2026 NBA Season

[danherbias07]

Brian Windhorst says that there are teams with agreed upon trades that aren’t being finalized yet just in case Giannis demands a trade before the deadline…

We are going to see a lot of action very soon.

The four paths the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis could take ahead of the deadline
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47621750/the-four-paths-milwaukee-bucks-giannis-take-ahead-deadline

-Stand pat and play out the 2025-26 season
-Upgrade on the margins
-Create a bigger shake-up
-Trade Giannis ... and launch into a full rebuild

It's a long read, but it's worth it.

The Giannis trade could really shake up the whole NBA because once he is paired with a superstar, it could actually make the NBA not in balance anymore. A super team might happen if he is traded to a team that is already strong but also has the capacity to insert him in their salary cap.

If the Bucks are going for a full rebuild, yes, taking out Giannis will be the key because their fans ain't happy anymore and they might need a fresh start.

[tech30338]

Brian Windhorst says that there are teams with agreed upon trades that aren’t being finalized yet just in case Giannis demands a trade before the deadline…

We are going to see a lot of action very soon.

The four paths the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis could take ahead of the deadline
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47621750/the-four-paths-milwaukee-bucks-giannis-take-ahead-deadline

-Stand pat and play out the 2025-26 season
-Upgrade on the margins
-Create a bigger shake-up
-Trade Giannis ... and launch into a full rebuild

It's a long read, but it's worth it.

The Giannis trade could really shake up the whole NBA because once he is paired with a superstar, it could actually make the NBA not in balance anymore. A super team might happen if he is traded to a team that is already strong but also has the capacity to insert him in their salary cap.

If the Bucks are going for a full rebuild, yes, taking out Giannis will be the key because their fans ain't happy anymore and they might need a fresh start.

This could happen, but in return it will drain other team resources have to let go of other players just to have them in the team, them because I don.t think Giannis will agree without his brother around, that is what other teams have to think about having him, in your opinion what team could have him, or if he is willing for a cut or other star on the team have a cut on their salary to have him, that is a very big sacrifice, and still looking for the team that can take that, its a win win for the bucks.

[Hvdv]

Houston is trying to turn the game around. Right now, as the third quarter ends, they're leading 80-79. Of course, they'll still be ahead for a long time, like the fourth quarter. Alperen and Houston are the team I want to win. It's a pleasure to watch a talented player like Alperen Şengün.

[Maslate]

Houston is trying to turn the game around. Right now, as the third quarter ends, they're leading 80-79. Of course, they'll still be ahead for a long time, like the fourth quarter. Alperen and Houston are the team I want to win. It's a pleasure to watch a talented player like Alperen Şengün.

Sengun finished with 25 and Durant dropped 39. Those two basically carried the Rockets to avoid a second straight loss.

Even on a back-to-back, they made sure they still had enough energy to close it out in the fourth and that’s what makes this team scary once the playoffs come around.

I didn’t actually bet on them this time because of that angle, but I still liked seeing them get the win.
How's Sengun  All-Star voting, will he become part of the starters, or just reserves?

[ajanwalker]

The Clippers defeated Toronto 117-121 in overtime. Kawhi was absent from this game, but Harden more than fulfilled his role. The Clippers are in excellent form; 12 wins in their last 14 games is a very good record.

Houston also came from behind to beat Minnesota 110-105. Alperen recorded a double-double, scoring 25 points, and Duran's 39 points were significant contributors to the victory.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

Houston is trying to turn the game around. Right now, as the third quarter ends, they're leading 80-79. Of course, they'll still be ahead for a long time, like the fourth quarter. Alperen and Houston are the team I want to win. It's a pleasure to watch a talented player like Alperen Şengün.

They've won already, with Sengun taking the lead against Gobert, so it's a great match up for him. And then KD does his thing, although it's funny to see his reaction from Gobert's airballing his free throws, Lol.

As for the games between Clippers and Toronto, yes classic James Harden. We've seen Kawhi turning back the time, now it's James Harden time that he still has the moves to lead the Clippers against a very tough Raptors.

[Velvet78]

The Clippers defeated Toronto 117-121 in overtime. Kawhi was absent from this game, but Harden more than fulfilled his role. The Clippers are in excellent form; 12 wins in their last 14 games is a very good record.

Harden took responsibility indeed while Kawhi wasn't able to play. However there was something I really didn't like about him in this game. 2/15 three pointers, for real? 

He must have had one of his most inefficient three pointer efforts. Now Clippers are one of the most in-form teams of their conference.

Houston also came from behind to beat Minnesota 110-105. Alperen recorded a double-double, scoring 25 points, and Duran's 39 points were significant contributors to the victory.

Edwards couldn't play in this one which was also an affect on Timberwolves to lose. Randle did his best by 39 points but still they lost. KD was indeed great! I liked Sengun also but I wish he didn't get his 6th personal foul...

[sana54210]

Lakers shouldn't get anyone but a shooter. If you are getting some player around Lebron and Doncic, that player has to be a shooter, I know Ayton wants out, and in that case you trade Ayton for another big, but for players like Vanderbilt or Vincent or Rui, whoever you are trading, get someone who can shoot amazingly, that's the whole goal.

Because Lebron and Doncic are very high minutes, hands on ball type of players, they will not pass to you unless you are capable of shooting, they will find you open and you can shoot, they will not ask you to dribble or make a play happen, they will just pass to open teammate, in that moment you want a shooter and not some defender on that place and that's who they need.

[boyptc]

Nuggets is good and I think that the foundation that Jokic has set made them play better even in his absence.

It's very likely that Jokic should be the #1 if he's not injured. From that top 1 to 3, they're all likeable players and if this ends up SGA as the KIA MVP, congratulations to him.

Looks like SGA has been consistent to be in the top 1 since November, cmiiw.

True. When Jokic got injured, i was really worried. i thought if he misses 18 games, Nuggets can only win 6 maximum. But in 9 games without Jokic, they have 6 wins and only 3 losses. This is a very surprising performance. Also, it’s not just Jokic; the team has other missing players too.
P.S. Jamal Murray is a beast.

Yes, that's an impressive win having their superstar injured. I guess that this is what most teams need to emphasize.

While they're relying to their superstar because of how expensive they're paying them. They should also build their second unit and bench players to be as competitive as their stars when they're in need.

That's how they discover new superstars that could contribute to the team.

[tech30338]

Lakers shouldn't get anyone but a shooter. If you are getting some player around Lebron and Doncic, that player has to be a shooter, I know Ayton wants out, and in that case you trade Ayton for another big, but for players like Vanderbilt or Vincent or Rui, whoever you are trading, get someone who can shoot amazingly, that's the whole goal.

Because Lebron and Doncic are very high minutes, hands on ball type of players, they will not pass to you unless you are capable of shooting, they will find you open and you can shoot, they will not ask you to dribble or make a play happen, they will just pass to open teammate, in that moment you want a shooter and not some defender on that place and that's who they need.

They are lacking underneath the basket, and Ayton wanting out means he will not play properly every game its like sabotaging the moment for LA he done it in the suns, this guy must be grateful that LA pick him up, now if he will not do things properly after LA, there is no team that will pick him up because if the lakers dump you when they are badly need of a center then there is something wrong with the guy, i don't hate him but what he has done with the suns, he might be doing it also in LA, and LA will not tolerate that kind of thing believe me.

[dimonstration]

Lakers shouldn't get anyone but a shooter. If you are getting some player around Lebron and Doncic, that player has to be a shooter, I know Ayton wants out, and in that case you trade Ayton for another big, but for players like Vanderbilt or Vincent or Rui, whoever you are trading, get someone who can shoot amazingly, that's the whole goal.

Getting shooter that will support Luka is like asking Luka and Bron to stop shooting since they get most of the ball possession and FGA.

It’s useless to add more offense while they already have top notch player with AR and Luka that is good on shooting skills. LA main weakness is their lack of presence with their defense that’s why the blame is always on their center.

LA is always doomed whenever their offense is not good since they can’t defend too while team like OKC still win the game even with bad shooting accuracy since they limit their opponents to score more while they use free throw to advance their score.

[Questat]

LA is always doomed whenever their offense is not good since they can’t defend too while team like OKC still win the game even with bad shooting accuracy since they limit their opponents to score more while they use free throw to advance their score.

They really don’t have a solid center, and that’s probably their biggest problem. And looking at the players on the floor, especially if those three end up playing together, Reaves, LeBron, and Luka, there are some clear issues on defense.

LeBron is still the only elite defender among them, but he’s not getting any younger and his athleticism has naturally dropped. Because of that, they really need to manage minutes properly. For that to work, they need a strong second unit, which I honestly don’t think they have right now.

For me, the best second unit in the NBA at the moment is the Nuggets. Even with their best player injured, they’re still finding ways to win games, and that says a lot about their depth.

[1kodumtek7]

Rockets managed to win against a Timberwolves without Edwards. But we still need to see more improvement from Udoka's team. More consistency actually.

By the way I still like to watch Nuggets lately. Even though Jokic is injured they are able to win most of their games anyway. This is good to keep themselves high in the standings.

They really don’t have a solid center, and that’s probably their biggest problem. And looking at the players on the floor, especially if those three end up playing together, Reaves, LeBron, and Luka, there are some clear issues on defense.

That's making their defense really vulnerable indeed. Deandre Ayton isn't a good center honestly. They need a center who can stand strong in defense consistently. I hope Lakers makes their trades accordingly if they want to play big.

[Stavri]

Houston is trying to turn the game around. Right now, as the third quarter ends, they're leading 80-79. Of course, they'll still be ahead for a long time, like the fourth quarter. Alperen and Houston are the team I want to win. It's a pleasure to watch a talented player like Alperen Şengün.

It's already funny that Houston shot 20/34 (58.8%) from the free-throw line. But the Wolves shooting 20/35 (57.1%) in the same game takes the joke to a whole new level. Anyway great win by Houston. its great to see Alperen play high level again.

[Fredomago]

Lakers shouldn't get anyone but a shooter. If you are getting some player around Lebron and Doncic, that player has to be a shooter, I know Ayton wants out, and in that case you trade Ayton for another big, but for players like Vanderbilt or Vincent or Rui, whoever you are trading, get someone who can shoot amazingly, that's the whole goal.

Getting shooter that will support Luka is like asking Luka and Bron to stop shooting since they get most of the ball possession and FGA.

It’s useless to add more offense while they already have top notch player with AR and Luka that is good on shooting skills. LA main weakness is their lack of presence with their defense that’s why the blame is always on their center.

LA is always doomed whenever their offense is not good since they can’t defend too while team like OKC still win the game even with bad shooting accuracy since they limit their opponents to score more while they use free throw to advance their score.

Agree to that, Lakers already have Luka and AR and together with LeBron they have a good arsenal, but the problem with them since they are all offensive facilatators the defense is not that aggressive if they are missing shots the conversions of thier opponents most of the time geve them tough job to adjust, I was in the impression before that having Smart and Ayton will support the trio but it seems that they are not consistent some of their games are good and in some games they are not blending well especially with their defense.

[Webetcoins]

As I predicted, Houston Rockets are a good team, but their chances of winning the championship are decreasing every day. Something needs to change in the team; the players' skills aren't enough.
OKC is a better team, and we saw how serious they were in their recent games. They won the game against the Rockets without much difficulty. OKC is one of the best teams this year, and I'm sure they will play very well in the Playoffs

While I believe losing to OKC is nothing and doesn't show anything about Rockets, I also think they have been bad for a while. However, they were pretty great at the start of the season, and yet not doing as great recently. It means something is wrong, this team isn't a bad team, they are a good team, so whatever is going wrong with them at the moment, they have to find a way to fix that and do a better job. Looking at the team right now, I would say they should be doing better.

[OgNasty]

This Kon Knueppel story is kind of crazy. Through 40 games, he is shooting 42.8% from 3 on 8 attempts per game. He’s already made 137 three pointers. That is 39 more than the next closest rookie in NBA history. I had no idea this was happening.

[rbynxx]

This Kon Knueppel story is kind of crazy. Through 40 games, he is shooting 42.8% from 3 on 8 attempts per game. He’s already made 137 three pointers. That is 39 more than the next closest rookie in NBA history. I had no idea this was happening.

At this point he's probably not a rookie and probably he's gonna be great and hope he'll be fully healthy throughout his career, I'd hope injuries wouldn't end his great start. Do you think he'd be traded or the Hornets will be built around him along with Brandon Miller? I think that was a good option than sticking with Ball. He's been great but I think Hornets may have found the gem with Kon.

[OgNasty]

Lakers got slaughtered tonight with no Luka. LeBron had a terrible shooting night too. They need to get the entire team back and healthy soon before they fall out of the top 10 spots in the west.

[Ziskinberg]

Lakers got slaughtered tonight with no Luka. LeBron had a terrible shooting night too. They need to get the entire team back and healthy soon before they fall out of the top 10 spots in the west.

I was surprised Marcus Smart ended up as the top scorer with 25 points, while LeBron only had 20. That’s not the LeBron we used to know.
You can really see the drop in his performance, he’s just not playing like a superstar anymore.

They already struggled without Reaves, and now without Luka too, the answer is pretty obvious here.