2026 NBA Season

[rbynxx]

I thought it would be an easy game for the Rockets, but like so many times before, they froze after a lead and the gap melted quickly. They even fell behind, but Alpi managed to hit the game-winner. The Warriors actually look pretty good, they might get through one round in the play-in, but probably not more than that.
Both the Nuggets and the Rockets look likely to pass the Lakers. I actually predicted this 2 games ago. After losing to the Mavericks as well, the Lakers have a tough job in their last 4 games. They may beat Jazz, but other 3 games will be hard.

Yeah they are losing more when the game is close as per stats but I think that was lucky that Steph's 3 didn't fall because if only Podziemski did the double screen where Draymond Green was furious after it didn't play out. I think that game-winner was more of a luck shot and Podziemski was the one guarding that play, so mismatched tbh. Luckily for Lakers they'll probably not gonna miss Luka that much since they'll manage to get him recover as soon as possible but hope it will not lead to ending career injury if he pushed it harder.

[OgNasty]

I saw Wemby went down with an injury and left the game tonight in a win over the 76ers. Hopefully he is back to 100% and good to go by the playoffs. I’m wondering if these late season injuries aren’t a way to rest players before the postseason without getting fined, but that’s ok even if it is.

[fullfitlarry]

I saw Wemby went down with an injury and left the game tonight in a win over the 76ers. Hopefully he is back to 100% and good to go by the playoffs. I’m wondering if these late season injuries aren’t a way to rest players before the postseason without getting fined, but that’s ok even if it is.

I think it's better if they are going to sit Wemby though, there's no way that they can get the first seed and so with that, if they try to push then it might not be good for them. We have seen Luka going down before the playoff and will definitely be out.

The Spurs doesn't want that to happen to Wemby at this point, they are the second seed already and even without him in the remaining games, they can still win some games. This is just me though, maybe others might want to see the star player not sitting for the remainder of the regular season games.

[Dave1]

I saw Wemby went down with an injury and left the game tonight in a win over the 76ers. Hopefully he is back to 100% and good to go by the playoffs. I’m wondering if these late season injuries aren’t a way to rest players before the postseason without getting fined, but that’s ok even if it is.

For Wemby it's all about the 65 games to be able to be in the contention for a awards. Remember that he said that he wanted to be the MVP and so he pushes his body. From what I read he has played 64 games and so he needed another one and play 20 minutes or more.

There is a rule that a player might be given 2 chances not to go and play 20 minutes and still be running for a award. This is the second game for Wemby playing less than 20 minutes so he needs another game to play 20 minutes or more to be eligible for MVP and ROTY.

So I'm still seeing him playing at least a game in their last remaining games.

[mandown]

Denver managed to win the Portland game in overtime, following their victory against San Antonio. The Portland game ended 125-125 in regulation. Denver closed a 14-point gap in the final quarter to force overtime. They then dominated overtime, winning 137-132. Jokic recorded another triple-double. I think this year's MVP will be either Jokic or Wembanyama. I don't expect it to be any other player.

[Stavri]

i used to think the Lakers could only pass one round at most without a proper center but i was still excited about the team cause the chemistry seemed really good. but now, the whole season has been tossed in the trash. it’s time to plan for next year. i hope they move on from LeBron's contract, add some solid big men and build a team around Doncic.

The Lakers will only make it through the first round without any trouble if Luka and Reaves can recover from their injuries by then.
As for LeBron, his contract is set to expire after this season, but it’s worth noting that he’s still playing well. After all, he nearly recorded a triple-double in the last game against the Mavs.

Lakers is probably gonna get jumped by the Nuggets in the remaining games and fall behind Houston.. Houston is so damn lucky.
Once again, the Lakers fate is resting on LeBron’s shoulders right before the playoffs. Though, who knows if the Nuggets would actually prefer the Wolves over Houston.

[Yaunfitda]

Denver managed to win the Portland game in overtime, following their victory against San Antonio. The Portland game ended 125-125 in regulation. Denver closed a 14-point gap in the final quarter to force overtime. They then dominated overtime, winning 137-132. Jokic recorded another triple-double. I think this year's MVP will be either Jokic or Wembanyama. I don't expect it to be any other player.

Going to be very close call for the MVP this season, don't count out SGA, he is still the former MVP but not sure if he will be the voters favorite as we have seen that he was given a lot of calls by the referee that even a slight touch will be called a foul. But Jokic and Wemby are closing out strong this regular season. Although Wemby has been reported to have a rib injury, but I don't think that it's serious that he will miss the remaining of the regular season. Just too bad that another MVP candidate in Luka is out of the contention for the MVP race as he will have to missed games and then the Lakers standing are going to be affected by it as I don't think that Lebron can carry the Lakers as this point. But good thing that they are going to be in the playoff so it's a must watch until Luka returns to the line-up.

[Fredomago]

Denver managed to win the Portland game in overtime, following their victory against San Antonio. The Portland game ended 125-125 in regulation. Denver closed a 14-point gap in the final quarter to force overtime. They then dominated overtime, winning 137-132. Jokic recorded another triple-double. I think this year's MVP will be either Jokic or Wembanyama. I don't expect it to be any other player.

Going to be very close call for the MVP this season, don't count out SGA, he is still the former MVP but not sure if he will be the voters favorite as we have seen that he was given a lot of calls by the referee that even a slight touch will be called a foul. But Jokic and Wemby are closing out strong this regular season. Although Wemby has been reported to have a rib injury, but I don't think that it's serious that he will miss the remaining of the regular season. Just too bad that another MVP candidate in Luka is out of the contention for the MVP race as he will have to missed games and then the Lakers standing are going to be affected by it as I don't think that Lebron can carry the Lakers as this point. But good thing that they are going to be in the playoff so it's a must watch until Luka returns to the line-up.

Though both Wemby and Jokic are in the hot topic for winning the season's MVP but we can't remove the fact that both Luka and SGA are still in the list if Luka managed to play back after that injury and provide decent numbers he still have that good chance to win while like what you said, SGA is the former and still have that hot numbers and together with their team position he's also have that numbers, everyone have their chance but things will be depends on how the vote will help to whoever star that will win for this season's MVP.

[ultrloa]

Denver managed to win the Portland game in overtime, following their victory against San Antonio. The Portland game ended 125-125 in regulation. Denver closed a 14-point gap in the final quarter to force overtime. They then dominated overtime, winning 137-132. Jokic recorded another triple-double. I think this year's MVP will be either Jokic or Wembanyama. I don't expect it to be any other player.

Going to be very close call for the MVP this season, don't count out SGA, he is still the former MVP but not sure if he will be the voters favorite as we have seen that he was given a lot of calls by the referee that even a slight touch will be called a foul. But Jokic and Wemby are closing out strong this regular season. Although Wemby has been reported to have a rib injury, but I don't think that it's serious that he will miss the remaining of the regular season. Just too bad that another MVP candidate in Luka is out of the contention for the MVP race as he will have to missed games and then the Lakers standing are going to be affected by it as I don't think that Lebron can carry the Lakers as this point. But good thing that they are going to be in the playoff so it's a must watch until Luka returns to the line-up.

Though both Wemby and Jokic are in the hot topic for winning the season's MVP but we can't remove the fact that both Luka and SGA are still in the list if Luka managed to play back after that injury and provide decent numbers he still have that good chance to win while like what you said, SGA is the former and still have that hot numbers and together with their team position he's also have that numbers, everyone have their chance but things will be depends on how the vote will help to whoever star that will win for this season's MVP.

Unfortunately Luka is ineligible for the reward after he get injured. That's why SGA has more better shot to win the MVP award again this season. So unfortunate for Luka since he have some solid chance to win an MVP award this season, but it seems they are going to appeal his case https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nba-awards-voting-could-delayed-063236684.html so let's see how it will end up for Luka.

But I think media will still vote for SGA since OKC and him still doing great this season.

[Stavri]

Rockets have the easiest schedule. if they go 4-0, they could finish in 3rd place. They will most likely finish 3rd or 4th.

Standings:
3rd: Denver – 50 wins
4th: Lakers – 50 wins
5th: Rockets – 49 wins

Schedule:
Lakers: vs. OKC, @ GS, vs. Suns, vs. Jazz

Denver: vs. Portland, vs. Memphis, vs. OKC, @ Spurs

Rockets: @ Suns, vs. 76ers, vs. Wolves, @ Memphis

[coinrifft]

Rockets have the easiest schedule. if they go 4-0, they could finish in 3rd place. They will most likely finish 3rd or 4th.

Standings:
3rd: Denver – 50 wins
4th: Lakers – 50 wins
5th: Rockets – 49 wins

Schedule:
Lakers: vs. OKC, @ GS, vs. Suns, vs. Jazz

Denver: vs. Portland, vs. Memphis, vs. OKC, @ Spurs

Rockets: @ Suns, vs. 76ers, vs. Wolves, @ Memphis

I think the Denver though might have the easiest schedule amongst the three.  While Lakers and Rockets might go 50/50 in their remaining games. Nuggets at 51 wins, Lakers at 50 and Rockets at 49 wins. So it's going to be very close between the three teams but I think the Denver will be the 3rd set and then we will see what's going to happen between Lakers and Rockets. For the series records between the two, the Lakers hold the edge 2-1. So in case that they have the same records, the Lakers might end up with the 4th seed base on that strength of winning records against the Rockets but I could be wrong though.

[OgNasty]

Rockets have the easiest schedule. if they go 4-0, they could finish in 3rd place. They will most likely finish 3rd or 4th.

Standings:
3rd: Denver – 50 wins
4th: Lakers – 50 wins
5th: Rockets – 49 wins

Schedule:
Lakers: vs. OKC, @ GS, vs. Suns, vs. Jazz

Denver: vs. Portland, vs. Memphis, vs. OKC, @ Spurs

Rockets: @ Suns, vs. 76ers, vs. Wolves, @ Memphis

I think the Denver though might have the easiest schedule amongst the three.  While Lakers and Rockets might go 50/50 in their remaining games. Nuggets at 51 wins, Lakers at 50 and Rockets at 49 wins. So it's going to be very close between the three teams but I think the Denver will be the 3rd set and then we will see what's going to happen between Lakers and Rockets. For the series records between the two, the Lakers hold the edge 2-1. So in case that they have the same records, the Lakers might end up with the 4th seed base on that strength of winning records against the Rockets but I could be wrong though.

Looks like it will be the Lakers against the Houston Rockets in round one of the playoffs. I actually like this matchup for the Lakers. In the last two games I watched, the Lakers seemed to control the entire game. Hopefully Luka and Austin aren’t out for too many games.

[Stavri]

Rockets have the easiest schedule. if they go 4-0, they could finish in 3rd place. They will most likely finish 3rd or 4th.

Standings:
3rd: Denver – 50 wins
4th: Lakers – 50 wins
5th: Rockets – 49 wins

Schedule:
Lakers: vs. OKC, @ GS, vs. Suns, vs. Jazz

Denver: vs. Portland, vs. Memphis, vs. OKC, @ Spurs

Rockets: @ Suns, vs. 76ers, vs. Wolves, @ Memphis

I think the Denver though might have the easiest schedule amongst the three.  While Lakers and Rockets might go 50/50 in their remaining games. Nuggets at 51 wins, Lakers at 50 and Rockets at 49 wins. So it's going to be very close between the three teams but I think the Denver will be the 3rd set and then we will see what's going to happen between Lakers and Rockets. For the series records between the two, the Lakers hold the edge 2-1. So in case that they have the same records, the Lakers might end up with the 4th seed base on that strength of winning records against the Rockets but I could be wrong though.

Looks like it will be the Lakers against the Houston Rockets in round one of the playoffs. I actually like this matchup for the Lakers. In the last two games I watched, the Lakers seemed to control the entire game. Hopefully Luka and Austin aren’t out for too many games.

Just as the Lakers were looking to clinch the third seed in the West, they were hit with a major disappointment as two of their key scorers were ruled out for the remainder of the regular season...
Even with LeBron putting up a stat like 30-9-15  against the Mavs, it wasn't enough to prevent the loss.
They have now slipped to fourth place and are facing the risk of being overtaken by the Rockets. It looks like LeBron will be rested for the upcoming Thunder game (which is honestly a sensible move imo) but they absolutely must find a way to sweep their remaining games against the Warriors, Suns and Jazz.

[emrecemsan]

I've no idea how Nuggets struggled that much against Trail Blazers last night.    Even with the return of an important player such as Aaron Gordon recently...

Trail Blazers led the game for a serious amount of time but still couldn't win because of quality gap. Jokic was really solid and this was the best performance for Gordon since he recovered too!

I guess Nuggets will finish regular season as 3rd after the serious injuries have struck Lakers.

[arwin100]

Rockets have the easiest schedule. if they go 4-0, they could finish in 3rd place. They will most likely finish 3rd or 4th.

Standings:
3rd: Denver – 50 wins
4th: Lakers – 50 wins
5th: Rockets – 49 wins

Schedule:
Lakers: vs. OKC, @ GS, vs. Suns, vs. Jazz

Denver: vs. Portland, vs. Memphis, vs. OKC, @ Spurs

Rockets: @ Suns, vs. 76ers, vs. Wolves, @ Memphis

I think the Denver though might have the easiest schedule amongst the three.  While Lakers and Rockets might go 50/50 in their remaining games. Nuggets at 51 wins, Lakers at 50 and Rockets at 49 wins. So it's going to be very close between the three teams but I think the Denver will be the 3rd set and then we will see what's going to happen between Lakers and Rockets. For the series records between the two, the Lakers hold the edge 2-1. So in case that they have the same records, the Lakers might end up with the 4th seed base on that strength of winning records against the Rockets but I could be wrong though.

Looks like it will be the Lakers against the Houston Rockets in round one of the playoffs. I actually like this matchup for the Lakers. In the last two games I watched, the Lakers seemed to control the entire game. Hopefully Luka and Austin aren’t out for too many games.

And this is what the updates of NBA shown towards playoff first round match up https://www.nba.com/news/2026-nba-playoffs-standings-and-bracket-updates

So yes it will be Durant vs Lebron this time, it will be tough for Lakers to win this game if Reaves and Luka cannot go back on their normal rotation. If they manage to get back on perfect time Lakers may had great chance to win against Rockets.

[LogitechMouse]

i used to think the Lakers could only pass one round at most without a proper center but i was still excited about the team cause the chemistry seemed really good. but now, the whole season has been tossed in the trash. it’s time to plan for next year. i hope they move on from LeBron's contract, add some solid big men and build a team around Doncic.

The Lakers will only make it through the first round without any trouble if Luka and Reaves can recover from their injuries by then.
As for LeBron, his contract is set to expire after this season, but it’s worth noting that he’s still playing well. After all, he nearly recorded a triple-double in the last game against the Mavs.

If both of them are able to play, yes they have a chance against the Rockets. Yes, the Rockets might be their match-up in the first round because the Nuggets might secure the 3rd seed already. Even though the Rockets don't have a legitimate PG on their team, it's pretty obvious that they can still win against an undermanned Lakers.

It's just a bit unfortunate that both Luka and Reaves got injured in a game where they're not supposedly playing anymore because they've been down huge since the start of the game against the Thunder. The hopes of the Lakers vanished in just span of 48 hours, and the odds of them winning on sportsbooks are also gone now. As for Lebron and his contract, I don't think that him carrying the team will make any difference. Unless he will accept a huge pay cut just to stay as a Laker, he will certainly be a free agent next season.

[Finestream]

I saw Wemby went down with an injury and left the game tonight in a win over the 76ers. Hopefully he is back to 100% and good to go by the playoffs. I’m wondering if these late season injuries aren’t a way to rest players before the postseason without getting fined, but that’s ok even if it is.

That injury was really bad for him, I think it pretty much takes him out of the MVP race. Now with both him and Luka dealing with injuries, it feels like the competition is down to the reigning MVP SGA and my favorite, Jokic. From what I’ve read, Jokic still needs to complete the season to qualify, so hopefully he stays healthy because that would make the MVP race really close.

Who do you guys have winning it?

[Russlenat]

Who do you guys have winning it?

I think SGA will win this time. Jokic has already been robbed so many times, but now that the race is this close, he’ll most likely lose again.

I also like Jokic and wouldn’t mind seeing him win, because both players are really that good. But if we’re being honest, MVP usually ends up favoring the player from the team that had the better season, and right now that’s clearly OKC based on the record.

So if we go by team success, SGA has the stronger case.

[Beparanf]

I've no idea how Nuggets struggled that much against Trail Blazers last night.    Even with the return of an important player such as Aaron Gordon recently...

Trail Blazers led the game for a serious amount of time but still couldn't win because of quality gap. Jokic was really solid and this was the best performance for Gordon since he recovered too!

I guess Nuggets will finish regular season as 3rd after the serious injuries have struck Lakers.

Even strong sometimes experienced a slow start when the underdog has a good rhythm on early quarters. Strong team usually just recover on late quarters when the underdog team was already out of gas due to their strong performance on the early quarters.

This is the typical problem of underdog which they are frequently lose on the late game. Nuggets is good on cutting the lead on the late run by pressuring their opponent low defense due to tiredness on the game.

Trailblazers is simply just have a good game that’s why Nuggets seems struggle.

[Jostern]

I saw Wemby went down with an injury and left the game tonight in a win over the 76ers. Hopefully he is back to 100% and good to go by the playoffs. I’m wondering if these late season injuries aren’t a way to rest players before the postseason without getting fined, but that’s ok even if it is.

Sometimes you never can imagine what is happening with this players, I hope it’s not a serious injury with Wemby because he will be needed very much by his team in the Playoffs, so getting injured right now will be catastrophic for their seasons, sometimes I also think it’s a way of resting players, especially when you’re getting into the Climax of the season, Wemby is a very important player with the team so San Antonio Spurs would need him to be active and playing he is a real deal for the teams, well I think if it’s a strategy for them resting the player is quite a good idea for them.