2024 NBA Season

[Botnake]

But if not, then that's it and we'll just witness a history that's being made through the Nuggets. Everyone wants to see it go until game 7 not until Nuggets will win the next game or by the 6 but who knows?

But I think this time the Miami Heat will have a hard time coming back. They were already derailed when they lost at home, so I don't think they are as hungry as they were before returning to Denver. Though I would say the series is over, judging from the last 2 games, it's easy to say that the Nuggets have dominated the Miami Heat, especially now that they are playing back at home.

[danherbias07]

Sources: Raptors to hire Grizzlies assistant Darko Rajakovic as head coach
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/37832256/raptors-hire-grizzlies-assistant-darko-rajakovic-head-coach

The Toronto Raptors are hiring Memphis Grizzlies assistant Darko Rajakovic as the franchise's next head coach, sources told ESPN on Saturday.
The Raptors offered the job to Rajakovic on Saturday and the sides are finalizing a contract that's expected to be completed soon, sources said.
Rajakovic, a native of Serbia, emerged out of an exhaustive process to sell Raptors president Masai Ujiri and general manager Bobby Webster on his candidacy to replace Nick Nurse.

Began coaching at 16 years of age in Serbia. Also became the assistant coach of the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Summer League.
Then as an assistant coach for the OKC Thunder, Phoenix Suns, and Memphis Grizzlies. He also became the assistant coach of the Serbia Men National Team.
We don't know much about Coach Darko yet on how he will make a difference on the Raptors team but they are a young team so he might do some changes while their management is filling the holes to strengthen the team again.
After Kawhi Leonard left, year 2021-2022 is the only time they made it to the playoffs again. I bet they are planning to add more young players to their roster and strengthen whatever pieces are missing to make it a whole again.
With Lowry also gone, Fred Van Vleet will be the core point guard but they may need a wingman for him, a shooting guard to space the floor more often, and give their big men like Siakam and Scottie Barnes some space to attack the paint. Defensively, I think they are already good, but offensively they lack the firepower to be a threat to other teams.

[yazher]

I guess it is something that the Nuggets won't let it to happen. I mean the game 5 is the most perfect timing to close the series and celebrate in their home crowd as their first NBA championship. Not in game 6 with Miami's home crowd that would be too boring to celebrate your first championship and definitely not in game 7 as it will be the most difficult situation in their entire playoff run. So, the Nuggets would give it all they have to force and close this series out and win it all. Even the sportsbook recognizes it, point spread is more than 7 points in majority favouring the Nuggets to win.

No matter how the Miami Heat will try to catch and try hard to stay alive in this series, it will probably be their last game because the Denver Nuggets will go for full force on that game and will not give the Heat any chance to think that they can still survive the game 5. Or maybe they will come up with some kind of stunning strategy that will gonna counter the Nugget's defense. Maybe if they can take the lead in the 3rd quarter they will have a high chance of winning but if the same scenario goes again, then they are already done tomorrow.

[Distinctin]

I guess it is something that the Nuggets won't let it to happen. I mean the game 5 is the most perfect timing to close the series and celebrate in their home crowd as their first NBA championship. Not in game 6 with Miami's home crowd that would be too boring to celebrate your first championship and definitely not in game 7 as it will be the most difficult situation in their entire playoff run. So, the Nuggets would give it all they have to force and close this series out and win it all. Even the sportsbook recognizes it, point spread is more than 7 points in majority favouring the Nuggets to win.

No matter how the Miami Heat will try to catch and try hard to stay alive in this series, it will probably be their last game because the Denver Nuggets will go for full force on that game and will not give the Heat any chance to think that they can still survive the game 5. Or maybe they will come up with some kind of stunning strategy that will gonna counter the Nugget's defense. Maybe if they can take the lead in the 3rd quarter they will have a high chance of winning but if the same scenario goes again, then they are already done tomorrow.

The Nuggets will not miss the opportunity to end the series. They are playing at home, which is the best place for them to win. I'm sure tomorrow the fans will be well-prepared, hoping to celebrate their first championship. In line with that, I believe the bettors are now backing the Nuggets for tomorrow's game. The spread is high, but based on the average winning margin of the Nuggets in games 3 and 4, it's likely that they will cover the spread if they win the game.

Jokic is also going to enjoy his award, as it's very certain that he will be named the Finals MVP.

[livingfree]

But if not, then that's it and we'll just witness a history that's being made through the Nuggets. Everyone wants to see it go until game 7 not until Nuggets will win the next game or by the 6 but who knows?

But I think this time the Miami Heat will have a hard time coming back. They were already derailed when they lost at home, so I don't think they are as hungry as they were before returning to Denver. Though I would say the series is over, judging from the last 2 games, it's easy to say that the Nuggets have dominated the Miami Heat, especially now that they are playing back at home.

I don't think that they're not hungry to win. They're already at the possible ending of this finals and that's why they should even be more hungry and crave to get at least 1 more win to prolong it even up to game 6.

For all that, we're all sharing the same thoughts that this is all over and it's for the Nuggets. Well, it's just gonna be half day left until we see the game start so, place your bets if you want to.

I've been seeing people on social media like YOLOing with Heat and a lot of money is being placed and when I say a lot, certainly a lot for me but I wouldn't go with them.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

Well, the season is as good as over.

 thinking game 5 will be the last game. Herro is still out and Denver won't let this opportunity slide to get their first chip in franchise history. Good for them.

Then we can finally see what this offseason brings us. There are not too many notable free agents this summer  but some big moves are still possible.

Kyrie for example. I hope Dallas is smart enough to not him him what he is asking for. He is just not worth the money and the stress that comes with it. I just read Houston might be interested in getting him if they fail to land James Harden.
Jalen Brown is also still undecided what to do. He demands a lot of money and of course he is a strong player but he is not reliable enough to be considered a max contract guy I think.

All coaching spots are now filled by the way. So after the finals the hot summer is ready to start!

[Marvell1]

I really want to see the Miami Heat cause some problems for the Nuggets.

I see that many people like that to happen but the reality is making us see on where is this going.

Personally, I would like to see the Miami Heat win this game. Because that is going to make things a lot more interesting. I also want to see the final get decided on the 7th game.

You're not alone on this thought but it's convincing that this is really going with the Nuggets whether we like it or not. And if ever the Heat wins the game then we'd see some more chance for them.
But if not, then that's it and we'll just witness a history that's being made through the Nuggets. Everyone wants to see it go until game 7 not until Nuggets will win the next game or by the 6 but who knows?

It is absolutely undeniable that the Denver Nuggets are actually better and more confident in this final. Miami Heat is that okay out of sorts right now. The confidence is not there. But they will have to find confidence because this is a must-win match for them.

And I also am not very confident that they will actually be able to win this match. But probably they will be able to win if they give their best. But honestly, the chances look very little. I will actually say that if the Miami Heat can actually manage to win this one, they will be able to take things to the seventh game. But if they lose this one, then it is just over.

[Wrathofcoins]

The serie its ended i cant see a comeback from Miami, Denver only problem can be the fear to win, but no more.

The only remaining thing to see its if Jokic its gonna have another triple double in this finals. He deserve this ring and all the appreciation.

[karabiber]

The serie its ended i cant see a comeback from Miami, Denver only problem can be the fear to win, but no more.

The only remaining thing to see its if Jokic its gonna have another triple double in this finals. He deserve this ring and all the appreciation.

The city of Denver will probably experience the happiest day in its history tonight. The club is only one win away from its first championship in its history. They're entitled to a championship title after a great season but can the Miami Heat put up one last hurdle? This must be the only question mark in their minds but even though Denver lost the field advantage in the second game of the series without any panic, they beat a team like Miami on the road twice in a row and opened the door to the championship.

Looking at Denver's dominance in the third and fourth games of the series the Heat win seems unlikely. Denver always managed to keep Miami under control except for the second game they lost and Heat didn't reach a hundred points. Denver relieved the series without experiencing the stres of the second game away. I think the only obstacle for them is the stress that the excitement of the championship can bring after this point. But they have players who can manage this stress. I think Denver will be the new champion of the NBA tonight and the city will celebrate with enthusiasm.

[dezoel]

I think people are forgetting that Denver rested for 7 days while Miami was going head to head against a Celtics team that almost won the title last year. So it is not easy for them to make a comeback at all, why? Because they are tired beyond measure, sure they got one win and that was a good thing for them but even that win might have been a fluke in the series and Denver won 2 in a row on the road. This is why I honestly expect Denver to finish this quickly, either today or at most next game, no 7th game should be played.

The reality is that Denver being this rested and having an unstoppable Jokic-Murray offense that Miami fails to defend, it is not going to be that easy to handle anything else, it will be pretty terrible ending, not looking like anything good could come out for Miami.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

The serie its ended i cant see a comeback from Miami, Denver only problem can be the fear to win, but no more.

The only remaining thing to see its if Jokic its gonna have another triple double in this finals. He deserve this ring and all the appreciation.

The city of Denver will probably experience the happiest day in its history tonight. The club is only one win away from its first championship in its history. They're entitled to a championship title after a great season but can the Miami Heat put up one last hurdle? This must be the only question mark in their minds but even though Denver lost the field advantage in the second game of the series without any panic, they beat a team like Miami on the road twice in a row and opened the door to the championship.

Looking at Denver's dominance in the third and fourth games of the series the Heat win seems unlikely. Denver always managed to keep Miami under control except for the second game they lost and Heat didn't reach a hundred points. Denver relieved the series without experiencing the stres of the second game away. I think the only obstacle for them is the stress that the excitement of the championship can bring after this point. But they have players who can manage this stress. I think Denver will be the new champion of the NBA tonight and the city will celebrate with enthusiasm.

If you are talking about basketball, yes.
But Denver is more of an American football city so the happy days have been when they won the super bowl, and that happened 3 times already. 

Especially in the 90s when they won back to back, John Elway cemented his legacy there. Thats why he was even in a south park episode, hahaha.

Anyway, it will be a great day for the city of Denver, that's true. Let's hope they won't get nervous and close this one out.

Denver in 5 !!! 

[püsür]

I really want to see the Miami Heat cause some problems for the Nuggets.

I see that many people like that to happen but the reality is making us see on where is this going.

Personally, I would like to see the Miami Heat win this game. Because that is going to make things a lot more interesting. I also want to see the final get decided on the 7th game.

You're not alone on this thought but it's convincing that this is really going with the Nuggets whether we like it or not. And if ever the Heat wins the game then we'd see some more chance for them.
But if not, then that's it and we'll just witness a history that's being made through the Nuggets. Everyone wants to see it go until game 7 not until Nuggets will win the next game or by the 6 but who knows?

It is absolutely undeniable that the Denver Nuggets are actually better and more confident in this final. Miami Heat is that okay out of sorts right now. The confidence is not there. But they will have to find confidence because this is a must-win match for them.

And I also am not very confident that they will actually be able to win this match. But probably they will be able to win if they give their best. But honestly, the chances look very little. I will actually say that if the Miami Heat can actually manage to win this one, they will be able to take things to the seventh game. But if they lose this one, then it is just over.

What Miami did in the Bucks and Celtics series are incredible with this roster. I highly respect the organization and the undrafted players. If we consider how many star perform terribly, what Miami Heat can get from their unknown players is truly admirable. I really want Miami to cause some problems for the Nuggets and win tonight. That is definitely gonna make things more interestingly and when summer is coming and leagues came to an end, it will be highly pleasurable to watch game 6 or 7. But I think Jokic will dominate tonight finish the series off. It's incredible to see a center of this height play so complicated. I wonder how many more years he can play like this. If he performs as I expect and win the ring, he will be one of the all time bests already.

[Pamadar]

I really want to see the Miami Heat cause some problems for the Nuggets.

I see that many people like that to happen but the reality is making us see on where is this going.

Personally, I would like to see the Miami Heat win this game. Because that is going to make things a lot more interesting. I also want to see the final get decided on the 7th game.

You're not alone on this thought but it's convincing that this is really going with the Nuggets whether we like it or not. And if ever the Heat wins the game then we'd see some more chance for them.
But if not, then that's it and we'll just witness a history that's being made through the Nuggets. Everyone wants to see it go until game 7 not until Nuggets will win the next game or by the 6 but who knows?

It is absolutely undeniable that the Denver Nuggets are actually better and more confident in this final. Miami Heat is that okay out of sorts right now. The confidence is not there. But they will have to find confidence because this is a must-win match for them.

And I also am not very confident that they will actually be able to win this match. But probably they will be able to win if they give their best. But honestly, the chances look very little. I will actually say that if the Miami Heat can actually manage to win this one, they will be able to take things to the seventh game. But if they lose this one, then it is just over.

What Miami did in the Bucks and Celtics series are incredible with this roster. I highly respect the organization and the undrafted players. If we consider how many star perform terribly, what Miami Heat can get from their unknown players is truly admirable. I really want Miami to cause some problems for the Nuggets and win tonight. That is definitely gonna make things more interestingly and when summer is coming and leagues came to an end, it will be highly pleasurable to watch game 6 or 7. But I think Jokic will dominate tonight finish the series off. It's incredible to see a center of this height play so complicated. I wonder how many more years he can play like this. If he performs as I expect and win the ring, he will be one of the all time bests already.

Agree to that, all those remarkable performances coming from unknown undrafted players of Miami, they help Bam and Jimmy
to make this happen.

They are now in the finals with a great pride, whatever happen they already earned the praises
of most fans, dominating the east with the current squad, something that will really amaze
us, I also hope they can extend the series but same with how you project it, Jokic will push this
and end the finals at home.

[Blitzboy]

The serie its ended i cant see a comeback from Miami, Denver only problem can be the fear to win, but no more.

The only remaining thing to see its if Jokic its gonna have another triple double in this finals. He deserve this ring and all the appreciation.

Indeed, Denver appears to be on the brink of victory. Their consistent performance, coupled with an unwavering control over Miami, has brought them to the precipice of their first NBA championship. One can only admire their ability to bounce back after the initial loss of field advantage in the second game.

However, history has taught us to be wary of premature celebrations. The pressure of being so close to a championship can sometimes prove to be an unanticipated hindrance. Remember, even the most experienced of players can buckle under the intense strain that accompanies the final stages of such a tournament. Hopefully, Denver can navigate these challenging waters.

[mirakal]

There's only a very small chance that the Miami Heat will come back, but even if they lose in the finals again, they have still done a great job to reach this far. Miami could potentially pull off an upset in game 5, and if they win game 6, then who knows, we might have a thrilling game 7. I understand that it is unlikely to happen, but as they say, the series is not over until the Nuggets have secured 4 wins.

There is very little chance that the game will go back to Miami on Thursday. The Nuggets will not take their chances and let the championship slip away from their home court. They will definitely try to finish the series on Monday night in their home. Some mischance might happen if they let it go to game 6. Once the series reaches game 7, it is anybody's ball game.

I am curious about what will be the adjustments on the side of the Miami Heat. They cannot stop the duo from scoring and outplaying their defense. Will they switch to offensive since they cannot stop the Nuggets anyway and just try to outscore them? The only reason they won game 2 was because they had a good scoring night. Maybe they can do that. Try to limit the duo of Jamal and Nikola but also try to outscore them. Their outside shooters should perform well in order for this to be successful.

I don't care about embid getting mvp this year, jokic is definitely the best player in the NBA today.  He doesn't have a bad game in him.  Because of his iq and willingness to play team ball he is almost unstoppable.  I think Miami has to double him and tighten in given the 3 point shot open and just hope Denver goes cold.  If they play the way they have been playing them it's over.

It is hard to go cold if you have Jokic setting up the play. The cutters are having a picnic against the Miami since they know wherever they are in the court, Jokic will see them and the assist will come. Double-team Jokic and one of the cutters are bound to be open. Miami has to deal with that too aside from Jokic and Jamal scoring.

Agreed but they don't have anyone who can play one on one with jokic.  It's a bad matchup for Miami.  Single him with bam and he will eat that up.  Cody zeller? Not a chance.  If I'm coach for a day I'm making anyone but jokic beat me.  I do agree jokic knows how to play around it but you can't let him have whatever he wants from whereever with him and Murray in the P&R game.

Murray is already a problem to the Heat because he is one of the best offensive player of the Nuggets that is also hard to guard even if his height is not that much compared to Jokic but the latter is different, a player with height is not enough to single him out because that specific player needed to be a package as well like him to be a better guard and increases their chance too. Plus, we might see Herro back into their line-up but I think instead of helping the team, he might destroy it in the process.

[jakelyson]

Agreed but they don't have anyone who can play one on one with jokic.  It's a bad matchup for Miami.  Single him with bam and he will eat that up.  Cody zeller? Not a chance.  If I'm coach for a day I'm making anyone but jokic beat me.  I do agree jokic knows how to play around it but you can't let him have whatever he wants from whereever with him and Murray in the P&R game.

Yup! There is no available player for the Miami Heat that could play one on one with the Joker, that is why the tactic of Erik Spoelstra was to let Nikola Jokic shoot and the Miami Heat will not try to defend any of his shots while stopping Jamal Murray completely, because they can not stop Jokic for sure,

I have seen Nikola Jokic really was a genius he is the one who is making plays for the team and if he is passing the team is really winning, that crucial pass and his eye on the court was real crucial play for the Denver Nuggets,

It is obvious that Denver has the big advantage nobody questions that and maybe Miami will not pull a Cavs and win this series, BUT that doesn't mean that they need to lose the next game. They could still make it 3-2 and then lose 4-2 as well and when you are betting that's all that matters.

I feel like there weren't all that many people who said Denver would be the champions this year, not zero but not a lot neither so it is still a question mark if they will get the next game but whoever ends up winning the eventual season long bet, that will be a good one. I hope that it goes on until the 7th game to be fair, even if Denver wins it at 7th game and not much changes, it would still be fun to watch that, but unfortunately I can't see that happening this series to be fair.

There are a lot of people saying that the Miami Heat can make a comeback, which is why they are not so sure about the Denver Nuggets will be champion yet, they are not really believing it, but obviously, they are still in good faith that the Miami Heat can take advantage for this game or maybe they can manage something and make this until game 7, who knows,

The serie its ended i cant see a comeback from Miami, Denver only problem can be the fear to win, but no more.

The only remaining thing to see its if Jokic its gonna have another triple double in this finals. He deserve this ring and all the appreciation.

Actually I have my doubts that the Miami Heat will really make a comeback and it is a risky bet actually, so I decided that this could be the end of the game for the Miami Heat so I have bet for the Denver Nuggets,

[OgNasty]

The Houston Rockets seem to think they’re going to be able to get James Harden on their roster for next year, but have come out to say that in the event they are unable to get Harden, they will be pursuing Kyrie Irving. Not sure Kyrie has any interest in playing there, but I suspect after his antics the last few years he won’t have as many options as he thinks.

[Volgastallion]

The Houston Rockets seem to think they’re going to be able to get James Harden on their roster for next year, but have come out to say that in the event they are unable to get Harden, they will be pursuing Kyrie Irving. Not sure Kyrie has any interest in playing there, but I suspect after his antics the last few years he won’t have as many options as he thinks.

Well in the end he is already on Texas, moving from Dallas to Houston.

Houston needs to recover fast, i remember them fighting with the other texas team (san antonio) in all the playoff.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

The Houston Rockets seem to think they’re going to be able to get James Harden on their roster for next year, but have come out to say that in the event they are unable to get Harden, they will be pursuing Kyrie Irving. Not sure Kyrie has any interest in playing there, but I suspect after his antics the last few years he won’t have as many options as he thinks.

Kyrie for example. I hope Dallas is smart enough to not him him what he is asking for. He is just not worth the money and the stress that comes with it. I just read Houston might be interested in getting him if they fail to land James Harden.
Jalen Brown is also still undecided what to do. He demands a lot of money and of course he is a strong player but he is not reliable enough to be considered a max contract guy I think.

You should read the thread to not double post. I posted this already. 

More news slowly coming in. Fred VanVleet has declined his $22.8 million player option. That means he will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Many teams will be interested to sign him I guess. He has been a solid PG over the past years.

By the way, Tyler Herro is now "questionable" for today's game, not ruled out anymore. So there might be a small chance we gonna see him. Maybe they throw him in the mix for some minutes and see how he feels, they have nothing to lose anyway.

[ChiBitCTy]

The Houston Rockets seem to think they’re going to be able to get James Harden on their roster for next year, but have come out to say that in the event they are unable to get Harden, they will be pursuing Kyrie Irving. Not sure Kyrie has any interest in playing there, but I suspect after his antics the last few years he won’t have as many options as he thinks.

Kyrie for example. I hope Dallas is smart enough to not him him what he is asking for. He is just not worth the money and the stress that comes with it. I just read Houston might be interested in getting him if they fail to land James Harden.
Jalen Brown is also still undecided what to do. He demands a lot of money and of course he is a strong player but he is not reliable enough to be considered a max contract guy I think.

You should read the thread to not double post. I posted this already. 

More news slowly coming in. Fred VanVleet has declined his $22.8 million player option. That means he will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Many teams will be interested to sign him I guess. He has been a solid PG over the past years.

By the way, Tyler Herro is now "questionable" for today's game, not ruled out anymore. So there might be a small chance we gonna see him. Maybe they throw him in the mix for some minutes and see how he feels, they have nothing to lose anyway.

I sure wish the Chicago Bulls didn't have this whole mess with Lonzo Ball and not knowing if the kid is ever going to come back and be a decent player again, because if we didn't have this issue then maybe the Bulls would have the cash to go out and try and sing VanVleet. 

I'm a huge VanVleet fan having gone to SIU for college, which was in the Missouri Valley conference where Fred played during his college days at Wichita State (before they left for the BigEast /AAC).  Any guys from that conference that stand out I tend to follow through their careers in the NBA (not that there's many of them). He was a tournament monster, I always knew he'd go pro, but I didn't expect him to have a career like he's having.