2023 NBA playoffs will be starting soon.

SanctionII · April 25, 2023 7:34AM

Lakers up 3-1 on Memphis.

LeBron James was fantastic last night.

thisistheshow · April 25, 2023 7:39AM

@SanctionII said:
Lakers up 3-1 on Memphis.

LeBron James was fantastic last night.

...
Let's just call it, right now. Celtics vs Lakers. will a new king emerge

erikthredd · April 25, 2023 8:12AM

That was a great ending to that Lakers/Griz game. First it was DPOY Jaren Jackson Jr denying Rui Hachimura with 11 seconds left and the game tied then Ja racing down court to feed Desmond Bane for the go ahead basket. Then Lebron has 6 seconds to drive to the hoop and throws up a finger roll so high up the backboard with Jackson trying to stop that it ties the game putting it into OT. The Lakers then finished them off.

erikthredd · April 25, 2023 8:14AM

@Steven59 said:
NEW YORK –" Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray has been suspended one game without pay for making inappropriate contact with and verbally abusing a game official, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations."

Not that I think he would have changed the trajectory of this series but he's been their best player on both ends of the court. This series should end tonight.

erikthredd · April 25, 2023 10:03AM

Next season we might see some high tax paying teams like the Warriors & Clippers (and to a lesser extent,the Bucks,Celtics,Mavs,Lakers & Suns) have to scale back salary considerably to prevent going over the new luxury tax apron to avoid some heavy penalties like:
the loss of the midlevel exception
a ban on including cash as part of trades
the inability to accept more salary in a trade than the team sends out
teams will be unable to aggregate salary in trades
cannot trade first-round picks seven years in the future
cannot sign players on the buyout market.
Also, if a team exceeds the second apron and remains there in one of the four subsequent years, its draft pick will get moved to the end of the first round, regardless of its record.
https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2023/04/nba-to-phase-in-second-tax-apron.html

The 2023-24 salary cap will be projected at about 134M,the luxury tax at 162M and the new tax apron at roughly 180M. GS & LAC are the only two teams currently looking at penalties.

SanctionII · April 25, 2023 10:40AM

Me thinks that the 2022-2023 version of the GS Warriors will be the last one that has Curry, Thompson and Green on the roster.

If the Kings win round 1 and sends the Warriors on vacation I expect that at either Thompson or Green will not be on the roster next year (most likely Green who would opt out of his final year and sign elsewhere). Thompson has shown this year that he has mostly recovered from his two major injuries he suffered in 2019 and 2020 (though he is not as good a defender now that he was prior to his injuries). He would have significant trade value. Green is a a hot headed player, but he is someone that can elevate the quality of play of his teammates. He would be an interesting teammate with another superstar (i.e. LeBron James).

If the Warriors pull a rabbit out of the hat and win the 2022-2023 title ownership might just try to keep the team together in 2023-2024 for a swan song year in an attempt to win title #6 (in 10 years).

It is very likely that GM Bob Meyers will leave on 7-1-2023 (his contract expires on 6-30-2023). If that happens I could also see Steve Kerr moving on. I could also see ownership revamping the roster (keeping Curry, Wiggins, Looney and Kuminga; while cleaning house with everyone else, including Jordan Poole whose new contract kicks in next year). Having Curry as an elder statesman playing with a roster filled with young players does have some interesting possibilities.

I also could even see ownership doing the unthinkable and trading Curry (for multiple young players and multiple future draft picks) in order to move into the post Curry era with new younger players. Trading Curry would enrage the fan base, but there is precedent for doing so in the SF Bay Area (i.e. Joe Montana).

erikthredd · April 25, 2023 11:00AM

Its going to be interesting to see what GS does with their roster. Watching this team over the years from afar you could see that ownership has been very loyal to their players especially their main core of Curry,Klay,Green & Looney. Ideally you'd think that Klay & Draymond have done enough for that franchise to finish their careers with the Warriors but with how this season played out on the court so far,their immediate future salary cap issues and Draymond's punch likely still hanging over the team, he seems like the odd man out,imo.

If Green doesn't opt in and they decide to move Poole that would still leave them with a legit starting lineup of Curry,Klay,Wiggins,GP2 & Looney and solid depth behind them in Divencenzo,Moody & Kaminga.

You make a great point about Bob Meyers and his contract still being up in the air,he probably doesn't get the credit he deserves for assembling the majority of their title winning teams. If they let him get away he'll have job offers immediately waiting.

I just can't see their ownership group trading away Curry or Klay in the end. Those two are arguably in the franchise's top 4-5 players in history and I just think that they'll finish out their playing days with this team,unless of course if one or both eventually ask out. I think both have earned the right to play it how they seem fit. I would have added Green too but that punch might have lowered his value in the owner's eyes.

erikthredd · April 25, 2023 6:57PM

Great comeback from the Hawks. Like the C's team from their previous playoff run they still like making it hard on themselves by giving away games they should have won.

galaxy27 · April 25, 2023 6:59PM

Boston just pulled off its best Milwaukee impersonation

really quite creepy how similar those gag jobs were -- both teams up a dozen halfway thru the 4th

now Embiid has at least 2 more days to recover

erikthredd · April 25, 2023 7:02PM

@galaxy27 said:
Boston just pulled off its best Milwaukee impersonation

really quite creepy how similar those gag jobs were -- both teams up a dozen halfway thru the 4th

now Embiid has at least 2 more days to recover

Thank god we're still up 3-2 unlike in Milwaukee's case. Silver linings and all lol.

thisistheshow · April 25, 2023 7:06PM

I'm disappointed with the team.

SanctionII · April 25, 2023 7:07PM

Celtics coughed up an L.

Trae Young has ice in his veins.

thisistheshow · April 25, 2023 7:16PM

@erikthredd said:
Great comeback from the Hawks. Like the C's team from their previous playoff run they still like making it hard on themselves by giving away games they should have won.

......
I'm just going to say it here, publicly. I know many won't agree, and I assume @erikthredd that you won't either.

Out team's superstar, Tatum, is not the kind of player that I get excited about rooting for. I love the team, but I want them to win, and he sets a bad tone.

All of the stuff with son, before the game, etc...I know it's been talked about, and a lot of fans are toxic and use everything they can to try to vilify these guys. However, Tatum just doesn't doesn't hate losing enough. He isn't focussed. All of it is too much. All that money, and... He is the leader, and needs to be in the right mind set and get the other guys there too. It's not happening.

They may win the championship. I hope they do. But he's just not a "bus one" guy. Not even in spirit.

galaxy27 · April 25, 2023 7:19PM

up 12..........5 to play.........at home...........against an inferior team..........missing one of their key cogs

that's the definition of inexcusable

the only way in hell Atlanta rises from the depths to win that game is if Boston allows Trae Young to go bananas, a la Jimmy Buckets last night

and that's exactly what they allowed him to do

edit: he scored 14 points in the last 3:18

erikthredd · April 25, 2023 7:23PM

@thisistheshow said:

@erikthredd said:
Great comeback from the Hawks. Like the C's team from their previous playoff run they still like making it hard on themselves by giving away games they should have won.

......
I'm just going to say it here, publicly. I know many won't agree, and I assume @erikthredd that you won't either.

Out team's superstar, Tatum, is not the kind of player that I get excited about rooting for. I love the team, but I want them to win, and he sets a bad tone.

All of the stuff with son, before the game, etc...I know it's been talked about, and a lot of fans are toxic and use everything they can to try to vilify these guys. However, Tatum just doesn't doesn't hate losing enough. He isn't focussed. All of it is too much. All that money, and... He is the leader, and needs to be in the right mind set and get the other guys there too. It's not happening.

They may win the championship. I hope they do. But he's just not a "bus one" guy. Not even in spirit.

You're right,I don't agree and I'll leave it at that.

thisistheshow · April 25, 2023 8:29PM

It's still our year. Go Celtics!!!

SanctionII · April 26, 2023 6:51AM

Nuggets v Suns in Round 2.

Predictions?

thisistheshow · April 26, 2023 8:24AM

@SanctionII said:
Nuggets v Suns in Round 2.

Predictions?

...
I'm only watching the Celtics games.

I've of course been reading here, watching highlights of the other games, and taking in some analysis. So I'm basing this on that...if the Suns stay healthy, they win this series. I'll even say that they win the West. Though as I've said, I prefer the Lakers vs Celtics in the finals.

ETA: actually, I've watched some of the other games, finishes mostly, but not entirely (which is what I meant).

erikthredd · April 26, 2023 9:14AM

Apparently the Hawks weren't expecting to play a game 6 at home and whoever owns the stadium booked a Janet Jackson concert that night that had to get postponed lol .

Thanks alot...Boston Celtics
Signed Janet Jackson fans

erikthredd · April 26, 2023 9:57AM

The Clippers had their season end last night with Kawhi missing another game due to injury, a torn meniscus this time. I saw this mentioned elsewhere but since he agreed to sign with LA if they traded for Paul George, the Clippers have invested 484M for those two not to mention giving up 5 firsts round picks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander,an ALL-NBA 30ppg scorer, and all its brought the organization is three playoff series wins. Pretty nuts.

Steven59 · April 26, 2023 10:53AM

Durant/Booker a combined 78 points last night.

Knicks, Lakers, and the Heat can all wrap up their series tonight.

SanctionII · April 26, 2023 11:05AM

Four games today, with three of them being 3-1 possible close out games.

The other game is 2-2, being played in Sacramento. It should be very entertaining. If GS somehow manages to win in Sacramento tonight I think that it would be likely that GS will move on to Round 2. If Sacramento wins tonight I think that the series will most likely go 7 games.

erikthredd · April 26, 2023 11:11AM

That Kings-Dubs game will come down to how effective Fox will be playing with that fractured finger,imo.

SanctionII · April 26, 2023 12:03PM

Game 5 of the Kings and Warriors, imo, will come down to:

a. how well the Kings play under the pressure of the need to win a Game 5 home game in a series tied 2-2; and

b. whether the Warriors have it in them to play at their best for 48 minutes on both sides of the ball on the road (i.e. playing hard nosed defense to keep the Kings at 105 points or less; limiting their turnovers to 10 or less instead of 15 or more; and playing smart on offense [not relying on the 3 point shot when it is not falling and instead attacking the basket by driving into the paint for layups, fouls and/or kick outs to open perimeter shooters).

Fox will play with his injured finger tonight. Whether he plays great or not, the Kings are very talented. If the other players on the team do not wilt under the pressure then the Kings stand a great chance of going up 3-2.

erikthredd · April 26, 2023 2:12PM

Sounds like Joel Embiid's injury might be worse than originally expected.
https://nba.nbcsports.com/2023/04/22/rivers-says-mri-on-embiids-knee-did-not-turn-out-well-return-date-unknown/

Steven59 · April 26, 2023 5:08PM

Well here we go again -No defense on Brunson - 17 point 1st half and the "Chucker" is still chucking - 5 of 12 from the field (1 of 5 from 3)

Steven59 · April 26, 2023 5:25PM

@erikthredd said:
Sounds like Joel Embiid's injury might be worse than originally expected.
https://nba.nbcsports.com/2023/04/22/rivers-says-mri-on-embiids-knee-did-not-turn-out-well-return-date-unknown/

Well that doesn't sound too promising. Isn't he another "Star" that always seems to be hurt during the playoffs?

erikthredd · April 26, 2023 5:31PM

@Steven59 said:

@erikthredd said:
Sounds like Joel Embiid's injury might be worse than originally expected.
https://nba.nbcsports.com/2023/04/22/rivers-says-mri-on-embiids-knee-did-not-turn-out-well-return-date-unknown/

Well that doesn't sound too promising. Isn't he another "Star" that always seems to be hurt during the playoffs?

Yup,not to mention he's never led his team out of the 2nd round. For a perennial MVP "candidate" he gets cut more slack than any other All NBA level player.

erikthredd · April 26, 2023 6:31PM

Memphis is finally playing like a 2 seed should, up 24 in the 4th. They're currently on a 34-4 run.

@Steven59 tough loss buddy but the Cavs are definitely on the rise after the season they just had. I really think that they need to find that one more shooting/scoring wing that is more consistent than Levert and that can pick up the slack if/when Garland or Mitchell are having an offnight.

Steven59 · April 26, 2023 6:50PM

Comes down to a few problems - NO BENCH, and Thibodeau coached the best out of the Knicks while Bickerstaff just didn't have any answers............ which relates right back to NO BENCH.

erikthredd · April 26, 2023 6:57PM

@Steven59 said:
Comes down to a few problems - NO BENCH, and Thibodeau coached the best out of the Knicks while Bickerstaff just didn't have any answers............ which relates right back to NO BENCH.

Well the good thing is they have a bunch of players heading to free agency that likely won't be back next season. Scroll down to Cap Holds amd the only ones that might be worth returning are Levert,Windler & Green, maybe even Lopez as your 3rd big. They'll have very few first rounders in the coming years but they do have plenty of 2nds to build out that bench.
IMO,they've already done the hard part by putting Mitchell,Garland,Allen & Mobley together, now just fill in around the edges.
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/cleveland-cavaliers/cap/

Steven59 · April 26, 2023 7:21PM

And tell Mobley to get in the weightroom - Robinson made him look like a 14 year old kid out there.

erikthredd · April 26, 2023 7:41PM

@Steven59 said:
And tell Mobley to get in the weightroom - Robinson made him look like a 14 year old kid out there.

Developing more of an offensive game would also help but he just finished 3rd in DPOY voting so you're really pretty far ahead on him overall from where most players are at after year two. Put a good enough team around him and he could be your Tim Duncan for the next 10-15yrs if all goes well.

erikthredd · April 26, 2023 9:24PM

2.1 seconds left in regulation and down by two, Jimmy Butler puts it into OT. Bucks blew a 16pt 4th quarter lead.

erikthredd · April 26, 2023 9:36PM

Hats off to the Miami Heat for knocking off the #1 seed and to the Warriors for going into Sactown and taking the series lead,3-2.

SanctionII · April 26, 2023 10:39PM

Knicks and Heat advance to round 2. Bucks and Cavs go on vacation. Jimmy Butler shines. The Cavs fall to a good Knicks team. Cavs need to shore up its bench.

Lakers fall to 3-2 with a loss in Memphis. LA got to within 1 point at 75-74. Thereafter Memphis smoked them.

GS climbed to 3-2 in Sacramento. GS has now won at least one road game in 28 straight playoff series. The GS starters (Curry. Thompson, Wiggins, Green and Looney) scored 101 out of 123 points tonight. Vintage performance by the OG's.

erikthredd · April 27, 2023 7:46AM

I pray that the Boston Celtics watched last night's Bucks game and someone on the team sent out a group text saying that easily could be us so lets get our shite together already.

erikthredd · April 27, 2023 7:50AM

@SanctionII said:
Knicks and Heat advance to round 2. Bucks and Cavs go on vacation. Jimmy Butler shines. The Cavs fall to a good Knicks team. Cavs need to shore up its bench.

Lakers fall to 3-2 with a loss in Memphis. LA got to within 1 point at 75-74. Thereafter Memphis smoked them.

GS climbed to 3-2 in Sacramento. GS has now one a least one road game in 28 straight playoff series. The GS starters (Curry. Thompson, Wiggins, Green and Looney) scored 101 out of 123 points tonight. Vintage performance by the OG's.

If I recall correctly,LA is up 3-2 right now and heading home for game 6. Obviously there's still probably plenty of basketball left before this could happen but a Lakers/Warriors meeting in round two would probably have a Finals type vibe. Lebron vs Curry. First GS vs LA playoff matchup since the early '90s. Picking a winner for that one would be tough.

erikthredd · April 27, 2023 7:59AM

This was a Miami miracle at the buzzer. How do you not have either Giannis or Brook Lopez protecting the rim in this situation? One has a DPOY on his resume and the other just finished 2nd in voting for another. You doubled Butler anyways with two small guards.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z869UutQkDs

Steven59 · April 27, 2023 8:06AM

Everything went perfect for that play to happen. Bucks and Cavs can now go on vacation together........

erikthredd · April 27, 2023 9:23AM

Its too bad that this guy doesn't have that killer instinct. 😉😉😉
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2QCiJC06y4

SanctionII · April 27, 2023 11:37AM

Listening to a.m. sports talk radio today I heard an interesting statistic about NBA TV viewership numbers (I assume the statistic is true and the the radio host pulled it from a reputable source).

The radio host said that since 2015 there have been only 27 televised NBA games (Regular Season and/or Playoffs???) that exceeded 14 million viewers. In those 27 games one thing remained consistent.

Stephen Curry played in all of them.

Last night Curry shot only 2-10 from three point land. Instead he choose to score (at will whenever and however he wanted) in the paint and at the basket.

Curry remains "must see TV" for those who like the NBA playoffs.

erikthredd · April 27, 2023 12:51PM

Curry is arguably the most likeable player in the NBA,IMO along with Giannis & Joker. He's never had to play that villain role that many fans tend to view players like Lebron,Durant,Kyrie & Draymond as.

Darin · April 27, 2023 6:39PM

I loved how the Heat-Bucks game ended. The Duke boy ended up with the ball at the free throw line, drove to the basket, drew the big defender to him, had an easy lob dunk to teammate who was now wide open thanks to the vacating defender. So Trippy opts to not throw the lob dunk(guess he’s no trae young as far as court vision) and sort of just gets schooled by the big guy. Game over. 😆😛😚😗🥳🤭😂

Steven59 · April 27, 2023 6:46PM

Boston another close one with the Hawks..............

erikthredd · April 27, 2023 7:19PM

Neither team is playing defense tonight, its almost like whichever team gets to 130 first wins.

erikthredd · April 27, 2023 7:58PM

thisistheshow · April 27, 2023 8:19PM

Atleast now my avatar bet with @galaxy27 is now officially on.

erikthredd · April 28, 2023 11:51AM

GS & LA can both close out their series tonight at home, we'll see if the 2nd & 3rd seeds in the West can extend their seasons.

thisistheshow · April 28, 2023 1:28PM

@erikthredd said:
GS & LA can both close out their series tonight at home, we'll see if the 2nd & 3rd seeds in the West can extend their seasons.

...
I thought the Warriors were dead in the water. But they have been through so much, and been so successful, so they hung around.

The Lakers... 🤮 But I do want that finals matchup.

2023 NBA playoffs will be starting soon.

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