2025 NBA Season

[freedomgo]

The Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns face off in a few hours. I don’t know if LeBron is still out with an injury or not but he does play we may get another great LeBron James vs Kevin Durant matchup. After so many years of them not playing each other it is great to see so many matchups this year. The game is on ABC too so check it out.

yes, sad to see Lebron James not being able to play in the match against the Warriors. I think it could have helped the Lakers a lot. In this match, the Warriors were able to win pretty easily in the end. but the game could have been a lot closer if LeBron James could play in this one.  Stephen Curry had a very good performance in this game.  He contributed a lot to the winning of his team.

I am excited about the match between the Phoenix Suns and the Lakers. The Lakers winning against the Spurs makes one thing more certain that they are always going to play a lot better if Lebron is playing. Lebron also did the heavy lifting in the match against the Spurs as well.

Edit: Btw sad news for lakers. Lebron is not playing in the next game as well. Some important players including Lebron are missing. 

https://www.si.com/nba/lakers/injuries/lakers-injury-report-5-la-players-out-vs-suns-as-lebron-james-anthony-davis-in-question-mb2002

LeBron is playing and starting off 3-3. Another Durant LeBron battle is in progress.

At some point, I thought the game would be interesting after the Lakers had a big run in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, making it look like a brand new game. Unfortunately, they weren't able to sustain that intensity in the 4th quarter, resulting in the Suns winning by double digits.

It's a must-win for the Suns as they are on a two-game losing streak already. So it's good news for them now  that they've got their confidence back, and maybe they'll start a winning streak again. A major reason for this victory was the rebounds; the home team outrebounded the Lakers 34-51, and Nurkic was huge with 22 rebounds for the Suns.

I watched a game for the first time since the All-Star fiasco and Milwaukee beat Philly very comfortably. While the Sixers were focused on Giannis, other Bucks players hit wide open threes from outside and led by 21 at half time. The fact that they made 7 extra threes made the difference. Giannis didn't have to do much as the Bucks maintained the scoring margin throughout the game. Until Embiid comes back, the Sixers have a very difficult job. He'll be back before the playoffs start, which is good news, but the Sixers need to do better while he's out.

It's the 3 point shooting of the BUcks that made a major difference in this game. Lillard still got his confidence after winning the 3 point shootout as he was 4-8 from that area. However, it was really Beasley who had a very impressive game with 6-7. If Bucks could keep their consistency from beyond the arc, they'll be hard to beat as they could also dominate the paint with the size of Giannis and Lopez.

[wheelz1200]

I watched a game for the first time since the All-Star fiasco and Milwaukee beat Philly very comfortably. While the Sixers were focused on Giannis, other Bucks players hit wide open threes from outside and led by 21 at half time. The fact that they made 7 extra threes made the difference. Giannis didn't have to do much as the Bucks maintained the scoring margin throughout the game. Until Embiid comes back, the Sixers have a very difficult job. He'll be back before the playoffs start, which is good news, but the Sixers need to do better while he's out.

Without embid sixers are a bottom team.  Embid has one of the highest usages in the NBA.  It doesn't look like Philly knows what to do without him out there.  Maxey is a nice piece but not someone who could carry a team at this point in his career.  With embid on the court this team is an issue though.  Nobody can effectively and consistently stop embid for long stretches.

[püsür]

I watched a game for the first time since the All-Star fiasco and Milwaukee beat Philly very comfortably. While the Sixers were focused on Giannis, other Bucks players hit wide open threes from outside and led by 21 at half time. The fact that they made 7 extra threes made the difference. Giannis didn't have to do much as the Bucks maintained the scoring margin throughout the game. Until Embiid comes back, the Sixers have a very difficult job. He'll be back before the playoffs start, which is good news, but the Sixers need to do better while he's out.

Not just Embiid is a fantastic superstar, without him, Sixers don't have enough big men. And sorry to their big guys but they are also very inefficient, utter bad. They are almost non-existing in the paint without Embiid. Embiid might be the player who has most impact on his team in the league right now, without him Sixers are quite bad. They need to figure out a different type of offensive strategy. But still, it might not be enough. Things looked like they were going to change this year and I was thinking Sixers would be at least in the eastern finals but things are looking bad.

[TravelMug]

The Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns face off in a few hours. I don’t know if LeBron is still out with an injury or not but he does play we may get another great LeBron James vs Kevin Durant matchup. After so many years of them not playing each other it is great to see so many matchups this year. The game is on ABC too so check it out.

yes, sad to see Lebron James not being able to play in the match against the Warriors. I think it could have helped the Lakers a lot. In this match, the Warriors were able to win pretty easily in the end. but the game could have been a lot closer if LeBron James could play in this one.  Stephen Curry had a very good performance in this game.  He contributed a lot to the winning of his team.

I am excited about the match between the Phoenix Suns and the Lakers. The Lakers winning against the Spurs makes one thing more certain that they are always going to play a lot better if Lebron is playing. Lebron also did the heavy lifting in the match against the Spurs as well.

Edit: Btw sad news for lakers. Lebron is not playing in the next game as well. Some important players including Lebron are missing. 

https://www.si.com/nba/lakers/injuries/lakers-injury-report-5-la-players-out-vs-suns-as-lebron-james-anthony-davis-in-question-mb2002

LeBron is playing and starting off 3-3. Another Durant LeBron battle is in progress.

Finally, good to see our Phoenix Suns won the game against the Lakers and Lebron. I thought that it will be another collapse on them as it's the same scenario, build a good lead and let the other team do the catchup and then it's going to be a tight game in the 4th. Grayson Allen, the NBAs top 3 point shooter, doesn't want that to happen and so not just playing defense, but he put the dagger back to back 3. And Bol Bol doesn't disappoint the Suns fans again, with his performance. Nurkic is back as well, so good to see. And Royce O'Neale with big 20 points, perhaps that's what the reason why they wanted to get him. But still though, they are missing Bradley Beal again, he is part of this big 3 so every game that he is missing, someone will have to step up from the Suns.

[LogitechMouse]

I watched a game for the first time since the All-Star fiasco and Milwaukee beat Philly very comfortably. While the Sixers were focused on Giannis, other Bucks players hit wide open threes from outside and led by 21 at half time. The fact that they made 7 extra threes made the difference. Giannis didn't have to do much as the Bucks maintained the scoring margin throughout the game. Until Embiid comes back, the Sixers have a very difficult job. He'll be back before the playoffs start, which is good news, but the Sixers need to do better while he's out.

I guess it's kind of expected that the Sixers will have a hard time getting those wins because Embiid is out for at least 2 months because of that injury. It's almost the same as the Nets when they had KD and Kyrie a few years ago. At one point, they were at the top, and when both of them got injured, they just got loss after loss until they went down to the bottom 4.

I'm not saying that the Sixers will experience the same, but they relied too much on Embiid in terms of offense that they forgot to shoot already. Too much exaggeration in that sentence, but what I mean is that no one can step on the team offensively. Not even Tobias Harris which is their supposed 2nd option on offense.

The Sixers are 3-7 in their last 10 games, and their next 5 games are kind of easy at least. They will be up against the Nets, Magic, Pistons, Spurs, Grizzlies. I just hope that they can rack up some wins now that Embiid is still out.

[Distinctin]

I watched a game for the first time since the All-Star fiasco and Milwaukee beat Philly very comfortably. While the Sixers were focused on Giannis, other Bucks players hit wide open threes from outside and led by 21 at half time. The fact that they made 7 extra threes made the difference. Giannis didn't have to do much as the Bucks maintained the scoring margin throughout the game. Until Embiid comes back, the Sixers have a very difficult job. He'll be back before the playoffs start, which is good news, but the Sixers need to do better while he's out.

I guess it's kind of expected that the Sixers will have a hard time getting those wins because Embiid is out for at least 2 months because of that injury. It's almost the same as the Nets when they had KD and Kyrie a few years ago. At one point, they were at the top, and when both of them got injured, they just got loss after loss until they went down to the bottom 4.

I'm not saying that the Sixers will experience the same, but they relied too much on Embiid in terms of offense that they forgot to shoot already. Too much exaggeration in that sentence, but what I mean is that no one can step on the team offensively. Not even Tobias Harris which is their supposed 2nd option on offense.

The Sixers are 3-7 in their last 10 games, and their next 5 games are kind of easy at least. They will be up against the Nets, Magic, Pistons, Spurs, Grizzlies. I just hope that they can rack up some wins now that Embiid is still out.

I think most teams would struggle without their best player. When Embiid was still healthy, he could score 30+ points in a single game, and I think he made 70 this season too. That really says a lot about how dependent the Sixers are on Embiid. What I like about the Sixers is that they are not forming a super team anymore, as they got better when James Harden was out. However, that was also the risk of losing Embiid, and it's not surprising at all, since Embiid has had some injury issues in the past.

Well, for now, if the Sixers fail to make it to the playoffs, then they can give that slot to a team that could really compete in the playoffs. Actually, I was thinking that the Knicks would make it to the playoffs, but recently they have been struggling, and I think without OG and Randle, this team will be like the Sixers, but a bit better.

[danherbias07]

The Golden State Warriors seem to still have to find their offensive guy. Steph Curry is changing his way of playing by becoming the screener for his teammates but the problem is the one who should be rewarded for those plays cannot shoot the ball at a high percentage.
Also, they are absolutely no match against a team whose focus is on center just like now against Nikola Jokic who scored 32 points, 16 rebounds, and 16 assists.
It's nice to see something new on a play for the Warriors but if it's not working, just go back to the old plays. Steph only made 1 of his 10 three-point shots today and it's an eyesore.
I expected the Nuggets to win that game and I actually made a bet for them, but not that high of a deficit. After the Nuggets tied the game in the first half, it all them until the end.

I watched a game for the first time since the All-Star fiasco and Milwaukee beat Philly very comfortably. While the Sixers were focused on Giannis, other Bucks players hit wide open threes from outside and led by 21 at half time. The fact that they made 7 extra threes made the difference. Giannis didn't have to do much as the Bucks maintained the scoring margin throughout the game. Until Embiid comes back, the Sixers have a very difficult job. He'll be back before the playoffs start, which is good news, but the Sixers need to do better while he's out.

Correct. Without Embiid they are lacking in offense and Tobias Harris is inconsistent so they cannot let him shoulder their offense. Their bench is not that strong, they have Buddy Hield now but that guy also played inconsistent offense in the Pacers which could be the reason why he was traded.

[Kelvinid]

Correct. Without Embiid they are lacking in offense and Tobias Harris is inconsistent so they cannot let him shoulder their offense. Their bench is not that strong, they have Buddy Hield now but that guy also played inconsistent offense in the Pacers which could be the reason why he was traded.

Whoever they add, they will struggle because the system rotates mostly on Embiid. Now he is missing due to injury, so it's expected that they will struggle. I guess that's just the fate of the Sixers now, so this early, I would say better luck next season.

No confirmation yet as to whether Embiid will come back or not, but most likely he won't make it since he'll have to undergo surgery, and it will take time to recover. Also, they will not risk him to keep his value because if they are not happy with him anymore, they can trade him.

[inthelongrun]

I watched a game for the first time since the All-Star fiasco and Milwaukee beat Philly very comfortably. While the Sixers were focused on Giannis, other Bucks players hit wide open threes from outside and led by 21 at half time. The fact that they made 7 extra threes made the difference. Giannis didn't have to do much as the Bucks maintained the scoring margin throughout the game. Until Embiid comes back, the Sixers have a very difficult job. He'll be back before the playoffs start, which is good news, but the Sixers need to do better while he's out.

It's the 3 point shooting of the BUcks that made a major difference in this game. Lillard still got his confidence after winning the 3 point shootout as he was 4-8 from that area. However, it was really Beasley who had a very impressive game with 6-7. If Bucks could keep their consistency from beyond the arc, they'll be hard to beat as they could also dominate the paint with the size of Giannis and Lopez.

Easy win by the Bucks. The Bucks were firing from all cylinders and Philly simply has no answer. Bucks scored 2 more threes with less than 9 attempts. Overall the Bucks had 7 more successful FG with less than 18 FGA. Lillard is producing better numbers nowadays after winning the MVP crown in the All Stars.

Shame I did not place a bet because of Doc's unlucky start. Nonetheless, Philly is indeed struggling to maintain its ranking since the injury of Joel Embiid. Embiid if expected to return later or in the playoffs provided the team can make it.

[FanEagle]

I watched a game for the first time since the All-Star fiasco and Milwaukee beat Philly very comfortably. While the Sixers were focused on Giannis, other Bucks players hit wide open threes from outside and led by 21 at half time. The fact that they made 7 extra threes made the difference. Giannis didn't have to do much as the Bucks maintained the scoring margin throughout the game. Until Embiid comes back, the Sixers have a very difficult job. He'll be back before the playoffs start, which is good news, but the Sixers need to do better while he's out.

Without embid sixers are a bottom team.  Embid has one of the highest usages in the NBA.  It doesn't look like Philly knows what to do without him out there.  Maxey is a nice piece but not someone who could carry a team at this point in his career.  With embid on the court this team is an issue though.  Nobody can effectively and consistently stop embid for long stretches.

That is definitely true but also true for almost every single team. Without Curry Warriors are nothing, without Lebron the Lakers would be, without Jokic Denver would be, I can continue but every team that has a star that makes them good and the rest are helping the star player out.

Sixers unfortunately lost this season, Embiid will be out whole year so Sixers are just going to end up focusing on what they can do to improve the rest of the team, that's all they can do, this year is already gone, it was already very very questionable that they could win the title with Embiid, probably wouldn't but without Embiid? It's now guaranteed that they would not. If it happened a bit earlier, they could have tanked for a pick if they had any.

[stadus]

I watched a game for the first time since the All-Star fiasco and Milwaukee beat Philly very comfortably. While the Sixers were focused on Giannis, other Bucks players hit wide open threes from outside and led by 21 at half time. The fact that they made 7 extra threes made the difference. Giannis didn't have to do much as the Bucks maintained the scoring margin throughout the game. Until Embiid comes back, the Sixers have a very difficult job. He'll be back before the playoffs start, which is good news, but the Sixers need to do better while he's out.

It's the 3 point shooting of the BUcks that made a major difference in this game. Lillard still got his confidence after winning the 3 point shootout as he was 4-8 from that area. However, it was really Beasley who had a very impressive game with 6-7. If Bucks could keep their consistency from beyond the arc, they'll be hard to beat as they could also dominate the paint with the size of Giannis and Lopez.

Easy win by the Bucks. The Bucks were firing from all cylinders and Philly simply has no answer. Bucks scored 2 more threes with less than 9 attempts. Overall the Bucks had 7 more successful FG with less than 18 FGA. Lillard is producing better numbers nowadays after winning the MVP crown in the All Stars.

Shame I did not place a bet because of Doc's unlucky start.

It's very rare to see the Bucks getting big numbers from the 3-point area. Lillard hasn't been consistent in that area and his overall field goal percentage. Probably the All-Star break was able to help them figure out how to make the right chemistry on the floor so they could make everyone work well together. I guess we will have to see again if that could happen in their next game at home against Charlotte, not a strong team, but I just like to see the 3 point shooting consistency again.

Nonetheless, Philly is indeed struggling to maintain its ranking since the injury of Joel Embiid. Embiid if expected to return later or in the playoffs provided the team can make it.

They are still at number 5 in the standings now, but their numbers are going down, 3-7 in their last 10 games, that's trouble. Embiid can't return in the playoffs as that is not safe for the team. If he wants to make this team competitive in the playoffs, he should return before the playoffs, as the longer he is out, the struggles will continue. I won't be surprised if they drop to 10th and will just play for the play-in tournament to have a chance to qualify.

For this Philly team, time is very important, and that is to get Embiid back in action, provided he's 100% already.

[Yogee]

The Golden State Warriors seem to still have to find their offensive guy. Steph Curry is changing his way of playing by becoming the screener for his teammates but the problem is the one who should be rewarded for those plays cannot shoot the ball at a high percentage.

I actually like the new approach. The veterans helping the rookies develop and have confidence in themselves can only improve the club in the long-term. They will be more of a threat during the play-in or the playoffs if they can find the right mix before the regular season ends.

[btc_angela]

The Golden State Warriors seem to still have to find their offensive guy. Steph Curry is changing his way of playing by becoming the screener for his teammates but the problem is the one who should be rewarded for those plays cannot shoot the ball at a high percentage.

I actually like the new approach. The veterans helping the rookies develop and have confidence in themselves can only improve the club in the long-term. They will be more of a threat during the play-in or the playoffs if they can find the right mix before the regular season ends.

Yes, I think him and Kerr have developed this approach in the last 10 games or so. I've noticed that Curry setting picks, even if he didn't have that frame, he is sacrificing his body so that his team mates will be open. But it's just a matter on who is going to shot for them.

So they will have to developed another program for their shooting guards to come up with a high percentage. Klay has been struggling, and I also seen Draymond pulling that 3 from time to time. And the play might change against once CP3 will be back in the rotation. The Warriors can still make it in the playoff this season though.

[wheelz1200]

The Golden State Warriors seem to still have to find their offensive guy. Steph Curry is changing his way of playing by becoming the screener for his teammates but the problem is the one who should be rewarded for those plays cannot shoot the ball at a high percentage.

I actually like the new approach. The veterans helping the rookies develop and have confidence in themselves can only improve the club in the long-term. They will be more of a threat during the play-in or the playoffs if they can find the right mix before the regular season ends.

Agreed.  He knows he needs one or 2 guys to be rock solid come playoff time.  So if he gets double or tripled they won't be hesitant to put it up there.  I know they aren't in theor prime but still having to play them as a 7 or 8 seed is a nightmare.  Playing playoff basketball in Oakland is not easy at all.

[Yogee]

The Golden State Warriors seem to still have to find their offensive guy. Steph Curry is changing his way of playing by becoming the screener for his teammates but the problem is the one who should be rewarded for those plays cannot shoot the ball at a high percentage.

I actually like the new approach. The veterans helping the rookies develop and have confidence in themselves can only improve the club in the long-term. They will be more of a threat during the play-in or the playoffs if they can find the right mix before the regular season ends.

Yes, I think him and Kerr have developed this approach in the last 10 games or so. I've noticed that Curry setting picks, even if he didn't have that frame, he is sacrificing his body so that his team mates will be open. But it's just a matter on who is going to shot for them.

So they will have to developed another program for their shooting guards to come up with a high percentage. Klay has been struggling, and I also seen Draymond pulling that 3 from time to time.

It's more noticeable now since they do it more often but I think it started earlier. I'm pretty sure you can see some clips of him setting up screens last season. If it was during their last 10 games then it must be working since they're 8-2.

And the play might change against once CP3 will be back in the rotation.

I hope not. I can imagine a slower pace when he's the PG.

The Warriors can still make it in the playoff this season though.

Yes they can but so can the other strong teams.

[...]
Agreed.  He knows he needs one or 2 guys to be rock solid come playoff time.  So if he gets double or tripled they won't be hesitant to put it up there.

Yes. If the guys around him are confident in taking those shots then they become more unpredicatble.

[Captain Corporate]

Lakers and Warriors are having trouble going higher because everyone at the western conference at the top ten are at positive results right now. Worst ones are 6-4 in the last 10 games, with bunch of 7-3 and even 8-2 is there. Usually you do not get ALL of them doing this well, some do well and some do badly but this time its not like that at all. In the end, we are seeing it grow and that's the most important part, we should be thanking the basketball gods that its making it so wonderful. I personally believe that we are not really seeing any big changes. Unfortunately, we will see some teams not do this well until the end of the season. Play-in could be very fun this way though.

[TravelMug]

Ugly game between the Knicks and the Pistons. Detroit almost got this one, there was a lot of contact down the stretch that the referee didn't call. Another case of bad officiating, Scramble for the rebound, Grimes get it to Fontecchio, but there was a contact but the referee didn't call and in the ensuing play, the Pistons was able to get the ball through a steal but then again, when they are going into their homecourt, again, lot of contact but there was no whistle for the referee. Too bad for the Pistons, I thought that they are going win this game when they had 1 point lead in the last 7 seconds or so.

[Yaunfitda]

Lakers and Warriors are having trouble going higher because everyone at the western conference at the top ten are at positive results right now. Worst ones are 6-4 in the last 10 games, with bunch of 7-3 and even 8-2 is there. Usually you do not get ALL of them doing this well, some do well and some do badly but this time its not like that at all. In the end, we are seeing it grow and that's the most important part, we should be thanking the basketball gods that its making it so wonderful. I personally believe that we are not really seeing any big changes. Unfortunately, we will see some teams not do this well until the end of the season. Play-in could be very fun this way though.

It did change a lot, as Warriors and the Lakers are below the standing and so someone will really have to take their place in the top. No offense, but it's a surprised to see Timberwolves and the OKC at the top of the Western standings. But as I have said, it's the changing of the guards now, we might see the last of the dynasty in the Warriors as they are getting old every season and they are facing a lot of challenges right now. But for the top 2 teams, the real test for them is the playoff. As far as I remember, they haven't been in the playoff for sometime, so this season will be different for the organizations and we will see how tough they are come playoff time.

[gagux123]

I guess it's kind of expected that the Sixers will have a hard time getting those wins because Embiid is out for at least 2 months because of that injury. It's almost the same as the Nets when they had KD and Kyrie a few years ago. At one point, they were at the top, and when both of them got injured, they just got loss after loss until they went down to the bottom 4.

I'm not saying that the Sixers will experience the same, but they relied too much on Embiid in terms of offense that they forgot to shoot already. Too much exaggeration in that sentence, but what I mean is that no one can step on the team offensively. Not even Tobias Harris which is their supposed 2nd option on offense.

The Sixers are 3-7 in their last 10 games, and their next 5 games are kind of easy at least. They will be up against the Nets, Magic, Pistons, Spurs, Grizzlies. I just hope that they can rack up some wins now that Embiid is still out.

The difference that Embiid makes on the team is clear, but I confess that some players for example, Maxey, Oubre Jr., Hield and others has been performing well , but it is not necessary to reduce the difference that the Sixers are having in the last 10 games (3-7).
I confess that I was surprised by the performance of the Philadelphia 76ers playing against the Cavaliers, there were two games and in those games the Sixers beat the Cavs.
I'll be curious to see the Sixers vs Celtics game at TD Garden today.

[danherbias07]

The Golden State Warriors seem to still have to find their offensive guy. Steph Curry is changing his way of playing by becoming the screener for his teammates but the problem is the one who should be rewarded for those plays cannot shoot the ball at a high percentage.

I actually like the new approach. The veterans helping the rookies develop and have confidence in themselves can only improve the club in the long-term. They will be more of a threat during the play-in or the playoffs if they can find the right mix before the regular season ends.

I like it too and there are times it is successful but maybe they are abusing those kinds of plays and they need to go back to where Curry is the center of the play because those are also successful one. I don't know, maybe they are just having a hard time balancing it all and maybe the play is new that's why it's not much appreciated yet. Curry as the screener is a damn good play because he can absorb 2 players after that and someone will always be free but then, they need to be accurate with their shots. Because it will all be a waste if they cannot even shoot the ball.

Yes, I think him and Kerr have developed this approach in the last 10 games or so. I've noticed that Curry setting picks, even if he didn't have that frame, he is sacrificing his body so that his team mates will be open. But it's just a matter on who is going to shot for them.

So they will have to developed another program for their shooting guards to come up with a high percentage. Klay has been struggling, and I also seen Draymond pulling that 3 from time to time. And the play might change against once CP3 will be back in the rotation. The Warriors can still make it in the playoff this season though.

Yeah, that's what I am saying. It's a matter of who will be good enough to shoot that ball after the screen.
Wiggins is also struggling. Kuminga is the only one who could do perimeters but his confidence is still building up. I like Saric but he is not given enough minutes to get hot.
Draymond is also hesitant at shooting even if he is free, he likes to pass it more than shoot. It all comes back to Curry. Their new guys need to be reminded that they can shoot the ball too because Curry will surely be having 2 players defending him after the pick.