2024 NBA Season

[agustina2]

Without the play-ins, many teams would've rested their main players with minor injuries to heal and give way to the other players.

I guess that statement can only applied in the Eastern Conference where as always, you can see there's not much close competition for the bottom playoff spot. Before the involvement of the Play-in tournament, the Eastern Conference is always like that. Even though there are still several games remaining in the season, if the team doesn't have a chance now to enter the playoffs, key players are now sitting out or just having a limited time of playing.

Different from the Western Conference every season, you can see teams are battling closely with each other and even those teams from 9th spot to 12 spot can still change the final playoffs lineup. And become more interesting and thrilling because of the addition of a play-in tournament.

[Heartilly]

Kyrie is a good player, noone can deny that. He's just not really a team player IMO.

You are right, the Kyrie we have known since then is more on solo play.

But here at the Dallas Mavericks, many have doubted that Kyrie isn't fit with Luka since they are both ISO players. I'm one of those doubters and want Kyrie to be traded instead as I think he will just destroy the chemistry of the Mavericks. But that was all changed and I think Luka gives way as a playmaker for Kyrie. Since teams knew that Kyrie always acted solo on most plays, he was sometimes doubled or tripled on defense, and that made other scorers of the Mavericks always free at the perimeter.

That's why it didn't work with Lebron for too long, didn't work with KD,

There is a personal issue between Lebron James and Kyrie Irving that's why the latter asked for a trade. But before that, their Cleveland Cavaliers championship year is great proof that if LBJ and Kyrie work together as a team, they are a threat.

He also had personal issues with the Brooklyn Nets (a crybaby lol) before that's why he didn't work well with Kevin Durant back then. Then later on, Durant also had an issue with the management there and the rest is history.

[dwyane36]

If they manage to get that many wins, it would be quite successful for them. The only remaining games that look easy are the jazz games. We can also count Portland. Because all the other teams have the possibility of being in the playoffs. So I wouldn't be surprised if they only get 3 wins in the last 10 games, even though they are such a fired up and fit team and they are having a great streak. Rockets did amazingly lately but it cannot go forever. If Jalen Green continues to play at this level, my level of respect will be very very high.

It's worth noting that the Rockets were lucky enough to continue their winning streak, as they won their last game versus the Jazz by just 1 point. I think the next two games versus the Mavs and Wolves will be tough for the Rockets and will probably be decisive in terms of whether the Rockets can make the play-in tournament or not.

[avp2306]

If they manage to get that many wins, it would be quite successful for them. The only remaining games that look easy are the jazz games. We can also count Portland. Because all the other teams have the possibility of being in the playoffs. So I wouldn't be surprised if they only get 3 wins in the last 10 games, even though they are such a fired up and fit team and they are having a great streak. Rockets did amazingly lately but it cannot go forever. If Jalen Green continues to play at this level, my level of respect will be very very high.

It's worth noting that the Rockets were lucky enough to continue their winning streak, as they won their last game versus the Jazz by just 1 point. I think the next two games versus the Mavs and Wolves will be tough for the Rockets and will probably be decisive in terms of whether the Rockets can make the play-in tournament or not.

Just imagine about what will happen if they could able to defeat Mavs and Wolves then continue their winning streak then provably with that they have huge chance to replace Warriors at 10 spot on standings. Although this is really though since that two teams is more stronger than them but who knows their hot streak will lift their confidence and they can able to surpass these two teams then can continue their winning streak. I'm more excited for Rockets to get a play in spot than Warriors since there inconsistency is so stressful for their fans and they are bit disarranged this season also their starts is quiet inconsistent that's why they suffer from big losses. Although they are now in 3 win streak but that doesn't mean they are already fine.

[dimonstration]

If they manage to get that many wins, it would be quite successful for them. The only remaining games that look easy are the jazz games. We can also count Portland. Because all the other teams have the possibility of being in the playoffs. So I wouldn't be surprised if they only get 3 wins in the last 10 games, even though they are such a fired up and fit team and they are having a great streak. Rockets did amazingly lately but it cannot go forever. If Jalen Green continues to play at this level, my level of respect will be very very high.

It's worth noting that the Rockets were lucky enough to continue their winning streak, as they won their last game versus the Jazz by just 1 point. I think the next two games versus the Mavs and Wolves will be tough for the Rockets and will probably be decisive in terms of whether the Rockets can make the play-in tournament or not.

I check both Rockets and Warriors schedules recently. They have similar schedule for opponent team which is both Mavs and Wolves that are both in competition to secure a better spot on playoffs. I think both of them will benefit if they kick out Warriors on the playoffs by beating it on their upcoming matchup and purposely lose on Rockets because Warriors might be their problem in the playoffs.

This is just my speculation but I believe Warriors will be having a rough time getting past Mavs or Wolves on their next game. 

[Heartilly]

Just imagine about what will happen if they could able to defeat Mavs and Wolves then continue their winning streak then provably with that they have huge chance to replace Warriors at 10 spot on standings. Although this is really though since that two teams is more stronger than them but who knows their hot streak will lift their confidence and they can able to surpass these two teams then can continue their winning streak.

I can't imagine that the Rockets will be able to pass the Mavericks. They met a couple of times this season and although the Rockets were able to defeat the Mavericks at one of those meetups, the Mavericks didn't have Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Daniel Gafford, and P.J. Washington in that game while the Rockets were playing at their full healthy lineup. The Timberwolves recently destroyed one of the top teams too, the Denver Nuggets, and they will be really a tough team to beat for the Rockets.

Confidence is not enough for the Rockets to win but as you said and I agree with, who knows?

If you are a risky bettor, you can put some extras betting on the Rockets' Moneyline and point spread. I'm sure the odds for them will be juicy.

[Viscore]

Just imagine about what will happen if they could able to defeat Mavs and Wolves then continue their winning streak then provably with that they have huge chance to replace Warriors at 10 spot on standings. Although this is really though since that two teams is more stronger than them but who knows their hot streak will lift their confidence and they can able to surpass these two teams then can continue their winning streak.

I can't imagine that the Rockets will be able to pass the Mavericks. They met a couple of times this season and although the Rockets were able to defeat the Mavericks at one of those meetups, the Mavericks didn't have Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Daniel Gafford, and P.J. Washington in that game while the Rockets were playing at their full healthy lineup. The Timberwolves recently destroyed one of the top teams too, the Denver Nuggets, and they will be really a tough team to beat for the Rockets.

Confidence is not enough for the Rockets to win but as you said and I agree with, who knows?

If you are a risky bettor, you can put some extras betting on the Rockets' Moneyline and point spread. I'm sure the odds for them will be juicy.

At this point, there's no impossible for the Rockets as they are the hottest team in the NBA now. Betting on moneyline is still good, they might be the underdog but at least you are getting enough value since their confidence is too high that they can beat any team they'll play with. Just think about this, if an undermanned Hawks beat the Celtics twice, how much more a healthy Rockets who are streaking hot?

[wheelz1200]

Just imagine about what will happen if they could able to defeat Mavs and Wolves then continue their winning streak then provably with that they have huge chance to replace Warriors at 10 spot on standings. Although this is really though since that two teams is more stronger than them but who knows their hot streak will lift their confidence and they can able to surpass these two teams then can continue their winning streak.

I can't imagine that the Rockets will be able to pass the Mavericks. They met a couple of times this season and although the Rockets were able to defeat the Mavericks at one of those meetups, the Mavericks didn't have Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Daniel Gafford, and P.J. Washington in that game while the Rockets were playing at their full healthy lineup. The Timberwolves recently destroyed one of the top teams too, the Denver Nuggets, and they will be really a tough team to beat for the Rockets.

Confidence is not enough for the Rockets to win but as you said and I agree with, who knows?

If you are a risky bettor, you can put some extras betting on the Rockets' Moneyline and point spread. I'm sure the odds for them will be juicy.

I'm thinking the same thing.  I laid in on Dallas and believe it or not Dallas was still favored by 2.5 points.   Houston can't win every game from here on out amd I think these next 2 games might not go there way.  With a healthy Dallas team I just think it's a bad matchup for them.  Luka should cook today.

[danherbias07]

If they manage to get that many wins, it would be quite successful for them. The only remaining games that look easy are the jazz games. We can also count Portland. Because all the other teams have the possibility of being in the playoffs. So I wouldn't be surprised if they only get 3 wins in the last 10 games, even though they are such a fired up and fit team and they are having a great streak. Rockets did amazingly lately but it cannot go forever. If Jalen Green continues to play at this level, my level of respect will be very very high.

It's worth noting that the Rockets were lucky enough to continue their winning streak, as they won their last game versus the Jazz by just 1 point. I think the next two games versus the Mavs and Wolves will be tough for the Rockets and will probably be decisive in terms of whether the Rockets can make the play-in tournament or not.

11 consecutive wins. Scary.
They are playing really hard after I watched their last game. And yeah, their games against the Mavs will probably tell if they can survive this battle of trying to reach the spot for a play-in tournament and a chance for playoffs even without Alperen Sengun.
Houston Rockets is strong as long as everyone will contribute and Jalen Green is locked in. He had been playing a phenomenal game ever since Sengun was injured. I think it gave him more chance to receive the ball and I am glad that is not wasting the opportunity.
It's not just his offense but his defense too. In the last 7 games he had been filling the stats on blocks or steals and I think the whole Rockets team is being dragged by his energy on both ends of the floor. It can be contagious.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

If they manage to get that many wins, it would be quite successful for them. The only remaining games that look easy are the jazz games. We can also count Portland. Because all the other teams have the possibility of being in the playoffs. So I wouldn't be surprised if they only get 3 wins in the last 10 games, even though they are such a fired up and fit team and they are having a great streak. Rockets did amazingly lately but it cannot go forever. If Jalen Green continues to play at this level, my level of respect will be very very high.

It's worth noting that the Rockets were lucky enough to continue their winning streak, as they won their last game versus the Jazz by just 1 point. I think the next two games versus the Mavs and Wolves will be tough for the Rockets and will probably be decisive in terms of whether the Rockets can make the play-in tournament or not.

11 consecutive wins. Scary.
They are playing really hard after I watched their last game. And yeah, their games against the Mavs will probably tell if they can survive this battle of trying to reach the spot for a play-in tournament and a chance for playoffs even without Alperen Sengun.
Houston Rockets is strong as long as everyone will contribute and Jalen Green is locked in. He had been playing a phenomenal game ever since Sengun was injured. I think it gave him more chance to receive the ball and I am glad that is not wasting the opportunity.
It's not just his offense but his defense too. In the last 7 games he had been filling the stats on blocks or steals and I think the whole Rockets team is being dragged by his energy on both ends of the floor. It can be contagious.

Well when the team is in a dire or pressing situation, someone will have to really take it and that's what Jalen Green is doing for the Rockets in their winning streak. He has to take over as their main out is out already. And it's good the Ime has given Green the greenlight here, as he proved that he can be their franchise player as this is what the plan if I'm not mistaken. It's not Jalen is somewhat not being recognized by their previous coach. But Udoka is a great coach, regardless of his issues before. And good motivator too as we have seen when he was with the Boston Celtics as he was able to get the best out of Tatum and Brown.

[Yogee]

[....]
I think both of them will benefit if they kick out Warriors on the playoffs by beating it on their upcoming matchup and purposely lose on Rockets because Warriors might be their problem in the playoffs.

Any of the top ten teams in the West is a problem. Warriors is probably the least of their concern right now since that team is still struggling to secure their spot in the play-in. They will also have to go through the Lakers if they manage to beat the Rockets in 10th place.

[Fredomago]

If they manage to get that many wins, it would be quite successful for them. The only remaining games that look easy are the jazz games. We can also count Portland. Because all the other teams have the possibility of being in the playoffs. So I wouldn't be surprised if they only get 3 wins in the last 10 games, even though they are such a fired up and fit team and they are having a great streak. Rockets did amazingly lately but it cannot go forever. If Jalen Green continues to play at this level, my level of respect will be very very high.

It's worth noting that the Rockets were lucky enough to continue their winning streak, as they won their last game versus the Jazz by just 1 point. I think the next two games versus the Mavs and Wolves will be tough for the Rockets and will probably be decisive in terms of whether the Rockets can make the play-in tournament or not.

11 consecutive wins. Scary.
They are playing really hard after I watched their last game. And yeah, their games against the Mavs will probably tell if they can survive this battle of trying to reach the spot for a play-in tournament and a chance for playoffs even without Alperen Sengun.
Houston Rockets is strong as long as everyone will contribute and Jalen Green is locked in. He had been playing a phenomenal game ever since Sengun was injured. I think it gave him more chance to receive the ball and I am glad that is not wasting the opportunity.
It's not just his offense but his defense too. In the last 7 games he had been filling the stats on blocks or steals and I think the whole Rockets team is being dragged by his energy on both ends of the floor. It can be contagious.

A kind of trust the team is given him is something similar with the Wolves, while KAT is out AE is taking over and I guess same with AE, Green is really performing as his best filling the shoe and like what you said, both offense and defense he's adjusting and he's bringing that attitude to boost his squad.

Still a close campaign for both Rockets and Warriors, both teams needs every game to win and they are not wasting any opportunities that's open for them, Warriors will play Spurs while Rockets will be playing against Mavs today, surely they will be test here as Mavs is also trying to secure their playoff spot let see if Rockets will continue their winning streaks.

[MK-74]

Houston Rockets - Dallas Maverick game will start in a little while.
Houston Rockets have an 11-game winning streak, which could come to an end tonight or they could extend it to 12.
Houston Rockets are one of the surprise teams of this year.
I think it will be an enjoyable game.

[boltz]

I don't want to be rude but my personal opinion about Warriors this season is that they don't deserve to secure play-in tournament and I think it's because of how Draymond Green chose to play this season and also he tried a lot to simply ruin a lot of games for Curry. Now , this might be a very critique opinion but this is how I see the situation and hopefully they will prove me wrong but Rockets are flying right now and they don't seems to slow until they secure play-in spot.  

[vennali]

The Lakers had a hot start, scoring 31 in the first quarter while being brilliant defensively as well. They contained the Nets at their home to only 11 points in the quarter. While keeping the Nets scoreless while the Lakers had scored 17. The Lakers looking good to qualify for the Play in's as a worst case scenario. Nets are just 1 place off the mark, standing at 11th in the eastern conference. They could use a win but this one's looking dire.

[Dave1]

I think we will see that the winning streak of Houston Rockets are going to be broken.

Luka is playing playoff, 44 points already and counting, and he is throwing every move that you can find in the book and no one can guard him. While on the other hand, the Warriors is leading against the Spurs and so if the trend continues, they will make at least a good separation between them and the Rockets and then we will enter wherein this two are going to play against each other on April 5.

[Oasisman]

Less than 10 games already for most of the teams. It's the first time I appreciate this new play-in system. It makes the games better since some of the bottom teams are still playing hard for a chance to enter the playoffs. Without the play-ins, many teams would've rested their main players with minor injuries to heal and give way to the other players.

That's exactly why the play-ins were created, to maintain the season's competitiveness from the start to finish. Look at how the teams from 5th seed down to the 11th seed in the Western Conference, they are tightly competing for either a secured spot in the playoffs or secure a spot for the play-ins. Lakers, Warriors, and Rockets are now has a close competition to secure a play-ins spot, with the Rockets and Warriors being close to each other with 2-3 games apart. Every game left for these 3 teams are a must, otherwise one of these teams will get behind and drop to the 11th seed. The Rockets are on 11th winning streak, so the Warriors must watch out as they need to get a consistent W's before the season ends.

[TravelMug]

Less than 10 games already for most of the teams. It's the first time I appreciate this new play-in system. It makes the games better since some of the bottom teams are still playing hard for a chance to enter the playoffs. Without the play-ins, many teams would've rested their main players with minor injuries to heal and give way to the other players.

That's exactly why the play-ins were created, to maintain the season's competitiveness from the start to finish. Look at how the teams from 5th seed down to the 11th seed in the Western Conference, they are tightly competing for either a secured spot in the playoffs or secure a spot for the play-ins. Lakers, Warriors, and Rockets are now has a close competition to secure a play-ins spot, with the Rockets and Warriors being close to each other with 2-3 games apart. Every game left for these 3 teams are a must, otherwise one of these teams will get behind and drop to the 11th seed. The Rockets are on 11th winning streak, so the Warriors must watch out as they need to get a consistent W's before the season ends.

Yes, a must win situation but tonight's game between the Rockets and Dallas is not looking good for them, unless they make a huge comeback. They are currently down 20 points. And Jalen Green must have been tired already as he is way below in points in their winning run. And if I'm not mistaken, at the start of the game, I see that that the Rockets are the slim favorite. But for those who have caught on the live betting, they could have betting on the Mavs with a 2.x odds and it will be good for Mavs backers. The Warriors vs Spurs are still far from over, Spurs are coming back in this game and let's see if Warriors are going to choke because I have a feeling that they will (hopefully, I'm wrong).

[danherbias07]

Houston Rockets - Dallas Maverick game will start in a little while.
Houston Rockets have an 11-game winning streak, which could come to an end tonight or they could extend it to 12.
Houston Rockets are one of the surprise teams of this year.
I think it will be an enjoyable game.

Dallas Mavericks stopped their winning streak and they will be the ones continuing theirs. 7th winning streak for the Mavs after that win.
Luka Doncic is a monster, there's just no stopping that guy on the offensive end. And to make it worse for the Rockets, Kyrie also found his rhythm and scored 24 points whenever Luka was getting his rest. It will not be easy to stop these guys. They might be the strongest star duo in the league right now. The Mavs are now in the 5th place in the Western Conference rankings tied with the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Pelicans will have a tough 2 games at their home. Against the Suns and then the Magic.
The Mavs on the other hand might get a win in their next two games against the Warriors (road) and Hawks (home). If the Warriors do not compete at the same level as the Mavs on the offensive end, then the Mavs will put a gap against the Pels.

[inthelongrun]

Less than 10 games already for most of the teams. It's the first time I appreciate this new play-in system. It makes the games better since some of the bottom teams are still playing hard for a chance to enter the playoffs. Without the play-ins, many teams would've rested their main players with minor injuries to heal and give way to the other players.

That's exactly why the play-ins were created, to maintain the season's competitiveness from the start to finish. Look at how the teams from 5th seed down to the 11th seed in the Western Conference, they are tightly competing for either a secured spot in the playoffs or secure a spot for the play-ins. Lakers, Warriors, and Rockets are now has a close competition to secure a play-ins spot, with the Rockets and Warriors being close to each other with 2-3 games apart. Every game left for these 3 teams are a must, otherwise one of these teams will get behind and drop to the 11th seed. The Rockets are on 11th winning streak, so the Warriors must watch out as they need to get a consistent W's before the season ends.

Yes, a must win situation but tonight's game between the Rockets and Dallas is not looking good for them, unless they make a huge comeback. They are currently down 20 points. And Jalen Green must have been tired already as he is way below in points in their winning run. And if I'm not mistaken, at the start of the game, I see that that the Rockets are the slim favorite. But for those who have caught on the live betting, they could have betting on the Mavs with a 2.x odds and it will be good for Mavs backers. The Warriors vs Spurs are still far from over, Spurs are coming back in this game and let's see if Warriors are going to choke because I have a feeling that they will (hopefully, I'm wrong).

That was a heart-breaking loss in Houston. They were completely humiliated by the Mavericks right from the start. Jalen Green and Brooks were shut downed while Luka was unstoppable inside and outside with a huge 47 points.

I was hoping for the Warriors to lose because their game with the Spurs was close. In the end GSW won and is now leading 2 victories over Houston. The Lakers are also in winning mode and is chasing for Sacramento's current spot.

Dallas is already in its 7th win streak and has a serious case of dropping the Clippers from the 4th spot. This end of season games are one of the best I've seen in recent years. The play-ins is becoming a factor.