Do you believe NBA is rigged?

[ethereumhunter]

Theoretically it could really be rigged but we as an audience couldn't really know it for sure or have any solid proof about it.
What if the match where an underdog won the match with just a small point advantage we couldn't be sure if they really won it because of their skills or luck or the opponent was paid to throw the game.
We wouldn't know something like that specially if they would just make a small error to let the underdog gets some point.

Yeah, we could only guess. But I think we shouldn't think that the NBA is rigged because it is out of our thinking. There are many ways for people who want to rig the match, and sometimes, we can not think that they can do things. But they will deny it because they don't want other people to know that the fact is they did that. It will never end the story to dig the truth about rigging the sports from the people who did that. I think it is better to let the local officials search about that and investigate it if they found something suspicious.

[wxa7115]

That was the real NBA, there's no rigging happening in that game, rig usually favor the underdog to win or at least cover the spread.
What we witnessed in game 6 was the real strength of the Lakers, they clearly showed how dominant they are and Heat had no answer for them.

I can compare the Heat vs Lakers series to the Cavaliers vs Raptors 2016 ECF where people thought Cavaliers could sweep the Raptors as they were too dominant in the East but what happen is that Raptors fought hard and the series ends in game 6 Cavaliers winning the battle.

If we believe in rig, then that series must be rig to prolong it.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2016-nba-eastern-conference-finals-raptors-vs-cavaliers.html

Agreed, while I can picture some games being rigged on the NBA as some players, coaches or refs that do not earn as much money could be tempted to try to do so I do not think this happens on the finals as there is simply too much money and prestige at stake for people to do that kind of thing, I know that for example there are examples of rigging on the MLB on the distant past but right now that kind of secret would not be able to remain hidden, someone will brag about it and suddenly this will be listened by the right person and an investigation will ensue.

So I think that what we saw in the playoffs was legitimate and if a team underperforms most likely it is simply because the team in front was superior to them.

[Quidat]

That was the real NBA, there's no rigging happening in that game, rig usually favor the underdog to win or at least cover the spread.
What we witnessed in game 6 was the real strength of the Lakers, they clearly showed how dominant they are and Heat had no answer for them.

I can compare the Heat vs Lakers series to the Cavaliers vs Raptors 2016 ECF where people thought Cavaliers could sweep the Raptors as they were too dominant in the East but what happen is that Raptors fought hard and the series ends in game 6 Cavaliers winning the battle.

If we believe in rig, then that series must be rig to prolong it.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2016-nba-eastern-conference-finals-raptors-vs-cavaliers.html

Agreed, while I can picture some games being rigged on the NBA as some players, coaches or refs that do not earn as much money could be tempted to try to do so I do not think this happens on the finals as there is simply too much money and prestige at stake for people to do that kind of thing, I know that for example there are examples of rigging on the MLB on the distant past but right now that kind of secret would not be able to remain hidden, someone will brag about it and suddenly this will be listened by the right person and an investigation will ensue.

So I think that what we saw in the playoffs was legitimate and if a team underperforms most likely it is simply because the team in front was superior to them.

There's no secret that wont be revealed.It might take years or long time but sooner or later there would really be leaks telling that it was rigged but to say
it is already late but at least we do saw that rigging up games is possible not only on NBA but in other sports as well.Also as mentioned about players
havent able to play well or seems odd then i agree into your point that they might havent able to play that well because the opponent was just too good
for them.Its not always right to take the blame and tell that it was rigged just because you havent seen on what you hadnt expected.

[chaser15]

So I think that what we saw in the playoffs was legitimate and if a team underperforms most likely it is simply because the team in front was superior to them.

What I have noticed is that those saying that the playoffs is rigged are actually those people who don't watch regularly an NBA game.

If only they able to watch some games, they can see if something wrong is happening especially with the player's behavior. Other series are not even ended on Game 7. Players are also determined to win. What's the purpose of risking in the bubble if they are free to opt-out playing in the resume?

NBA does have a big stand for that. Players will not throw away their reputation by participating in rigged games.

[Natalim]

So I think that what we saw in the playoffs was legitimate and if a team underperforms most likely it is simply because the team in front was superior to them.

What I have noticed is that those saying that the playoffs is rigged are actually those people who don't watch regularly an NBA game.

If only they able to watch some games, they can see if something wrong is happening especially with the player's behavior. Other series are not even ended on Game 7. Players are also determined to win. What's the purpose of risking in the bubble if they are free to opt-out playing in the resume?

NBA does have a big stand for that. Players will not throw away their reputation by participating in rigged games.

I saw the playoffs, in the bubble and looks like players are really serious with what they are doing, they put their passion and play to win. However, it's not the players who are rigging games, on the videos we saw that was already shared in this thread, it was the referees who are doing it by calling questionable calls to favor a certain team to win, now the question is whether they do it on their own or by the direction of the league's management, hard to say because it was not proven, so it will just remain a theory.

[Finestream]

Some request to OP;

Adding a poll would give us a good picture on what percentage of the posters believe that NBA is rig.

Lots of evidence posted here, so it does make the discussion more interesting although based on theory only and that evidence can't be verify.

[xSkylarx]

I don't think so. It's been going through since 1946 and many legends are known from it. It's just that the team that we always see on final and semifinal playoffs are strong. The only way I think it can be rigged is if someone pays the referee on that game then make some bad calls on the team he was told to.

[robelneo]

I don't think so. It's been going through since 1946 and many legends are known from it. It's just that the team that we always see on final and semifinal playoffs are strong. The only way I think it can be rigged is if someone pays the referee on that game then make some bad calls on the team he was told to.

That's how I looked on it also it's hard to create connivance in NBA there will a whistle blower, we have seen so many bad calls coming from the referees in the past and it has become a subject of allegations of rigging the game, but like I said the organization has a quick eye now they will see if the referee is acting suspiciously, the ref should be very good at closing his eyes on not calling an obvious foul but there's always a replays to check his actions.

[Maslate]

I don't think so. It's been going through since 1946 and many legends are known from it. It's just that the team that we always see on final and semifinal playoffs are strong. The only way I think it can be rigged is if someone pays the referee on that game then make some bad calls on the team he was told to.

That's it, that's mostly what a kind of theory we can see in the video in youtube, refs rigging the game, but we don't know if they are paid or they are just doing it for their personal satisfaction, what people like to prove is if the refs are ordered by the NBA management to rig a certain game or games, because it cannot be rigging every game, that's too obvious if it's really happening.

[Russlenat]

I don't think so. It's been going through since 1946 and many legends are known from it. It's just that the team that we always see on final and semifinal playoffs are strong. The only way I think it can be rigged is if someone pays the referee on that game then make some bad calls on the team he was told to.

That's it, that's mostly what a kind of theory we can see in the video in youtube, refs rigging the game, but we don't know if they are paid or they are just doing it for their personal satisfaction, what people like to prove is if the refs are ordered by the NBA management to rig a certain game or games, because it cannot be rigging every game, that's too obvious if it's really happening.

If that will be proven then we don't have an NBA to watch now, and that would also affect the reputation of other major sports, so it's not gonna happen, whatever they are doing inside, we will never find any evidence to sue them for rigging the game, ask the many and most of them will say games are not rigged.

[peter0425]

Well i think the issue will subside now since the championship is done with good reputation and no thrown issue so we can expect positive views now.


NBA is a good and reputable institution and i am sure they will not risk their reputation doing this BS thing of rigging.

[DabsPoorVersion]

I don't think so. It's been going through since 1946 and many legends are known from it. It's just that the team that we always see on final and semifinal playoffs are strong. The only way I think it can be rigged is if someone pays the referee on that game then make some bad calls on the team he was told to.

That's it, that's mostly what a kind of theory we can see in the video in youtube, refs rigging the game, but we don't know if they are paid or they are just doing it for their personal satisfaction, what people like to prove is if the refs are ordered by the NBA management to rig a certain game or games, because it cannot be rigging every game, that's too obvious if it's really happening.

It is possible, but there is no evidence that the NBA management is doing something like that,

This has been also being discussed in my country before, some says that this is their way to make the matches longer. The longer the matches, more viewers will be coming to watch the game, it means more money.

[Finestream]

I don't think so. It's been going through since 1946 and many legends are known from it. It's just that the team that we always see on final and semifinal playoffs are strong. The only way I think it can be rigged is if someone pays the referee on that game then make some bad calls on the team he was told to.

That's it, that's mostly what a kind of theory we can see in the video in youtube, refs rigging the game, but we don't know if they are paid or they are just doing it for their personal satisfaction, what people like to prove is if the refs are ordered by the NBA management to rig a certain game or games, because it cannot be rigging every game, that's too obvious if it's really happening.

It is possible, but there is no evidence that the NBA management is doing something like that,

This has been also being discussed in my country before, some says that this is their way to make the matches longer. The longer the matches, more viewers will be coming to watch the game, it means more money.

As what have previously posted in this thread, all we see is just an speculation, it's not proven, it's okay to speculate if we really believe as that would somehow help us as a bettor, we will consider it when choosing the team to bet and that will convince our mind that favorites will fail to cover the spread most of the time.

[palle11]

The only way I think it can be rigged is if someone pays the referee on that game then make some bad calls on the team he was told to.

Also being favoured by official can make it possible to be rigged. Being rigged may not be with money but by being in favour to the official. In this case, the player may not be aware too. I think most live games can have some ulterior strategy.

[boltz]

We can only guess I suppose are there are no real info about whatsoever so personally I like to think that NBA is clean but then I saw so many buckets that looked like basket manipulation when the ball curves in the air or just gets extra energy in order to make the bucket. I think every winner is decided before the season starts in a way or another and this might be the last Lakers championship for the next 7 to 9 years and I have Nets into finals for 2021.

[verita1]

I think players have more power than team owners. Franchises are in charge of keeping their players happy. For this simple reason, I don't think the NBA is rigged. Especially this season, players and team owners are arguing about the power they can represent as part of the nation.

The NBA is rigged in this regard, especially this year when racial injustices made their mark. The players realized that they can make themselves heard if they come together and that one man's voice is not enough.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/28/opinion/NBA-boycott-history.html

[stadus]

Poll has been added, please cast your vote so we can see what majority think about the NBA.

I'm sure we got a lot of voters here as this thread is so active.

[Sanitough]

Poll has been added, please cast your vote so we can see what majority think about the NBA.

I'm sure we got a lot of voters here as this thread is so active.

Thanks, already voted, partially I believe it's rigged but the entire organization is not rigged IMO.
I guess we have discussed a lot here, more opinion less facts presented, I hope there's more posters who will share some interesting article or videos.

[doomloop]

Some request to OP;

Adding a poll would give us a good picture on what percentage of the posters believe that NBA is rig.

Lots of evidence posted here, so it does make the discussion more interesting although based on theory only and that evidence can't be verify.

Most of the times people who lose money on NBA will be the one complaining that the games are rigged because they are frustrated and adding a poll is a good idea but it only shows what people think and you can't believe them because if majority of the people had the right decision making ability then we would have had best leaders around the world instead of outspoken and dumb leaders.

Coming back to NBA though, I believe there are bad calls just like there are horrendous calls of strike and ball in MLB and it is easy to allege someone for fixing but the truth is that they work all day to make the game possible and knowing what people think about them will only demotivate them. I also check for twitter #NBA and a lot of guys are cursing players and refs which makes me feel so bad.

[YuginKadoya]

I Could have not voted but I have voted for Yes! that it can be rigged but not all the time, Well, we all know that players and some officials may gamble on who's gonna win and there are some news and speculation that it will go down to rigging the game, but there is much evidence that might prove this but all of you decide if this is true or not.

1) Starting with Ayesha Curry's Tweet when Steph Curry's team The GSW lost on 2016


2) If you know the Issue between James Harden and the Referee's calls that he said that the game might have been rigged, I know that the plays might have bad for Harden and the referee's are having technical difficulty in calling the right call, but this can be included in not proof but there is a gray area about it


3) The 1985 Lottery Controversial and if you are not familiar with it you can surely google it, This can be a conspiracy but it is up to you who's to believe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYb84lcDXyY

But I am never saying that all games are rigged there are maybe just a few games that most of the time the referee has control.