2026 NBA Season

[LogitechMouse]

Woah, damn. The Spurs are on fire. It seems I was right, they could beat the Thunder in a best of 7 series. If last time they won by just 2 points, this time it was by 20 points. What surprised me the most is that the Thunder’s free throws were just 6 out of 7. Now that’s too low for the Thunder. It seems one of the keys to beating them, and doing so with a double digit lead is to limit their free throws. Even though their free throws were low, SGA still managed to score 33 points.

Let's also not forget that the Thunder played with their potential starting 5, and the Spurs are playing with Wemby on the bench.

I don't know, but it seems like the Spurs have found a way for them to limit SGA's trip to the free throw line. In this game, he only went to the line 5 times, and that's low compared to how many times he's average which is around 8 attempts. Maybe the Spurs have already find a way to limit their offense. I mean they know they can't stop SGA, so they'll focus more on their other players like J-Dub and Chet which only scored 24 points combined - way lower if you're their 2nd and 3rd option on offense.

I said after the NBA Cup that if the Spurs manage to win against them again, we might see a great match-up or maybe a rivalry between the 2 of them. Now that they won yet again, I don't know, but it seems like the Spurs are the one that can beat the Thunder in a best of 7 series like what you said since they have somebody to stop Chet on the paint in Wemby, and they also have Kornet as well. Overall, great game by the Spurs.

[Hvdv]

I don't understand why Houston is experiencing such a slump. They've lost their fourth game in their last five away matches. This time, Houston was defeated by the Clippers. Despite starting the first quarter well, they lost the game by 20 points. I would understand if they lost to a strong team, but losing to a weak team like the Clippers is illogical. Their next game is against the Los Angeles Lakers. Since I have this opportunity, I'm planning to bet on a Lakers win. Hopefully, the odds for a Lakers victory will be good. It's worth taking advantage of Houston's slump.

I also don't get it either. 4 of those last losses were against the 3 teams at the bottom: Clippers, Kings, Pelicans. The same team beat Nuggets recently. Interesting kind of inconsistency.

Whatever happened to Houston, they suddenly started going downhill. Their offensive performance that was very efficient at the start of the season has declined. And defense also started to fall apart. They can’t play the clutch moments at all and have lost almost all of the close games. In my opinion, the biggest factor behind this is Ime Udoka. Right now, he’s a complete handbrake for the team.

Udoka's tactical changes are being heavily criticized. Houston has started losing games recently, and the team is becoming demoralized. Fred VanVleet's absence is being keenly felt. As you know, Fred is out for the season due to injury and won't be playing this year. They're not getting enough contribution from Sheppard. Alperen and Kevin Durant are doing their best, but at some point, their contributions become ineffective.

[Mihaylovic]

Whatever happened to Houston, they suddenly started going downhill. Their offensive performance that was very efficient at the start of the season has declined. And defense also started to fall apart. They can’t play the clutch moments at all and have lost almost all of the close games. In my opinion, the biggest factor behind this is Ime Udoka. Right now, he’s a complete handbrake for the team.

Udoka's tactical changes are being heavily criticized. Houston has started losing games recently, and the team is becoming demoralized. Fred VanVleet's absence is being keenly felt. As you know, Fred is out for the season due to injury and won't be playing this year. They're not getting enough contribution from Sheppard. Alperen and Kevin Durant are doing their best, but at some point, their contributions become ineffective.

True. We really feel VanVleet’s absence. But I don't understand why Udoka doesn't build the team around Alperen and Kevin Durant. He can't draw up a good game plan and Rockets keep losing in the clutch. I think he made a huge mistake in yesterday's game too. He didn't even put Durant and Şengün in the game during the fourth quarter. He played with just the bench and Amen and watched the team get crushed. Ok the gap was wide... but Rockets have the character to close that lead with a good performance.

[tech30338]

Whatever happened to Houston, they suddenly started going downhill. Their offensive performance that was very efficient at the start of the season has declined. And defense also started to fall apart. They can’t play the clutch moments at all and have lost almost all of the close games. In my opinion, the biggest factor behind this is Ime Udoka. Right now, he’s a complete handbrake for the team.

Udoka's tactical changes are being heavily criticized. Houston has started losing games recently, and the team is becoming demoralized. Fred VanVleet's absence is being keenly felt. As you know, Fred is out for the season due to injury and won't be playing this year. They're not getting enough contribution from Sheppard. Alperen and Kevin Durant are doing their best, but at some point, their contributions become ineffective.

True. We really feel VanVleet’s absence. But I don't understand why Udoka doesn't build the team around Alperen and Kevin Durant. He can't draw up a good game plan and Rockets keep losing in the clutch. I think he made a huge mistake in yesterday's game too. He didn't even put Durant and Şengün in the game during the fourth quarter. He played with just the bench and Amen and watched the team get crushed. Ok the gap was wide... but Rockets have the character to close that lead with a good performance.

I don't think Udoka don't know what he is doing maybe he is trying to create a combination, that will perform or be able to have advantage, and he is willing to take the Loss, for the success in the future, although I Maybe wrong, I don't think they are in a bad position right now, Fred absence can be felt in this kind of situation, but dwelling on it will just burden the team, they have Sheppard at the moment is the best option, and he is doing great, maybe they just need some adjustments.

[Fredomago]

I don't think Udoka don't know what he is doing maybe he is trying to create a combination, that will perform or be able to have advantage, and he is willing to take the Loss, for the success in the future, although I Maybe wrong, I don't think they are in a bad position right now, Fred absence can be felt in this kind of situation, but dwelling on it will just burden the team, they have Sheppard at the moment is the best option, and he is doing great, maybe they just need some adjustments.

That's valid we never know what inside his mind maybe he is trying to create good combination for future setup, though it's tough to judge but they need to move forward they can dwell with this loss but instead reassess what they've made wrong and how to adjust, still too early and still got lots of games to play together, they need to work and plan good system to execute, they need to maximize what they've got and do their best effort to fill whatever they are missing to move forward.

[1kodumtek7]

Rockets are really on a bad run recently.     This has pushed them down to the 6th place in playoffs area. Suns are right behind now with 16 wins. Timberwolves and Spurs are in a really good shape.

I think Rockets need a special coach for their offense. Because it is one thing that Udoka is really bad at handling. If they do this I think they will be much closer to their potential. But I wonder whether they think the same as me...

[Webetcoins]

Rockets will recover that part is no doubt and they will get better results, because they did look greater and will be back to that. What really shocks me is how Lakers look with Lebron and without Doncic.

When Lebron was out, and Doncic was playing they were great and won most of their games, but the moment they took out Doncic and put Lebron in, they looked horrible. Doncic will be back soon, but they are really nothing without the help of Doncic, even Lebron is not enough for them.

[Mihaylovic]

Whatever happened to Houston, they suddenly started going downhill. Their offensive performance that was very efficient at the start of the season has declined. And defense also started to fall apart. They can’t play the clutch moments at all and have lost almost all of the close games. In my opinion, the biggest factor behind this is Ime Udoka. Right now, he’s a complete handbrake for the team.

Udoka's tactical changes are being heavily criticized. Houston has started losing games recently, and the team is becoming demoralized. Fred VanVleet's absence is being keenly felt. As you know, Fred is out for the season due to injury and won't be playing this year. They're not getting enough contribution from Sheppard. Alperen and Kevin Durant are doing their best, but at some point, their contributions become ineffective.

True. We really feel VanVleet’s absence. But I don't understand why Udoka doesn't build the team around Alperen and Kevin Durant. He can't draw up a good game plan and Rockets keep losing in the clutch. I think he made a huge mistake in yesterday's game too. He didn't even put Durant and Şengün in the game during the fourth quarter. He played with just the bench and Amen and watched the team get crushed. Ok the gap was wide... but Rockets have the character to close that lead with a good performance.

I don't think Udoka don't know what he is doing maybe he is trying to create a combination, that will perform or be able to have advantage, and he is willing to take the Loss, for the success in the future, although I Maybe wrong, I don't think they are in a bad position right now, Fred absence can be felt in this kind of situation, but dwelling on it will just burden the team, they have Sheppard at the moment is the best option, and he is doing great, maybe they just need some adjustments.

Main problem is Rockets has made it a habit to blow huge leads. Just as we praised Udoka last year, we should be slamming him this year. He’s having a bad coaching season. Rockets could figure out the offense with this team even without a coach. But his trademark is supposed to be the defense, but that’s gone too. Rockets tanked for years and this was supposed to be a good year but everything is being fallen apart. They already dropped to 6th in the West with a 17-10 record.

[püsür]

Whatever happened to Houston, they suddenly started going downhill. Their offensive performance that was very efficient at the start of the season has declined. And defense also started to fall apart. They can’t play the clutch moments at all and have lost almost all of the close games. In my opinion, the biggest factor behind this is Ime Udoka. Right now, he’s a complete handbrake for the team.

Udoka's tactical changes are being heavily criticized. Houston has started losing games recently, and the team is becoming demoralized. Fred VanVleet's absence is being keenly felt. As you know, Fred is out for the season due to injury and won't be playing this year. They're not getting enough contribution from Sheppard. Alperen and Kevin Durant are doing their best, but at some point, their contributions become ineffective.

True. We really feel VanVleet’s absence. But I don't understand why Udoka doesn't build the team around Alperen and Kevin Durant. He can't draw up a good game plan and Rockets keep losing in the clutch. I think he made a huge mistake in yesterday's game too. He didn't even put Durant and Şengün in the game during the fourth quarter. He played with just the bench and Amen and watched the team get crushed. Ok the gap was wide... but Rockets have the character to close that lead with a good performance.

I don't think Udoka don't know what he is doing maybe he is trying to create a combination, that will perform or be able to have advantage, and he is willing to take the Loss, for the success in the future, although I Maybe wrong, I don't think they are in a bad position right now, Fred absence can be felt in this kind of situation, but dwelling on it will just burden the team, they have Sheppard at the moment is the best option, and he is doing great, maybe they just need some adjustments.

Main problem is Rockets has made it a habit to blow huge leads. Just as we praised Udoka last year, we should be slamming him this year. He’s having a bad coaching season. Rockets could figure out the offense with this team even without a coach. But his trademark is supposed to be the defense, but that’s gone too. Rockets tanked for years and this was supposed to be a good year but everything is being fallen apart. They already dropped to 6th in the West with a 17-10 record.

I can't help but to agree that it is unacceptable after all those tanking years. They should indeed be better than this. And they were, at the beginning of the season. There is something wrong with the team that is incomprehensible and inexplicable. The team chemistry was good, but it doesn't look so good anymore. Expectations were high for Amen, and he was playing well, but lately there has been an inexplicable decline in his performance. I think KD move was right. It was a smart thing to do to get rid of Jalen Green and get a superstar like KD. But things are looking very wrong somehow.

[el kaka22]

While Wemby was on the bench, he still played 20+ minutes, so not like he wasn't playing. The real question is, how can they find someone to shine every single game? Like they had 130 points and NO PLAYER SCORED MORE THAN 20. That is insane to think, in a world of where every team is looking for a superstar, the highest point scorer on this game for Spurs was Fox with 18 points, they had only 5 players who scored over 10 and under 20 points, all of the other points came from bench from everyone all around.

It's really insane to think what kind of team ball they are playing. I know Pop is now not the coach, but it feels like those back days where they played the good basketball, the fundamental style, it looks the same.

[CLS63]

While Wemby was on the bench, he still played 20+ minutes, so not like he wasn't playing. The real question is, how can they find someone to shine every single game? Like they had 130 points and NO PLAYER SCORED MORE THAN 20. That is insane to think, in a world of where every team is looking for a superstar, the highest point scorer on this game for Spurs was Fox with 18 points, they had only 5 players who scored over 10 and under 20 points, all of the other points came from bench from everyone all around.

It's really insane to think what kind of team ball they are playing. I know Pop is now not the coach, but it feels like those back days where they played the good basketball, the fundamental style, it looks the same.

Spurs really needed this kind of a solid team play. Rookies are also giving a good boost to this team. I like Stephon Castle's improvement this year. He still has a long road to go of course but this is certainly progress.

When it comes to Wemby he has this injury problem quite often in the recent years. He missed half of regular season last year. He played in 17 out of 29 games so far in this season too. Maybe they can have a good regular season this time but in playoffs they need him for success.

[OgNasty]

Rockets are really on a bad run recently.     This has pushed them down to the 6th place in playoffs area. Suns are right behind now with 16 wins. Timberwolves and Spurs are in a really good shape.

I think Rockets need a special coach for their offense. Because it is one thing that Udoka is really bad at handling. If they do this I think they will be much closer to their potential. But I wonder whether they think the same as me...

The had some bad luck losing their point guard right before the season started. They need to do what it takes to rebuild their roster or this season might be a waste.

[Ziskinberg]

When it comes to Wemby he has this injury problem quite often in the recent years. He missed half of regular season last year. He played in 17 out of 29 games so far in this season too. Maybe they can have a good regular season this time but in playoffs they need him for success.

That’s why load management really matters. They didn’t force Wemby to play heavy minutes, and it’s clearly working for the team.
Keeping him fresh like this could be huge come playoff time. Just imagine how scary they’ll be when Wemby is fully healthy and locking down the paint.

I’m definitely keeping an eye on this team. With how they’re playing right now, they should easily be a top 3 team in the league.

[ultrloa]

When it comes to Wemby he has this injury problem quite often in the recent years. He missed half of regular season last year. He played in 17 out of 29 games so far in this season too. Maybe they can have a good regular season this time but in playoffs they need him for success.

That’s why load management really matters. They didn’t force Wemby to play heavy minutes, and it’s clearly working for the team.
Keeping him fresh like this could be huge come playoff time. Just imagine how scary they’ll be when Wemby is fully healthy and locking down the paint.

I’m definitely keeping an eye on this team. With how they’re playing right now, they should easily be a top 3 team in the league.

Yeah its important for them to manage the situation of Wemby so that he will not became an injury prone player. Imagine if they push him to his limits there's provably huge chance that he cannot reach his full potential especially if he always get injured and cannot play for many games.

Keeping him fresh on important games will increase their chances to win those games and this might help them to advance on next round especially if they do those things so well. Spurs became an exciting team now and for reaching at second top team on the west that show up that they are in good shape now also their players is so eager to win more games.

[Russlenat]

Keeping him fresh on important games will increase their chances to win those games and this might help them to advance on next round especially if they do those things so well. Spurs became an exciting team now and for reaching at second top team on the west that show up that they are in good shape now also their players is so eager to win more games.

The scary part about this team is that even without Wemby, they were still winning games. Even when Fox was injured, they were already stacking wins. Now that they’re finally healthy, it’s no surprise their ranking suddenly shot up to the #2 spot.

I honestly thought OKC might break the Warriors’ record with only 9 losses this season based on how they were playing before. But from what we’re seeing now, looks like that expectation is going to fail hard.

[OgNasty]

JR Smith is going to college. He has committed to Louisville. Since he went straight from high school to the NBA he is still eligible to play college ball…

[rbynxx]

JR Smith is going to college. He has committed to Louisville. Since he went straight from high school to the NBA he is still eligible to play college ball…

A playing coach maybe haha. Must be hilarious tbh though if he actually plays but sources says he's into golf already than playing basketball. I'd rather see him coaching the youngs rather than play with them at this stage, he'd have more usage on that considering his experience.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

JR Smith is going to college. He has committed to Louisville. Since he went straight from high school to the NBA he is still eligible to play college ball…

Given his reputation to make ridiculous plays I know understand why, never developed at college. Would't it be fun to see him suit up in the NCAA? I wonder what a highest age of a player in D1 must have been until now. In like D2 or even D3 I have seen some older guys but never in devision 1.

[OgNasty]

Christmas Day basketball is here. It will mostly be background noise for me, but I am looking forward to watching what I can of the Lakers vs Rockets game.

[Rustam Meraj]

The scary part about this team is that even without Wemby, they were still winning games. Even when Fox was injured, they were already stacking wins. Now that they’re finally healthy, it’s no surprise their ranking suddenly shot up to the #2 spot.

I honestly thought OKC might break the Warriors’ record with only 9 losses this season based on how they were playing before. But from what we’re seeing now, looks like that expectation is going to fail hard.

Oklahoma City Thunder has shown that they are really elite team since they continued to win even when their stars such as Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox were away due to injuries. This plug and play system is proof that team is incredibly deep and has strong defense that does not fall apart in absence of main players. With team healthy, their climb to number 2 position is entirely makes sense, although they probably will not match legendary status of Warriors with just 9 losses. In modern NBA, it is extremely difficult to remain perfect night after night, and therefore, it is far more important to remain healthy to try for championship than to try for regular season record. So, OKC is built to last, and having complete squad able to win together is what will result in actual success in playoffs.