2024 NBA Season

[Kelvinid]

No Steph Curry, no Andrew Wiggins, no problem.

Klay Thompson in the first half and then Jonathan Kuminga in the second half. Both players are explosive today to win against the young undermanned Utah Jazz. Kuminga was out for 6 games and came back full of energy. Commentators thought he was going to be rusty but that's not the case. He is moving and doing what he is good at, attacking the paint, rebounding, and being a defensive player. That young guy sure has a good future ahead as long as he can keep up this kind of pace and I bet the Warriors will keep him for a long time.

Spreads on the hand were not covered. -10.5 was the starting spread and the garbage time messed it up. Ergh!

Slowly, Klay Thompson is having his shooting rhythm and that is a good sign for the Warriors. And Kuminga is out in their last couple of games and the good thing is that Wiggins is also back in his mentally that's why they are in winning streak just snap by the Mavs. And now that Kuminga is back, it's a balance attack from the Warriors and they are known to be a good home team. Solid 10th place for them now for a play-in. It's just who will the Warriors going to face. But it's more likely that it will be the Lakers who are also playing great in their last 10 games.

Good for him but it will be better if he can deliver every game. The thing is, he is still inconsistent until now.

@ dallas 16 points 7/17
Vs houston 29 points 7/11
vs dallas 14 points 5/14
@spurs 13 points 5/13
@ orlando 15 points 6/13

Only on the games vs houston and vs the Jazz where he scored 20+ points. And based on the last 5 games (excluding Jazz), Thompson seemed to struggle on road games scoring less than 20 points in average.

[1714695014]

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[püsür]

What happened to the Rockets? It turns out my predictions for the Rockets were correct; they only won around 1-3 games in their last ten games. From 10-game winning streak, they are now 10-5. It's a shame; if they had continued winning, they could have still made it to the Play-in tournament. But now, they're completely out for the play-in tournament. What do you think, if Alperen Sengun didn't miss the remaining games will Rockets make even the Play-In Tournament? Better next time for the Houston Rockets!

When they lost to the Nuggets thus snapping their winning streak, I think most of them got tired already, and losing to the Warriors next when there was hype on that game, and even one Rockets have a shirt saying Warriors come to play or something and they they lost, I think that is the final nail in the coffin for them.

But as what we have said, they've shown that they can be a team to reckon with. So next season, maybe we will see a different Rockets when Sengun is back and they learn a lot from their winning streak this season.

You know there is quite a debate among Houston fans about Sengun returning. Some fans said after he got injured, team got better and Sengun was slowing them down. After a very comfortable fixture and a winning streak, they made Alperen Sengun a topic of discussion, but when they played some tough teams we saw that they needed Sengun. Sengün, fred vanvleet, dillon brooks, jeff green, and maybe cam whitmore are the ones who contribute to the team IMO. Rest are more harmful than contributing to the team. They should send them, especially jalen green, use many of them in trades and continue their way with an intelligent shooting guard and a solid power forward.

[Fredomago]

In that Pelicans win, I think they are also pushing their capabilities, knowing that keeping the spot for the playoff is important whoever awaits them they just need to work on it and try to win the series.

Pelicans needs to ensure they'll be in the playoffs so they will be playing a 7 game series, that way also they have a chance to have Ingram back if he would recover in time, which would help to increase their chances. If they will finish at the number 4 and Suns will be at 5, I'd say that would be a great series as Pelicans will gain the home court advantage and they have proven they can beat the Suns even without Ingram, so good match up for them.

That's something that can only be concluded when the series starts, we know by the fact that playoffs is another level of competitions, unlike with the regular season where you can let losses to passed by and try to bounce back and re-try to win, it's a win or go on vacation in a much earlier time, and thinking about the Suns which is also trying to keep their position and desiring to reach the finals, it would be a decent competitions if ever your assessment happened.

Though still unsure about the position and who will be the team that will reach the playoffs, anything still possible to happen, let see if who among those heavy favorites that will climbed up.

[Yogee]

[...]
Pelicans needs to ensure they'll be in the playoffs so they will be playing a 7 game series, that way also they have a chance to have Ingram back if he would recover in time, which would help to increase their chances.

Let's look at their last four games,
- Blazers
- King
- Warriors
- Lakers

Tough road ahead for them but let's also compare it with the other teams competing for the 6th spot,

Suns vs
- Clippers (2x)
- Kings
- Wolves

Kings vs
- Thunders
- Pelicans
- Suns
- Blazers

Lakers vs
- Warriors
- Grizzlies
- Pelicans

It's as if the NBA drew this perfectly hehe.

If they will finish at the number 4 and Suns will be at 5, I'd say that would be a great series as Pelicans will gain the home court advantage and they have proven they can beat the Suns even without Ingram, so good match up for them.

I have my money on the Suns if these two teams end up playing against each other in the playoffs. I doubt Zion could compete in all games.

[Japinat]

The odds are updated 3 days ago. I just like to ask the gamblers here, is it worth to take a team that is at least +1000 to win a championship?

As of that date, here are the championship odds.

Who Is Favored To Win The 2023-24 NBA Championship?
Team   Odds
Boston Celtics   +170
Denver Nuggets   +350
Los Angeles Clippers   +750
Milwaukee Bucks   +750
Oklahoma City Thunder   +1400
Phoenix Suns   +2300
Dallas Mavericks   +2500
Philadelphia 76ers   +2700
Minnesota Timberwolves   +3000
Cleveland Cavaliers   +3700
Miami Heat   +4300
Los Angeles Lakers   +4500
New York Knicks   +6000
Golden State Warriors   +6500
New Orleans Pelicans   +7000
Indiana Pacers   +12000
Sacramento Kings   +12000
Orlando Magic   +18000

source : https://www.oddsshark.com/nba/championship-odds

You can also check with your respective sportsbooks.

[danherbias07]

No Steph Curry, no Andrew Wiggins, no problem.

Klay Thompson in the first half and then Jonathan Kuminga in the second half. Both players are explosive today to win against the young undermanned Utah Jazz. Kuminga was out for 6 games and came back full of energy. Commentators thought he was going to be rusty but that's not the case. He is moving and doing what he is good at, attacking the paint, rebounding, and being a defensive player. That young guy sure has a good future ahead as long as he can keep up this kind of pace and I bet the Warriors will keep him for a long time.

Spreads on the hand were not covered. -10.5 was the starting spread and the garbage time messed it up. Ergh!

Klay was on fire at the first half, that was the Klay I know, he can explode anytime. It doesn't matter if the spread wasn't cover at least they still win. Anyway, I think they are already contended with their ranking as the probably the best rank they'll finish is either 9 or 10 which will play in a do or die game. They need to conserve their energy, make that do or die game a win for them to have a chance for another do or die game. This is hard for the Warriors but they should pass all this if they want to be in the playoffs.

It matters for those who made a bet because the line won't change as the Warriors kept the lead until the end of the game so even live bettors cannot find the opportunity to take a lower spread. If only the bench protected the lead at the last minute garbage time, it could've been a happy time for gamblers.

But you are right, they badly needed the win, and the Lakers lost (Anthony Davis hurt in the first quarter and did not come back) against the Timberwolves which means there's a chance we will see a repeat in the play-in tournament where GSW met the Lakers and I can still remember what Lebron did back then. The one-eyed three-pointer.

Anyway, I thought the Pelicans will just keep  losing, but they break their streak and beat the red hot Suns, now they are tied in ranking but they can still reclaim that 6.

Zion and CJ somehow found their offense and they answered everything the Suns will throw to them. Good game from the Pelicans.

[wiss19]

Considering we are getting very near the end of the season, every team is trying their best, even teams who are not that great end up playing their best ball in order to get a better seeding, or at least keep their seed. It's important to realize that these are all great players who sometimes have bad periods but when they do play, they are so good.

Klay may have seen like not a great player all season long, at least not the player we remember that well, not the dude with sixty points in three quarters type of game, or thirty seven in one quarter, those are Klay too and what saw this season wasn't that Klay. But he showed this game again that if he needs to be, he can still be that Klay when needed and that's what matters in the playoffs.

[Baofeng]

Considering we are getting very near the end of the season, every team is trying their best, even teams who are not that great end up playing their best ball in order to get a better seeding, or at least keep their seed. It's important to realize that these are all great players who sometimes have bad periods but when they do play, they are so good.

Klay may have seen like not a great player all season long, at least not the player we remember that well, not the dude with sixty points in three quarters type of game, or thirty seven in one quarter, those are Klay too and what saw this season wasn't that Klay. But he showed this game again that if he needs to be, he can still be that Klay when needed and that's what matters in the playoffs.

Klay is still a great shooter and scorer, and with a player of his caliber, just a matter of time before he catches fire and lately he has been average a decent close to 20 points if I'm not mistaken. He might not be the the prime Klay, but he is still very dangerous at any game and could win the game for them.

This is good for the Warriors and their fans to see Klay before the season end becoming the Splash Brother that he is known to be. It's going to be a great match if they and the Lakers are going to face for the play-in.

[Jating]

Yeah, and just imagine if the Warriors won against the Mavs, but then with that win, the Mavs moves up and bump down Phoenix. So it's going to be a crazy ending in the Western conference in the last 5-7 remaining games this season.

The wild Western Conference is amid unpredictable matches and it's best to consider that the number 6 and 9 teams are already in the playoffs but they still have unexpected outcomes in their remaining games. As we all see, the Lakers are not giving up easy games these days and they using their remaining games for a chance to climb further up they have a high chance to do that since they are all healthy and giving it all their best to secure their spot. I wonder how will it turn up if they win against all their remaining games and the others lose it somehow, this is a crucial phase now and everyone's eyes are on the West right now since the East is more likely already settled.

Lakers lost though. Mavs has move to 5th spot already, Pels and Suns are tied for the 6th-7th spot and then we have the Kings, Lakers and then the Warriors. So I do agree that the remaining games are still very important to any of this teams. But the Warriors aim is to at least goes to the play-in and they have accomplished it already as Houston is out of the race with another defeat last night.

They give the Warriors though some anxious moments. But as we have said, the Warriors has the DNA of a champion and so they were able to stay focus, Klay and Kuminga manage to do the damage in their game against the Jazz.

But they will be facing the Lakers next, it could be without AD as he got poked again in the eyes by Kyle Anderson. This game though could be a preview of their play-in games so this is going to be a great game.

[inthelongrun]

Considering we are getting very near the end of the season, every team is trying their best, even teams who are not that great end up playing their best ball in order to get a better seeding, or at least keep their seed. It's important to realize that these are all great players who sometimes have bad periods but when they do play, they are so good.

Klay may have seen like not a great player all season long, at least not the player we remember that well, not the dude with sixty points in three quarters type of game, or thirty seven in one quarter, those are Klay too and what saw this season wasn't that Klay. But he showed this game again that if he needs to be, he can still be that Klay when needed and that's what matters in the playoffs.

Klay is still a great shooter and scorer, and with a player of his caliber, just a matter of time before he catches fire and lately he has been average a decent close to 20 points if I'm not mistaken. He might not be the the prime Klay, but he is still very dangerous at any game and could win the game for them.

This is good for the Warriors and their fans to see Klay before the season end becoming the Splash Brother that he is known to be. It's going to be a great match if they and the Lakers are going to face for the play-in.

Interesting game tomorrow. It will be battle for the 9th place between the Lakers and GSW. The Lakers are playing at home so they'll stay the favorites.

So it will be a rematch then in ever both the Lakers and GSW are facing each other in the play-in. If I'm correct they played against each other during the first introduction of the play-in games in the NBA where the Lakers won. I still favor the Lakers this time but it will be a little closer in the odds because GSW are playing great recently. Klay is past his prime but these experienced players will do great in the after-regular season games.

[Oasisman]

Yeah, and just imagine if the Warriors won against the Mavs, but then with that win, the Mavs moves up and bump down Phoenix. So it's going to be a crazy ending in the Western conference in the last 5-7 remaining games this season.

The wild Western Conference is amid unpredictable matches and it's best to consider that the number 6 and 9 teams are already in the playoffs but they still have unexpected outcomes in their remaining games. As we all see, the Lakers are not giving up easy games these days and they using their remaining games for a chance to climb further up they have a high chance to do that since they are all healthy and giving it all their best to secure their spot. I wonder how will it turn up if they win against all their remaining games and the others lose it somehow, this is a crucial phase now and everyone's eyes are on the West right now since the East is more likely already settled.

Lakers lost though. Mavs has move to 5th spot already, Pels and Suns are tied for the 6th-7th spot and then we have the Kings, Lakers and then the Warriors. So I do agree that the remaining games are still very important to any of this teams. But the Warriors aim is to at least goes to the play-in and they have accomplished it already as Houston is out of the race with another defeat last night.

But they will be facing the Lakers next, it could be without AD as he got poked again in the eyes by Kyle Anderson. This game though could be a preview of their play-in games so this is going to be a great game.

I think the Lakers purposely lost to Minnesota yesterday to give them the top seed in the West. It would be a bad start for any of the teams who will land in the 8th seed if they will play against the Denver. Both Warriors and the Lakers have not won against the Denver this season, so that means an early vacation for them LOL. Only the Kings stands a good chance against the Denver as they are 3-1 against the Denver. However, the playoffs has a different atmosphere and intensity, that doesn't mean the Kings can get an easy W against the defending champs.  Pelicans on the other end is 1-2 against the Denver, so again, It's not gonna be a good start for them if they land in any spot in 7th or 8th seed if they will play against the Nuggets.

[danherbias07]

Here is a nice read for updates and predictions about what is happening before the playoffs.

The NBA's most vulnerable playoff teams, plus predictions for the play-in field
https://sports.yahoo.com/the-nbas-most-vulnerable-playoff-teams-plus-predictions-for-the-play-in-field-215312595.html

Dan Devine: The Pacers, who own head-to-head tiebreakers over both the 76ers and Heat, hold onto sixth. The Sixers, undefeated since Joel Embiid’s return, win out. The Heat get within arm’s reach of seventh by beating red-hot Dallas on Wednesday … only to stumble against the Raptors, allowing Philly to host the 7-vs.-8 game.

The 76ers are undefeated with Embiid back. Wow.
There's still 3 games remaining for them and they still have a chance to either go above the number 6 Pacers or maybe even those above them at the 3rd, 4th, and 5th spots. The 76ers have 44 wins, the Pacers with 45, and the others above them are tied at 46 wins.
Also note, the Cavaliers are on a 3rd losing streak and it might affect their confidence which could give a spot for the 76ers to avoid the play-in tournament and better, avoid the two strong teams at number 1 and 2. Celtics and Bucks.
Milwaukee Bucks are also on the brink of being scrambled to those rankings as they keep on losing their games. If they will be stuck at 47 wins then I bet a tiebreaker will happen using their ranks on their divisions.

[Questat]

I think the Lakers purposely lost to Minnesota yesterday to give them the top seed in the West. It would be a bad start for any of the teams who will land in the 8th seed if they will play against the Denver. Both Warriors and the Lakers have not won against the Denver this season, so that means an early vacation for them LOL. Only the Kings stands a good chance against the Denver as they are 3-1 against the Denver. However, the playoffs has a different atmosphere and intensity, that doesn't mean the Kings can get an easy W against the defending champs.  Pelicans on the other end is 1-2 against the Denver, so again, It's not gonna be a good start for them if they land in any spot in 7th or 8th seed if they will play against the Nuggets.

What if with what they did the Lakers will end up at 7? I mean they would still have to face the Nuggets at that standing, and if they want a top 8, they need to beat the Warriors which is also another problem as that will be a do or die game. I think they really don't do that purposely, as much as possible gaining the top 6 will give them assurance that they'll be in the playoffs, so every game matters to them.

[Kelvinid]

I think the Lakers purposely lost to Minnesota yesterday to give them the top seed in the West. It would be a bad start for any of the teams who will land in the 8th seed if they will play against the Denver. Both Warriors and the Lakers have not won against the Denver this season, so that means an early vacation for them LOL. Only the Kings stands a good chance against the Denver as they are 3-1 against the Denver. However, the playoffs has a different atmosphere and intensity, that doesn't mean the Kings can get an easy W against the defending champs.  Pelicans on the other end is 1-2 against the Denver, so again, It's not gonna be a good start for them if they land in any spot in 7th or 8th seed if they will play against the Nuggets.

What if with what they did the Lakers will end up at 7? I mean they would still have to face the Nuggets at that standing, and if they want a top 8, they need to beat the Warriors which is also another problem as that will be a do or die game. I think they really don't do that purposely, as much as possible gaining the top 6 will give them assurance that they'll be in the playoffs, so every game matters to them.

That would be tough for them as they'll be in a do or die situation, they can't go with the Warriors as this team although have struggled in the season is a championship team. They had become more dangerous now as they are healthy of course without Kuminga but last season Kuminga not really utilized that much.

But speaking of Kuminga, there's a good news about him based on the latest update.

Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga to return on Sunday vs. Jazz after missing six games

So with that, they'll be facing a healthy Warriors in the playoffs.

[Fredomago]

I think the Lakers purposely lost to Minnesota yesterday to give them the top seed in the West. It would be a bad start for any of the teams who will land in the 8th seed if they will play against the Denver. Both Warriors and the Lakers have not won against the Denver this season, so that means an early vacation for them LOL. Only the Kings stands a good chance against the Denver as they are 3-1 against the Denver. However, the playoffs has a different atmosphere and intensity, that doesn't mean the Kings can get an easy W against the defending champs.  Pelicans on the other end is 1-2 against the Denver, so again, It's not gonna be a good start for them if they land in any spot in 7th or 8th seed if they will play against the Nuggets.

What if with what they did the Lakers will end up at 7? I mean they would still have to face the Nuggets at that standing, and if they want a top 8, they need to beat the Warriors which is also another problem as that will be a do or die game. I think they really don't do that purposely, as much as possible gaining the top 6 will give them assurance that they'll be in the playoffs, so every game matters to them.

I guess like what LeBron said one game at the time, they just need to keep playing and aiming to reach the playoff no matter what, that loss may give the Wolves the top spot but not becuase Lakers is avoiding anything it just happened that Wolves do their usual setup and take the game agains them, still plenty of games to focus and try to win to keep the spot open and no matter what or no matter who will the opponents they need to win if they want to take the title nothing else but to accomplish their goals.

[Maslate]

I think the Lakers purposely lost to Minnesota yesterday to give them the top seed in the West. It would be a bad start for any of the teams who will land in the 8th seed if they will play against the Denver. Both Warriors and the Lakers have not won against the Denver this season, so that means an early vacation for them LOL. Only the Kings stands a good chance against the Denver as they are 3-1 against the Denver. However, the playoffs has a different atmosphere and intensity, that doesn't mean the Kings can get an easy W against the defending champs.  Pelicans on the other end is 1-2 against the Denver, so again, It's not gonna be a good start for them if they land in any spot in 7th or 8th seed if they will play against the Nuggets.

What if with what they did the Lakers will end up at 7? I mean they would still have to face the Nuggets at that standing, and if they want a top 8, they need to beat the Warriors which is also another problem as that will be a do or die game. I think they really don't do that purposely, as much as possible gaining the top 6 will give them assurance that they'll be in the playoffs, so every game matters to them.

I guess like what LeBron said one game at the time, they just need to keep playing and aiming to reach the playoff no matter what, that loss may give the Wolves the top spot but not becuase Lakers is avoiding anything it just happened that Wolves do their usual setup and take the game agains them, still plenty of games to focus and try to win to keep the spot open and no matter what or no matter who will the opponents they need to win if they want to take the title nothing else but to accomplish their goals.

We also have to respect the Timberwolves because they are so improve this season., taking the number 1 spot is not the first time for them, and just look what they are doing, without KAT things hasn't seemed to change.

The Lakers have 3 remaining games, the Warriors, Grizzlies, and the Pelicans, if they could win all that the games they are gonna improve in ranking. Just a rank of 7 or 8 is already good enough for them as they won't be in a do or die situation.

[Dave1]

I think the Lakers purposely lost to Minnesota yesterday to give them the top seed in the West. It would be a bad start for any of the teams who will land in the 8th seed if they will play against the Denver. Both Warriors and the Lakers have not won against the Denver this season, so that means an early vacation for them LOL. Only the Kings stands a good chance against the Denver as they are 3-1 against the Denver. However, the playoffs has a different atmosphere and intensity, that doesn't mean the Kings can get an easy W against the defending champs.  Pelicans on the other end is 1-2 against the Denver, so again, It's not gonna be a good start for them if they land in any spot in 7th or 8th seed if they will play against the Nuggets.

What if with what they did the Lakers will end up at 7? I mean they would still have to face the Nuggets at that standing, and if they want a top 8, they need to beat the Warriors which is also another problem as that will be a do or die game. I think they really don't do that purposely, as much as possible gaining the top 6 will give them assurance that they'll be in the playoffs, so every game matters to them.

That would be tough for them as they'll be in a do or die situation, they can't go with the Warriors as this team although have struggled in the season is a championship team. They had become more dangerous now as they are healthy of course without Kuminga but last season Kuminga not really utilized that much.

But speaking of Kuminga, there's a good news about him based on the latest update.

Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga to return on Sunday vs. Jazz after missing six games

So with that, they'll be facing a healthy Warriors in the playoffs.

That's late news though, the Warriors has face the Jazz already and won that game and Jonathan Kuminga scored 21 points already. Curry is the missing piece and so is Wiggins that game but still they won though as the Warriors was led by Thompson.

They will be facing the Los Angeles Lakers next.

Bucks vs Celtics, will the Bucks continue with their losing streak here? What you guys think?

[Yaunfitda]

I think the Lakers purposely lost to Minnesota yesterday to give them the top seed in the West. It would be a bad start for any of the teams who will land in the 8th seed if they will play against the Denver. Both Warriors and the Lakers have not won against the Denver this season, so that means an early vacation for them LOL. Only the Kings stands a good chance against the Denver as they are 3-1 against the Denver. However, the playoffs has a different atmosphere and intensity, that doesn't mean the Kings can get an easy W against the defending champs.  Pelicans on the other end is 1-2 against the Denver, so again, It's not gonna be a good start for them if they land in any spot in 7th or 8th seed if they will play against the Nuggets.

What if with what they did the Lakers will end up at 7? I mean they would still have to face the Nuggets at that standing, and if they want a top 8, they need to beat the Warriors which is also another problem as that will be a do or die game. I think they really don't do that purposely, as much as possible gaining the top 6 will give them assurance that they'll be in the playoffs, so every game matters to them.

I guess like what LeBron said one game at the time, they just need to keep playing and aiming to reach the playoff no matter what, that loss may give the Wolves the top spot but not becuase Lakers is avoiding anything it just happened that Wolves do their usual setup and take the game agains them, still plenty of games to focus and try to win to keep the spot open and no matter what or no matter who will the opponents they need to win if they want to take the title nothing else but to accomplish their goals.

We also have to respect the Timberwolves because they are so improve this season., taking the number 1 spot is not the first time for them, and just look what they are doing, without KAT things hasn't seemed to change.

They still have ANT to lead them, so even with KAT the Wolves didn't give up their top spot easily, unlike let's say the Sixers when they are in the top 3 in the East before Joel Embid got injured. And so no one from the Sixers was able to become the new leader, maybe Maxey but he is still too young to lead a team. But ANT is different, been in the US team, and so he got a lot of experience.

The Lakers have 3 remaining games, the Warriors, Grizzlies, and the Pelicans, if they could win all that the games they are gonna improve in ranking. Just a rank of 7 or 8 is already good enough for them as they won't be in a do or die situation.

Could be, but teams like Kings, Warriors and Mavs or Phoenix has games too. And that's why every game right now is very important for the team mention. And they could surrender that they will be facing the Warriors in the play-in.

[Yogee]

[...]
But ANT is different, been in the US team, and so he got a lot of experience.

Maybe but I doubt he could take the Wolves all the way to the Finals without KAT. No offense to him and his fans but all seven game series without the help he needs is just an uphill battle. Good news for the Wolves is that KAT is projected to return by the end of the regular season.

[Twentyonepaylots]

I think the Lakers purposely lost to Minnesota yesterday to give them the top seed in the West. It would be a bad start for any of the teams who will land in the 8th seed if they will play against the Denver. Both Warriors and the Lakers have not won against the Denver this season, so that means an early vacation for them LOL. Only the Kings stands a good chance against the Denver as they are 3-1 against the Denver. However, the playoffs has a different atmosphere and intensity, that doesn't mean the Kings can get an easy W against the defending champs.  Pelicans on the other end is 1-2 against the Denver, so again, It's not gonna be a good start for them if they land in any spot in 7th or 8th seed if they will play against the Nuggets.

What if with what they did the Lakers will end up at 7? I mean they would still have to face the Nuggets at that standing, and if they want a top 8, they need to beat the Warriors which is also another problem as that will be a do or die game. I think they really don't do that purposely, as much as possible gaining the top 6 will give them assurance that they'll be in the playoffs, so every game matters to them.

I guess like what LeBron said one game at the time, they just need to keep playing and aiming to reach the playoff no matter what, that loss may give the Wolves the top spot but not becuase Lakers is avoiding anything it just happened that Wolves do their usual setup and take the game agains them, still plenty of games to focus and try to win to keep the spot open and no matter what or no matter who will the opponents they need to win if they want to take the title nothing else but to accomplish their goals.

We also have to respect the Timberwolves because they are so improve this season., taking the number 1 spot is not the first time for them, and just look what they are doing, without KAT things hasn't seemed to change.

The Lakers have 3 remaining games, the Warriors, Grizzlies, and the Pelicans, if they could win all that the games they are gonna improve in ranking. Just a rank of 7 or 8 is already good enough for them as they won't be in a do or die situation.

With 3 games remaining this season, in order for the Lakers to get at least the 8th seed, they must win those 3 remaining games, and either of the three, the Kings, Pelicans, or Suns, need to lose twice so the Lakers would secure the 8th seed. Lakers' remaining games are GSW, MEM, and NOP. Lakers arguably can win these 3 games. While those three teams have these games left,.

Suns: LAC, LAC, SAC, MIN
Sac: OKC, NOP, PHX, POR
Pelicans: POR, SAC, GSW, LAL

Looking at this, all three teams can possibly have a record of 2-2 to end this season, and with that, it can really help the Lakers a lot to go up in the standings. Let's just hope the Lakers do their part and win those three games they have.