2025 NBA Season

[avp2306]

Third quarter 43-17. Lakers won easily, they didn't even sweat. Bucks lost so I believe Lakers will win this tournament without showing extra performance. Another unique achievement for LeBron before he retires.
In-season tournament is like local cups in football, it brings more excitement in regular season but I'm not sure if it was necessary and if it attracted enough attention.

Somehow it attract people knowing how colorful their set up plus it bring another good vibes due to different level of competition it bring to the team. We see a lot of action by this tournament and we can see that to many team step up. But Lakers still doing so good that's why many are so hype up with their performance. I guess Lakers have great chance to win the this tournament and this is really a great achievement to get by Lebron since this add to his accomplishment before he retire. But I doubt he will decide to do it very soon and might we can see him to retire once Bronny will successfully get a team on NBA, I think his dream is to play together with his child so hopefully this would happen since this create a history in NBA.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

LeBron is putting on a master class in basketball domination right now. He wants to win this tournament. He’s got 30 already early in the 3rd quarter and hasn’t missed a free throw or a three pointer yet this game as the Lakers hold a 30 point lead. If I were the coach I probably wouldn’t let him play the fourth quarter, but if he does he might end up with 50.

Yeah, again it seems that Lebron has turn back the clock of time again with this kind of performance, just few seconds in the game and he started to flex already. Lebron ended up with 30 big points, enough for him to take a rest.

And them the team 5 scores with double digits and Reddish coming up with 9 points. So it will be the Pacers vs the Lakers for the first finals. Gonna be hard to predict as Pacers also had a big momentum defeating the Bucks and Giannis.

[Viscore]

LeBron is putting on a master class in basketball domination right now. He wants to win this tournament. He’s got 30 already early in the 3rd quarter and hasn’t missed a free throw or a three pointer yet this game as the Lakers hold a 30 point lead. If I were the coach I probably wouldn’t let him play the fourth quarter, but if he does he might end up with 50.

Yeah, again it seems that Lebron has turn back the clock of time again with this kind of performance, just few seconds in the game and he started to flex already. Lebron ended up with 30 big points, enough for him to take a rest.

And them the team 5 scores with double digits and Reddish coming up with 9 points. So it will be the Pacers vs the Lakers for the first finals. Gonna be hard to predict as Pacers also had a big momentum defeating the Bucks and Giannis.

Judging by their past matchups, I find the Pacers to be the better team as they defeated the top two teams in the East. First, they beat the Celtics, and now the Bucks, so they should not be underestimated just because the Lakers are the popular team. The Lakers, on the other hand, beat the Suns and the Pelicans, which are not even in the top 3 in the West.

I understand that it's hard to predict, but I suggest you follow your own intuition as this should be a close match.

[Questat]

I understand that it's hard to predict, but I suggest you follow your own intuition as this should be a close match.

In the last two games of the Lakers, they were -1.5 and -2, while the Pacers were both underdogs in their last two games. So most likely, the Lakers will be the slight favorites here. However, you can't count the Pacers out, as they are getting everyone involved. They are an exciting team to watch. Although I initially thought they were not consistent, beating the Celtics has changed my perspective. I've already told myself that they might advance to the Finals, so I wouldn't bet against them facing an experienced Lakers team, especially since the public is likely be backing the Lakers.

[yahoo62278]

I understand that it's hard to predict, but I suggest you follow your own intuition as this should be a close match.

In the last two games of the Lakers, they were -1.5 and -2, while the Pacers were both underdogs in their last two games. So most likely, the Lakers will be the slight favorites here. However, you can't count the Pacers out, as they are getting everyone involved. They are an exciting team to watch. Although I initially thought they were not consistent, beating the Celtics has changed my perspective. I've already told myself that they might advance to the Finals, so I wouldn't bet against them facing an experienced Lakers team, especially since the public is likely be backing the Lakers.

I'm guessing the Lakers will be favored by 3-4 points, but I would likely bet the Pacers and take the points. They seem to be playing good as the underdogs and have been really playing well as a team. If Haliburton is on point it will be a closer game than most think.

[LogitechMouse]

Third quarter 43-17. Lakers won easily, they didn't even sweat. Bucks lost so I believe Lakers will win this tournament without showing extra performance. Another unique achievement for LeBron before he retires.
In-season tournament is like local cups in football, it brings more excitement in regular season but I'm not sure if it was necessary and if it attracted enough attention.

Aside from that 3rd quarter rally by the Lakers, I've seen some reasons why the Lakers just destroyed the Pelicans, especially in the 2nd half.
They have no players that can stop Lebron, the Lakers have the size advantage, the Lakers just outrebounded them 59-42.

I just love the fact that the Lakers did acquire big players which is a big help for Davis. I believe that the acquisition of Hayes, and Wood helped them, and let's not forget the fact that they also acquired some wing players like Prince and Reddish aside from Hachimura and Vanderbilt. This is the reason why the Lakers are one of the top rebounding teams right now in the league. They have big and tall players that can outrebound other teams.

As for the Pacers, and Lakers, it's a battle between one of the most offensive team Vs. one of the best rebounding team right now. I already predicted that the Pacers would win against the Bucks a few days ago, and I want my prediction to be 2/2 that's why I will pick the Pacers to win the In-season tournament.

[TravelMug]

I understand that it's hard to predict, but I suggest you follow your own intuition as this should be a close match.

In the last two games of the Lakers, they were -1.5 and -2, while the Pacers were both underdogs in their last two games. So most likely, the Lakers will be the slight favorites here. However, you can't count the Pacers out, as they are getting everyone involved. They are an exciting team to watch. Although I initially thought they were not consistent, beating the Celtics has changed my perspective. I've already told myself that they might advance to the Finals, so I wouldn't bet against them facing an experienced Lakers team, especially since the public is likely be backing the Lakers.

I'm guessing the Lakers will be favored by 3-4 points, but I would likely bet the Pacers and take the points. They seem to be playing good as the underdogs and have been really playing well as a team. If Haliburton is on point it will be a closer game than most think.

I do agree, Haliburton is putting up MVP numbers, and if I'm not mistaken, they are a underdog against the Bucks, but they pull another surprises against the Milwaukee team. And with that, if they are going to be another underdog against the Lakers, it might be good to put some money on the handicap or better yet the ML. 27 points with 15 assists, that is a big numbers for Haliburton. And they beat two of the best teams, in Boston and Bucks so what's more if they continue with this phase and beat the Lakers lead Lebron team. And as coach Carlisle said,

"A lot of people didn't want us here. We don't care about that, we earned our way here. We earned our way to three additional national TV games, so people are going to find out about the Pacers."

https://twitter.com/Pacers/status/1732931917840883745

[danherbias07]

Third quarter 43-17. Lakers won easily, they didn't even sweat. Bucks lost so I believe Lakers will win this tournament without showing extra performance. Another unique achievement for LeBron before he retires.
In-season tournament is like local cups in football, it brings more excitement in regular season but I'm not sure if it was necessary and if it attracted enough attention.

That second game though was not that attractive because it was a blowout game. The first game was damn better than it. Close game, Haliburton pointing at his wrist like it's Hali Time. I love that dude, very entertaining indeed.

Now that the Pacers have shown how strong they are, I bet they will be pushing it harder when this In-Season Tournament ends. They are a strong team and they deserve a spot in the playoffs. They will just have to keep that fast pace and I think no team can follow them with how fast they are going.
Indiana Pacers might be the most exciting team to watch now. I actually am hooked and have not missed any game ever since I saw how they play.
Just like how I rarely missed games when Steve Nash was on the Phoenix Suns. As I watched Haliburton, I could see the same speed and talent that Nash had. He is now number 6 in the KIA MVP race. He ain't far.

[Questat]

I understand that it's hard to predict, but I suggest you follow your own intuition as this should be a close match.

In the last two games of the Lakers, they were -1.5 and -2, while the Pacers were both underdogs in their last two games. So most likely, the Lakers will be the slight favorites here. However, you can't count the Pacers out, as they are getting everyone involved. They are an exciting team to watch. Although I initially thought they were not consistent, beating the Celtics has changed my perspective. I've already told myself that they might advance to the Finals, so I wouldn't bet against them facing an experienced Lakers team, especially since the public is likely be backing the Lakers.

I'm guessing the Lakers will be favored by 3-4 points, but I would likely bet the Pacers and take the points. They seem to be playing good as the underdogs and have been really playing well as a team. If Haliburton is on point it will be a closer game than most think.

I hope bookies will be able to set at least 3 points + for the underdog Pacers. Yes, they seem to be playing good because Haliburton being their main star does many things including making his teammates better. His numbers are really impressive, you can tell he work hard and he doesn't force his shots, he find an open teammates. The last 2 games, his assists are in double digits, and he is not into stat padding as we can evidently see the outcome of the game.

Though Pacers are quite new in this situation, (championship) but let's give them a try.

[Twentyonepaylots]

I understand that it's hard to predict, but I suggest you follow your own intuition as this should be a close match.

In the last two games of the Lakers, they were -1.5 and -2, while the Pacers were both underdogs in their last two games. So most likely, the Lakers will be the slight favorites here. However, you can't count the Pacers out, as they are getting everyone involved. They are an exciting team to watch. Although I initially thought they were not consistent, beating the Celtics has changed my perspective. I've already told myself that they might advance to the Finals, so I wouldn't bet against them facing an experienced Lakers team, especially since the public is likely be backing the Lakers.

I'm guessing the Lakers will be favored by 3-4 points, but I would likely bet the Pacers and take the points. They seem to be playing good as the underdogs and have been really playing well as a team. If Haliburton is on point it will be a closer game than most think.

Hali seems to be a monster on this In-season tournament, he took down Celtics and Bucks and next on the line is Lakers. As much as I want to bet on Lakers, I feel very hesitant to do so. But I'll take a plus points on lakers, I feel that this game is going to be a very close one around 3 point spread in scoreboard. If Hali remain consistent of his performance then it'll be most likely a Pacers win, his stats are showing a point god. Pacers +3.5!

[yazher]

LeBron is putting on a master class in basketball domination right now. He wants to win this tournament. He’s got 30 already early in the 3rd quarter and hasn’t missed a free throw or a three pointer yet this game as the Lakers hold a 30 point lead. If I were the coach I probably wouldn’t let him play the fourth quarter, but if he does he might end up with 50.

This is the first time they have done this tournament and Lebron should exert all his effort to win it to add to his list of accomplishments as an NBA player. I cannot believe that he can play like this at his current age, still, he is dominating with the help of his teammates. if only they can continue to perform such play throughout the season, their chance of winning the championship will drastically be increased. Nevertheless, they should not let this opportunity slip on them because this is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After all, LBJ is already old and he can't be assured of getting back this chance again next year.

[Sanitough]

LeBron is putting on a master class in basketball domination right now. He wants to win this tournament. He’s got 30 already early in the 3rd quarter and hasn’t missed a free throw or a three pointer yet this game as the Lakers hold a 30 point lead. If I were the coach I probably wouldn’t let him play the fourth quarter, but if he does he might end up with 50.

This is the first time they have done this tournament and Lebron should exert all his effort to win it to add to his list of accomplishments as an NBA player. I cannot believe that he can play like this at his current age, still, he is dominating with the help of his teammates. if only they can continue to perform such play throughout the season, their chance of winning the championship will drastically be increased. Nevertheless, they should not let this opportunity slip on them because this is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After all, LBJ is already old and he can't be assured of getting back this chance again next year.

I guess the outcome of this game would add to the achievements of Lebron James being a hall of famer, so the the Lakers will likely win this game. Bron's Team being the champion on the first in-season tournament is going to be a good recognition for him, so expect that he'll play like it's the NBA Finals and would bring the trophy.

By the way, is there a in season tournament champion MVP? Because I like to know if there's a betting odds on that as definitely I'm going for Lebron James to win.

[mirakal]

By the way, is there a in season tournament champion MVP? Because I like to know if there's a betting odds on that as definitely I'm going for Lebron James to win.

In every championship game, there's always an MVP. Currently, Tyrese Haliburton holds the number 1 position in the rankings. However, the competition now seems to be narrowed down to him and LeBron. The MVP award is likely to go to the star player whose team will be the champ.....

https://www.nba.com/news/in-season-tournament-mvp-ladder-dec-7

here's a proof that theres an odds for that specific competition.

https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/nba-in-season-tournament-mvp-odds-top-5-candidates-ahead-semifinals-ft-lebron-james

Coming in at No. 1 is Antetokounmpo’s co-star Damian Lillard, who has also played a critical role in the Bucks’ 5-0 tournament record. The seven-time All-Star leads the pack with +375 MVP odds.

[YuginKadoya]

Yes, this is going to be a tough one but I will also say that the Bucks might take the game and win and beat the Pacers. They have all the momentum, from their last game wherein Giannis and Lillard had a great game.

Although nothing can be taken for granted, Haliburton's triple double, but I think Lillard can negate those numbers and he can go 1:1 against him. While on the other hand it's hard to stop Giannis specially in a big game like this.

Actually, the Indiana Pacers also have momentum in them, as they have beaten the Boston Celtics which is a great team aswell The Indiana Pacers are not that kind of a favorite-to-win team they are always the underdog when getting a game against the Boston Celtics, and now the Milwaukee Bucks as I never expected Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner it was like Tyrese Haliburton is a new player in the Indiana Pacers, for sure many have never expected something like this,

People are accusing Zach LaVine of faking his foot injury to force a trade to the Lakers. He’s even scheduled to return when DiAngelo Russell becomes eligible to be traded. I’m not sure if I believe this, but it is within the realm of possibility. I don’t think Zach LaVine will still be a member of the Chicago Bulls when the trade deadline rolls around.

I really don't know if Zach LeVine is intentionally faking his injury, or what but maybe, well there is a trade rumor surrounding the situation and for sure Zach LeVine has already heard that, but without further proof that LeVine is faking his injury it will always stay as a rumor for sure actually I like Zach LeVine to be in a team where he will be perfect and they will be needing him,

LeBron is putting on a master class in basketball domination right now. He wants to win this tournament. He’s got 30 already early in the 3rd quarter and hasn’t missed a free throw or a three pointer yet this game as the Lakers hold a 30 point lead. If I were the coach I probably wouldn’t let him play the fourth quarter, but if he does he might end up with 50.

Masterful at 38 years of age, Lebron James for sure is a wonder to behold sure he is playing basketball when everyone thinks that he is not in his prime anymore sure he is the only player along with Stephen Curry that is doing it now, for sure but actually his team now is really great with most of the teams getting double-digit points, for sure the team is getting all fired up seeing Lebron James doing this things at his age,

[dwyane36]

Third quarter 43-17. Lakers won easily, they didn't even sweat. Bucks lost so I believe Lakers will win this tournament without showing extra performance. Another unique achievement for LeBron before he retires.
In-season tournament is like local cups in football, it brings more excitement in regular season but I'm not sure if it was necessary and if it attracted enough attention.

Yeah, the Lakers beat the Pelicans by 44 points. This is impressive, and I'd even say it's an unexpected outcome for this game. You're probably right that the Lakers can win the first title of the in-season tournament, although we shouldn't underestimate their next opponent. The Pacers have been performing well this season.
As for whether the in-season tournament got enough attention, we won't know until next off-season. If it turned out that fans and advertisers didn't like this format at all, the current in-season tournament would be the first and last such experiment in the history of the NBA.

[owengtam09]

I disagree on no improvement on the standings once he returns. He has issues off the court for sure but the guy has undeniable talent on the court. Was there any report of him not following the coach or having problems during practice? If there's none then I doubt they will trade him that easily.

He surely has undeniable talent but I don't see any improvement with just 1 person coming back to a team for it makes no difference, for me, Desmond Bane should be the face of the Memphis Grizzlies and not Ja Morant for he is more kind of basketball material and for sure he is keeping in the heart the basketball for sure, while Ja Morant is just having fun with his guns,

This game is not looking good if you had bet on the Warriors, they are playing at home and yet they are down double digit. I think most bettors bet on the Warriors to easily cover the -13 spread, and look what's happening, there's even a possibility that the Portland are gonna win this game.

It was the lead of the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1st half but I think you didn't finish the game because in the 2nd half, the Golden State Warriors had a great return and won in this game for sure and even though Jonathan Kuminga played only 17 mins on this game he still got 13 points that were unbelievable what if he got more time in playing what if he got many times playing in this game I think he can be the sole winning ace the team need,

[püsür]

Third quarter 43-17. Lakers won easily, they didn't even sweat. Bucks lost so I believe Lakers will win this tournament without showing extra performance. Another unique achievement for LeBron before he retires.
In-season tournament is like local cups in football, it brings more excitement in regular season but I'm not sure if it was necessary and if it attracted enough attention.

I think there was a little attraction to the new cup system and American public was hesitant to comprehend this style, yet I can see some excitement. The problem is timing, in my opinion. It was too early in the season to do this tournament. And it was too quick. If this was organized after the all star break, it would have been more exciting. Teams would take it more serious too probably. And most of the teams will have better team chemistry later in the season, so the games would be better also. The football and basketball cups like this tournament happen in much more weeks and it is better.

[Jating]

Third quarter 43-17. Lakers won easily, they didn't even sweat. Bucks lost so I believe Lakers will win this tournament without showing extra performance. Another unique achievement for LeBron before he retires.
In-season tournament is like local cups in football, it brings more excitement in regular season but I'm not sure if it was necessary and if it attracted enough attention.

I think there was a little attraction to the new cup system and American public was hesitant to comprehend this style, yet I can see some excitement. The problem is timing, in my opinion. It was too early in the season to do this tournament. And it was too quick. If this was organized after the all star break, it would have been more exciting. Teams would take it more serious too probably. And most of the teams will have better team chemistry later in the season, so the games would be better also. The football and basketball cups like this tournament happen in much more weeks and it is better.

In the beginning, I think everyone is confused about this tournament and maybe fans are not that excited. But as we get to the semis and then majority of us caught about the new system and new format, and seeing teams that pull an upset like the Indiana Pacers and they are not expected to be in finals, then it makes it more interesting now.

So they will have to face the Lakers with Lebron still playing like he was still in his prime. Against a tough defense and Haliburton's rise this season, it's really hard to see who will win but based on the comments, it seems that majority favored the Lakers but will not be surprised if the Pacer continue with it's killer run in this tournament and won it's inauguration trophy.

[beerlover]

Judging by their past matchups, I find the Pacers to be the better team as they defeated the top two teams in the East. First, they beat the Celtics, and now the Bucks, so they should not be underestimated just because the Lakers are the popular team. The Lakers, on the other hand, beat the Suns and the Pelicans, which are not even in the top 3 in the West.

I understand that it's hard to predict, but I suggest you follow your own intuition as this should be a close match.

I think it is quite the opposite, Pacers are a fine team there is no doubt about that, but Lakers are doing wonders at a stacked Western conference, and that's a very good thing for them, they are looking like they are one of the better teams in the league.

I think Pacers will lose and I think Lakers will win this one. I am sure of just one thing and that is the fact that there will be a lot of betting on this game without a doubt, it is going to be quite obvious and we are going to see a lot of changes for sure. I think it should be important to remember that we are talking about Lakers and Lebron here, when it is the finals Lebron may not have wonderful record, but he does have plenty of rings to show how he plays much better on finals.

[Oasisman]

LeBron is putting on a master class in basketball domination right now. He wants to win this tournament. He’s got 30 already early in the 3rd quarter and hasn’t missed a free throw or a three pointer yet this game as the Lakers hold a 30 point lead. If I were the coach I probably wouldn’t let him play the fourth quarter, but if he does he might end up with 50.

Yeah, again it seems that Lebron has turn back the clock of time again with this kind of performance, just few seconds in the game and he started to flex already. Lebron ended up with 30 big points, enough for him to take a rest.

And them the team 5 scores with double digits and Reddish coming up with 9 points. So it will be the Pacers vs the Lakers for the first finals. Gonna be hard to predict as Pacers also had a big momentum defeating the Bucks and Giannis.

Judging by their past matchups, I find the Pacers to be the better team as they defeated the top two teams in the East. First, they beat the Celtics, and now the Bucks, so they should not be underestimated just because the Lakers are the popular team. The Lakers, on the other hand, beat the Suns and the Pelicans, which are not even in the top 3 in the West.

I understand that it's hard to predict, but I suggest you follow your own intuition as this should be a close match.

It's really hard to predict here because the Lakers were also playing great from their last 3 games and LeBron is locked in and being so efficient.
The Pacers and Hali are also locked in with their performance. However, they haven't had played against most of the stacked teams in the West.
Both teams are 5-0  so this is kind of interesting to watch. I think the Lakers will be the favourite here and there will be more bettors who will place a bet on the Pacers as the underdogs.