2024 NBA Season

[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.

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[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.

[Natalim]

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.

I think both have issues that are not beneficial to the team. Ayton is not on the same level as Durant and LeBron, so even if the rumors are correct that he got his coach fired, I believe it wouldn't be wise for the Suns to keep him. Perhaps they can consider trading him and acquiring big men who are truly hungry to win a championship.

When there are internal problems within a team, it can significantly affect chemistry and result in failure. This chemistry issue may have also affected the Warriors, as Jordan Poole didn't perform at his usual level in the series against the Lakers.

[Hypnosis00]

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.

If we base it on the current betting odds, it's quite evident that the Celtics are considered the stronger team.

Series moneyline: Celtics -525, Heat +400

However, the Heat have consistently been the underdogs throughout the playoffs, yet they continue to win. So, while the betting odds may suggest a certain outcome, they are not necessarily indicative of an expected loss. That's why I plan to continue following the trend and hope that the Heat can overcome the defending ECF champions.

[Russlenat]

Series moneyline: Celtics -525, Heat +400

Despite being a huge underdog, it's worth taking a risk on the Heat because we know they won't give up easily. They reached the NBA Finals in the bubble, and Butler has been delivering the best playoff performance of his career this offseason. I'm confident he won't be stopped by the Celtics. The Heat are playing with great discipline, and everyone is contributing to their defensive efforts.

So, why not? Let's go Heat!

[ultrloa]

Series moneyline: Celtics -525, Heat +400

Despite being a huge underdog, it's worth taking a risk on the Heat because we know they won't give up easily. They reached the NBA Finals in the bubble, and Butler has been delivering the best playoff performance of his career this offseason. I'm confident he won't be stopped by the Celtics. The Heat are playing with great discipline, and everyone is contributing to their defensive efforts.

So, why not? Let's go Heat!

Although many think about that Celtics can able to defeat Miami on this series but for sure this will not be so easy for them. miami is well build team now and Butler and Adebayo is on their best form. Maybe the most consistent team on defensive ends will have a chance to win this match up. And the main assignment of Miami is to limit the scoring of Celtics shooters. For sure Heat fans are cuorious to see how their campaign goes since they are the underdog on teams left battling for championship.

[Sanitough]

Series moneyline: Celtics -525, Heat +400

Despite being a huge underdog, it's worth taking a risk on the Heat because we know they won't give up easily. They reached the NBA Finals in the bubble, and Butler has been delivering the best playoff performance of his career this offseason. I'm confident he won't be stopped by the Celtics. The Heat are playing with great discipline, and everyone is contributing to their defensive efforts.

So, why not? Let's go Heat!

Although many think about that Celtics can able to defeat Miami on this series but for sure this will not be so easy for them. miami is well build team now and Butler and Adebayo is on their best form. Maybe the most consistent team on defensive ends will have a chance to win this match up. And the main assignment of Miami is to limit the scoring of Celtics shooters. For sure Heat fans are cuorious to see how their campaign goes since they are the underdog on teams left battling for championship.

The Heat have already lost 2 players due to injury, yet they are still playing very well. Thanks to Butler for maintaining his health and having a remarkable postseason performance so far. The acquisition of Kevin Love has proven to be a fantastic decision for the team, as he not only provides solid screens but also spreads the floor with his exceptional 3-point shooting.

Furthermore, Lowry has been displaying his toughness on the court. As a veteran player and a champion, he is undoubtedly a valuable asset to the team.

So I'm hoping that no more injury would happen to the Heat.

[passwordnow]

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.

He should just accept their loss and just move on. Although it's kind of hard to move on when they're almost there but fell short. They just have to come back stronger next season.
They're not the only team that has lost in this conference and the majority of them are already now having their own personal activities and for sure many are already focusing on their next season's performances. I know that frustration is there, he should just be set and happy having and being the MVP for this season.

[Kelvinid]

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.

He should just accept their loss and just move on. Although it's kind of hard to move on when they're almost there but fell short. They just have to come back stronger next season.
They're not the only team that has lost in this conference and the majority of them are already now having their own personal activities and for sure many are already focusing on their next season's performances.

He wasn't as effective in the playoffs. Unlike Jokic, whose performance even improves in the postseason, he didn't have the same impact. Honestly, I thought Jokic would win the regular season MVP, but it was Embiid who received the honor. Nonetheless, Jokic played exceptionally well. However, if Embiid cannot accept defeat in the playoffs, I don't believe he will grow as a player, and it will be challenging for him to win a championship.

I know that frustration is there, he should just be set and happy having and being the MVP for this season.

Maybe one step at a time for him, next stop is" FINALS MVP".

[OgNasty]

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.

He should just accept their loss and just move on. Although it's kind of hard to move on when they're almost there but fell short. They just have to come back stronger next season.
They're not the only team that has lost in this conference and the majority of them are already now having their own personal activities and for sure many are already focusing on their next season's performances.

He wasn't as effective in the playoffs. Unlike Jokic, whose performance even improves in the postseason, he didn't have the same impact. Honestly, I thought Jokic would win the regular season MVP, but it was Embiid who received the honor. Nonetheless, Jokic played exceptionally well. However, if Embiid cannot accept defeat in the playoffs, I don't believe he will grow as a player, and it will be challenging for him to win a championship.

I know that frustration is there, he should just be set and happy having and being the MVP for this season.

Maybe one step at a time for him, next stop is" FINALS MVP".

I didn't watch the Philly games close enough to be able to tear apart Embiid's claims that him and Harden were the only ones playing well enough.  The stat sheets for the games definitely didn't reflect that.  Especially their final game where Harden and Embiid were statistically a couple of the worst players out there...  I think Embiid just never got into NBA playing shape in his career and has relied on his size and skills to carry him.  That only gets you so far and might win you an MVP in the regular season, but it isn't enough to carry a team to the Finals.  More evidence Embiid shouldn't have won the MVP.

[Yogee]

[.....]
The acquisition of Kevin Love has proven to be a fantastic decision for the team, as he not only provides solid screens but also spreads the floor with his exceptional 3-point shooting.

Yes and that coach Spo actually utilizing him more.

They didn't have a lot of time together but I do hope the Jimmy and Kevin duo can have a connection similar to Kahwi and M. Gasol during their Raptors days. I'm not sure if you get my comparison but I still remember those easy finish by Kahwi coming from Mark's good passes.

[btc_angela]

[quote author=btc_angela link=topic=1220979.msg62247075#msg62247075
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.

Jimmy Butler wort nightmare once again on Eastern conference is fighting against Boston that keeps them knocking out. Actually, I don’t know how Heat can beat Boston with complete roster. The last time Heat face them was they are no match at all since Butler is only consistent scorer but can he maintain that performance with Boston that has a lot of consistent scorer player.

Jimmy need to double his effort if he wants to beat Celtics since this team is far different on Bucks that only relying to Giannis. Tatum has a very bad game most of their matches against Philly but still Boston manage to recover and beat Philly.

Yeah, but it's a good match up though, Butler defending Tatum, that will be a good matchup to see. Both has the experience, but as far as players mentality though, I will go with the Celtics.

They have Adebayo vs Horford, but they did great job against Giannis and then Joel Embiid so for sure the Celtics has experience guarding big men. So it's up to the bench of the Heat to stand up again because they will have a difficult series here. And as you have said, they have the Heat's number, so maybe we will not see a 7th game here.

[Yaunfitda]

Series moneyline: Celtics -525, Heat +400

Despite being a huge underdog, it's worth taking a risk on the Heat because we know they won't give up easily. They reached the NBA Finals in the bubble, and Butler has been delivering the best playoff performance of his career this offseason. I'm confident he won't be stopped by the Celtics. The Heat are playing with great discipline, and everyone is contributing to their defensive efforts.

So, why not? Let's go Heat!

Although many think about that Celtics can able to defeat Miami on this series but for sure this will not be so easy for them. miami is well build team now and Butler and Adebayo is on their best form. Maybe the most consistent team on defensive ends will have a chance to win this match up. And the main assignment of Miami is to limit the scoring of Celtics shooters. For sure Heat fans are cuorious to see how their campaign goes since they are the underdog on teams left battling for championship.

The Heat have already lost 2 players due to injury, yet they are still playing very well. Thanks to Butler for maintaining his health and having a remarkable postseason performance so far. The acquisition of Kevin Love has proven to be a fantastic decision for the team, as he not only provides solid screens but also spreads the floor with his exceptional 3-point shooting.

Furthermore, Lowry has been displaying his toughness on the court. As a veteran player and a champion, he is undoubtedly a valuable asset to the team.

So I'm hoping that no more injury would happen to the Heat.

I think both Lowry and Butler are playing injured throughout this playoff, but their experience is what keeping the Heat's hope alive to go to the Finals again. Best scenario will be, them against the Lakers in the finals, it's going to be a rematch.

And I do agree that Kevin Love's acquisition is now paying off this playoff. Kevin is also a veteran now and you can see his ability to read the defense and that outlet pass, still Kevin's strength despite his age. So the Celtics shouldn't sleep against the Heat, because by the time they wake up, they might be down 3-1 and it's hard to comeback.

[Kasabus]

Series moneyline: Celtics -525, Heat +400

Despite being a huge underdog, it's worth taking a risk on the Heat because we know they won't give up easily. They reached the NBA Finals in the bubble, and Butler has been delivering the best playoff performance of his career this offseason. I'm confident he won't be stopped by the Celtics. The Heat are playing with great discipline, and everyone is contributing to their defensive efforts.

So, why not? Let's go Heat!

Although many think about that Celtics can able to defeat Miami on this series but for sure this will not be so easy for them. miami is well build team now and Butler and Adebayo is on their best form. Maybe the most consistent team on defensive ends will have a chance to win this match up. And the main assignment of Miami is to limit the scoring of Celtics shooters. For sure Heat fans are cuorious to see how their campaign goes since they are the underdog on teams left battling for championship.

Most probably, Jimmy Butler will be guarded by two of Celtic's players since they don't have any extra offensive players as Herro is not on the list now. They cannot afford to give the liberty and opportunity to get near the paint because his mid range shot is almost impossible to miss plus they the Celtics need to be mindful as well with their movements as Jimmy can always get that as an advantage to shoot FTs.

On their first game, I gotta give it to the Miami Heat to win because from what I have observed, the Celtics are mostly committing some mistakes during their first game before they can adjust and absorb their mistakes but it will be too late for them because that will be at the expense of their 1st game.

[bitgolden]

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.

Obviously if Tatum plays like this then Heat has no chance to win, but if Butler plays like he did then Celtics has no chance. We are going to see both players do very well I think and both teams have players that can win the game. Sixers had 2 great players, Harden and Embiid and yet they ended up losing this series which only shows that two stars do not mean a thing when someone goes berzerk on them.

I believe that it is not going to be a simple series for anyone, we are going to end up seeing something changing and we are going to see the results a good while as well. I know that people are not happy with the situation at the moment because it is unpredictable at the moment but I think it is going to end up good to bet with great odds if you win it.

[Japinat]

Just like what I've expected that the Philly will be forced to have someone to take the blame and now they have joined the trend, sadly it turns out that it is Doc Rivers.

The Philadelphia 76ers dismissed coach Doc Rivers on Tuesday, the team announced.

"We're grateful for all he did in his three seasons here and thank him for the important impact he made on our franchise. After having the chance to reflect upon our season, we decided that certain changes are necessary to further our goals of competing for a championship." - 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said in a statement.

Sources

As of now, there are 5 franchises in the league that got an open slot for head coach namely Bucks, Raptors, Pistons, Suns and then we have the 76ers who just joined the party, who knows there might be some additional in the following weeks.
This is quite unfortunate to see but I understand the Suns and Sixers situation because they have been going back and forth in the playoffs now with no benefits at all.

[Pamadar]

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.

He should just accept their loss and just move on. Although it's kind of hard to move on when they're almost there but fell short. They just have to come back stronger next season.
They're not the only team that has lost in this conference and the majority of them are already now having their own personal activities and for sure many are already focusing on their next season's performances. I know that frustration is there, he should just be set and happy having and being the MVP for this season.

Yes, same with how I see that. He should be moving forward without anything inside him.

For sure his teammates not just Harden are all wanted to win the series, they all are trying but Boston is more aggressive to win
it and just like what I mentioned, they almost have it at home in game 6 but the leadership and the trust from Tatum's squad gives
him the confidence to take those shots to snatch the game and force the game 7, then win the semis.

[Captain Corporate]

We are definitely going to see Lebrons legacy tested tonight, that is going to be something very very important. He is already considered the best player that ever played the game by some people, some still consider MJ, but it would be fair to say that %90+ of the whole world considered either one of them the best and the other second best. However, Lebron is 38 years old, he has AD with him, and the rest of the team is like rui and reaves and such, so not a great team to be fair, remove Lebron from that team and they would not make it to playoffs, with him, they barely made it in and they are at the conference finals now. If he goes to finals, even if he loses, I consider him at the top with some clear margin, MJ made the game loved more, but Lebron played it the best.

[inthelongrun]

Just like what I've expected that the Philly will be forced to have someone to take the blame and now they have joined the trend, sadly it turns out that it is Doc Rivers.

The Philadelphia 76ers dismissed coach Doc Rivers on Tuesday, the team announced.

"We're grateful for all he did in his three seasons here and thank him for the important impact he made on our franchise. After having the chance to reflect upon our season, we decided that certain changes are necessary to further our goals of competing for a championship." - 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said in a statement.

Sources

As of now, there are 5 franchises in the league that got an open slot for head coach namely Bucks, Raptors, Pistons, Suns and then we have the 76ers who just joined the party, who knows there might be some additional in the following weeks.
This is quite unfortunate to see but I understand the Suns and Sixers situation because they have been going back and forth in the playoffs now with no benefits at all.

Somehow, I agree to fire Doc. He seems to choke on very important games during the playoffs even during his time with Boston's big 3 of Garnett, Pierce, and Allen where he only managed to earn a single championship. I forgot the stats but was it zero wins in all of his game 7 games?

Another coach that is being watched closely is Jason Kidd. If only he is not Jason Kidd and not Dallas Mavericks where he earned his lone ring. But he might be given another last chance. I say the trade with Kyrie Irving trade was a huge failure. And why is it that Dallas always let go of very important players every time it accomplished something big in the previous season? When they became champions, they decided to let Tyson Chandler go in favor of saving money. Last season they upset the Suns and were able to proceed to the western finals and only lose to the champion GSW but then again they let go of Jalen Brunson who's now playing great with the NYK.

[Maslate]

Series moneyline: Celtics -525, Heat +400

Despite being a huge underdog, it's worth taking a risk on the Heat because we know they won't give up easily. They reached the NBA Finals in the bubble, and Butler has been delivering the best playoff performance of his career this offseason. I'm confident he won't be stopped by the Celtics. The Heat are playing with great discipline, and everyone is contributing to their defensive efforts.

So, why not? Let's go Heat!

Although many think about that Celtics can able to defeat Miami on this series but for sure this will not be so easy for them. miami is well build team now and Butler and Adebayo is on their best form. Maybe the most consistent team on defensive ends will have a chance to win this match up. And the main assignment of Miami is to limit the scoring of Celtics shooters. For sure Heat fans are cuorious to see how their campaign goes since they are the underdog on teams left battling for championship.

The Heat have already lost 2 players due to injury, yet they are still playing very well. Thanks to Butler for maintaining his health and having a remarkable postseason performance so far. The acquisition of Kevin Love has proven to be a fantastic decision for the team, as he not only provides solid screens but also spreads the floor with his exceptional 3-point shooting.

Furthermore, Lowry has been displaying his toughness on the court. As a veteran player and a champion, he is undoubtedly a valuable asset to the team.

So I'm hoping that no more injury would happen to the Heat.

Please don't forget their big man, Bam Adebayo, who is also keeping up with his health so that he can help his team and contribute as many rebounds and off rebounds as he can per game. If they can maintain their health, I know that they can defeat the opposing team because they still got a good chance in upsetting the heavy favorite which is the Celtics, that are not that experienced compared to them who got years ahead.