2024 NBA Season

[Kelvinid]

[...]
There are speculations that they might purposely tank in this game to avoid the Nuggets, but I think there's no basis on that because the Lakers wants to be a champion and they'll face any team that will be match with them,  even if that team swept them in the WCF last season.

Tanking and playing a do or die game to avoid the Nuggets just doesn't make any sense. Those who agree with that probably watched too many conspiracy theories hehe. Securing a playoff spot as early as possible over facing the risk of elimination should be a common sense.

Yeah, I don't think the Lakers would give this game away to the Pelicans, as the teams below them are the teams that just beat them in the season. The Kings swept them and the Warriors are 3-1 against them as well, so nah they are not taking any risk of missing the playoffs spot.
Just like what I've said before, I want to see the Lakers play against the Nuggets one more time. This time it's gonna be in the first round. If the Lakers gets swept again this time, I will now consider the Nuggets and Jokic is the Lakers' daddy LOL.

With the Nuggets there's a good chance for adjustment as it's a best of 7 series, unlike on a do or die game. The Lakers are well prepared,  they are having a healthy line up now, so I don't think the Nuggets will be able to swept them again. Davis and Lebron is still playing great basketball, and as long as the Lakers can minimize the output of Jokic, I think they have a chance, but it's close to impossible to be honest.

[1714782662]

1714782662

[1714782662]

1714782662

[boyptc]

Less than 24 hours and we're going to see Lakers and Pelicans. I'm stuck thinking on which team should I go but my heart is with the Lakers. 

Lakers gonna play hard even if that means they'll be facing the Denver Nuggets in the first round.
There are speculations that they might purposely tank in this game to avoid the Nuggets, but I think there's no basis on that because the Lakers wants to be a champion and they'll face any team that will be match with them,  even if that team swept them in the WCF last season.

I'm not thinking about them avoiding Nuggets and purposely going to lose against the Pelicans. But what happens, happens.

It actually is an advantage because whoever loses on 7/8 still have the chance for the loser bracket to play for the 8th seed.

They cannot take chances on that as if they loss tomorrow, there's no gurantee that they'll win against the Warriors or Lakers.
Every game is very important to them and they'll treat it as a do or die game.

What I mean being on that place is actually an advantage, win or lose, both of them takes two chances and won't get an instant elimination.

Everyone is really looking at the Lakers and Pelicans match, do that point that the odds are literally 50/50. So there could be sentiments for the Lakers but we can't discount the Zion lead Pelicans wanted to prove something as this is long overdue. First time that we will see Zion being healthy and have a good chance to make it to the playoffs.

No doubt that a healthy Zion is a threat but we'll see his flexibility.

On the other hand, the Warriors are the favorite over the Sacramento Kings. So it's going to be a great play-in regardless on who will make it, and who will not eliminated. So let's tonight, most likely a lot of fans are going to tune in to watch.

Not surprised which is the favorite on this match but Kings has been doing great since last season.

[Japinat]

Looks like most of you here are more interested on the Lakers vs Pelicans game, what about the Warriors vs kings?
I think this match up is more exciting than the other one.

Checked their last 3 games.

 134 - 133 - kings winner
124 - 123 - kings winner
 102 - 101 - warriors winner.

isn't it exciting to watch? The game was decided by 1 point only.

[xLays]

Looks like most of you here are more interested on the Lakers vs Pelicans game, what about the Warriors vs kings?
I think this match up is more exciting than the other one.

Checked their last 3 games.

 134 - 133 - kings winner
124 - 123 - kings winner
 102 - 101 - warriors winner.

isn't it exciting to watch? The game was decided by 1 point only.

For some reason NBA fans including me not be excited or interested about this matchup because both teams are from California, like the LA Clippers and LA Lakers. When teams from the same area play, especially if they aren't rivals like these two teams, the rivalry is important to consider the excitement of the game for some fans. Well Hopefully, the Kings win here to change up the playoffs scene. It's always the Warriors who make it to the playoffs. Lol

[bhadz]

Looks like most of you here are more interested on the Lakers vs Pelicans game, what about the Warriors vs kings?
I think this match up is more exciting than the other one.

Both are interesting match-ups and there's nothing to worry about when we can just watch both of them but first with the Lakers and Pelicans.

Checked their last 3 games.

 134 - 133 - kings winner
124 - 123 - kings winner
 102 - 101 - warriors winner.

isn't it exciting to watch? The game was decided by 1 point only.

Interestingly, all of these games led to 1 point for both of their wins. But it's exciting to see how both of them are going to finish each other later.

For some reason NBA fans including me not be excited or interested about this matchup because both teams are from California, like the LA Clippers and LA Lakers. When teams from the same area play, especially if they aren't rivals like these two teams, the rivalry is important to consider the excitement of the game for some fans. Well Hopefully, the Kings win here to change up the playoffs scene. It's always the Warriors who make it to the playoffs. Lol

While it does make sense if you're from that area but as a fan, I think you'd still be interested just to see and know who'd win over the other but it's more exciting to see the Kings make it as this might be their second playoffs if they're lucky.

[LogitechMouse]

~
Checked their last 3 games.

 134 - 133 - kings winner
124 - 123 - kings winner
 102 - 101 - warriors winner.

isn't it exciting to watch? The game was decided by 1 point only.

The match-up between the 9th-10th seed is way exciting than the 7th-8th seed.
The series between these 2 teams is tied at 2 a piece.

The only difference now is the availability of players. Right now, GPII is out on the Warriors due to injury which for me isn't that significant though he's a good defender, but comparing it to the Kings that has no Huerter, and Monk coming into this elimination game is pretty huge. I mean with them out, you are removing players who are averaging more than 25+ PPG combined. Monk as we know is a big difference for the team in some of their games as their 6th man. I'm not saying that the Kings already lost the battle, but they need somebody to step up on offense to win against the Warriors who already defeated them in a 7-game series last season.

I always believe that injuries are big factor when it comes to the playoffs so with this 9th-10th game, I believe that the Warriors will won and will face the Lakers in the 8th seed battle.

[OgNasty]

Big news this morning but not unexpected. Woj is reporting that Blake Griffin (via his IG) has retired from the NBA. Blake never found success after leaving the Los Angeles Clippers but that’s somewhat to be expected given his athletic play style. Dunking over everyone is definitely a young man’s game. Those early days on the Clippers were something else though…

[Twentyonepaylots]

With the NBA Play-in starting tomorrow, what are your predictions? Especially in the west.

Lakers vs. Pelicans
I think this one will be just a replay of the last game of the season. Lakers won't slip this chance to get a guaranteed spot in the playoffs, even if facing Denver is the reward. Pelicans might make some adjustments since Ingram did have limited minutes last outing, and we can see to increase it this play-in game. We can also see some adjustments from Zion since he did not play well last game as he registered only 12 points. Lakers might lose this game if AD won't play (but most likely he will), if they play the way they did last meeting, and also if there is no Darvin Ham slander. Overall, the Lakers can win this game and look forward to the first round.

Kings vs. Warriors
This one will be a close matchup. Looking back at the last three games of these teams, the only lead of the winning team is a point, and their season head-to-head matchup is tied, with Warriors winning the first two games and Kings winning the last two. The Kings will be missing the service of Malik Monk and, on the other hand, Gary Payton III for the Warriors. Kings having the home advantage is an edge for them. This is really a close call, but I can see the Kings winning this one because this is just a one-game knockout, but if it is a series, I can see the Warriors winning.

[doomloop]

I do believe that we are at a stage where these play-in games are totally unpredictable and betting on them feels a little scary to me. I am not saying that it is going to be simple or difficult, all I am saying is that it is not going to be predictable. People will bet on it of course, just like people bet on anything, but I will try to avoid it if possible.

I can see plenty of games, and none of them look to be sure thing to me, all of them look like it is going to be very close. Lets see how it ends and when the real playoffs stars then I can bet a lot easier. It is usually obvious after like one or tow games where the games are going so I am going to wait. I would love to see Lebron at playoffs though, I know that much for sure.

[jossiel]

I do believe that we are at a stage where these play-in games are totally unpredictable and betting on them feels a little scary to me. I am not saying that it is going to be simple or difficult, all I am saying is that it is not going to be predictable. People will bet on it of course, just like people bet on anything, but I will try to avoid it if possible.

That's the most exciting part when we don't have any idea if they're going to push through the bracket and have plans of giving in lowkey to move to the other bracket competing against other team that they prefer.

I am speaking about the teams that are in the in-play.

I can see plenty of games, and none of them look to be sure thing to me, all of them look like it is going to be very close. Lets see how it ends and when the real playoffs stars then I can bet a lot easier. It is usually obvious after like one or tow games where the games are going so I am going to wait. I would love to see Lebron at playoffs though, I know that much for sure.

Everyone loves to see Lebron at the playoffs except his haters, with his age and physique, he's going to make another history.

[Baofeng]

I do believe that we are at a stage where these play-in games are totally unpredictable and betting on them feels a little scary to me. I am not saying that it is going to be simple or difficult, all I am saying is that it is not going to be predictable. People will bet on it of course, just like people bet on anything, but I will try to avoid it if possible.

It will be unpredictable as this is a do or die games for some teams. Like in the Lakers and Pelicans, initially it was the Pelicans that are the favorite and then the odds went into 50:50 as bettors might have poured money on the Lakers.

Except maybe the Warriors against the Kings, the Warriors become the clear favorite and still up to this time. Bettors knows that the Warriors has the experience still even if the team are old. And the Kings seems to have a problem playing against the Warriors.

[Dave1]

Looks like most of you here are more interested on the Lakers vs Pelicans game, what about the Warriors vs kings?
I think this match up is more exciting than the other one.

Checked their last 3 games.

 134 - 133 - kings winner
124 - 123 - kings winner
 102 - 101 - warriors winner.

isn't it exciting to watch? The game was decided by 1 point only.

For some reason NBA fans including me not be excited or interested about this matchup because both teams are from California, like the LA Clippers and LA Lakers. When teams from the same area play, especially if they aren't rivals like these two teams, the rivalry is important to consider the excitement of the game for some fans. Well Hopefully, the Kings win here to change up the playoffs scene. It's always the Warriors who make it to the playoffs. Lol

Yeah, we have the mentally that the Warriors are going to beat the Kings here, not sure what it is, could be that even if the age is a big factor for the Warriors and we say that their dynasty is over, at some point we want them to win.

Unlike the Pelican vs the Los Angeles Lakers, we want to see how the Lakers will go against the power of Zion, or we will have the task to stop him in this game. And the Lebron and AD being healthy again, can they beat the young and hungry Pelicans?

[Yaunfitda]

Kings vs. Warriors
This one will be a close matchup. Looking back at the last three games of these teams, the only lead of the winning team is a point, and their season head-to-head matchup is tied, with Warriors winning the first two games and Kings winning the last two. The Kings will be missing the service of Malik Monk and, on the other hand, Gary Payton III for the Warriors. Kings having the home advantage is an edge for them. This is really a close call, but I can see the Kings winning this one because this is just a one-game knockout, but if it is a series, I can see the Warriors winning.

I thought that the Warriors has the winning percentage against the Kings this season, maybe I was till thinking of last year when the Warriors schooled the young and inexperienced Kings in the playoff. But still, the betting public see that the Warriors are going to win, it could be a very close match up again as their previous games as just separated by 1 point. However, with this kind of magnitude, Curry and those veterans are going to give the Kings a great fight. And they have some young players that can inject their youth like Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis. So I will also tend to lend on the Warriors here.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

Big news this morning but not unexpected. Woj is reporting that Blake Griffin (via his IG) has retired from the NBA. Blake never found success after leaving the Los Angeles Clippers but that’s somewhat to be expected given his athletic play style. Dunking over everyone is definitely a young man’s game. Those early days on the Clippers were something else though…

Yeah, it's probably time for his to retire, Lob City was one of the best teams to watch with him, CP3 and DeAndre Jordan, who I think is still playing. But when Blake got injured, it's just a matter of time before he lose his athleticism.

I will go with the Lakers over Pelican, -1.5, at 2.06 odds. I think the Lakers can cover the handicap, as Lebron and AD are healthy enough to counter the youth of Pelicans. Plus their starting five as one of the solid fives this season as they literally can score 100+ points or more with Reaves, D'Lo and Hachimura.

[wheelz1200]

Big news this morning but not unexpected. Woj is reporting that Blake Griffin (via his IG) has retired from the NBA. Blake never found success after leaving the Los Angeles Clippers but that’s somewhat to be expected given his athletic play style. Dunking over everyone is definitely a young man’s game. Those early days on the Clippers were something else though…

Yeah, it's probably time for his to retire, Lob City was one of the best teams to watch with him, CP3 and DeAndre Jordan, who I think is still playing. But when Blake got injured, it's just a matter of time before he lose his athleticism.

I will go with the Lakers over Pelican, -1.5, at 2.06 odds. I think the Lakers can cover the handicap, as Lebron and AD are healthy enough to counter the youth of Pelicans. Plus their starting five as one of the solid fives this season as they literally can score 100+ points or more with Reaves, D'Lo and Hachimura.

I got the Pelicans here.  So much money on the Lakers here I can see the Pelicans donating this game or at minimum winning.  They are a great home team amd they have a inside out formula that can beat the Lakers.  I just hate betting with the masses.  I still can't figure out tonight's game but I'm leaning golden state. And gonna take the over on steph pts whatever it is.  Dude is gonna shoot 35 shots tonight.

[danherbias07]

Big news this morning but not unexpected. Woj is reporting that Blake Griffin (via his IG) has retired from the NBA. Blake never found success after leaving the Los Angeles Clippers but that’s somewhat to be expected given his athletic play style. Dunking over everyone is definitely a young man’s game. Those early days on the Clippers were something else though…

Sad news indeed. I have a neighbor here who likes Blake Griffin and is a big fan of his. If I break this news to him he will probably be devastated. Well, his dunks will never be forgotten especially that time when he jumped over a car. Still, I don't see him as an effective player without a good point guard being paired with him.

New Orleans Pelicans versus LA Lakers live now.
It's getting hot. 2 technical fouls were already given to two players. Jose Alvarado and D'Angelo Russell. The vibes of the playoffs are already happening and we can see the defense also getting sticky. We might see more action later and then in the next game too the Warriors versus the Kings. These teams ain't going to mess around anymore in a do or die situation.

[Yogee]

Russell starting strong for the Lakers while Zion carrying the Pelicans right now. It's not a good start for Lebron and AD but Ingram and McCollum are also struggling. It seems both teams understand that it's going to be a battle of attrition and the real battle starts at the second half. It's going to be a problem if Zion gassed out in the later part of the game.

[OgNasty]

Russell starting strong for the Lakers while Zion carrying the Pelicans right now. It's not a good start for Lebron and AD but Ingram and McCollum are also struggling. It seems both teams understand that it's going to be a battle of attrition and the real battle starts at the second half. It's going to be a problem if Zion gassed out in the later part of the game.

Zion is definitely trying to do something special today but it doesn’t look good as far as the rest of the team actually winning the game. The Lakers look dominant out there. Zion is going to have to find some help if they’re going to make this a game down the stretch. Looks like he might end up with 40 and a loss.

Edit: Zion getting help now! They just went on a 9-0 run and got within 2. The Lakers better start guarding the other guys…

Edit 2: LeBron looking tired… Falling asleep on defense and settling for bad 3 point shots early in the clock on offense… LA needs to burn some timeouts!

Edit 3: Glad to see they just took back to back timeouts. Game is tied now though…

Edit 4: A couple questionable calls in the last 2 minutes and Zion going down with an injury in the last minute saved the Lakers who looked like they were about to lose. I hope Zion is OK.

[dwyane36]

Russell starting strong for the Lakers while Zion carrying the Pelicans right now. It's not a good start for Lebron and AD but Ingram and McCollum are also struggling. It seems both teams understand that it's going to be a battle of attrition and the real battle starts at the second half. It's going to be a problem if Zion gassed out in the later part of the game.

Zion is definitely trying to do something special today but it doesn’t look good as far as the rest of the team actually winning the game. The Lakers look dominant out there. Zion is going to have to find some help if they’re going to make this a game down the stretch. Looks like he might end up with 40 and a loss.

Edit: Zion getting help now! They just went on a 9-0 run and got within 2. The Lakers better start guarding the other guys…

Edit 2: LeBron looking tired… Falling asleep on defense and settling for bad 3 point shots early in the clock on offense… LA needs to burn some timeouts!

Edit 3: Glad to see they just took back to back timeouts. Game is tied now though…

Edit 4: A couple questionable calls in the last 2 minutes and Zion going down with an injury in the last minute saved the Lakers who looked like they were about to lose. I hope Zion is OK.

The end of the 4th quarter was exciting, and even though the Lakers were able to win, I would say that they just got lucky this time. If Zion had played the remaining 3 minutes of the fourth quarter, the outcome of this game would have probably been different because the Lakers were unable to stop him throughout the game.

[OgNasty]

This Kings vs Warriors game is living up to expectations. Their games during the regular season were so close… I think this one will come down to the wire too. The Kings have a chance to end the Warriors dynasty for good right now but you know the Warriors aren’t going down without a fight. This is one of those games you know you’ll wake up bruised tomorrow from.

Edit: As soon as I talk about how close this game will be the Kings run out to a 15 point lead…