - high reward type of team. We saw it from the Phoenix although they're close to it but wasn't good enough. And after all the firing of these head coaches from teams that have got eliminated. That only shows that the team's management's weren't really happy with the result that they've invested heavily for their contracts. But say that Lebron will still play for Lakers for the next season, it is for sure that he's involved with the decision making into making the team greater and stronger.

It is really rewarding if it is toward a positive outcome but if that is not really towards a positive outcome then it is a high risk, Right now the Phoenix Suns say goodbye for now for the next season, most of the eliminated team, is surely working their way for training and some are looking forward to the trade in the next season, but sure let's focus on the game at hand the Los Angeles Lakers VS the Denver Nuggets for me

Yeah, that was a good acquisition back for them and good decision for Dennis. Well, if he has just taken the old contract offered to him that's giving him lots of money, he should have some other extended contract now but let's see if there will be a better compensation to him after this season.

We can not say for sure but if the Lakers would trade him because of what he has done with Draymond Green getting ejected like that but it is the least the Lakers could do for him was to watch him get ejected for a heated taunting to Greens' face, well after the match he posted on Instagram "WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS!!! 💜💛 One of the biggest competitors there is !!! @money23green A lot of respect for you 💐 HOF"

Well, at least he is sports after getting ejected from the court,

Yes, we know that the Celtics will be the favorite in this series, not just every game. But just like in the Sixers series there could be unexpected results, like Sixers stealing game 1 for them. But they were able to get it back and win it in 7, so not every easy. And as we are now in the conference finals, it will be harder against the veteran Miami Heat. We thought that they are done, but this experience players specially Jimmy Butler still has one aces down in their sleeves and will everything they got against the Celtics. so it could really be six or seven series again.

A lot of distinct things happen from that game on and I think Jalen Brunson got a lot of experience from losing against the Miami Heat, and surely Jimmy Butler and the team aswell, it is basketball after all and you will never know what may happen with a game just like the Warriors game with the Lakers it is one interesting game and surely Warriors fan like me will think that the game was fixed because of the number of FreeThrows that the Lakers got but Lakers is a diving team to the net that they got so much free throws, but yeah it is a fun topic but still, the Lakers is a deserving team so I was really cool about it,

[wheelz1200]

[.....]
For me, Tatum and Jaylen Brown is the best duo in the league and it will take a lot from Miami to step either one of them.

It looks like an easier win for the Celtics if you looks at the roster for each team. Heat has Buttler and not so many great individual players unlike the Sixers who have Embiid and Harden. They have Lowry but they can't really rely on him the entire series and I bet he'll be out injured in one or two games.

I think it's another difficult match up in reality. Celtics have more talented players but Heat plays really good as a team and they hustle. This could be a six or seven game series.

Yes, we know that the Celtics will be the favorite in this series, not just every game. But just like in the Sixers series there could be unexpected results, like Sixers stealing game 1 for them. But they were able to get it back and win it in 7, so not every easy. And as we are now in the conference finals, it will be harder against the veteran Miami Heat. We thought that they are done, but this experience players specially Jimmy Butler still has one aces down in their sleeves and will everything they got against the Celtics. so it could really be six or seven series again.

Heat have much more fight in them then sixers have.  As a knicks fan watching them relentlessly hit the boards, get every 50/50 ball, make the right reads, etc over and over again was impressive to watch.   I do think the Celtics will come out of this one but it's not going to be a cakewalk for them.

[Baofeng]

Tatum with the highest scoring game 7 performance was something to witness. I think they’ll be able to take Miami and win the East.

Right, Tatum just peaked right about that the last 2 games against the Sixers. He has struggled in game 6 in the road, but he keeps on shooting until he got one and that's what he needed. After that he also take over game 6 and win the game for them. But on the other hand, game 7 was different at their homecourt, he didn't have a bad shooting night that he needs to overcome. Every time he had the ball you know that he is going to shot it, whoever is in front of him, including Joel Embiid.

I also saw the Suns got rid of their coach. I think it was him or Ayton at this point…

That's how it is though, Suns getting the best record a few seasons ago, Mike Budenholzer fired after giving the Bucks their championship.

Looking forward to some more playoff basketball tomorrow after a night off tonight. Hopefully the Lakers can beat Denver and repeat what happened in the bubble.

Nuggets though is the clear favorite going on game 1. Let's see how the Lakers will do, if they can steal one just like what they did on their series against the Warriors, taking game 1, it will be a big psychological victory for them.

[ChiBitCTy]

What on gods green earth is wrong with Ja Morant?! I mean I get being young a dumb, I was once there, but I was never this stupid. After all he went through, and he’s back to holding guns up on Instagram Live, man..he doesn’t seem to be the brightest.


I follow this account on instagram that makes cool custom sports cards. Here’s what he shared today lol. If you’ve seen  “ Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood”, this will make sense. If not, highly recommend watching this movie.

[Volgastallion]

Source: ESPN

How many wants to put money on Miami heat? 

[Reid]

How many wants to put money on Miami heat? 

That is one big image you got there. Should've cut it down, it takes a while to load the whole thing.

I am putting my bet on Miami Heat on one of the first two games in Boston. Maybe Game 2. Then, I will bet the 2 more in Miami for the Heat. Game 5 will be forced by the Celtics for 2-3 and Game 6 is where I think it will end in favor of the Miami Heat. But that is just my prediction as I think the Heat are stronger with Adebayo and Butler combined and they have a deep bench too with good defensive rating. This will not just be a battle of coach's strategy and adjustments, but stamina will also be a huge factor to win the game.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

Miami with 3% is just ridiculous. Obviously Boston is the better team ans aldo has home court advantage but in a 7 game series everything can happen.

Who would have thought they kick out Gianni and the Bucks? Not many people.

Another funny story at the moment is the press conference statements by Joel Embiid saying " me and Harden, we can't win alone" .
It's just hilarious, especially looking at Harden. He had 2 good games vs Boston with 42 and 45 points, in the other 5 games combined he had 67 points, that's not even a 14 ppg average.  

Joel shouldn't talk after that game 7 performance. 5/18 from the field and not even double digit rebounds.  

Just saw this funny skid about that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGw3sxKaBBc

[danherbias07]

Maybe our OP @ingiltere could now start the poll again on what team will be the NBA Finals champion as we get near it.
Miami Heat
Boston Celtics
LA Lakers
Denver Nuggets

IMO, Denver Nuggets would take this year. A lot of my neighbors are against me and they want to have a direct bet for the whole series cash to cash. 
They are not looking for any handicap plus or minus from me although the Nuggets have the homecourt advantage and they really believe the Lakers are the stronger team than the Nuggets. I guess they are hardcore fans of Lebron James.
I on the other hand think the Denver Nuggets have a deeper bench than them. Bruce Brown and Christian Braun had been very helpful in their last series.
What's your pick guys?

[Pamadar]

Miami with 3% is just ridiculous. Obviously Boston is the better team ans aldo has home court advantage but in a 7 game series everything can happen.

Who would have thought they kick out Gianni and the Bucks? Not many people.

Another funny story at the moment is the press conference statements by Joel Embiid saying " me and Harden, we can't win alone" .
It's just hilarious, especially looking at Harden. He had 2 good games vs Boston with 42 and 45 points, in the other 5 games combined he had 67 points, that's not even a 14 ppg average.  

Joel shouldn't talk after that game 7 performance. 5/18 from the field and not even double digit rebounds.  

Just saw this funny skid about that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGw3sxKaBBc

On that particular statement from Embiid, that's not the way an MVP should talk.

Just be a gentleman and never to point your finger to anyone, something that he needed to work on while taking the early vacation
after being eliminated, they've got that chance in game 6 almost winning that game if he just takes it over and force his way to make
some solid attacks. But things happened and nothing can be change now, do the hard work and keep trying to blend with your teammate
instead of saying something that is out of context.

[yazher]

Just be a gentleman and never to point your finger to anyone, something that he needed to work on while taking the early vacation
after being eliminated, they've got that chance in game 6 almost winning that game if he just takes it over and force his way to make
some solid attacks. But things happened and nothing can be change now, do the hard work and keep trying to blend with your teammate
instead of saying something that is out of context.

They should stop this kinda toxic attitude whenever they messed up because after all everyone has done their job but at the end of the day only one team will proceed to the next round and the best thing to cheer the losing team up is to say good words to them, it might not be a lot for the one who said that, but for the one who listens to it could be the best motivation to be better next time. It won't gonna hurt you to say good words to cheer up your teammates and surely you won't get the same trust again when you put the blame on them for losing the series. I'm sure the other players will understand the situation despite those words from Embiid.

[OgNasty]

Stephen A Smith has reported just what I suspected about Suns coach Monty Williams… He said that DeAndre Ayton “Got Monty Williams fired.” After two straight years ending with Ayton seemingly not playing because of disagreements with the coach I think the GM probably wishes he’d handled the problem last year.

[carlisle1]

How many wants to put money on Miami heat? 

That is one big image you got there. Should've cut it down, it takes a while to load the whole thing.

I am putting my bet on Miami Heat on one of the first two games in Boston. Maybe Game 2. Then, I will bet the 2 more in Miami for the Heat. Game 5 will be forced by the Celtics for 2-3 and Game 6 is where I think it will end in favor of the Miami Heat. But that is just my prediction as I think the Heat are stronger with Adebayo and Butler combined and they have a deep bench too with good defensive rating. This will not just be a battle of coach's strategy and adjustments, but stamina will also be a huge factor to win the game.

It's tough to say or predict which one is better than another, Miami with a healthy Bam and Jimmy together with the whole cast of Miami they
are capable of beating any teams in NBA.

But, in Celtics side, we also see that same kind of energy all players are always ready when the coach calls them in and performs their best.

Let see if which team will show the hungriness in winning the series and move up to represent the east side.