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NBA Regular Season & Playoffs 2018-19 Thread

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Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 507 ✭✭✭Hitch2222


    First D2 player in 14 years to potentially get drafted.

    http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26170877/div-ii-player-hinton-declares-nba-draft

    The gap within D1 is massive but this is so rare. Some D2 schools will be better than D1 but it's an insane achievement if if happens


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,710 ✭✭✭✭Paully D


    LeBron’s minutes to be limited for the remainder of the season.

    Sensible decision really.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,403 ✭✭✭✭LuckyLloyd


    Paully D wrote: »
    LeBron’s minutes to be limited for the remainder of the season.

    Sensible decision really.

    Makes sense. Very important off season for everyone involved. LeBron isn’t dragging the Lakers version of the 2007 Cavs to the finals; nor is he leading a 1 - 3 comeback in the finals while topping out in points / assists / rebounds / steals / blocks. He’s not going to be that player at 35+ nor should he be. There’s got to be a significant element of front office skill and a competent coach to compete.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 507 ✭✭✭Hitch2222


    LuckyLloyd wrote: »
    Makes sense. Very important off season for everyone involved. LeBron isn’t dragging the Lakers version of the 2007 Cavs to the finals; nor is he leading a 1 - 3 comeback in the finals while topping out in points / assists / rebounds / steals / blocks. He’s not going to be that player at 35+ nor should he be. There’s got to be a significant element of front office skill and a competent coach to compete.

    He can still be the best player on a championship team I think but he definitely needs some younger players to carry the regular season load to allow him to get there.

    Something along the lines of 66 games, 32 mins per game, 20-6-6 while sharing the ball handling role with someone else seems like a fair ask


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,710 ✭✭✭✭Paully D


    Hitch2222 wrote: »
    He can still be the best player on a championship team I think but he definitely needs some younger players to carry the regular season load to allow him to get there.

    Something along the lines of 66 games, 32 mins per game, 20-6-6 while sharing the ball handling role with someone else seems like a fair ask

    It’ll take a huge shift in mentality for him to do that though. Will he be willing or even able to give up that much control? I could see him getting extremely frustrated.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 394 ✭✭rebelyell99


    The officiating in the thunder and clippers game last night was a disgrace , Westbrook's and George fouled out of the game and half there fouls were disgraceful calls .I guess the NBA needs at least one L.A team in the playoffs well there certainly helping there chances gifting them wins like this .


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,785 ✭✭✭killwill


    Gwynplaine wrote: »
    LBJ gets way too much air time. Congrats to him on passing MJ on scoring list, but it took over 100 games more to do it. Lakers have no hope of making the playoffs.
    Rockets for the championship this year.

    Over 100 games more but 1300 shots less.
    With over 2,000 more rebounds and almost 3,000 more assists.

    Comparisons of these two players will go on forever but it is ridiculous as they played in two totally different eras.
    People will say that the league was way more physical when MJ played but these days the athleticism is at an all time high.
    They were both freaks of nature in their own leagues and that is good enough for me.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 507 ✭✭✭Hitch2222


    killwill wrote: »
    Over 100 games more but 1300 shots less.
    With over 2,000 more rebounds and almost 3,000 more assists.

    Comparisons of these two players will go on forever but it is ridiculous as they played in two totally different eras.
    People will say that the league was way more physical when MJ played but these days the athleticism is at an all time high.
    They were both freaks of nature in their own leagues and that is good enough for me.

    You make a point that I think is the most dismissed during these arguments. People try to make it an argument about absolute ability which is so difficult to do as the game has evolved over time.

    Personally I think it should he viewed more on relative ability. I'm not saying the way in which people will rank players will change much but comparing the best players to their contemporaries offers a far greater insight into where they place than attempting to compare Kobe vs West, Shaq vs Wilt etc.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,003 ✭✭✭Carcharodon


    We really still doing the MJ & LBJ thing, there is full blown season underway, leave that stuff for the Skips of the world.
    I really don’t understand what people expected out of Lakers this year either, this is pretty much how it should go, they could be a little better but not by much


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 507 ✭✭✭Hitch2222


    We really still doing the MJ & LBJ thing, there is full blown season underway, leave that stuff for the Skips of the world.
    I really don’t understand what people expected out of Lakers this year either, this is pretty much how it should go, they could be a little better but not by much

    Ah come on now, any time that a team goes from not having a Top 50 player in the league on their roster to having a Top 3 player while little else changes are bound to get significantly better.
    They've significantly under performed largely because of LBJs injury.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,135 ✭✭✭Gregk961


    We really still doing the MJ & LBJ thing, there is full blown season underway, leave that stuff for the Skips of the world.
    I really don’t understand what people expected out of Lakers this year either, this is pretty much how it should go, they could be a little better but not by much

    By far the most tiresome debate in sport. Messi v Ronaldo is beaten to death aswell but at least they are playing at the same time, and are both still active.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,003 ✭✭✭Carcharodon


    Hitch2222 wrote: »
    Ah come on now, any time that a team goes from not having a Top 50 player in the league on their roster to having a Top 3 player while little else changes are bound to get significantly better.
    They've significantly under performed largely because of LBJs injury.

    Fair enough, won’t knit pit your metrics but I thought it was pretty clear that it was all about next season and year after, not this year. Don’t know why people seem surprised or even upset


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 507 ✭✭✭Hitch2222


    Fair enough, won’t knit pit your metrics but I thought it was pretty clear that it was all about next season and year after, not this year. Don’t know why people seem surprised or even upset

    Oh definitely but I think this was the year he needed to endear himself to Kawhi or any other available player and let's face it, he's done himself/Lakers far more harm than good.

    Their assets trade value has lowered as we know they're on the block, new coach is needed and he's had a substantial enough injury. Lakers needed this year to create a positive narrative moving forward and that hasn't happened.

    On a side note, I thought Harden was a lay for MVP but I think he's making strides once again in light of OKC dropping to 4th. It's still Giannis's to lose though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,915 ✭✭✭Morrison J


    It's definitely straight up Giannis v Harden. I think Harden should win it but Giannis will win it. Harden doing himself no harm the last couple of weeks with the way he has the Rockets playing though. They've got a n outside chance at the 2 seed. They get that and I'm not sure anyone can really deny giving him the award.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 507 ✭✭✭Hitch2222


    Morrison J wrote: »
    It's definitely straight up Giannis v Harden. I think Harden should win it but Giannis will win it. Harden doing himself no harm the last couple of weeks with the way he has the Rockets playing though. They've got a n outside chance at the 2 seed. They get that and I'm not sure anyone can really deny giving him the award.

    Why do you think Harden over Giannis?

    I think the Rockets have improved most notably due to the better play of CP3 but on individual performance and contribution to his team on both ends of the floor, Giannis should be a lock imo


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,915 ✭✭✭Morrison J


    Hitch2222 wrote: »
    Why do you think Harden over Giannis?

    I think the Rockets have improved most notably due to the better play of CP3 but on individual performance and contribution to his team on both ends of the floor, Giannis should be a lock imo

    Mainly for the fact Harden hasn't had Paul and Capela for long stretches of the season and still has his team in contention for the second seed. What he did winning those games with an out of form Gordon as his next best player beside him, dragging the Rockets to wins on a historic scoring run was pretty special imo. If you watch Harden his defense is actually pretty good this year too. That's the usual case made against him.

    I have no problem with Giannis winning it for the record. Just think Harden should be pipping him given the circumstances he was thrown in. The Rockets really should've fallen apart but Harden dragged them through on his own basically. It's a very close race though no doubt.

    You could make a legit case that Harden could be going for his 4th MVP in a row this year. I still find the amount of disrespect he gets a bit staggering. Great player.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 507 ✭✭✭Hitch2222


    Morrison J wrote: »
    Mainly for the fact Harden hasn't had Paul and Capela for long stretches of the season and still has his team in contention for the second seed. What he did winning those games with an out of form Gordon as his next best player beside him, dragging the Rockets to wins on a historic scoring run was pretty special imo. If you watch Harden his defense is actually pretty good this year too. That's the usual case made against him.

    I have no problem with Giannis winning it for the record. Just think Harden should be pipping him given the circumstances he was thrown in. The Rockets really should've fallen apart but Harden dragged them through on his own basically. It's a very close race though no doubt.

    You could make a legit case that Harden could be going for his 4th MVP in a row this year. I still find the amount of disrespect he gets a bit staggering. Great player.

    I think 4th MVP but not in a row. He should have won Stephs first and Russ's but will end up underrated for sure. His defence may have improved but Giannis is on a different level and can defend 5 positions.

    Harden held Rockets up but what's harden has done doesn't look better than what Giannis has done for Bucks imo. Even when controlling for conference strength Giannis adds more wins I think


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,915 ✭✭✭Morrison J


    Chemistry issues pretty clear to see in Golden State

    https://twitter.com/cjzero/status/1104943642261770241?s=19


  • Registered Users Posts: 568 ✭✭✭jonok28


    Morrison J wrote: »
    Chemistry issues pretty clear to see in Golden State

    https://twitter.com/cjzero/status/1104943642261770241?s=19

    Draymond has been a pain in Steve Kerr's ass since Kerr came to the Warriors, he's an abrasive player who is outspoken and Kerr has made it known that he has had problems with Green in the past. I wouldn't be surprised if they let Draymond walk when his contract is up, he has not been the same player the last year or so.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,172 ✭✭✭✭kmart6


    Some context to it from a poster on reddit:
    Context: Draymond checked out of the game with 5:49 left. He had just thrown a great pass to Curry, who hit both free throws to put the Warriors up 96-95. This is not unusual in a close game - it's his last rest before he will finish the game. The Suns then went on a run, and took a 9-point lead. Part of that run happened with Draymond sitting on the scorer's table. Kerr elected to not stop the action to get him back in, so Draymond was just sitting on the scorer's table with one leg propped up for about 2-3 minutes of real time, probably 1:30 of game time.

    When Draymond finally checked back in, the Warriors were still down by about 9. He had a dejected look on his face when he checked in, but he still played hard, and the Warriors' defensive intensity picked up with Draymond working hard in the PnR at the point of attack. Suns eventually called a timeout after a McKinnie free throw, getting Booker back in the game after a brief rest with the Warriors having pulled to within 5.

    Kerr says this - clearly "I'm so ****ing tired of Draymond's ****" - right after Draymond passes by him on the way to the bench after the Suns called timeout with 1:35 of game time remaining and the Warriors down 111-106 after McKinnie's FT.

    So, pretty clearly, Draymond said something to Kerr as he passed by. Very likely a criticism of Kerr's late-game management - leaving Draymond off the floor too long. If I'm Draymond, the quote would be "Damn, that's a GOOD coach down there, calling time out and getting his guy back in."


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,403 ✭✭✭✭LuckyLloyd


    Adds a bit of grist to the narrative for their inevitable title run I suppose. They’re just so stacked that their “chemistry” can be far from perfect.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 636 ✭✭✭Angliru


    Scenes if Draymond demands to be traded and Durant and Klay don't re-sign. We can dream...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,003 ✭✭✭Carcharodon


    Angliru wrote: »
    Scenes if Draymond demands to be traded and Durant and Klay don't re-sign. We can dream...

    I’d probably cry a little but to be honest all I want is Curry and Klay long term
    Was never under the illusion Durant was going to be long term and Dray is always going to be volatile, I think Durant probably annoys him a bit

    Klay called out the poor Oracle crowd last night l, said they were too quite, well that’s what you get when you price out the die hard fans Klay


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,855 ✭✭✭irishguitarlad


    Westbrook was told to "get down his knees like you used to" by a Utah fan and his wife last night. Despicable behaviour really and what makes It worse is that the Jazz interviewed the fan after the game. They also only got a warning and were allowed to return to their seats. Apparently this isn't the first time this has happened at a Jazz game and a lot of NBA players hate playing there. Those type of fans should be banned for life. More needs to be done.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 507 ✭✭✭Hitch2222


    Westbrook was told to "get down his knees like you used to" by a Utah fan and his wife last night. Despicable behaviour really and what makes It worse is that the Jazz interviewed the fan after the game. They also only got a warning and were allowed to return to their seats. Apparently this isn't the first time this has happened at a Jazz game and a lot of NBA players hate playing there. Those type of fans should be banned for life. More needs to be done.

    I wouldn't doubt Westbrook for a minute that the guy said that but I don't know if there is any proof he said anything, did you see any?
    Obviously the video of Westbrook is everywhere, it's a shame but I suspect Westbrook will be cited to some degree over this and the fan gets off if no evidence exists.

    I've read similar about Utah fans, apparently the most consistently disliked city by players. I recently went to see the Book of Mormon which is hilarious BTW but the religion is big in that area.
    Apparently the area is over 50% Mormon so if that is anything to go by, I expect they're probably off the wall.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,003 ✭✭✭Carcharodon


    Westbrook was told to "get down his knees like you used to" by a Utah fan and his wife last night. Despicable behaviour really and what makes It worse is that the Jazz interviewed the fan after the game. They also only got a warning and were allowed to return to their seats. Apparently this isn't the first time this has happened at a Jazz game and a lot of NBA players hate playing there. Those type of fans should be banned for life. More needs to be done.

    I’ve been to Utah, a strange bunch of people to say the least


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,855 ✭✭✭irishguitarlad


    Hitch2222 wrote: »
    I wouldn't doubt Westbrook for a minute that the guy said that but I don't know if there is any proof he said anything, did you see any?
    Obviously the video of Westbrook is everywhere, it's a shame but I suspect Westbrook will be cited to some degree over this and the fan gets off if no evidence exists.

    I've read similar about Utah fans, apparently the most consistently disliked city by players. I recently went to see the Book of Mormon which is hilarious BTW but the religion is big in that area.
    Apparently the area is over 50% Mormon so if that is anything to go by, I expect they're probably off the wall.

    Yeah that's the thing, we only have a video of Westbrook responding, nothing with the guy shouting the abuse. Didn't Joseph Smith say that black people were the race of Cain or something?I suppose a good few still follow that view. The thing is though, why pay for a ticket to see a game that's played by a moajorjty of black people and then to shout abuse?


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,855 ✭✭✭irishguitarlad


    I’ve been to Utah, a strange bunch of people to say the least

    They say it's a beautiful state though, that and Colorado.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,922 ✭✭✭✭Osmosis Jones


    Utah fans have a reputation for this sort of thing, players routinely talk about the racist abuse they've faced from fans in that arena.

    Matt Barnes: "I heard a lot of racial slurs [when I played in the NBA]. Especially in Utah. Very racial. More 'n-words' than black people in the city."

    Stephen Jackson talking about the difference playing at home vs playing on the road in Utah during their 2007 playoff series: "Well, we're not hearing racial slurs, we're not hearing people wishing for me to go to jail. That's the difference for me."

    Jason Richardson on hearing slurs from the Jazz fans in the same series: "That was something new. It shocked all of us," he said. "We weren't expecting that. I mean, [Jazz fans] were trying to get into our heads any way they can, but I couldn't believe anybody would stoop that low. It's nonsense."

    Westbrook talking about an altercation in last season's playoff series: ""I don't confront fans, fans confront me, here in Utah, man, a lot of disrespectful, vulgar things are said to the players here with these fans. It's truly disrespectful. [They] talk about your families, your kids. It's just a disrespect to the game and I think it's something that needs to be brought up. I'm tired of just going out and playing and letting fans say what the hell they want to say. I'm not with that. If I was on the street, they wouldn't just come up to me and say anything crazy, because I don't play that ****."

    And I think it needs to be noted that Utah is an extremely Mormon state, according to this study 67.7% of the Utah population are Mormon, the next closest is Idaho with 26.4% and then after that every remaining state is below 11%. Up to 1978 it was an official Mormon belief that black people have black skin because "their spirits were less valiant in the pre-existence." And according to wikipedia this theory was not officially contradicted by the church until 2013.

    On top of all that, thanks to the fact that the Utah Jazz media team inexplicably interviewed the fan after the game people have found his twitter account containing since-deleted tweets such as these:

    D1d6yy-Uc-AEJy-Ta.jpg
    D1d6yz-AV4-AEp-Jrr.jpg
    Untitled.png


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,003 ✭✭✭Carcharodon


    They say it's a beautiful state though, that and Colorado.

    Yea, it’s pretty nice. People were generally very nice but I just find the whole place ironic or full of hypocrisy, no alcohol but everyone is walking around with a big gulp, have as many kids as you can, be poor and give all your money to the church, such a farce.

    On Russel, the man gets so much abuse, it is absolutely shocking, let’s be honest, it’s because of how he dresses, his perceived attitude and he is black. You wouldn’t see Curry get that much hate.
    You would be hard pressed to find a player over the years that plays as hard and honest every single night like Westbrook.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 507 ✭✭✭Hitch2222


    Yea, it’s pretty nice. People were generally very nice but I just find the whole place ironic or full of hypocrisy, no alcohol but everyone is walking around with a big gulp, have as many kids as you can, be poor and give all your money to the church, such a farce.

    On Russel, the man gets so much abuse, it is absolutely shocking, let’s be honest, it’s because of how he dresses, his perceived attitude and he is black. You wouldn’t see Curry get that much hate.
    You would be hard pressed to find a player over the years that plays as hard and honest every single night like Westbrook.

    I think extremely good result for Westbrook and players. The fine had to be given for profanity but the real win was that even without any video evidence they banned the fan. It won't stop the abuse but it shows that they're willing to take players word and act on it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,403 ✭✭✭✭LuckyLloyd


    Angliru wrote: »
    Scenes if Draymond demands to be traded and Durant and Klay don't re-sign. We can dream...

    No dynasty lasts forever. At the conclusion of this season they’ll have won four out of five ships, enjoyed the greatest regular season of all time and revolutionised the game. That they became the first team to throw away a 3 - 1 series lead in the finals made the ensuing titles all the sweeter in the end.

    They’ve had a good run. I’m certainly ready for something else.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 507 ✭✭✭Hitch2222


    Draymond signs with LeBron Klutch.

    He's an interesting one moving forward, hard to determine his market value into the future.

    I think the GSW dynasty begins to unravel this summer with Steph the only one who stays for life.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,135 ✭✭✭Gregk961


    Just watched the GSW Rockets game from Wednesday night. Probably finished closer than it should have but Houston are capable of cutting back any deficit very quickly. I generally dislike watching the Rockets play, but in fairness the GSW games have such crazy swings it's an interesting watch.

    Boogie had a great game, made the difference in the end and gave hope he could be a big factor in the playoffs. One of my favourite sights in the NBA over the past few years has been Boogie picking up the ball like a guard and steamrolling through anybody in his way. He is literally unstoppable on his day, hopefully his injury is behind him.

    I'd love a Philly-golden state finals to be honest, 2 insane starting 5s


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 111 ✭✭Deadmou5e


    I’m just so happy there isn’t a Warriors v Lebron finals this year, conference or championship. Bored ridged of it at this stage.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,403 ✭✭✭✭LuckyLloyd




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,403 ✭✭✭✭LuckyLloyd


    Deadmou5e wrote: »
    I’m just so happy there isn’t a Warriors v Lebron finals this year, conference or championship. Bored ridged of it at this stage.

    Agreed, four was enough. The Warriors will hopefully break up after they win this year. A half decade of any nailed on outcome is more than enough.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,710 ✭✭✭✭Paully D




  • Registered Users Posts: 6,293 ✭✭✭DaveyDave


    I thought if anyone was going to break Spurs 8 game win streak it was the Warriors. Nope. I wouldn't be surprised if Heat put the pressure on tomorrow night and won but Spurs have been playing pretty well the last two weeks.

    I'll admit the Warriors got pulled up on a few minor fouls but Steph Curry getting in the refs face and throwing a tantrum didn't get a technical where any other player would have got one. Other players seem to get technicals just for being visibly annoyed after a foul. Hell Pop got one in December.

    Pretty sweet 60ft buzzer beater though...



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,848 ✭✭✭✭Igotadose


    Fair play to the Nets. Down 25 in the 4th on the road, and win the game. That doesn't happen too often, probably 'comeback win of the year.' Led by the reserves, their biggest 'name' player Dinwiddie wasn't much of a factor.

    Old farts like me remember when the 3 pointer wasn't in the NBA, it was the ABA that had it and ABA was the 'gimmick' league. Then it came in but further away than now. Now it's at the college line. Still, it makes the games interesting.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 507 ✭✭✭Hitch2222


    Igotadose wrote: »
    Fair play to the Nets. Down 25 in the 4th on the road, and win the game. That doesn't happen too often, probably 'comeback win of the year.' Led by the reserves, their biggest 'name' player Dinwiddie wasn't much of a factor.

    Old farts like me remember when the 3 pointer wasn't in the NBA, it was the ABA that had it and ABA was the 'gimmick' league. Then it came in but further away than now. Now it's at the college line. Still, it makes the games interesting.

    The Nets are doing lots of good stuff. They've really rebuilt from scraps, clearly got a great deal on Russell, put Dinwiddie in position, developed Allen who I envisage as a Capela/Adams type standard.

    The only fear is that they end up in NBA purgatory but they're a big market with a great brand so perhaps they can attract some FA's in the next couple of years.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,710 ✭✭✭✭Paully D




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,922 ✭✭✭✭Osmosis Jones


    A formality at this stage but the Lakers are now officially out of playoff contention, I'm not sure a single person legitimately saw this coming at the start of the season.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,403 ✭✭✭✭LuckyLloyd


    A formality at this stage but the Lakers are now officially out of playoff contention, I'm not sure a single person legitimately saw this coming at the start of the season.

    Well, I don’t think anyone saw LeBron missing a 20 game stretch.


  • Registered Users Posts: 970 ✭✭✭rushfan


    A formality at this stage but the Lakers are now officially out of playoff contention, I'm not sure a single person legitimately saw this coming at the start of the season.


    I presume this is the first time in his career that he's missed the playoffs?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,172 ✭✭✭✭kmart6


    rushfan wrote: »
    I presume this is the first time in his career that he's missed the playoffs?
    No, missed them his first two seasons.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 507 ✭✭✭Hitch2222


    76ers beat Celtics last night, nothing of particular interest on the surface as they won by 3 points etc.
    What was interesting watching the game was the line ups, minutes played and bench depth. It very much looks like the proportions they'll attempt to use in the playoffs.
    All 5 starters in double figures with Embiid playing heavy minutes.

    Even though I thought the Bucks played very well without Giannis the other night, the more I watch the more I feel like the 76ers distributing their minutes like this will progress out of the East.
    IMO Toronto are the threat and their trump card could well be what they can get from Gasol. If he can get anywhere close to DOY Gasol, they could get through.
    Thus far though I'd fancy the 76ers, this will depend on Embiid's fitness & as mentioned what Gasol shows up for Toronto.

    On a side not OKC are down to 8th in the West. Obviously it can flip quite quickly but they were flirting with 2nd after All-Star break. I think any of the teams outside Home Court advantage right now would fancy their chances against Portland and Denver


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,922 ✭✭✭✭Osmosis Jones


    Toronto are my favourites to come out of the east, partially for how they've managed Kawhi all season, he's missed 20 games this season, most of them due to "load management." He's never really had to exert himself and will be fresh come playoff time.

    As a Portland fan I'm hoping for the Spurs, Clippers, or Jazz in that order. GS are the only team that'll have an easy time in the first round, but even they could drop a game or two if they face OKC. I'm really hoping for an OKC vs Houston first round match up.

    I think teams out east will be hoping to avoid Brooklyn in the first, I don't think they can win a series against any of the east's top 5 but they could make them work and possibly take it to 6.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 507 ✭✭✭Hitch2222


    Toronto are my favourites to come out of the east, partially for how they've managed Kawhi all season, he's missed 20 games this season, most of them due to "load management." He's never really had to exert himself and will be fresh come playoff time.

    As a Portland fan I'm hoping for the Spurs, Clippers, or Jazz in that order. GS are the only team that'll have an easy time in the first round, but even they could drop a game or two if they face OKC. I'm really hoping for an OKC vs Houston first round match up.

    I think teams out east will be hoping to avoid Brooklyn in the first, I don't think they can win a series against any of the east's top 5 but they could make them work and possibly take it to 6.

    I'd take the Clippers over the Spurs tbh. Pure pedigree, coaching and a little more star power.
    I don't think anyone wants the Jazz as you said.
    I'd group them with OKC & Rockets as the biggest threat to GSW


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,989 ✭✭✭✭2smiggy


    watched Murray States Ja Morant last night, as their first round NCAA match was on around 8.20pm GMT so a good time for watching a match. He looked a class above , and got only the 8th triple double in NCAA tournament history. will surely go very high in the draft.


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