2026 NBA Season

[LogitechMouse]

The Lakers just shot terribly from beyond the arch. LeBron was 0-6, Kennard was 0-2, and Reeves was 2-8. Let them shoot those 16 shots over and they win by a wide margin. They’ll have to get it figured out. This could be a good thing as it buys Luka a little more recovery time, but they don’t want to see a game 7.

They should've given Bronny James playing time so that they can finish the series.

Kidding aside, the Rockets shot 14 threes, and if you watched the whole game, you will see that the Lakers are lacking on defense yet again. Or maybe we can say that Coach Udoka made some adjustments to how the Lakers are defending his players that's why it looks like it. We know that playoffs is just like a chess match. It's full of adjustments so with this loss, I do hope that Coach Redick will make some adjustments. The team already got Reaves back, and he scored 22 points, but still lost to a Durant-less Rockets. Kind of shameful if you will ask me, but it is what it is.

With regards to Luka, there are some rumors saying that even though the Lakers win on this series, there's a chance that he might still not be playing in Conference Semi-Finals because of his injury. Anyway, with or without him, the Thunder will just obliterate them just like what they did with the Suns.

[Alphie12]

The Lakers just shot terribly from beyond the arch. LeBron was 0-6, Kennard was 0-2, and Reeves was 2-8. Let them shoot those 16 shots over and they win by a wide margin. They’ll have to get it figured out. This could be a good thing as it buys Luka a little more recovery time, but they don’t want to see a game 7.

They should've given Bronny James playing time so that they can finish the series.

Kidding aside, the Rockets shot 14 threes, and if you watched the whole game, you will see that the Lakers are lacking on defense yet again. Or maybe we can say that Coach Udoka made some adjustments to how the Lakers are defending his players that's why it looks like it. We know that playoffs is just like a chess match. It's full of adjustments so with this loss, I do hope that Coach Redick will make some adjustments. The team already got Reaves back, and he scored 22 points, but still lost to a Durant-less Rockets. Kind of shameful if you will ask me, but it is what it is.

With regards to Luka, there are some rumors saying that even though the Lakers win on this series, there's a chance that he might still not be playing in Conference Semi-Finals because of his injury. Anyway, with or without him, the Thunder will just obliterate them just like what they did with the Suns.

krazy how rockets are playing better without KD playing this is why i feel he is the problem... he feels he is still that guy and he kills the vibe of every other person in the team with his smelling attitude even though he is their best player, they shouldn't be playing to make him happy

[Harkorede]

AR presence did not help Lakers to win today, but let see on game 6 if there's some better situation will happen on side of Lakers.

They’re saying Durant will be out on Friday for game 6 as well. AR should hopefully be back in the swing of things. The Lakers shot pretty terribly yesterday. I don’t think that continues for another game. They need to win and move on. Luka got all the extra rest he’s going to get.

As the latest reports have indicated that even if Lakers should make it to the next round to face OKC Thunder, Luka Doncic is very unlikely to feature in that series… There have been anything spectacularly different in the Lakers - Rockets series other than the fact that the Rockets have stopped beating themselves, in the first 3 games, there was at least a match that the Rockets have no business losing, but they couldn’t play as team and each player couldn’t keep it together under pressure, this series is probably going to game 7, but I don’t see the Lakers should prevail, I believe.

[xzone]

Two games ago, I thought the Los Angeles Lakers would sweep Houston, but Houston won their last two games to take a 3-2 lead in the series, though they're still behind. The Lakers are still ahead and have home-court advantage, but I'm curious if Houston can come back from 3-0 down.

I want Houston to win because of Alperen, but on the other hand, there's also King LeBron, whom I admire. I'll be happy whichever team wins.

The trash talk between LeBron and Alperen Şengün in the last game was widely discussed, with all the basketball accounts on social media focusing on it. LeBron may no longer be as popular in Türkiye as he used to be

If the Houston Rockets can manage to play like they did during the season, they should beat the Lakers, but they've had a very bad start to the playoffs. Winning the series while down 3-0 is nearly impossible; if they can do it, they'll have achieved something huge

[passwordnow]

Deandre Jordan is so underrated. He's a champion with the Denver Nuggets and now, he's got the award of 2025-26 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year with the Pelicans. Congratulations to him! Article link from official NBA website is on the image.

I hadn’t heard this and didn’t even know he was still in the NBA. Last time I saw him play he was making some pretty bad mistakes so I figured he was out of the league. Kudos to him for finding a way to stay involved by being a great teammate.

He was traded to the Pelicans. Although he's no longer a household name for the NBA and with the team that he's come from. He's still recognized for his simple work ethic and that's why he deserve this award that's given to him. Maybe few years is left on his career in the league but it is what it is for him.

[CLS63]

If I were Luka or Austin Reaves, I’d just wait until the series is over before coming back to play. You know how fans think can be like if the Lakers lose after they return, people might say their comeback caused it. It’s better if they only come back in a Game 7, so there’s no blame if things don’t go well. You what I mean.
The real question here is: are the Lakers actually better with Austin Reaves in this series, or without him?

It turns out Reaves' return hasn't things changed much in a positive way. I can't say his accuracy was good. He was 4/16 on field goals but he has just recovered of course.

Luke Kennard hasn't been making any contribution for 2 games. I think this is a factor in Lakers' losing easier. He needs to step up again. But before that I wonder whether Doncic is returning by Game 6 or not.

[tech30338]

They look tired really, they were trailing most of the game and when they are trailing they get tired, because they are chasing the lead, remember this players are not like rockets that are young, sengun is right they recover faster than the lakers, that is why they look fresh while the lakers are gasping for air.
The addition of Reeves might have mess the rotation, since he has been away, LeBron still loaded in minutes, he did not make any threes in this game, showing he is also tired, if the lakers can't take down the rockets in their home court lakers might lose.

Lakers offense is awful on today’s match. They missed a lot and commit many turnovers that resulted for Rockets in total control of the game even though they are not that explosive when it comes to scoring.

Rockets players improves a lot on restricting the Lakers to attack their paint unlike before that Lakers dominate them on that particular area.

Lakers is already losing to Rockets prior to AR return. I think this just a continuation of their struggle on handling improved Rockets.

Looks like Rockets already figure out on how to exhaust the offensive threat of Lakers and as a result they manage to win against them for 2 consecutive games. Rockets take advantage on the situation and if they keep losing Rockets might get a historical comeback against Lakers. Also if Lakers in on game 6 that expose them a lot and it really seems that we already got an idea that Lakers will became an easy opponent for OKC.

AR presence did not help Lakers to win today, but let see on game 6 if there's some better situation will happen on side of Lakers.

The Lakers can win, but they should not let this series reach game seven, even if they win, this will result to over fatigue for the rest of the team, yes AR and Luka will be back in the second round, i mean Luka but the rest of the squad is tired, there is no way they could put a match in OKC, that is why its very important to win game 6, and dont bring it to game 7, lebron already spend 40 minutes every game, it will not be good for him, to do more, he will not be performing well, Kennard numbers goes down, maybe also because he is not use to play lots of minutes, that is why.

[Sanitough]

The Lakers can win, but they should not let this series reach game seven, even if they win, this will result to over fatigue for the rest of the team, yes AR and Luka will be back in the second round, i mean Luka but the rest of the squad is tired, there is no way they could put a match in OKC, that is why its very important to win game 6, and dont bring it to game 7, lebron already spend 40 minutes every game, it will not be good for him, to do more, he will not be performing well, Kennard numbers goes down, maybe also because he is not use to play lots of minutes, that is why.

Too bad for them, because even in the regular season, when they were complete, they still struggled against OKC’s defense. So I don’t think there will be much difference here. But it’s still better if Luka comes back, at least they’ll be at full strength and there will be no excuses if they lose.

That game was supposed to be their chance to win the series. They were at home and had a huge opportunity, but now they’re making the series more interesting for the Rockets. Game 7 would be a very high-pressure spot, assuming the Rockets also take Game 6.

[Fredomago]

The Lakers can win, but they should not let this series reach game seven, even if they win, this will result to over fatigue for the rest of the team, yes AR and Luka will be back in the second round, i mean Luka but the rest of the squad is tired, there is no way they could put a match in OKC, that is why its very important to win game 6, and dont bring it to game 7, lebron already spend 40 minutes every game, it will not be good for him, to do more, he will not be performing well, Kennard numbers goes down, maybe also because he is not use to play lots of minutes, that is why.

Too bad for them, because even in the regular season, when they were complete, they still struggled against OKC’s defense. So I don’t think there will be much difference here. But it’s still better if Luka comes back, at least they’ll be at full strength and there will be no excuses if they lose.

That game was supposed to be their chance to win the series. They were at home and had a huge opportunity, but now they’re making the series more interesting for the Rockets. Game 7 would be a very high-pressure spot, assuming the Rockets also take Game 6.

Agree to that, better to have Luka so there's no excuses if ever that OKC dominates them, and in regards to these series they've got the chance ending it at home but Houston got that determination to extend the series, it's a important game for both teams now, for Lakers having some rest to prevent ovefatigue is really important while for the Rockets putting the series to a do or die situation will give them a chance to steal these series and move to the next round.

[EFS]

Rockets really play better without Durant. At least now they learned how to play without him. When KD was there, they just avoid responsibility and rely on him. Now they're moving the ball more and trying to find the right option on offense. Their biggest problem is starting the offense too late. We saw that last night as well. They don't use the 24 seconds well, they get into action when 7-8 seconds left. Another problem is poor boxouts on defense. They gave Ayton too many offensive rebounds and second chances.

Reaves came back strong, that's a plus for the Lakers. Luka doesn't look like he returns soon.
If the Lakers let this series go to Game 7, it wouldn't be great for LeBron's legacy. No team has ever come back from 3-0. If that happened against Bron's Lakers, it would be talked about for years. You see in GOAT debates, people focus on his 6 Finals losses rather than his 10 appearances (almost half of his career). Haters will surely use that 3-0 blow for years too. Even though the Lakers weren't favorites at the start, they don't have the luxury to blow that lead now.

[Beparanf]

They look tired really, they were trailing most of the game and when they are trailing they get tired, because they are chasing the lead, remember this players are not like rockets that are young, sengun is right they recover faster than the lakers, that is why they look fresh while the lakers are gasping for air.
The addition of Reeves might have mess the rotation, since he has been away, LeBron still loaded in minutes, he did not make any threes in this game, showing he is also tired, if the lakers can't take down the rockets in their home court lakers might lose.

Lakers offense is awful on today’s match. They missed a lot and commit many turnovers that resulted for Rockets in total control of the game even though they are not that explosive when it comes to scoring.

Rockets players improves a lot on restricting the Lakers to attack their paint unlike before that Lakers dominate them on that particular area.

Lakers is already losing to Rockets prior to AR return. I think this just a continuation of their struggle on handling improved Rockets.

Looks like Rockets already figure out on how to exhaust the offensive threat of Lakers and as a result they manage to win against them for 2 consecutive games. Rockets take advantage on the situation and if they keep losing Rockets might get a historical comeback against Lakers. Also if Lakers in on game 6 that expose them a lot and it really seems that we already got an idea that Lakers will became an easy opponent for OKC.

AR presence did not help Lakers to win today, but let see on game 6 if there's some better situation will happen on side of Lakers.

Most probably this is the case based on the 2 consecutive win. Luck is on Rockets side now because AR accuracy is still not there due to injury while they already adjust to Lakers rotation that bombarded them on the first 3 games mostly on the 2nd half of the game.

I doubt Lakers will not make an adjustment for the remaining 2 games so Rockets need KD to comeback to complete this magical run.

AR will be a problem already on next game while Luka might comeback on Game 7 if there is.

[Questat]

Rockets really play better without Durant. At least now they learned how to play without him. When KD was there, they just avoid responsibility and rely on him. Now they're moving the ball more and trying to find the right option on offense. Their biggest problem is starting the offense too late. We saw that last night as well. They don't use the 24 seconds well, they get into action when 7-8 seconds left. Another problem is poor boxouts on defense. They gave Ayton too many offensive rebounds and second chances.

On the other hand, we can also say the Lakers were playing better without Reaves. So I guess if they want to win the next game, they should limit Reaves’ minutes a bit or at least give him fewer touches, then let everyone else contribute more.

Their outside shooting was the key to winning before, but in the last game they had their worst shooting performance of the series so far. Considering it was on their home court, they really should have shot much better.

I still can’t imagine that if the Rockets were not careless in Game 3, this series could already be 3-2 in their favor now. But of course, the reality is the Lakers still have the advantage, and the Rockets are also playing against history here, which adds even more pressure.

[xLays]

Rockets really play better without Durant. At least now they learned how to play without him. When KD was there, they just avoid responsibility and rely on him. Now they're moving the ball more and trying to find the right option on offense. Their biggest problem is starting the offense too late. We saw that last night as well. They don't use the 24 seconds well, they get into action when 7-8 seconds left. Another problem is poor boxouts on defense. They gave Ayton too many offensive rebounds and second chances.

Reaves came back strong, that's a plus for the Lakers. Luka doesn't look like he returns soon.
If the Lakers let this series go to Game 7, it wouldn't be great for LeBron's legacy. No team has ever come back from 3-0. If that happened against Bron's Lakers, it would be talked about for years. You see in GOAT debates, people focus on his 6 Finals losses rather than his 10 appearances (almost half of his career). Haters will surely use that 3-0 blow for years too. Even though the Lakers weren't favorites at the start, they don't have the luxury to blow that lead now.

I kinda agree with your opinion about Kevin Durant and Rockets. They’ve won two straight games without him, so it shows they can adjust and play better as a team w/o KD. And I think maybe he could retire soon, especially after his current contract. lol
As for Austin Reaves, I wouldn’t really call it strong comeback because he only shot 4-16 from the field. Yes, he scored 20+ points but that was mostly because he got to the free throw line a lot. Like I said before, I think he should just focus on coming back fully in the next round, or in Game 7 if the series reaches that point.
Because of his performance, some fans are now saying RA is one of the reasons the Lakers lost. I wouldn’t be surprised if this series goes to Game 7 and blowout 3-0 lead. It gonna be meme for LBJ..

[stadus]

Also if Lakers in on game 6 that expose them a lot and it really seems that we already got an idea that Lakers will became an easy opponent for OKC.

AR presence did not help Lakers to win today, but let see on game 6 if there's some better situation will happen on side of Lakers.

So the series is not over yet. Honestly, it already felt like it was after the Lakers won Game 3, but the Rockets are still fighting and now they’ve taken the game back at home. But honestly, I wouldn’t use the word “exposed” here, because every game comes with a different strategy. The Lakers just need to make sure they adjust properly and not repeat the same mistakes they made in Game 5.

I also don’t think Reaves should be blamed. He’s still playing his usual game, and since he already showed that he can score and give the kind of contribution expected from him, that actually makes me more confident that the Lakers can still win Game 6, even if a lot of people think they’re now at a disadvantage going back on the road.

[Dave1]

Also if Lakers in on game 6 that expose them a lot and it really seems that we already got an idea that Lakers will became an easy opponent for OKC.

AR presence did not help Lakers to win today, but let see on game 6 if there's some better situation will happen on side of Lakers.

So the series is not over yet. Honestly, it already felt like it was after the Lakers won Game 3, but the Rockets are still fighting and now they’ve taken the game back at home. But honestly, I wouldn’t use the word “exposed” here, because every game comes with a different strategy. The Lakers just need to make sure they adjust properly and not repeat the same mistakes they made in Game 5.

I also don’t think Reaves should be blamed. He’s still playing his usual game, and since he already showed that he can score and give the kind of contribution expected from him, that actually makes me more confident that the Lakers can still win Game 6, even if a lot of people think they’re now at a disadvantage going back on the road.

It's going to be a battle of adjustments, Lakers is dominating the series but it looks like the Rockets has finally made the best adjustment so far in both ends, specially in defense as they force turnovers. And even if Reaves did play and contribute, it was not enough as the offense also of the Rockets was big.

So the ball is on the court of JJ and how he see the last game and what of changes he will do in the next game so that they can close it out. So it's going to be very close game but I'm going to be on the side of the Lakers to win in the road.

As for the Knicks vs Atlanta, NY with a huge lead and I don't think that the Hawks can make that comeback. Almost 50 point lead by the Knicks at halftime.

[OgNasty]

83-36 at halftime is crazy. I’ve never seen anything like that in the playoffs before. The New York Knicks are absolutely destroying the Atlanta Hawks at the half right now… Safe to say the Knicks are moving on to round 2.

[tech30338]

Also if Lakers in on game 6 that expose them a lot and it really seems that we already got an idea that Lakers will became an easy opponent for OKC.

AR presence did not help Lakers to win today, but let see on game 6 if there's some better situation will happen on side of Lakers.

So the series is not over yet. Honestly, it already felt like it was after the Lakers won Game 3, but the Rockets are still fighting and now they’ve taken the game back at home. But honestly, I wouldn’t use the word “exposed” here, because every game comes with a different strategy. The Lakers just need to make sure they adjust properly and not repeat the same mistakes they made in Game 5.

I also don’t think Reaves should be blamed. He’s still playing his usual game, and since he already showed that he can score and give the kind of contribution expected from him, that actually makes me more confident that the Lakers can still win Game 6, even if a lot of people think they’re now at a disadvantage going back on the road.

It's going to be a battle of adjustments, Lakers is dominating the series but it looks like the Rockets has finally made the best adjustment so far in both ends, specially in defense as they force turnovers. And even if Reaves did play and contribute, it was not enough as the offense also of the Rockets was big.

So the ball is on the court of JJ and how he see the last game and what of changes he will do in the next game so that they can close it out. So it's going to be very close game but I'm going to be on the side of the Lakers to win in the road.

As for the Knicks vs Atlanta, NY with a huge lead and I don't think that the Hawks can make that comeback. Almost 50 point lead by the Knicks at halftime.

Its the chemistry i think that has change, since AR will now have more touches and make this other players make less, when the time, lebron is the one operating the floor its clear to other players they will be able to have touches, and they are expecting a pass and a shot more often, now reaves return, those expectation will go down, same with their confidence, the adjustments should be on reaves and not on the team, they were already a working machine with oil, now another piece return he should adjust, and read the plays meaning lebron still needs to orchestrate and AR should wait for the pass, for sure the lakers will win game 6 , they cant afford game 7.

[Harkorede]

As for the Knicks vs Atlanta, NY with a huge lead and I don't think that the Hawks can make that comeback. Almost 50 point lead by the Knicks at halftime.

It's been a completely one sided match after Atlanta Hawks had that 9-0 run to take 9-5 lead, since then the New York Knicks took complete charge of the game and were firing on all cylinder with OG Anunoby continuing his superb series for the Knicks, I could have been more glad that I took the Knicks -2.5 @ 1.91, that's clearly the easiest bet I've won so far in this playoffs.

[mirakal]

I could have been more glad that I took the Knicks -2.5 @ 1.91, that's clearly the easiest bet I've won so far in this playoffs.

Congrats, that’s already an early win. If I were the bookie, I’d probably pay you already by now since the Knicks are leading by more than 50 points and there’s just no way the Hawks are coming back from that.

In my local bookie, we have options like winning by 11+ and even 31+, and the 31+ should already have very high odds since the spread was quite close before the game. I only took the 11+ on this one though, but it’s part of a parlay, so I still need the other 2 games to win.

[LogitechMouse]

As for the Knicks vs Atlanta, NY with a huge lead and I don't think that the Hawks can make that comeback. Almost 50 point lead by the Knicks at halftime.

It's been a completely one sided match after Atlanta Hawks had that 9-0 run to take 9-5 lead, since then the New York Knicks took complete charge of the game and were firing on all cylinder with OG Anunoby continuing his superb series for the Knicks, I could have been more glad that I took the Knicks -2.5 @ 1.91, that's clearly the easiest bet I've won so far in this playoffs.

They also set a playoffs record for largest halftime lead of all time with 47 points.

If you're a Hawks fan, it's just painful to watch this kind of game in your own home. It would be a bit understandable if it's on the road, but if it's on your own home, at some point you will feel disappointment towards your team. Right now, the Knicks are leading by 53 points. What a disappointing way to end the season of the Atlanta Hawks if you will ask me. Also add the fact that they already lost their best defender Dyson Daniels because he got ejected.

Now that the Knicks will clinch into the second round, they'll be waiting for the winner of the Celtics-Sixers series which is currently on Game 6 and is happening. I really do hope that the Celtics win, but I have this feeling that this will go to a Game 7.