NBA 25-26 - And so it begins..

[texasdave]

Big blow for the Rockets who had gone all in with the Kevin Durant acquisition. Fred Van Vleet to likely miss the entire season with a torn ACL.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46348548/sources-rockets-fred-vanvleet-torn-acl-miss-season

[Kingspoint]

Big blow for the Rockets who had gone all in with the Kevin Durant acquisition. Fred Van Vleet to likely miss the entire season with a torn ACL.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46348548/sources-rockets-fred-vanvleet-torn-acl-miss-season

They are so loaded.

It's Reed Shepherd's and Amen Thompson's turns.

Put the ball in Durant's hands at least once every play and all will be fine.

[Rojo Rijo]

Hopefully Orlando’s all in move for Desmond Bane pushes them into a top 4 EC finish. A healthy Jalen Suggs + Tyus Jones should also be a significant boost. Excited for this season.

[Chip R]

RIP Nancy Leonard.

https://www.wthr.com/article/sports/nba/indiana-pacers/nancy-leonard-first-lady-indiana-basketball-dies-at-93-indiana-pacers-nba-slick-leonard/531-dc8db9aa-e1b5-475e-9ce1-23eebc424935?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_WTHR-TV&fbclid=IwY2xjawNBMjxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEwUGFXV Ep0bDhWU2tNZUxRAR7vpO5XOsBWb446VIzLSr8L0vWbGipoAGo xPHDa5Lv6LadtIxHK1EDmVvc_MQ_aem_bduqulWRNQrcHjviEs GzHg

[Betterread]

Hopefully Orlando’s all in move for Desmond Bane pushes them into a top 4 EC finish. A healthy Jalen Suggs + Tyus Jones should also be a significant boost. Excited for this season.

Good news is that adding Bane will help your offense and puts ORL in a top 4 of NY, Cle, and Detroit. Indy, Boston and Milwaukee all lost lots of talent and should drop in seeding.
Bad news is that Bane is good but he’s not a shot creator. He was lucky to play with Jah who fed him well. I don’t see Suggs as that kind of playmaker. And Bane will probably be a #3 option and push Suggs to #4 option, as 1 and 2 are set. Being a #4 option and still being productive is hard for a lot of players, as it’s a steep drop off in touches and shots.

[Kingspoint]

For anyone interested in POR's upcoming season there's a great article here that is as accurate a picture as anyone can paint. Anything different than this is just not correct. Keep in mind that the Blazers want to make at least the 1st Round of the playoffs (win one of the two play-in spots of 7th and 8th) so that they can give CHI their 2026 1st Round pick. They don't want that dragging out to 2028 when they get both MIL's and BOS's 1st Round picks, including POR's own, having to give WAS the middle pick from that season. If they stay in the lottery for two more years, then CHI will get one of those picks, too, should they make the playoffs in the 2027-2028 season.

https://www.rosegardenreport.com/5-things-to-watch-at-trail-blazers-2025-training-camp/

Two highlights from the article (Sean Highkin's 5 things he's looking to see during training camp and the first two months of the season (the time Scoot will be gone dealing with a hamstring injury, coming back sometime in December):

1. Remember, their second-half turnaround last season started the night Billups benched Sharpe against the Bulls and publicly called out his defense. To his credit, Sharpe responded well to that benching and eventually won his starting job back.

2. The absence of Henderson at the start of the season and the rotational adjustments that will come with that could open up more minutes for Kris Murray and Rayan Rupert, both entering their 3rd Seasons.


Rupert is just 21 and simply hasn't had the minutes available to grow at the rate he needs to be growing. He needs opportunity and I'm ecstatic about the Henderson injury as Rupert (and Murray) will both get rotational opportunity minutes the first two months of the season. Ideally, I woul like to see Rupert get 1000 minutes this season, 800 at the minimum. He just can't have less than that and expect to take a significant step forward.

If Grant was gone, the minutes would be there for both Murray and Rupert, but he's not gone, and likely isn't going anywhere before next Summer. Matisse Thybulle is better than both Murray and Rupert at the moment, clogging up their opportunities. Last season Thybulle basically spent the entirety of it so that others (Sharpe, Camara, Avdija, Henderson) could get growth minutes, again leaving little room for Rupert and Murray to get Minutes, while Delano Banton even played ahead of them in many situations. Banton is gone, but Yang is here, and hope upon hope, RWIII can get as many minutes as he can handle.

It's going to be hard to get either Rupert or Murray 800 minutes this season, but I think Billups and Cronin will make sure that both of them get at least 600 as decisions have to be made about both of them this Summer. I think Murray will be gone next season, but Rupert will be kept. Rupert has a ton of potential and really has the ability to do everything well,...defend, rebound on both ends of the floor, shoot from deep, drive the ball, and distribute the ball. I think they'll be making a huge mistake if they don't find ways to get him 1000 minutes this season (so they can better evaluate him at the end of the season).

[Kingspoint]

Pre-season is basically over as the regulars get rested and the 3rd-Stringers G-Leaguers get their last look at playing time on the big-league roster for the next few months.

As Betterread posted, there are several openings on clubs that have injuries, some more since he last posted (LeBron, TJ Mac, and more).

Going to take a pre-season stab at the end-of-year standings for both clubs. Criticize, post your own, whatever,...just wanted to get dialog moving with Opening Night beginning a week from tonight with two games:

23170

...followed by Opening Night for the rest of the NBA next Wednesday:

23171


At the end of the Night on Sunday, April 12th, the last day of the regular season, there will be a great slate of games that will likely still be effecting playoff seeding, with my projection of the Final Regular Season Standings:

23172


NBA Eastern Conference Final 2025-2026 Standings by Seeding

(1) New York Knicks (Needed one more season together to fix the details.)
(2) Orlando Magic (Agree with Betterread that they were already a Top-4 without Bane, but I think Suggs' Defensive impact will be huge.)
(3) Cleveland Cavaliers (I don't think they've regressed, just that the NYK and ORL have gotten much better.)
(4) Detroit Pistons (All of the lottery picks they've had along with some good trades and FA pickups have them set up for an quality depth roster with an MVP-potential leader at PG.)
(5) Atlanta Hawks (The transition from Offense to Defense with this club has passed the half-way point, while there's plenty of Offense as long as Trey Young is there. An elite version of Trey Young showed up last season in their transition game. Atlanta runs the transition as good as any ballclub right now, especially with Haliburton out for the Pacers.)
(6) Boston Celtics (Have believed for many years that Jalen Brown is the MVP of the Celtics. This team is still loaded with talent, and Sunday showed how Simons can be used effectively, 21 pts in 24 minutes off the bench on 6-9 from "3". I don't see them trading Simons at the deadline, but he's certainly going to have value as a trade chip now that he's in his correct role as a 6th man.)

(7) Indiana Pacers (When TJ comes back, they'll get a significant boost. In the meantime, they'll work on creating for themselves an identity minus Haliburton and Turner. They have the Head Coach to do it.)
(8) Milwaukee Bucks (You can't lose the best clutch shooter in the game, one of the greatest to ever play the game, and expect to replace that with Gary Trent, Jr. in the Starting lineup. Myles Turner pushes Porter into less playing time. But, there's way too many issues, especially during the last five minutes of games. Management will be doing everything in their power next Summer to try to go all-in for one more season with Giannis, but 2026-27 should be his last season, if he even plays there next year, with the likeliest reason that he will, being that his contract will be difficult to trade because of salary-cap rules. MIL will have to reacquire 1st Round draft picks to replace the ones that they've lost. Still, an 8th-seed means a best-of-seven series in the 1st Round, and there's always hope at that point. Upset the Knicks and get to the 2nd Round and Giannis likely stays another season.)
(9) Toronto Raptors (Somebody has to be the #9 Seed.)
(10) Charlotte Hornets (They actually have something building in Charlotte for a change.)

(11) Washington Wizards (This team is loaded with more young talent than any team in the East after Orlando, except Washington's players are much younger. It's a strange group, still. C.J. is not a leader on the floor. Not of a Championship aspiration variety. He's much more interested in his wine collection that mentoring the Wizards into killer-instincts animals.)
(12) Brooklyn Nets (No idea what to make of this Ownership group or figure out what they heck they are doing, but there are three teams worse than them.)
(13) Miami Heat (Adabayo and Herro need to be traded. They have to acquire more lottery-pick talent. They need to acquire some lottery picks. Spoelstra can do what he does best...develop young talent, while he Coaches the Olympic Team.)
(14) Chicago Bulls (They kind of have a plan, but it has been difficult because they had to get rid of some really bad contracts the last couple of seasons. The rebuild can continue as they add POR's and their own 2026 draft pick to next years group.)
(15) Philadelphia 76er's (This is just one ugly situation.)


NBA Western Conference Final 2025-2026 Standings by Seeding

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder (They just keep getting better and better and better with unlimited assets in the pipeline. Perfectly run organization. Best in the business. Seattle fans are still upset and still wearing their jerseys and hats in the Pacific Northwest waiting for a new franchise to root for. But, for now, they get to watch their Mariners play in their first ever World Series. It would be very ironic if it was against the team that used to be the 1969 Seattle Mariners, the current Milwaukee Brewers.)
(2) Houston Rockets (They have a Cave Troll!!! Well, it's Kevin Durant, but it's about the same thing. Let's face it. It's probably going to be the 1-2 Seeded Thunder and Rockets facing each other in the Conference Finals. After spending the first half of the season determining whether or not they can win a Championship without Van Vleet, it begs to ask if Houston will acquire a quality Point Guard (their salary-cap situation will limit many opportunities) for the 2nd Half of the season and the playoffs. This problem opens the door for the rest of the Western Conference to sneak into that Conference Championship Series against the Thunder.)
(3) Minnesota Timberwolves (They took another step forward during last year's playoffs. There's no reason to believe that they won't be even better this season.)
(4) Denver Nuggets (The Joker has a real backup Center, and they got him for the cost of Saric. Amazing. There's still depth issues here, while David Adelman may be on the hot-seat if he doesn't at least get to the Conference Championship Finals. Never understood that move replacing Malone.)
(5) Golden State Warriors (They have a Cave Troll, too! Butler. They already had one in Curry. One of the best Coaching staffs in the league year after year, and with three Hall-of-Famers on the roster, they stand out head-and-shoulders above the rest of the Conference. The drop-off is huge after the top-five, all of whom will likely win 54+ games, while those below them will all win 48 or less. I see a 6-game gap between the 5th and 6th Seeds in the West.
(6) Portland Trailblazers [The 2nd Half of last season, they were top-5 in the NBA in most of the significant advanced stat, especially the Defensive ones. That trend of picking up players full-court is popular now because of Toumani Camara of the Trail Blazers. He did it first most recently. But, another player who did it when he was with the Pelicans in the playoffs was Jrue Holiday. Adding him, Blake Wesley (another full-court Defender, 22-years old who can sub for Holiday at PG while Scoot is mending his hamstring for the next two months), and another year of growth from Toumani, Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan, and Shaedon Sharpe, another 22-year old who is already in mid-season form looking like he's taken a huge step forward in is career, the Blazers now go 11-deep in talented rotation players with both Matisse Thybulle and Robert Williams ready to rejoin the action, both players missing almost all of last season for Portland. The Defensive depth chart on this team goes as far as Kris Murray, who'll be an RFA this Summer, has the same basketball IQ as his brother Keegan. Portland's only question is whether or not there's enough half-court Offense on the team. They'll be pressing full-court at both ends of the floor for all 82 games, but they'll still need to be able to score in the half-court. Sharpe can do it every night now, while Grant and Holiday are hit-or-miss. Deni did it every night last season, while Toumani was a reliable 37% shooter from "3" last year, a number that should rise this year as he already looks significantly improved in this area. Jrue, Scoot, Wesley and Toumani all can penetrate and dish out to an open-3, while Clingan, Robert Williams and Yang Hansen can clean up the misses and catch the lobs. Center is their weakest position and will get exposed quickly when foul trouble hits it and Robert Williams is unavailable. They still have Duop Reath to plug in, but he's not meant to be used for long stretches. Ayton and Jabari Walker will be missed for their Rebounding, but so far in preseason, they've dominated both Rebounding and paint points. Just want to break even on Rebounding on the season, but points in the paint differential is something they look to continue to dominate in, just as they did the 2nd half of last season. This comes from defense, transition and penetration. Jrue Holiday will help significantly in finishing transition opportunities as will a more experienced Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe and Toumani Camara will also.)

(7) Los Angeles Clippers (The loss of Norman Powell and Batum, along with the aging of most of their roster will keep the Clipper as a sub-49 win team, but there's enough elite talent there for them to earn the #7 seed in the West over a group of very similar teams.)
(8) Dallas Mavericks (The 8th Seed gets them into the 1st Round of the playoffs, something Luka and the Lakers can't even sniff. With Kyrie, the Mavericks would have been the 6th Seed, much closer to Golden State than to Portland. They'll have to wait for the playoffs where Anthony Davis, Kyrie and Cooper Flagg will be a handfull for the Thunder.)
(9) Sacramento Kings (Still only 2 years removed from the #2 Seed in the West, they've gone through a Coaching change and had a major overhaul in both their style of play and their personnel. They absorbed Chicago's two worst contracts, three if you count Valenciunas who was flipped for more 3-pt shooting from a wing in Saric. Sacramento still has issues at Center as Sabonis can get dominated Defensively. But their team ceiling is unknown as they need playing time together to figure out how it's all going to work. Now, with Keegan Murray going down for the next two months, there's more changes that have to occur. That might not be a bad thing as Murray can blend in when he gets back more easily than anyone else on the team and it gives early season playing time to others to check out their growth and to see how they can help the team. This team should get better and better as the season goes along.)
(10) San Antonio Spurs (The last of the play-in teams. Pops is gone as a Head Coach and it shows. This is not the San Antonio Spurs that everyone has feared for years. The talent is there, but there's a new Coach and it's going to take him some time as they have continued to make significant changes in the lineup year after year. They need some stability badly. They'll look to get it this season. Other teams have quickly added big men to counter-act Wembanyama's physical abilities.)

(11) Los Angeles Lakers (They'll need some "Dallas" luck in the lottery next June.)
(12) Phoenix Suns (Bad Ownership.)
(13) Utah Jazz (Ainge is still looking for his Cooper Flagg.)
(14) Memphis Grizzlies (Gangstas and the NBA don't mix.)
(15) New Orleans Pelicans (This seems to be a regular home of theirs. The City does not deserve to have a franchise. It's time for them to leave.)

[texasdave]

Rockets starting lineup tonight: Amen Thompson 6'7", Alperen Sengun 6'11", Kevin Durant 6'11", Jabari Smith 6'11" and Steven Adams 6'11".

[Kingspoint]

Rockets starting lineup tonight: Amen Thompson 6'7", Alperen Sengun 6'11", Kevin Durant 6'11", Jabari Smith 6'11" and Steven Adams 6'11".

...and they dominated. Easily the biggest lineup I've ever heard of.

[goreds2]

NBA on Prime's inaugural season tips off with a doubleheader: Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks; Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves.


The NBA is headed to Prime Video with 67 storyline-packed games.
The inaugural season of NBA on Prime tips off globally with an opening-week doubleheader on October 24. The Boston Celtics visit the New York Knicks (7:30 p.m. ET) and the Los Angeles Lakers host the Minnesota Timberwolves (10 p.m. ET) in two NBA playoffs rematches. Coverage in Canada will launch in 2026.

https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/entertainment/stream-nba-prime-video

[Kingspoint]

NBA on Prime's inaugural season tips off with a doubleheader: Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks; Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves.



https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/entertainment/stream-nba-prime-video

Good to see Embiid get on the court.

Looking forward to tomorrow night's Opening Tip-off of HOU @ OKC. Golden State also plays the Lakers (will be rooting for the Lakers as I don't see them as any competition for a playoff spot, but I see Golden State heading towards a #5 Seed trying to push the door down on the #4 Seed.


“I don’t want to really think about the past,” Embiid said. “I’m just in a good space mentally, physically. … I’m just happy to touch the basketball and be able to play basketball and do what I love. “When you don’t get [to do] that, it’s tough, but that’s what I’m most happy about. So today, tonight, that’s all I kept thinking about. I’m on the court playing basketball, doing some good things, helping us win, and yeah, that’s really what I was focused on.”

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/10/atlantic-notes-embiid-edgecombe-ingram-demin.html

[Kingspoint]

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/10/pacers-notes-backup-guard-peter-mathurin-huff.html

Indiana had bad luck with the veterans it brought in with the hopes of filling the spot. Monte Morris had a calf strain that resulted in the Pacers backing off their plan to sign him, while Delon Wright sustained a head injury in the preseason and was subsequently waived. Cameron Payne made it through the preseason healthy, but Dopirak writes that he was unable to integrate into the Pacers’ system. “It didn’t work out,” said head coach Rick Carlisle.

With few options heading into the first month of the season, Dopirak writes that third-year guard Ben Sheppard may be asked to tap into his collegiate point guard roots. He also notes that another free agent move is not out of the question. “We’re looking at everything,” Carlisle said. “The waiver wire. We’re looking at people’s nephews and uncles and everything else, but good point guards aren’t growing on trees. We’re going to have to be creative.”

[Kingspoint]

4-year extentions for Toumani Camara ($81M) and Shaedon Sharpe ($90M).

Full practices today for Matisse Thybulle and Robert Williams III (this is huge regarding Williams, but as usual there likely won't be any back-to-backs all season, so yes....there are those kinds of restrictions).

Yang Hansen got his driver's license. Freedom!!!

[goreds2]

I received this email from Direct TV today.

“ START THE SEASON WITH A WIN
Free Preview of NBA League Pass®
Watch from October 21–27 on DIRECTV Ch. 750–769. “

[texasdave]

Rockets starting their 7-11 lineup. One 6'7 and four 6'11s. Just crazy. They lead 14-13 early.

[okpanda]

11 lead changes in the first quarter of the first game. Lovely start to the season.

[Assembly Hall]

Helluva game.


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[texasdave]

Rockets and Thunder battle tooth and nail through 2 overtimes with OKC coming out on top 125-124. Alperen Sengun drops 39 in a losing effort. Great game to start the season.

[goreds2]

What a win by the 76ers at Boston! 117-116

V. J. Edgecombe breaks 76ers rookie debut record for points with 34.

[SteelSD]

What a win by the 76ers at Boston! 117-116

V. J. Edgecombe breaks 76ers rookie debut record for points with 34.

That was fun to watch. I did not realize that Edgecombe was going to be a high-volume (5-for-13) three point shooter, so that was new. His athleticism is off the charts. Although, knowing the history of Sixers draft picks, I'm a little worried that Edgecombe is going to hit the restroom on the plane home and get sucked out of the toilet at 10,000 feet.

Maxey going off for 40-spot, along with Edgecombe's 34, was just enough. Embiid was terrible in his 20 minutes, so every one of those points was needed. I was also impressed by Dominick Barlow; did not expect he'd be as good as he was tonight. Good win, but especially without Tatum, the Celts are a shell of their former selves, so we'll how it goes from here.

[LeatherPants]

Timber Wolves Head Coach Chauncy Billups has been arrested by the FBI in a gambling probe, as well as Heat guard Terry Rozier per ESPN

[Assembly Hall]

Timber Wolves Head Coach Chauncy Billups has been arrested by the FBI in a gambling probe, as well as Heat guard Terry Rozier per ESPN

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/terry-rozier-chauncey-billups-arrested-fbi-sports-betting-gambling-investigation-probe/

[WVRed]

Timber Wolves Head Coach Chauncy Billups has been arrested by the FBI in a gambling probe, as well as Heat guard Terry Rozier per ESPNBillups coaches the trail blazers.

His is tied to poker and the mafia.

Sent from my SM-S936U using Tapatalk

[Assembly Hall]

Billups coaches the trail blazers.

His is tied to poker and the mafia.

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Watching Dan Patrick right now. Talk of the show.

[Boston Red]

Go Jazz!

[WVRed]

Damon Jones arrested. Up to 31 in all.

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[LeatherPants]

Billups coaches the trail blazers.

His is tied to poker and the mafia.

Sent from my SM-S936U using Tapatalk

Trail Blazers, Timber Wolves, what's the difference?

[RedTeamGo!]

Rozier was arrested in connecting with a sports betting ring involving current and former players, including some who allegedly faked injuries, while Billups is one of 31 people being charged for allegedly taking part in illegal high-stakes poker games that involved sports coaches and were operated by organized crime figures, sources tell CBS News.

This is like a movie

[Boston Red]

Not an ideal start for Cooper Flagg. 3 turnovers and 0 assists as the Mavs PG. 0 points in the first half. Team worst -29 in the +/-. Team got killed.

I'm sure he'll be fine.

[UKFlounder]

Uh, oh

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46695228/sources-terry-rozier-arrested-part-gambling-inquiry

[texasdave]

Billups made over 100 million during his playing career. Seems odd that he would have to get into this situation.

[RedTeamGo!]

Billups made over 100 million during his playing career. Seems odd that he would have to get into this situation.

Sounds like he was playing poker not gambling on games

[Assembly Hall]

Not an ideal start for Cooper Flagg. 3 turnovers and 0 assists as the Mavs PG. 0 points in the first half. Team worst -29 in the +/-. Team got killed.

I'm sure he'll be fine.

Cowherd predicted the Mavs to make the Western Conference Finals and Flagg to run away with the RoY. Colin not off to a good start on either.

[texasdave]

Not an ideal start for Cooper Flagg. 3 turnovers and 0 assists as the Mavs PG. 0 points in the first half. Team worst -29 in the +/-. Team got killed.

I'm sure he'll be fine.

Youngest player to record a double-double.

[Chip R]

Uh, oh

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46695228/sources-terry-rozier-arrested-part-gambling-inquiry

I'm sure these guys will be OK if they grease the right palm(s).

[Assembly Hall]

Billups and Rozier huh? Is Pitino involved in this as well?

[RedTeamGo!]

Why did the FBI have a press conference with the director of the FBI standing there for an NBA gambling ring like they just caught Bin Laden?

[Boston Red]

Because it's a huge story, and FBI director types enjoy the press.

[dubc47834]

Why did the FBI have a press conference with the director of the FBI standing there for an NBA gambling ring like they just caught Bin Laden?

I would assume because of the mafia ties, but who knows.

[RedTeamGo!]

Because it's a huge story, and FBI director types enjoy the press.

Is it a huge story? Are the Rozier and Billups stories even connected?

[Boston Red]

Is it a huge story? Are the Rozier and Billups stories even connected?

I'm not sure it's a particularly IMPORTANT story (from an FBI perspective), but it's certainly a huge story based on media coverage.

[RedTeamGo!]

I agree about the media coverage and I don’t understand why. It’s not the first sports gambling story and won’t be last. Still not seeing connection between Billups and Rozier

[texasdave]

I'll bet Adam Silver is pulling his hair out. :p

[Boston Red]

Still not seeing connection between Billups and Rozier

Just saw this from the WSJ. The cases are somewhat related but clearly distinct:

A second indictment charged six defendants including Rozier with a criminal betting scheme using insider information and performance-manipulation to profit off NBA games.

Billups wasn’t charged with participating in the sports-betting scheme, but some of the other gamblers from the rigged poker games were—and prosecutors said that Billups gave them insider information.

[RedTeamGo!]

Ah, I see - interesting. Can't wait for the HBO series on this.

[texasdave]

How many players (or people connected to the NBA) have been arrested so far? Down here in Houston, they are announcing that Damon Jones has been arrested in connection with gambling on games or rigged poker? Stephen A. Smith believes this is just the tip of the iceberg. Whoa. I just came across an article that says there have been at least 31 arrests.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/nba-head-coach-and-multiple-players-among-30-plus-people-arrested-in-alleged-gambling-scheme-connected-to-the-mafia/ar-AA1P3jSv?ocid=msedgntp&pc=DCTS&cvid=68fa7d13c58f4a78806a6a65676a02b2&ei=9


The 31 suspects — who also include members of America’s most notorious crime families, including the Bonanno, Genovese, and Gambino — allegedly used X-ray poker tables and special contact lenses to read others players’ cards.

[Boston Red]

As I understand it, they're not charging the people who just showed up to the play at the poker games. It's the organizers who rigged the games and those who knew about and profited from the rigged games (Jones and Billups being in that latter category).

[texasdave]

I simply cannot understand why Chauncey Billups would get involved in something like this.

[LeatherPants]

I simply cannot understand why Chauncey Billups would get involved in something like this.

With the mob connections there could be a bunch of reasons.

[Kingspoint]

Just, "Wow!"

[Kingspoint]

Sounds like he was playing poker not gambling on games

He was setting up "fish" to lose tens of millions of dollars. He added the "legitimacy element" to the con and did so for a fee.

[Kingspoint]

Billups came into the job with a history of red flags. There were protests regarding his hiring.

[texasdave]

Four teams named in the indictment: Lakers, Hornets, Raptors, Trail Blazers. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/lakers-raptors-hornets-trail-blazers-involved-in-nba-gambling-scandal-doj/ar-AA1P3Adv?ocid=msedgntp&pc=DCTS&cvid=68faba95438740309c854178bc868c1c&ei=30

[texasdave]

Damon Jones with the double whammy. He was named in both indictments.

[texasdave]

These seven games were allegedly "tainted". https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/the-fbi-says-these-seven-nba-games-were-illegally-targeted-by-gamblers/ar-AA1P4g9M?ocid=msedgntp&pc=DCTS&cvid=68fabfba319349f8ba7d439f0afe9200&ei=13

Billups was involved in one of the games.


he FBI’s indictment alleges that Billups, who is identified only as “Co-Conspirator 8,” told a defendant that “the Trail Blazers were going to be tanking” to improve their draft lottery position and informed him of the decision not to play several players, including Lillard, against the Bulls before that information was made public. The information was allegedly relayed to gamblers who placed bets on the Blazers to lose the game totaling roughly $100,000.

[texasdave]

Billups came into the job with a history of red flags. There were protests regarding his hiring.

They won't have to worry about Chauncey coaching them any longer.

[Kingspoint]

They won't have to worry about Chauncey coaching them any longer.

Just when he was getting good at it. The interim has no experience. They played really well last night. Grant's best game since he was a Nugget. It's Chauncey's style, so I have no idea about the short-term future. The guy who bought the team was charged in the past with money-lending fraud.

[plantmanky]

NBA is fixed? Never would have guessed.

[LiferJim]

The league was already in shambles and now this. Glad I quit watching 10 or 15 years ago. Sad, because I used to love the NBA, but that’s been many moons ago.


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[texasdave]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/basketball/brian-windhorst-reveals-nba-attempt-to-hush-up-terry-rozier-gambling-scandal/ar-AA1P4VLO

Adam Silver learned from the Master - David Stern.

[texasdave]

Two games and 2 double-overtime wins for the Thunder. SGA drops 55. Load management coming up.

[texasdave]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/brian-windhorst-says-nba-tried-to-sweep-terry-rozier-gambling-scandal-under-the-rug/ar-AA1P4p9P?ocid=msedgntp&pc=DCTS&cvid=e1fd31a0ce34466fb73ae0f0b8a1707d&ei=12


BA insider Brian Windhorst made an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show on Thursday to offer some insight into the situation, and he made some pretty damning claims about the league. Windhorst explained that sportsbooks had tipped the NBA off to irregular sports betting activity on Rozier unders on the day it happened, and suggested the league attempted to sweep the situation under the rug. "The NBA at some point is going to have to explain why Terry Rozier was allowed to keep playing. I just want to point something out, the sportsbooks caught the irregular betting on Terry Rozier the day it happened... when all of a sudden there were hundreds of thousands of dollars coming in on Terry Rozier unders," explained Windhorst. "The sportsbooks caught it. They told the NBA right away, and guess what? Rozier didn't play the rest of the season. And he had faked the injury so it wasn't because of the injury. The NBA pulled him. They pulled Jontay Porter, too..."

[Mutaman]

The league was already in shambles and now this. Glad I quit watching 10 or 15 years ago.


Always love when people throw out statements like this without providing any evidence to back the statement up. If you quit watching 10 to 15 years ago, how do you know the NBA is presently “in shambles “?

The facts according to Chat:

Attendance

In the 2024-25 regular season, the NBA averaged 18,147 fans per game, which is the second-highest mark ever for the league.
SportsEpreneur
+3
theScore.com
+3
Sports Business Journal
+3

Total regular-season attendance exceeded 22.3 million for only the second time in league history.
Sports Business Journal
+1

Per one analysis: “arenas filled to a 97% capacity for the third time ever.”
Sports Business Journal

Despite the strong in-person numbers, attendance is described as “holding near record highs” rather than continuing large growth.
SportsEpreneur

Takeaway: The NBA is doing very well in terms of fans showing up at games. The live-event product appears robust.

TV / Viewership / Ratings

For the 2024-25 regular season across national networks (ABC, ESPN, TNT), the league averaged about 1.53 million viewers per game, which is down ~2% from the prior year (1.56 million) in that package.
Front Office Sports
+1

More broadly: the regular season viewership has hovered around 1.5-1.6 million for several years, and is notably below levels of past peaks (e.g., the late ’10s when rivalries and star players were drawing more).
Sports Media Watch
+1

The 2025 playoffs (on ESPN/ABC) saw a stronger picture: across some packages, viewership was up ~12% vs. the prior year.
Sports Video Group

The recent 2025 Finals: Game 7 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers had strong peek numbers (in the news) despite the series average being down overall.


Hardly "in shambles".

[Revering4Blue]

NBA is fixed? Never would have guessed.

Two of the smallest NBA markets faced off in the Finals last June.

Yeah, it’s really fixed. *eye roll *


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[Mutaman]

Two of the smallest NBA markets faced off in the Finals last June.

Yeah, it’s really fixed. *eye roll *


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Facts are such stupid things.

[RedTeamGo!]

But Fox News said the NBA is in shambles.

[Chip R]

This is pretty serious for the NBA and Silver. It may not all be his fault but he's the guy in charge that initiated the investigations which cleared everyone. NBA reporter Brian Windhorst said the NBA tried to sweep this under the rug. I'm not saying Silver is in immediate danger of losing his job but he may start investing in asbestos lined underwear.

[goreds2]

On Amazon Prime tonight:

Celtics at Knicks
7:30 p.m.
Prime Video

Timberwolves at Lakers
10 p.m.
Prime Video

[LiferJim]

Always love when people throw out statements like this without providing any evidence to back the statement up. If you quit watching 10 to 15 years ago, how do you know the NBA is presently “in shambles “?

The facts according to Chat:

Attendance

In the 2024-25 regular season, the NBA averaged 18,147 fans per game, which is the second-highest mark ever for the league.
SportsEpreneur
+3
theScore.com
+3
Sports Business Journal
+3

Total regular-season attendance exceeded 22.3 million for only the second time in league history.
Sports Business Journal
+1

Per one analysis: “arenas filled to a 97% capacity for the third time ever.”
Sports Business Journal

Despite the strong in-person numbers, attendance is described as “holding near record highs” rather than continuing large growth.
SportsEpreneur

Takeaway: The NBA is doing very well in terms of fans showing up at games. The live-event product appears robust.

TV / Viewership / Ratings

For the 2024-25 regular season across national networks (ABC, ESPN, TNT), the league averaged about 1.53 million viewers per game, which is down ~2% from the prior year (1.56 million) in that package.
Front Office Sports
+1

More broadly: the regular season viewership has hovered around 1.5-1.6 million for several years, and is notably below levels of past peaks (e.g., the late ’10s when rivalries and star players were drawing more).
Sports Media Watch
+1

The 2025 playoffs (on ESPN/ABC) saw a stronger picture: across some packages, viewership was up ~12% vs. the prior year.
Sports Video Group

The recent 2025 Finals: Game 7 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers had strong peek numbers (in the news) despite the series average being down overall.


Hardly "in shambles".

Cool. Apparently it’s just my circle that refuses to watch or attend


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[Boston Red]

I'm not particularly interested in the NBA these days, but it's predominatly because my team of choice is on about year 5 of a tank of indeterminate length.

[goreds2]

Always love when people throw out statements like this without providing any evidence to back the statement up.

Wait a minute, are we in the political forum? :D

[RichRed]

I'm not particularly interested in the NBA these days, but it's predominatly because my team of choice is on about year 5 of a tank of indeterminate length.

I think it’s year 45 for mine. To be fair, about half that time, the tanking has been unintentional.

[Kingspoint]

Back to the NBA...

MIN looked really good Opening Night. One of the most difficult places in sports to get a win is in POR on opening night. Over the last 40 years, I'd be surprised if they didn't have the best record in the league. It has to be a winning percentage of over .800.

POR played very well, despite 10-35 shooting from Holiday and Sharpe, with Deni Avdija 0-6 from "3".

POR led the whole game, only from 1 to 7 points though.

Edwards was fantastic. Randle was a major force on Offense. McDaniels was very good. They got great play from two bench players.

MIN showed why they have as much of a chance as anyone to reach the Conference Finals, which would be the 3rd year in a row, a monumental feat in the West.

[bucksfan2]

I find the NBA wholly uninteresting except for the playoffs. Last year was a fun watch, especially since I kinda gravitated to the Pacers during their run.

But this gambling thing is, wow. On one hand I am surprised it doesn't happen more, especially with live in game betting and player props, but on the other hand, why risk something when you are making $20+ mil a year?

At the same time, in a grind of an 82 game season, when teams have "rest" days, someone goes to a player and says, here is $50K, make sure the 1st quarter goes under. You can rationalize it by saying, it won't effect the outcome of a game and I am getting 50K.

[Assembly Hall]

Cool. Apparently it’s just my circle that refuses to watch or attend


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I'll be watching more now that Prime and Peacock have games.

[Kingspoint]

Would like to see the Blazers get Michael Malone for their Head Coach.

[texasdave]

Kevin Garnett, come on down. We have an empty seat at the poker table.

[Mutaman]

Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes the FIRST player in NBA history to open a season with 60+ PTS, 30+ REB, and 10+ AST through two games!

[Kingspoint]

After his debut and learning more about his coaching history, I'd rather have Tiago Splitter than anyone else I can think of.

[goreds2]

What a win by the 76ers at Boston! 117-116

V. J. Edgecombe breaks 76ers rookie debut record for points with 34.

And now he breaks the 76ers record for most points in the first two games. Nice win again. Another come back in the 4th quarter.

[Kingspoint]

Clippers are 8-1/2 pt dogs @LAC this Evening. Can't see anything except those old farts feeling the breeze of the wind as the Blazers' league-fasting pace has them reaching for oxygen masks.

Portland by 11, 118-107.

[Revering4Blue]

Clippers are 8-1/2 pt dogs @LAC this Evening. Can't see anything except those old farts feeling the breeze of the wind as the Blazers' league-fasting pace has them reaching for oxygen masks.

Portland by 11, 118-107.

The Clippers have done a great job of assembling a roster with a great chance to win the 2018 NBA Championship.


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[Kingspoint]

The Clippers have done a great job of assembling a roster with a great chance to win the 2018 NBA Championship.


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I meant POR is 8-1/2 pt dogs.

[Kingspoint]

Shaedon Sharpe is personally responsible for both Blazer losses.

23203

He has tunnel vision, settles for crappy shots, mostly from the outside, which he can't hit (31% from "3" last season and a .333 eFG% this season), takes the most shots on the team, has the highest usage-rate, has no mental concept whatsoever of timeliness and quality of shot attempt, still gets lazy on Defense. He needs to be benched. He has no business being a part of the starting lineup or getting Starter's minutes. 8 people should be getting more minutes than he gets.

With all that, he's lights out better than he was last season.

[Kingspoint]

The pace worked against the Clippers. The Blazers' 15 2nd Qtr Fast-break points were the most by any team in any quarter so far this season. Sharpe's carelessness with the ball (6 TO's, but he twice three times that many when you add in his wreckless shot-selection) cost the team another win. Splitter/Dame/Jrue need to explain some common sense to him.

The 52 Transition points they had vs the Warriors were their most in a game in 25 years. This is a fun team to watch (except for Sharpe).

[Kingspoint]

So, the Pacers only have 2 Guards healthy. 6 are injured.

[Boston Red]

Flagg had 2 points on 1-8 shooting in 27 minutes heading into the 4th tonight. A bit of a rough start for the #1 pick.

[SteelSD]

The Sixers, sans Embiid and PG, put up 136 points on the Magic, who are very tall, in their win tonight.

Observations:

1) Tyrese Maxey is very good at basketball. Didja know that this is his sixth year in the NBA? Didja know that with his second 40-spot of the season tonight, he quietly just put up more points over the first three games of a season than any Sixer but Wilt?
2) VJ Edgecombe is also very good at basketball. In fact, Edgecombe is much better at basketball than he has any right to be as a rook. If he keeps hitting triples, the nickname "Threejay" might just stick. I still worry that he'll perish in something like a freak Minecraft plushie fire while visiting a local Philly Gamestop, because he's...well, a high Sixers rookie draft pick, is why. But I'll enjoy watching him play while he's still with us.
3) Andre Drummond shot (and missed) his second three of the season tonight. If Andre Drummond can hoist up two corner threes in the span of three games, then Ben Simmons has no excuse for not being willing to do that over three seasons.
4) Quentin Grimes has been money off the bench. It's soooo nice to have scoring options when Maxey sits. Jared McCain will be back soon, and Justin Edwards might be a better option at wing than you might think.
5) Eric Gordon got run tonight and hit some key shots. Kyle Lowry is still on the team. In spirit, at least. But no, Lowry is actually on the bench. Doing something. Not sure exactly what, but he's present in the arena while the game is being played. In uniform, even.

- - - Updated - - -


Flagg had 2 points on 1-8 shooting in 27 minutes heading into the 4th tonight. A bit of a rough start for the #1 pick.

Speaking of Christian Laettner, does anyone know how he's doing? ;)

[Kingspoint]

Break up the Bulls!

- - - Updated - - -

BOS found someone they can beat.

[Kingspoint]

I've never seen a team in the last 60 years have as much injury unavailabilty as the Indiana Pacers have had to start a season. They need to consider seriously tanking the rest of the season in order to add a quality player to their pipeline of talent. They own their pick. They should use the full season to develop young talent. They can't make the Top-10 in the East this year. I'd be shocked if they win their 5th game before they lose their 20th.

[Kingspoint]

While the backcourt duo of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe has deservedly gotten much of the credit for the Sixers‘ hot start head coach Nick Nurse was effusive in his praise for the team’s third-leading scorer, Kelly Oubre Jr., after the forward racked up 25 points and 10 rebounds in Monday’s win over Orlando. As Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports tweets, Nurse raved about Oubre’s defensive versatility and effort on the boards. “Kelly was awesome,” Nurse said. “That was one of Kelly’s best games, if not his best game, as a Sixer. He was awesome from the beginning.” The 29-year-old is on an expiring $8.38MM contract and was considered a possible trade candidate during the offseason.


Forward Trendon Watford will make his Sixers debut on Tuesday in Washington, reports Tony Jones of The Athletic. Watford, who signed with Philadelphia as a free agent over the summer, has been sidelined since training camp due to a right hamstring injury.

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/?header=1

- - - Updated - - -

While the backcourt duo of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe has deservedly gotten much of the credit for the Sixers‘ hot start head coach Nick Nurse was effusive in his praise for the team’s third-leading scorer, Kelly Oubre Jr., after the forward racked up 25 points and 10 rebounds in Monday’s win over Orlando. As Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports tweets, Nurse raved about Oubre’s defensive versatility and effort on the boards. “Kelly was awesome,” Nurse said. “That was one of Kelly’s best games, if not his best game, as a Sixer. He was awesome from the beginning.” The 29-year-old is on an expiring $8.38MM contract and was considered a possible trade candidate during the offseason.


Forward Trendon Watford will make his Sixers debut on Tuesday in Washington, reports Tony Jones of The Athletic. Watford, who signed with Philadelphia as a free agent over the summer, has been sidelined since training camp due to a right hamstring injury.

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/?header=1

[Kingspoint]

Mavericks' news...Aguirre to get his jersey retired. "I'm a Maverick. A Maverick I am."...Cooper Flagg had his best game of the srason on Sunday (22/4/4, 0-TO's)...D'Angelo Russell had his best game of the season Sunday (24/6/5, 3-STL's)...Starting Center Derrick Lively missed Monday's game after getting a knee contusion on Sunday...Gafford remains out with with a right ankle sprain...Flagg's first back-to-back as a pro left him exhausted, and NBA conditioning will hit him just as it does every rookie, so his performance was certainly expected, especially with more being asked of him with Lively and Gafford out.

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/10/mavericks-notes-aguirre-russell-flagg-lively.html

[Kingspoint]

Charlotte's Brandon Miller, he of the 27-game outing last season, is likely to miss the next several weeks after sustaining a shoulder subluxation. A risky #2 pick at the time, taken ahead of the Thompson Twins, Scoot Henderson and many others, his character was in question after being accused of supplying the gun in a shooting. This latest injury is a major setback after Miller displayed last season evidence worthy of being drafted after Wembanyama.

- - - Updated - - -

Wembanyama and Giannis were named their Conferences Players-of-the-Week to open the season's awards announcements.

[Kingspoint]

After choosing Dillon Jones, the 27th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by OKC, with the #1 pick in the 2025 G-League Draft a couple of days ago, the Los Angeles Lakers traded his rights to the Portland Trail Blazers for two future G-League 1st's and the rights to Will Richardson. Jones played in 54 games as a Rookie fir OKC, but was traded to WAS in June as OKC prepared for another NBA draft with their endless supply of available picks.

WAS, another team with an abundance of young talent, released him before the season began but is on the hook for his salary of $2.7M as he went unclaimed.

POR has been good lately at acquiring talent that someone else is paying their salary. Lillard is a gift from the Bucks, while Holiday has been a gift from tge Celtics, and Boston took on Simon's contract. Blake Wesley has been the team's best Defender on a team full of great Defenders (Holiday, Thybulle, Avdija, Camara, Clingan, Murray, RWIII), and he was picked up for peanuts after Scoot injured himself in camp. Wesley is getting every minute as backup PG when Jrue comes off the floir.

[Kingspoint]

Tough Start of the Timberwolves losing Edwards for at least a week with a hamstring strain. AE was in MVP form to begin the season. They have the depth to get by while he's out, but is surprisingly 1-2 to begin the season. Clark and Shannon will get an opportunity to expand their roles in the meantime. Mimmesota will benefit from that. Conley will jump back in as a Starter.

[goreds2]

I pulled the trigger and have subscribed to NBA League Pass. The 76ers first three games had a hand in it.

[goreds2]

In the second game of a back to back, the 76ers down by 16 to start the 4th quarter wins in overtime at Washington.

WOW !!

[SteelSD]

Another Sixers comeback, another Sixers win. After watching the Wiz sink bad shot after bad shot for three quarters, resulting in Philly being down by 16 entering the 4th (and 19 points down in the third), the deluge suddenly stopped and the Sixers came all the way back to take the game in OT 139-134.

Observations:

1) Adem Bona had his own personal block party in OT, swatting shot after shot (5 total for the game), finishing with a huge block of a McCollum three late. The kid only scored two points (they were a big two), but was worth many multiples of that down the stretch.
2) Speaking of C.J. McCollum, both he and Kris Middleton look near washed. I was amazed that they kept tossing the ball to McCollum in crunch time. His drive attempts looked awkward, when he could buy one, and he had trouble getting a decent shot off. Middleton is a statue at this point.
3) Alex Sarr was very good and Marvin Bagley III played maybe the best game I've seen from him.
4) Maxey just keeps on keeping on; a missed free throw from another 40-spot. Quentin Grimes struggled a bit early, but hit key shots during the comeback.
5) Embiid put up a 25 point/7 board/5 assist line while continuing on a minutes restriction (@20 minutes per game played). He's real timid in the post, though, and the dream shake may no longer be in his repitoire.
6) Don't look now, and I may jinx it, but the Sixers have put up four consecutive 40%+ three point rate games to start the season. Seems good.

[Mutaman]

Bucks: Addition by subtraction.

[Boston Red]

OK Kingspoint, how are your Blazers going to fare facing my upstart Utah Jazz?

[texasdave]

The Rockets toy with the Raptors 139-121. No surprise there. A couple of unusual stats though: 1) Houston manhandled Toronto on the boards 53-22. Ouch! 2) 122 of the Rockets points were scored by players 6'7" or taller, only 17 by players 6'6" or shorter. Houston is playing go big or go home ball this season, unless until Fred Van Vleet gets back (if he does).

[Kingspoint]

OK Kingspoint, how are your Blazers going to fare facing my upstart Utah Jazz?

They scored their 2nd most points in franchise history after 3 quarters (116), led by 20 with 10 minutes to go, then relaxed, got lazy and settled for outside shots which they stopped hitting as the Jazz closed it to one score with 2 minutes left before Jrue Holiday took over and turned it into a free throw shootin contest where he prevailed and they escaped with a win.

- - - Updated - - -


Bucks: Addition by subtraction.

It's early. They'll fall in the standings.

[Kingspoint]

Even with the gifts of Major injuries to BOS (who also had to shred salary) and IND, and even with the early season struggles of ORL, the Bucks will struggle all season to finish with a Top-5 Seed in the weakened East. PHI, ATL, MIA ORL, and BOS are the teams they'll be competing against all season for playoff seeding.

- - - Updated - - -

VanVleet's been ruled out for the season, hasn't he?

[texasdave]

VanVleet's been ruled out for the season, hasn't he?

More than likely, but I have read a couple of articles that say there is some chance he could be back. I'm not counting on it though.

[Mutaman]

Ryan Rollins !!!

[goreds2]

Games on Prime Video tonight:

Friday, October 31: Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers — 7 p.m.

Friday, October 31: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies — 9:30 p.m.

[Kingspoint]

Current records of the 6 NBA Cup Groups:

1. West C 17-7 SAS/GSW/POR/HOU/DEN

2. West A 15-8

3. West B 12-13

4. East C 11-14

5. East B 10-13

6. East A 11-17

[Kingspoint]

What a great win over DEN, and it was a Cup game.

[Kingspoint]

What a great win over DEN, and it was a Cup game.

Short-handed, Thybulle out probably 8 weeks with a UCL tear in left thumb. (I have the exact same injury.) Blake Wesley went down in the 2nd Quarter with a foot injury ruled out right away for the 2nd half. But, we got RWIII back, if just for short minutes. Deni and Toumani both had foul trouble, but POR shot well in the 4th, 13-24, to outscore DEN by 12 in the 4th and win by 2.

[Assembly Hall]

Looks like my Pacers are going for the #1 pick. <sigh>

[Kingspoint]

Looks like my Pacers are going for the #1 pick. <sigh>

Make lemonade out of lemons. Younger guys can develop more quickly.

- - - Updated - - -

It's only 6 games, but POR is alone in 3rd in the West having beaten both the LAL and GSW.

[texasdave]

OKC off to a 7-0 start in defense of their title and Jalen Williams has yet to suit up. Chet Holmgren has also missed the last 3 games as well. Oklahoma City has a +12.4 scoring margin. It is going to be a long season for the NBA's other 29 teams if the Thunder stay relatively healthy.

Sixers have jumped out to a 5-1 record. Will Embiid be able to stay off the IL?

Knicks hand the Bulls their first loss of the season. Bulls stand at 5-1. Is it smoke and mirrors?

Phoenix, likewise, deals the Spurs their first setback. At 5-1, the Spurs and Wembanyama are going to a problem for a lot of folks. Hakeem Olajuwon is the career leader in blocks with 3,830 block, which puts him over 500 blocks of the number two, Dikembe Mutombo. With the emphasis on 3-point shots, that record may stand awhile. Victor Wembanyama is off to a nice start, but is still a decade or so away from reaching Olajuwon's total. He has a decent chance, but a lot of things can go awry in a decade.

The Lakers are 5-2 without LeBron James. Luka Doncic is playing at an MVP level - 41/11/8. When does he get hurt?

Stop the presses - Bronny scored a bucket. It was a highlight reel alley-oop though.

[Kingspoint]

There's an awful lot of multiple injuries (3 to 6 players) to more than half the league. With the competitiveness of the West especially, teams can't afford to rest their veterans not only throughout the season, but even for short stints. 3 losses in the standings over the course of the season could be the difference between a 3rd or 6th Seed, a 5th or 8th Seed, or a 7th Seed to a lottery spot. The early season standings already represent more about availabilty than talent.

Veterans are playing heavy minutes early. Combine that with the increased PACE in style of play, and everyone is playing winded constantly. This is leading, and will continue to lead to, more injuries. I'm already seeing PACE slow down as teams are running out of bodies.

Because there are so many injuries, especially at Guard, there isn't enough talent available out there to bring in under hardship exceptions.

[texasdave]

67.9 percent of the Rockets points come from players 6'10 or taller. So much for small ball.

[texasdave]

The Houston Rockets offense: Through five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 127.9 points per 100 possessions. If that held (it almost certainly won't) it would be the highest mark in NBA history, nearly five points per 100 better than the 2023-24 Celtics. Remember, the Rockets are doing this without their starting point guard, Fred VanVleet.


The Trail Blazers defense: Portland has forced a turnover on 21.1 percent of their defensive possessions. That's nearly five percentage points better than the Thunder last year, who led the league and rolled to a title with their aggressive, high-pressure defense.

[Kingspoint]

The Trail Blazers defense: Portland has forced a turnover on 21.1 percent of their defensive possessions. That's nearly five percentage points better than the Thunder last year, who led the league and rolled to a title with their aggressive, high-pressure defense.

That's rate is going to decrease significantly with the two losses of Thybulle (a +40 Net Rating as he had been lights out on "3"'s, but he changed the game Defensively every time he entered the game, but he tore his UCL in his left thumb and had surgery...I'm guessing with his history of slow rehab that he'll be out until some time in January), and Blake Wesley (broken bone in foot, probably out until January/February, and the team's only backup PG until Scoot Henderson returns sometime in December...Blake Wesley has been the team's best Defender and most disruptive player Defensively, also changing the game whenever he entered...Jrue Holiday's minutes can't increase, so Rookie Caleb Love is going to have to get some run...they, too, may have to go big as Hansen has been recalled from the G-League, even with a return from Robert Williams III).


HOU had to come up with some plan to counter-act the loss of Vanvleet, and like POR being unwilling to force too many minutes on the floor with Hansen or Spoelstra not willing to let anyone on the floor who has mental lapses, Ime isn't ready to trust Thompson and Sheppard to be the primary ball-handlers, putting the ball more into Durant's hands, while they can slow down an opponent's fast-break on missed shots as everyone on the floor can potentially contest a rebound. Fast-breaks off of made baskets are more difficult for them to stop, but if whoever is closest to the basket contests the inbound pass, that could buy them the time they need for four players to get back on Defense.

[Kingspoint]

67.9 percent of the Rockets points come from players 6'10 or taller. So much for small ball.

In the end, that won't work. When teams get their Guards back and healthy, they'll have to find another way to do this, though they now have this as another weapon in their arsenal after experimenting with it last season and finding success with Adams and Sengun together in the lineup. The key has been the unbelievable play of Steven Adams. He's had such a great career.

Instead of C.J. McCollum, I wanted the Blazers to draft, in order,...Gobert or Adams. Those were both easy choices over McCollum, as they already had a Defensive-Challenged short All Offense Guard. Instead, they got CJ, another 1st Rounder in Alan Crabbe, and the great Jeff Withey with an early 2nd Round pick.

They then stupidly traded away Will Barton in a panic after they started the 2015-16 season 30-11 when suddenly they lost Wesley Matthews to a freak Achille's tear. They had already lost Robin Lopez to a broken hand for 23 games before this, but they foolishly thought that they could succeed with a backup of CJ and Dame, with Olshey doubling-down on that idea when he drafted McCollum by trading away the lengthy Barton for Aaron Afflalo and Alonzo Gee. Six months later, Aldridge was gone for nothing in return. Batum was gone. Matthews was gone. Lopez was gone. They then beat their heads against the wall trying to fit a square peg into a round hole believing that you could advance far enough with two defensively-challenged Guards. No matter how good they are Offensively, you can't have more than one Defensive Liability on the floor against quality playoff teams. They'll easily be exploited. (See Luka and the Lakers over the next 10 years.)

That was just as bad as trading up with the Kings to draft Zach Collins instead of staying pat, grabbing Bam Adebayo, and then moving up ahead of Atlanta to nab John Collins with their other 1st Round pick (just a few picks behind ATL). That was a no-brainer...to double-up on big man in the draft instead of putting all of their eggs in one basket with Collins, who didn't even start at Gonzaga until the NCAA playoffs. Do this, and the CJ/Dame experiment still wouldn't have worked with John Collins' Defense liability, but holding on to Barton, and the Blazers would have had at least 3 Western Conference Finals appearances and at least one Finals appearance.

[Kingspoint]

FA addition Jake LaRavia has been scorching hot in the past three contests, averaging 21.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, and 2.7 SPG on .781/.667/.583 shooting. Redick was effusive in his praise of the 6’8″ forward after Sunday’s win, saying he “just knows how to play. He just has a really good feel. His knack for the basketball as a defender. His knack for the basketball as a rebounder. He just has a real intuitive feel for the game.” The Kings were determined to keep LaRavia in free agency but were outbid by the Lakers. SAC was limited to offering the 24-year-old a starting salary of $5.16M/1yr, while L.A. was able to exceed that figure ($6M/2yr), while playing with his buddy Austin Reaves.

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/11/lakers-notes-luka-reaves-ayton-kleber-laravia-smart.html

On the 2nd of a back-to-back, Luka and Reaves will be out against POR, while Ayton is questionable. POR beat them in LA last week. Smart returned to the lineup against MIA last night and was outstanding.

[Kingspoint]

SGA and Maxey are Players-of-the-Week for the NBA's 2nd Week of play.

Other nominees...

The Trail Blazers duo of Deni Avdija and Jrue Holiday, the Suns’ Devin Booker, the Lakers duo of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves and the Rockets’ Alperen Sengun were the other Western Conference nominees. The Celtics’ Jaylen Brown, the Pistons’ Cade Cunningham, the Bulls’ Josh Giddey, the Hawks’ Jalen Johnson and the Bucks’ Ryan Rollins were the other nominees in the East.

[Rojo Rijo]

Hope the Desmond Bane fit improves drastically between now and January. 2 of the 3 wins for Orlando have come with him minimally involved. I still think a Suggs/Bane/Paolo/Franz/WC lineup could contend for the east if they gel.

[Kingspoint]

Charlotte being Charlotte.

They waive former 1st Rd pick Nick Smith, Jr.

He comes to LAL on a 2-way immediately.

He starts last night because of all of the injuries after being on the inactive list the night before.

POR could do nothing to stop him. He looked as good as Austin Reaves in every facet of the game, except he was a lot quicker than Reaves is. He fired up his team. He was even ill and threw up at halftime. Couldn't miss a shot.

There's something inanely wrong with the Hornets franchise as they continue to be unable to recognize NBA talent, even when it's in their own backyard.

What a great pickup by the Lakers. Surprisingly, the Lakers are loaded with talent right now. When LeBron comes back, they are going to be 11-deep in talent.

[Kingspoint]

Hope the Desmond Bane fit improves drastically between now and January. 2 of the 3 wins for Orlando have come with him minimally involved. I still think a Suggs/Bane/Paolo/Franz/WC lineup could contend for the east if they gel.

Yeah, I don't know what's going on, but it's early. There's a major adjustment to be made with ORL. Wagner and Banchero have taken turns in their careers (much of it due to injuries) having the ball go through them (I think they are much better when it goes through Wagner than Banchero). Now, it's going through Bane. That's a major adjustment, and I've yet to see Banchero adjust well when the ball isn't going through him. Seems like he pouts to me and just goes through the motions piling up stats, but not doing what it takes to win. Making others around him better has never seemed to be important to him. Haven't seen that team-oriented Championship attitude from him, yet, in his career, that you can see in Bane and Wagner. Banchero is easily the most talented, but it's going to have to be Banchero that makes the biggest adjustment of anyone here. Wagner is a pro. He'll adjust to anything.

[SteelSD]

If you're up by 24 and miss 11 straight shots to end the game, you really should lose two games for that, not just one. That is all.

[Stray]

It's been a couple years since I've played NBA contests, but jumped back into NBA DFS and took home 2nd tonight in the DK 4-point play Felt like the vet finding out he still has his fastball.


23225

[texasdave]

How does a team score 75 points in the first half, and then just 36 in the second half?.

Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey? Now, there's a trade for you. Can you even imagine OKC with Josh Giddey still on it?

[SteelSD]

How does a team score 75 points in the first half, and then just 36 in the second half?

You stupidly run Maxey/Embiid isolation plays ten times in a row, where everyone else gets locked out of the offense.

Embiid scored some points in the first half, but looked gassed in the fourth. Wish I could say that he just needs to get back into game shape, but his knees look shot.

Oh, and Grimes was awful last night. Not even so much the missed shots, but his passing led to multiple turnovers.

It was really a perfect storm of suck in that fourth quarter all the way around.

[Kingspoint]

How does a team score 75 points in the first half, and then just 36 in the second half?.

Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey? Now, there's a trade for you. Can you even imagine OKC with Josh Giddey still on it?

Falling in love with the jumper. Ir's an old story I've already seen POR do 3 times this season.

- - - Updated - - -


You stupidly run Maxey/Embiid isolation plays ten times in a row, where everyone else gets locked out of the offense.

Embiid scored some points in the first half, but looked gassed in the fourth. Wish I could say that he just needs to get back into game shape, but his knees look shot.

Oh, and Grimes was awful last night. Not even so much the missed shots, but his passing led to multiple turnovers.

It was really a perfect storm of suck in that fourth quarter all the way around.

CHI also leads the NBA in most passes per posession. They will gas you.

[texasdave]

Bad news for the Jazz. Walker Kessler out for the year due to shoulder surgery.

[SteelSD]

Falling in love with the jumper. Ir's an old story I've already seen POR do 3 times this season.

- - - Updated - - -

CHI also leads the NBA in most passes per posession. They will gas you.

That's not really what happened.

[Kingspoint]

That's not really what happened.

Looked like they were running past the Sixers in the 2nd Half and that PHI was standing still.

[SteelSD]

Looked like they were running past the Sixers in the 2nd Half and that PHI was standing still.

No, that's not what happened.

[Kingspoint]

No, that's not what happened.

I'll go with what you saw, of course. I only saw highlights.

[Kingspoint]

What a great win by the Blazers over the Thunder. Down 22 pts in the first after OKC was 6-7 from "3" and POR shot 25% from the floor, they never gave up.

Jrue Holiday is really good. OKC is even better. Ended a 16-game losing streak to the Thunder.

[Kingspoint]

5-3, POR already has wins against OKC, LAL, GSW and DEN (& UTA). Their losses are MIN, LAL, LAC. That's only good enough for 6th in the West or the East. Blazers head East 3000 miles tomorrow to begin another long road trip, miles they've had the most of every season since the Sonics left Seattle.

[Kingspoint]

OKC, LAL and DEN have a combined 20-5 record. 3 of those losses are to POR.

23232

[Kingspoint]

NBA is determined to have the LAL in the playoffs. They're taking no chances. They lead by a wide margin Free Throw attempts in the NBA. Tonight they had 44 and the refs fouled out 3 Spurs. 3 Lakers got 5 fouls, but nobody would be given a 6th. This is a recurring theme.

[KoryMac5]

Dallas is in an interesting position. They are once again looking at the lottery…to me it makes sense to look to deal AD for picks and a young player. He is hurt again but still has value amongst the league’s top brass. The problem is trading AD would be an admission of incompetence by Nico Harrison who somehow took a team that made the finals and lit it on fire.

[texasdave]

I cannot understand why there are so many articles about Cooper Flagg not living up expectations after just 10 games. Unless you have unrealistic expectations for the youngest player in the league, that is absurd. He is playing with not much help. He is playing out of position. Yet still he is averaging 13.9 pts, 6.6 boards, 3.0 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks. That is not bad at all. Tons of players struggle upon entering the NBA. I guess these sites have to get clicks somehow.

[texasdave]

Cooper Flagg last night against the Bucks: 26 pts, 9 boards, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block. Good night for the rookie.

Jalen Green has to be the quietest 20 points a game scorer in a long time. 20 points a game and never gets a mention.

[KoryMac5]

Nico Harrison fired...

Had to happen was the GM that pulled off one of the worst trades in NBA history...took a team that went to the finals, promptly traded a generational talent for an often injured but talented center who feels he is a power forward and the Lakers threw in a future number one pick. That was the return...

Luka is averaging around 40/9/9 and AD is once again hurt.

Dallas doesn't own any of it picks after this season until 2031.

Fired Casey Smith one of the best trainers in the NBA by text while he was with his dying mother.

Had a temporary staircase put out at Mavs games so he didn't have to walk through the crowds to exit...

Mavs had to make a move.

[goreds2]

The rivalry is back! 76ers / Celtics have played three games thus far with a total combined decided by 4 points. I think the announcers said they do not play each other until March of next year.

76ers won this game without Embiid.

[Boston Red]

So the Pacers are really bad, huh? Not even a match for the lowly Jazz.

[texasdave]

Barring injury, I'll take OKC against the field.

[Kingspoint]

Things won’t get any easier for the Pelicans in the near future, per Rod Walker of NOLA.com, who writes that the team is about to begin a five-game home stand against Western Conference opponents that includes matchups with the Lakers, Warriors, Thunder, and Nuggets.

He fails to mention the first game of the homestand tonight against POR, who beat each of those 4 teams already.

- - - Updated - - -


So the Pacers are really bad, huh? Not even a match for the lowly Jazz.

They are injured. Missing 6 Guards.

[Kingspoint]

While the Magic continued their positive play with a 17-pt win in Madison Square Garden, they may have paid a hefty price with an injury to their perennial MVP candidate Paulo Banchero. He'll have an MRI today to determine the severity of the groin injury he suffered with hopefully good news as they continue to climb the standings in the Eastern Conference.

The rest of the teams in the East have a chance to take advantage of the injuries in last night's game as Jalen Brunson left on crutches. How long he'll be out is to be determined, but the loss has to be a great one for the floor general of the Knicks. Josh Hart's dissatisfaction with coming off the bench may give him a Starting role again for a while and in turn give him a boost in production.

Both teams should be ready to live the "next man up" mantra as both teams are deep with talent.

On a side note, Jonathan Issac is unstoppable on the boards again, just like he was last season, and perhaps even more. He knows that his role is to get every rebound and it takes at least two bodies to keep him off the glass, and that isn't enough half the time. He's a positive impact every time he steps onto the floor for Orlando.

[Kingspoint]

Somehow, PHO is 7-5. While there have been many teams talked about regarding their surprisingly good play (CHI, SAS, LAL w/ so many injuries), PHO is one team that hasn't been mentioned. There's still talent there, and they, too had an injury to the main piece in the trade that sent Durant to HOU. But, Green is now contributing, Booker is still Booker, and some minor pieces were added to give the Suns some depth they never had when Durant (and Beal...stop whining Beal...you weren't good even when you were healthy in PHO, and now you're injured for the season in LA...feel lucky that any team was able to overpay you once again for taking up a roster spot) was a member of the team.

[Assembly Hall]

So the Pacers are really bad, huh? Not even a match for the lowly Jazz.

The season was over before it began. I will spend the winter watching CBB and scouring the mock drafts...

[Kingspoint]

The season is 1/8th over. That's a fair chunk of the schedule, enough to make judgements about all of the teams.

While judgements can be made about all of the teams, the results, for the most part, reflect injuries, availability and continuity (or lack of continuity with new teammates) of teams where players already know their roles and teams have had those players available.

Judging by all of that, I'm putting out there my Top-7 in the NBA for right now.

1. OKC is an easy call as they are healthier than they were last season and are the most role-defined team in the league (only loss being to a very attacking and disruptive POR team)

2. DEN is an easy #2 call as they've won 9 of 10 (only loss to that same disruptive and attacking POR team that held them to 10 points fewer than any of their other 9 games during this streak, while also holding Jokic to his fewest points over this stretch). Over the last 6 games the Joker has gone where no man has gone before with 35/12/11 averages on 60% shooting.

3. DET is the most disrespected team in the NBA and Cade Cunningham is the NBA's MVP so far this season despite all that Jokic has accomplished. Jalen Duren has become everything I thought he could be when I was hoping the Blazers would draft him instead of letting him fall into the teens to DET. They are loaded with talent, though a backup PG is needed as there will be a time when Cunningham gets hurt. It happens to all teams and it will happen to them, too. DET doesn't have to shoot better than their opponents. They use the tried and true method of getting more opportunities than their opponents by dominating the Offensive glass (3rd in the NBA in OFF REB efficiency) and forcing Turnovers (4th in the NBA in Turnover efficiency). It's not all Cunningham. It's a team-wide effort.

4. HOU has the 3rd best Point Differential in the NBA, but most of that is because 60% of their games have been played against the Eastern Conference where they've feasted to a 5-1 record. They are only 2-2 in the West where DET is 4-0 against the West. There's a huge gap between the Top-3 teams in the NBA right now and HOU. Of the Top-9 teams in the WEST, the Rockets are the only team that isn't above .500 against it's Conference opponents. That said, it's been amazing how Idoka has come up with lineups to try to win games without Vanvleet. HOU is gathering the information needed before deciding to plunge into the Point Guard trade when the opportunity begins next month. Making HOU's schedule even softer so far this season is the fact that they've played fewer games than any other team, so they've gotten more rest than anyone else, too.

5. NYK are better than the rest of the West at this point, though the loss of Brunson is going to put this to a test quickly. Like the Pistons, they are undefeated against the West, they dominate the Offensive glass (5th in NBA) and forcing turnovers (6th in NBA), thus giving them opportunity to win when they have a cold shooting night. Even with the loss of Brunson, they should maintain their shot-attempt dominance over other teams.

6. SAS are about to add Fox to the mix. That gives them the edge of the #7 team. While most of the Spurs success has been due to feasting on the East where they are 4-0 versus 4-3 against the West, they've still shown enough early returns to warrant a Top-7 placement in the cream-of-the-crop standings. They are winning with with Offense (#4 in EFG%, #8 in Free Throw attempts, and #7 in Off Reb). Adding pace and Offense with Fox and they should not only be able to maintain this level of Offense, but get better at it.

7. MIN leads the NBA in eFG%, 5.6% greater than their opponents. They have the players and style of play who can maintain this.

The next group of seven has teams (MIA (#1 in PACE)/CLE (#2 in Forcing TO's)) who arguably could be better than MIN or SAS right now, and I'll post another ranking when the season has passed its quarter-mark.

I love the style of play the NBA is morphing into. It's the fast-paced attacking at both ends of the floor designed to get open looks and higher FG% attempts. It leads to more turnovers on both ends because of the PACE, but it's by design as the forced turnovers lead to better shot attempts on Offense. It's the same PACE that most of the teams played from the mid-70's to the early to mid-'80's. It's fun to watch.

Upcoming games this week that will be great to watch:

THUR:
TOR @ CLE

FRI:
MIA @ NYK
PHI @ DET
POR @ HOU
GSW @ SAS

SAT:
LAL@MIL
DEN@MIN

SUN:
ORL@HOU
ATL@PHO

MON:
MIL@CLE
NYK@MIA
CHI@DEN

TUE:
GSW@ORL
DET@ATL
PHO@POR

WED:
HOU@CLE
TOR@PHI
GSW@MIA
CHI@POR

THUR:
PHI@MIL
ATL@SAS

[Kingspoint]

Good news for ORL...

2:20 pm: An MRI confirmed that Banchero has a left groin strain, tweets Shams Charania of ESPN. According to Charania, the forward has been ruled out for Friday’s game vs. Brooklyn and will continue to be evaluated daily beyond that. The update suggests that Banchero avoided a major injury.

[Kingspoint]

Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, who has taken on more responsibilities this season following Fred VanVleet‘s torn ACL, has had his three best performances of the fall within the past week, averaging 17.7 points in 26.7 minutes per game on .645/.619/.855 shooting during that stretch.

[Kingspoint]

TJ McConnel made his season debut in Tuesday's loss. Getting back a couple of more bodies will give them a chance to see if the season is salvageable.

Honestly, I'd accept this rare opportunity of having a good chance at a Top-4 pick the year after getting to the Finals.

[Kingspoint]

I like what Christie is trying to do in SAC.

It's got to be the chemistry mix. But, I'm sure it's much more.

[Kingspoint]

Rockets 23252

[Assembly Hall]

Rockets 23252

Ware. Woodson didn't emit many positives in his time at IU. Ware is one of the very few he did have.

[Assembly Hall]

TJ McConnel made his season debut in Tuesday's loss. Getting back a couple of more bodies will give them a chance to see if the season is salvageable.

Honestly, I'd accept this rare opportunity of having a good chance at a Top-4 pick the year after getting to the Finals.

I'm holding onto my "Suck for Luck" mantra.

[Betterread]

Rockets 23252

Kuzma. Never thought of him as a good defender.

[Kingspoint]

Ware. Woodson didn't emit many positives in his time at IU. Ware is one of the very few he did have.

Ware looked really good the last game that I watched him.

[Kingspoint]

Kuzma. Never thought of him as a good defender.

I know. The most surprising name on the list. Always an Offensive threat in the past.

[Kingspoint]

Barring injury, I'll take OKC against the field.

They are so much better than everyone else with more depth than last season.

[goreds2]

NBA games on Prime Video tonight.

Week 4: Emirates NBA Cup Group Play

Nov. 14: Miami at New York — 7 PM ET
Nov. 14: Golden State at San Antonio — 9:30 PM ET

[texasdave]

Honestly, does anyone care about this in-season tournament? They keep pushing it and maybe it will eventually catch on. How much would it mean to you if your favorite team hung an in-season tournament banner? For me, it would mean nothing. There is never anyone commenting on this tourney on the talk radio down here. Maybe it means more elsewhere, but in Houston it is pretty much a no-go.

[Rojo Rijo]

Honestly, does anyone care about this in-season tournament? They keep pushing it and maybe it will eventually catch on. How much would it mean to you if your favorite team hung an in-season tournament banner? For me, it would mean nothing. There is never anyone commenting on this tourney on the talk radio down here. Maybe it means more elsewhere, but in Houston it is pretty much a no-go.

I’d completely forgot about it until I was watching highlights last night and saw the court.

[Kingspoint]

Honestly, does anyone care about this in-season tournament? They keep pushing it and maybe it will eventually catch on. How much would it mean to you if your favorite team hung an in-season tournament banner? For me, it would mean nothing. There is never anyone commenting on this tourney on the talk radio down here. Maybe it means more elsewhere, but in Houston it is pretty much a no-go.

The players like it. Each cup game is played with playoff intensity. For this reason, I love watching them.

[goreds2]

Search assistant in Duck Duck Go

“ The NBA In-Season Tournament rewards the winning team with the NBA Cup trophy and each player on the winning team receives a cash prize of $500,000. Additionally, there are financial incentives for teams that advance through the tournament stages, with varying amounts awarded for reaching different rounds.
“

[Kingspoint]

Search assistant in Duck Duck Go

“ The NBA In-Season Tournament rewards the winning team with the NBA Cup trophy and each player on the winning team receives a cash prize of $500,000. Additionally, there are financial incentives for teams that advance through the tournament stages, with varying amounts awarded for reaching different rounds.
“

Personal Pride trumps that with most of the players. They take it seriously.

[Kingspoint]

It's getting ridiculous in Indianapolis.

Seven players were sidelined heading into Thursday’s game, which Indiana lost by 35 points to fall to 1-11. Nesmith was getting into a defensive stance in the third quarter when his left foot bent the wrong way. He was helped to the locker room, and the team announced that he wouldn’t return due to knee soreness.

[Kingspoint]

The Rockets kicked the Blazers butt tonight.

Sixers got dominated in the 4th to a DET team missing Duren and Cunningham. That's a situation that can actually make it tougher.

[redsfan9988]

After I watched my Rockets dismantle the Blazers in highly entertaining fashion, I decided to fire up Prime and watch the 4th quarter of Spurs-Warriors.

First of all, great game.

But here’s what I realized: I’m ready for Steph Curry to retire. Please. It’s not that he’s not a great player. It’s not that he’s not entertaining to watch… it’s just that every single time he makes a basket, he and his teammates and Warriors jersey clad fans react so incredibly histrionically that it looks like they’re witnessing 10 simultaneous plane crashes.

The dude makes a layup and the camera pans to a set of Warrior fans rubbing their eyes, mouths agape, gyrating violently as though they’ve never before seen anyone score the basketball. Like it’s totally unprecedented in the history of sports that a guy hit a lightly contested middy off the glass.

It has to stop. Please make it stop.

[Betterread]

But here’s what I realized: I’m ready for Steph Curry to retire. Please. It’s not that he’s not a great player. It’s not that he’s not entertaining to watch… it’s just that every single time he makes a basket, he and his teammates and Warriors jersey clad fans react so incredibly histrionically that it looks like they’re witnessing 10 simultaneous plane crashes.

The dude makes a layup and the camera pans to a set of Warrior fans rubbing their eyes, mouths agape, gyrating violently as though they’ve never before seen anyone score the basketball. Like it’s totally unprecedented in the history of sports that a guy hit a lightly contested middy off the glass.

It has to stop. Please make it stop.

here’s a clip of more ******-y GS behavior….but Wemby handles it.
https://x.com/SpursCulture/status/1989556479565664379?s=20

[Kingspoint]

here’s a clip of more ******-y GS behavior….but Wemby handles it.
https://x.com/SpursCulture/status/1989556479565664379?s=20That is so awesome!

[klw]

After I watched my Rockets dismantle the Blazers in highly entertaining fashion, I decided to fire up Prime and watch the 4th quarter of Spurs-Warriors.

First of all, great game.

But here’s what I realized: I’m ready for Steph Curry to retire. Please. It’s not that he’s not a great player. It’s not that he’s not entertaining to watch… it’s just that every single time he makes a basket, he and his teammates and Warriors jersey clad fans react so incredibly histrionically that it looks like they’re witnessing 10 simultaneous plane crashes.

The dude makes a layup and the camera pans to a set of Warrior fans rubbing their eyes, mouths agape, gyrating violently as though they’ve never before seen anyone score the basketball. Like it’s totally unprecedented in the history of sports that a guy hit a lightly contested middy off the glass.

It has to stop. Please make it stop.

After what Curry did in the last 3 minutes of the France game, Curry can celebrate whenever he wants,

[Kingspoint]

After I watched my Rockets dismantle the Blazers in highly entertaining fashion, I decided to fire up Prime.


The Trail Blazers held a players-only meeting after losing by 24 points Friday night in Houston, according to Joe Freeman of The Oregonian. It was their first lopsided defeat of the season, and they want to make sure things don’t get out of control.


There's going to be some growing pains with "interim" Head Coach Tiago Splitter. There's an endless number of possibilities how the ebbs and flows of the season could go. With Chauncey there was a consistent effort on the Defensive side of the game, but that's been gradually slipping away game by game since Splitter took over.

[Kingspoint]

Looks like the hiring of Joe Dumars was a major mistake...so far. But, if you let a G.M. go after one season, then you are admitting that the fault isn't with the G.M., but with those responsible for hiring him. If those responsible for hiring him are not fired at the same time, then you are saying that their process and evaluation abilities are still correct and you have to give Dumars a 5-year run to play that process out. Early returns suggest those in charge in New Orleans are at fault (I think they have been incompetent for 25 years, worse than the VAN/MEM franchise).

Dumars held a meeting with his staff this summer where he talked about emphasizing defense, toughness, high basketball IQ and a high motor, then completed a trade an hour later for Poole, who doesn’t fit that description. Poole’s salary of $31.8MM this season and $34MM in 2026/27 was considered “a tough contract to move” by rival executives, Scotto adds. That trade and the deal sending an unprotected 2026 first-rounder to Atlanta in exchange for Queen were pushed by senior vice president of basketball operations Troy Weaver, Dumars’ long-time associate.

[Kingspoint]

The Trail Blazers held a players-only meeting after losing by 24 points Friday night in Houston, according to Joe Freeman of The Oregonian. It was their first lopsided defeat of the season, and they want to make sure things don’t get out of control.


There's going to be some growing pains with "interim" Head Coach Tiago Splitter. There's an endless number of possibilities how the ebbs and flows of the season could go. With Chauncey there was a consistent effort on the Defensive side of the game, but that's been gradually slipping away game by game since Splitter took over.

The downward trend continued last night in DAL. Missing Holiday for the first time this season, the Blazers were out of PG's, having to use 2-way Rookie Caleb Love during critical stretches. Avdija continues to foul at a league-leading rate. Toumani's Defense has dipped. Splitter is not executing a pressure Defense any more (the only thing that generates this poor shooting team quality shots). Sharpe thinks he's Steph Curry, but can't recognize a poor quality shot by any means. He missed 20 shots last night and the moronic writers of the local bad quality blazer forum (part of Sbnation, so what would you expect) named him player of the game because he scored 36 points. He took 32 shots and played his usual bad defense. Sharpe lost his only means of discipline when Chauncey left and is now gone back to being an immature player. He needs to be benched with Grant moved to the Starting lineup and Toumani moved to the "2", where he plays point on Defense anyway.

Unless Sharpe gets reigned in, this team's season will be one of jockeying for position in the play-in tournament. The current talent-level is 6th Seed, but a continued trend of under-performing looks to be the future, at least through the end of January, where Splitter will have had 14 weeks to advance his level of handling the roster, game management, personalities, expectations and accountability, while also getting tge return, hopefully, of Scoot, Wesley and Thybulle, if not, at least, 2 out of three.

It looks like

[goreds2]

Paul George has scored the 76ers first 5 points tonight in his season debut.

[goreds2]

Paul George has scored the 76ers first 5 points tonight in his season debut.

Ended up playing 21 min. with 9 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists in the 76ers win.

[texasdave]

OKC was up over New Orleans by 25 points after the first quarter, 49-24. Yeah, they're pretty good.

[Boston Red]

OKC was up over New Orleans by 25 points after the first quarter, 49-24. Yeah, they're pretty good.

Also, NOLA is trash.

[texasdave]

OKC has 4 first-round picks in the 2026 draft, including 2 probable lottery picks. Fingers crossed that they don't get lucky with the ping pong balls.

[Kingspoint]

OKC has 4 first-round picks in the 2026 draft, including 2 probable lottery picks. Fingers crossed that they don't get lucky with the ping pong balls.

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%2Fid%2FOIP. qfCBtarToxSBOOh6APQJhQHaE8%3Fpid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=e9134e22a06c718d8a13090cf7bac9c44bdacf1b957dde 15d4ae8cfa26646d81&ipo=images

[Kingspoint]

Kerr has some good things to say in this article. You need to read it all to catch the entirety of what Kerr is trying to say as he goes into some detail to explain what he means. One paragraph taken out of context will make it all sound like something different than from what he's actually saying. I think the article still got edited to fit the space where some of what the writer wanted to contribute did not get placed in the article by the editor.

But, here it is...

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47015001/kerr-concerned-nba-increased-pace-leading-injuries

A sample...

"Across the league, everyone understands that it's easier to score if you beat the opponent down the floor, get out in transition," Kerr said. "But when everybody's doing that, the games are much higher-paced. Everyone has to cover out to 25 feet because everybody can shoot 3s. We have all the data. Players are running faster and further [than] before. We're trying to do the best we can, but we basically have a game every other night. It's not an easy thing to do."

Kerr has been a vocal proponent of shortening the NBA schedule from 82 games to 72 or fewer, believing that bit of extra rest and practice time over the course of several months would pay dividends. "We literally haven't had a single practice on this road trip," Kerr said. "Not one. We've been gone a week or longer. Eight days, not one practice. It's just game, game, game. So not only is there no recovery time, there's no practice time. What was different was back in the day, you did have four [games] in five nights, which was not great, but then you'd have four days between games. You'd take a day off and have a couple good practices."


This is also new for all of the players who have never played like this for their entire lives. It was normal back from the early '70's to the mid-80's, and players were in much better shape back then and could handle the stamina. Kerr is old enough to have seen all of this and participated in this. It's one reason his teams have always played better than others.

[Kingspoint]

ORL continues to climb the rankings beating GSW tonight.

ATL is looking to come back from 19 down to knock off DET. Coming off of a 4-0 week (all on the road) with Player-of-the-Week honors going to Jalen Johnson, the Hawks are establishing themselves as an Eastern Conference contender right now. They are definitely in the mix for home-court in the 1st Round of the playoffs.

[Kingspoint]

SAS's 1st game without Wembanyama and they are losing to the Grizzlies in the 4th.

DET closed out the game after ATL erased 18 points of a 19-point lead, securing their lock as the East's best team.

Since this was ATL's first game back home, it meant it was their 5th straight travel in order to get to ATL. That first home game is always like a road game, except even more difficult because you face all of the issues in your house with your family/girlfriends/bills/etc.

[Kingspoint]

It's official.

LeBron will make his season debut against the Jazz in 10 minutes.

23262

https://www.espn.com/nba/game/_/gameId/401810108/jazz-lakers

- - - Updated - - -

Spurs pulled it out.

It is MEM.

[Boston Red]

How many regular season games are we imagining the Thunder winning this year? 74?

[Kingspoint]

How many regular season games are we imagining the Thunder winning this year? 74?

I'm going with 66.

[Boston Red]

Betonline currently has their o/u at 66.5, so they think you're about on it.

That website also has an option to bet on whether Chauncey Billups or Terry Rozier gets the longer jail sentence (Billups -200). They also set Kevin Garnett as the +200 favorite to be the next HOF player to be arrested for illegal gambling. Being able to be on what happens to people due to a gambling scandal is something.

[goreds2]

Nice win in overtime for the 76ers last night over the Bucks. It was the 76ers second game of a back to back. Maxey 54 points. Paul George 21. No Embiid.

[Kingspoint]

Betonline currently has their o/u at 66.5, so they think you're about on it.

That website also has an option to bet on whether Chauncey Billups or Terry Rozier gets the longer jail sentence (Billups -200). They also set Kevin Garnett as the +200 favorite to be the next HOF player to be arrested for illegal gambling. Being able to be on what happens to people due to a gambling scandal is something.

That is hilarious.

[Kingspoint]

According to ESPN Insights, that game-winning shot from Chicago center Nikola Vucevic made the Blazers the first team in NBA history to lose three games at the buzzer via a 3-pointer in the same calendar year.

[Kingspoint]

Asked during his post-game media session about what Morant was saying to him on the court, Thompson told MacMahon and other reporters it was “nothing of intelligent depth,” per MacMahon. He’s a funny guy,” Thompson said. “He has a lot to say all the time, especially for a guy who rarely takes accountability. … It was really just running his mouth, and he’s been running his mouth for a long time. It’s funny to run your mouth when you’re on the bench. It’s kind of the story of his career so far, just leaving us wanting more.”

“We all want to see him out there and do his best, but he’s just been letting a lot of other stuff get in the way of that,” Thompson said of Morant. “We need that in the NBA. We need our best players to be out there, and when you’re a star, it comes with a great responsibility. I hate to see that go to waste. I do actually have a lot of respect for the Grind House,” Thompson said, per Christian Clark of The Athletic. “Mike Conley, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol. That was a hard team to beat. This new team, though? They just talk a lot. They’ve always talked a lot. They’ve never really backed it up, either. I don’t really respect that. I respect guys who back up the talk with play. Because talk is cheap. I know that better than anybody. I have been in this league a long time.”

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/?header=1

[texasdave]

The Thunder avenged their only loss of the season by shellacking Portland by 27 points - 122-95. Since their only loss of the season, they have won nine in a row by an average of 22.3 points, although the competition has been on the light side during that streak. Still, that is pretty remarkable.

[Kingspoint]

The Thunder avenged their only loss of the season by shellacking Portland by 27 points - 122-95. Since their only loss of the season, they have won nine in a row by an average of 22.3 points, although the competition has been on the light side during that streak. Still, that is pretty remarkable.

Yeah. With POR not having any PG's (something that's been going on for a week, only one PG for the last 3 weeks, and none before February, except when Holiday returns in mid-December, maybe), the Blazers never had a chance. Before yesterday, POR was 4-0 vs OKC, DEN and the GSW. Those three teams were 36-10 when they weren't playing POR. RWIII and Sharpe were also out, though Sharpe not playing actually makes them better. Shaedon leads the NBA in shots/36, but he's 180th in eFG%. That doesn't even factor in Sharpe's consistent carelessness with the ball, lapses of focus and sub-average Defense. While all of this sounds bad, which it is, he's improved in many ways this year. His basketball IQ has to be questioned. Technically, 2-way Rookie Caleb Love is a PG, but asking him to play significant minutes is a lot to ask, though to his credit, he was the player-of-the-game in Friday's NBA Cup win @GSW's 1st home loss of the season.

Until February arrives, POR is just going to try to keep its head above water. It will give Splitter 10 weeks to mature as a Head Coach.

POR plays OKC again next Sunday.

[Kingspoint]

Nice to see tbe Blazers kicking Betterread's team tonight 102-74. Blazers are depleted, but they had no problem with MIL. Still 10-1/2 minutes of garbagetime left.

[Kingspoint]

Also great to find out that Betterread is an abnormal Milwaukee Bucks fan as his loathe of Dame is not shared by most of Milwaukee Bucks fans in attendance as there was a video tp honor Dame along with a rousing applause from the fans and not a single boo in the crowd. Maybe some people just like to whine and talk nonsense without any truth to what they say.

I can like the Bucks and most Bucks fans again and jjst ignore the whining of Betterread.

[Kingspoint]

Last season, when Milwaukee won the NBA Cup, there were 12 Bucks players (including two-ways) whose total earnings for the year increased by more than 17% as a result of the prize money.

[klw]

Somehow the 1-15 Wizards are up 22 on the Hawks at the half.

[Mutaman]

Also great to find out that Betterread is an abnormal Milwaukee Bucks fan as his loathe of Dame is not shared by most of Milwaukee Bucks fans in attendance as there was a video tp honor Dame along with a rousing applause from the fans and not a single boo in the crowd. Maybe some people just like to whine and talk nonsense without any truth to what they say.

I can like the Bucks and most Bucks fans again and jjst ignore the whining of Betterread.

Bucks fans liked the person a lot more than they liked the player. We just want to forget about him and move on.

[Kingspoint]

Bucks fans liked the person a lot more than they liked the player. We just want to forget about him and move on.

Did I get you and Betterread mixed up? I must have. It's easy to pay little attention to the name of someone so far gone from reality.

You've already proven that you don't represent most Bucks fans. They're better than what you claim they are.

I apologize Betterread, a MIN fan, I think. The T-Wolves will end up hosting a 1st Round series and win that round to move on. They still have to beat the refs, too (as they likely face one of the NBA's favorite children in LAL, SAS or GSW), but they can do it.

[Kingspoint]

Congratulations to Eric Spoelstra on his 800th coaching victory (and doing it with just one club is amazing) as his Heat sent the Bucks further into their downward spiral.

[Kingspoint]

BKN has not won a Home Game this season.

[texasdave]

The Unstoppable Force, AKA, the Oklahoma City Thunder, now stand at 21-1.

[Kingspoint]

The Unstoppable Force, AKA, the Oklahoma City Thunder, now stand at 21-1.

POR almost did it again on Sunday, more grossly short-handed than when they beat them last time. Almost pulled oyt a win @TOR last night, as Deni was called for an Offensive Foul with 34 seconds left trying to tie or put the Blazers ahead.

Gets tougher in CLE tonight without RWIII available on a back-to-back and possibly no Clingan on a back-to-back as Donovan suited up last night and played when he was questionable.

It's time RWIII starts trying to play in back-to-backs. Next game is in DET, so saving him for that?

[Boston Red]

The Unstoppable Force, AKA, the Oklahoma City Thunder, now stand at 21-1.

Their over/under now sits at 69.5 wins. They've obviously got a great shot at breaking the record if they stay healthy.

Can the NBA handle having their best team ever come from....Oklahoma?

[Betterread]

Dylan Harper and Shaedon Sharpe. Seem similiar in physical and skill levels. But Sharpe never evolved into a playmaker for teammates and his D is not at even average Kentucky levels.
Harper will have to compete for touches with Castle and Fox and he will either evolve or die. I think he has vast portential.

[texasdave]

Their over/under now sits at 69.5 wins. They've obviously got a great shot at breaking the record if they stay healthy.

Can the NBA handle having their best team ever come from....Oklahoma?

Four first-round draft picks in the upcoming class, including possible 3 lottery picks. Nikola Topic, who was a lottery pick from two years ago, still hasn't stepped onto the court for the Thunder. An embarrassment of riches. They are a very young team as well. Yikes!

[Kingspoint]

Dylan Harper and Shaedon Sharpe. Seem similiar in physical and skill levels. But Sharpe never evolved into a playmaker for teammates and his D is not at even average Kentucky levels.
Harper will have to compete for touches with Castle and Fox and he will either evolve or die. I think he has vast portential.

Sharpe's issues are many. Trending towards a low BB IQ, bad Defender, too laid back and lackadaisical frequently, poor common sense judgement, can't shoot a "3", and others.

Dealing with an injury, he's improving with the way Splitter is using him since his return: Coming off the bench, much lower usage rate, sticking with mid-range and drives, both of which he's good at. He's improved his effort dramatically as a Rebounder, but still regularly forgets to block out. He constantly gives up in plays and stands there and watches the action. He's increased his effort dramatically Defensively and it has led to great improvement, so instead of being rookie-level bad he's below average. He's still careless with the ball. He shouldn't be on the floor in the last five minutes of games or halves unless he's doing well.

The positive is that he's only 22.

[Kingspoint]

Somehow the 1-15 Wizards are up 22 on the Hawks at the half.

Trae Young must be playing.

ATL is top-5 Def when he doesn't play and dead last in the NBA when he does.

Here's an article that rips on Young, Morant and LaMelo...

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/12/nba-execs-express-reservations-about-young-morant-lamelo.html

“I wouldn’t want any of them,” one Western Conference general manager said.

“They all might have negative value,” an Eastern Conference executive added.

One Eastern Conference executive told ESPN that he wouldn’t want Morant on his roster even if he were on a much more team-friendly contract: “The combination of pain in the ass, injury-prone, not that good anymore and big contract is a bad one.”

“He (LaMelo) takes the same shots now that he took in high school,” an assistant coach said. “Nothing has changed. I actually thought early in the year he was giving more of an honest effort defensively, but the offensive side looks like nothing has changed.”

[goreds2]

76ers blow 20+ point lead to the Warriors (without Curry and Butler) but comeback in the final seconds to win 99-98. Edgecombe with an offensive rebound put in then Maxey blocks a layup on the other end in the final .9 second.

Whew!

[Revering4Blue]

76ers blow 20+ point lead to the Warriors (without Curry and Butler) but comeback in the final seconds to win 99-98. Edgecombe with an offensive rebound put in then Maxey blocks a layup on the other end in the final .9 second.

Whew!

That was a great finish to a much-needed win for the 76ers, who were banged-up injury-wise themselves. And slowly but surely, McCain is starting to play better after working his way back from being sidelined via injury.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[klw]

76ers blow 20+ point lead to the Warriors (without Curry and Butler) but comeback in the final seconds to win 99-98. Edgecombe with an offensive rebound put in then Maxey blocks a layup on the other end in the final .9 second.

Whew!

Interesting lack of foul called on Maxey on the block, could it have been after the buzzer?
https://x.com/sixers/status/1996769804053811316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1996769804053811316%7Ctwgr% 5Ed50c99b30672c03cce61902d5df373641e4745a9%7Ctwcon %5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fathletic%2 F6864106%2F2025%2F12%2F05%2F76ers-tyrese-maxey-vj-edgecombe-warriors%2F

[Betterread]

Interesting lack of foul called on Maxey on the block, could it have been after the buzzer?
https://x.com/sixers/status/1996769804053811316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1996769804053811316%7Ctwgr% 5Ed50c99b30672c03cce61902d5df373641e4745a9%7Ctwcon %5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fathletic%2 F6864106%2F2025%2F12%2F05%2F76ers-tyrese-maxey-vj-edgecombe-warriors%2F

Not after the buzzer. The pileup post block began at .01. Yeah he completely takes out the shooter. I honestly don’t know what is a foul in the NBA any more other than hitting a shooters shooting arm/hand on a shot. Doncic and SGA routinely push off defenders with their off arm to get free.

[Chip R]

Chris Paul has been cut by the Clippers.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47187141/clippers-send-cp3-home-road-trip-say-no-longer-team

[Kingspoint]

An incredible block by Maxey to win the game.

Probably the greatest individual play by anyone so far this season.

[Kingspoint]

The 2-minute report will reveal if Maxey fouled or not. Should be available within 24 hours.

[Kingspoint]

The 2-minute report will reveal if Maxey fouled or not. Should be available within 24 hours.

https://official.nba.com/l2m/L2MReport.html?gameId=0022500333

Comment: Maxey (PHI) cleanly blocks Melton's (GSW) shot attempt.

[Kingspoint]

The most rec'd comment on Blazers SBNation site in an article about possible trade candidates. The pointless article doesn't even mention Sharpe which shows the level of intelligence by the writers who run the site.......

As I covered in a separate comment below, Sharpe can be traded within the Poison Pill provisions between now and the trade deadline, and then after our season ends until July 1.

I'm extremely disappointed with Sharpe, who has now been replaced in the starting lineup by a 2-way player. His terrible 3-pt shooting, ball-handling turnovers, poor BBIQ, and often indifference to defense, are only getting worse year after year, the exact opposite of what should have happened. If another team still thinks he has the potential to become great then we should take advantage of that.

If Sharpe plus Grant or Jrue (plus multiple picks) enabled a trade for an unhappy All-star level player still in his prime, I'd do it without hesitation. I'd also be looking for other opportunities to trade Sharpe (plus picks and matching salary) for another Starter level or key rotation player with an excellent 3-pt shot.

I no longer see Sharpe becoming the Star we needed with this team, and we should do all we can to build around Deni (who is that Star) with 3-pt shooters. Let's not make the same mistake with Sharpe that we made with Simons, expecting him to become something he isn't after 4 years. Start looking for an opportunity to get something good for him while he may still have appeal to another GM.

[Rojo Rijo]

Orlando may have a Paolo problem.

7-7 with him
7-3 without him

Team seems to flow much better offensively without him. It’s giving Melo vibes

[goreds2]

76ers lose to Lakers. I respectfully do not agree with some of LeBron’s opinions but wow what a finished he had tonight at his age.

[Kingspoint]

Orlando may have a Paolo problem.

7-7 with him
7-3 without him

Team seems to flow much better offensively without him. It’s giving Melo vibes

Have often stated that he doesn't make those around him better. He has to take that nexr step that focuses on his blending in to everything his teammates need, other than to just worry about himself. It's going to take a guy like Bane to make him do it.

[Rojo Rijo]

The OKC treatment is flat out disgusting. I can’t stand Grayson Allen and I loved seeing him push Chet Holmgren down

[Boston Red]

Why is Kevin Love still playing in the NBA for the Jazz at 37 years old? Just serious love of the game? Still needs the money for some reason? He scored 20 the other night in a Jazz win, so he can obviously still play a bit, but I would think living through an 82 game season on a team like the Jazz would be miserable for a guy like him. Might he get traded to a contender?

[Kingspoint]

The OKC treatment is flat out disgusting. I can’t stand Grayson Allen and I loved seeing him push Chet Holmgren down

The San Antonio and Laker treatment is equally disgusting.

- - - Updated - - -

MIN plays OKC this Friday. That should be a goid game. HOU plays DEN again (Udoka called out the officials after last night's OT loss to DEN).

[Kingspoint]

Rockets head coach Ime Udoka had called out the officiating after the game, saying the referees working had "no business being out there" and that crew chief Zach Zarba was "acting star struck." "Just in general, I think, most poorly officiated game I've seen in a long time," Udoka said.

According to the NBA's Last Two Minute Report, fouls against the Rockets' Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson should not have been called, and one against Denver's Tim Hardaway Jr. should have been.

Durant was called for a foul after blocking Nikola Jokic's shot attempt with 1:40 left in overtime, which gave the Nuggets star a pair of free throws that put Denver up 126-121. The NBA said Tuesday it was a clean block. Then, with just over one minute left, Hardaway got away with a shove of Alperen Sengun that should've resulted in a loose ball foul, according to the report. Finally, with 47 seconds left and the Nuggets up 126-122, Thompson should not have been called for a personal foul against Jamal Murray on a steal attempt. The call resulted in two free throws for Murray.

One of the most crucial calls in the game, a foul against Thompson for tripping Hardaway that resulted in a tying free throw for the Nuggets in the waning seconds of regulation, was not reviewed by the report. But it was challenged by Houston during the game and upheld upon review.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47329064/three-incorrect-calls-favored-nuggets-ot-win

[Kingspoint]

Those opines cost Ime $25K.

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/12/ime-udoka-fined-25k-for-comments-about-officiating.html

[texasdave]

There are no bad calls in the NBA, because it all depends on the situation, the players involved, the time left on the clock, who is leading/trailing, if there's a rookie involved, the time left in the game........etc.

These last 2-minutes reviews are a joke. Does anything change? No.

Adam Silver learned from the master, David Stern. Keep making that cash register ring. Those are rules number 1, 2, 3 and 4.

[goreds2]

Games on Prime Video tonight:

Dec. 19: Philadelphia at New York — 7:00 PM ET

Dec.19: Oklahoma City at Minnesota — 9:30 PM ET

[Boston Red]

Jazz/Lakers must have been SUPER fun to watch last night. The teams combined to shoot 87 FTs.

[goreds2]

Nice win in NY on the Knicks home court. The Knicks must have had a let down from the in season tournament. :D

[Kingspoint]

Nice win in NY on the Knicks home court. The Knicks must have had a let down from the in season tournament. :D

The players got a greater share than the Dodgers did for winning the World Series. So, yeah.

[redsfan9988]

The Hawks scored 150 tonight in regulation and lost.

The Nets scored 96 and won by 15.

What a league!

[mr_luck07]

The Hawks scored 150 tonight in regulation and lost.

The Nets scored 96 and won by 15.

What a league!

Score that many and still lose? Terrible!

[dubc47834]

Jokic is a unicorn. Maybe the best game ever. 56-16-15 triple double...absolutely wild!

[Betterread]

Currently very productive Players with simlliar numbers and roles - who do like better and why?

Stephon Castle or Amen Thompson?

Keyonte George or Noman Powell?

[KoryMac5]

The Hawks scored 150 tonight in regulation and lost.

The Nets scored 96 and won by 15.

What a league!

and now we know why the Hawks have been discussing an Anthony Davis trade...

[Revering4Blue]

Currently very productive Players with simlliar numbers and roles - who do like better and why?

Stephon Castle or Amen Thompson?

Keyonte George or Noman Powell?

Good question..

I will preface this by stating my answers will be based on the following thought process: Which player would be of more help now for a contending team. With that in mind, I would still rather have Thompson than Castle for Houston. For as much as I like Castle’s potential, Thompson’s length helps provide a much-needed defensive identity and adds to their ability to place lineups on the floor that creates matchup issues for the opponent given Thompson’s continual improvement as a facilitator.

As for the second comparison, it’s George - for either a rebuilding team or a team like Miami, which still cannot be ruled out as a team that can qualify for the playoffs and produce another run. George can certainly facilitate and score. Plus, he shoots 90 per cent from the charity stripe. This is not to discount Powell’s contributions to the Heat. He is still one of the best at providing microwave/instant offense FW the bench. The Clippers, among other issues, have yet to adequately replace that element to their lineup. That three way deal which sent Powell to South Beach is looking worse by the day for the Clips.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Revering4Blue]

and now we know why the Hawks have been discussing an Anthony Davis trade...

They certainly have the requisite pieces to get a deal done. But do they have the requisite picks. I would think Chicago would be an interesting trade partner for Davis should they choose to go in that direction.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Rojo Rijo]

Orlando may have a Paolo problem.

7-7 with him
7-3 without him

Team seems to flow much better offensively without him. It’s giving Melo vibes

4-5 since this.

Over the last 9 games Orlando is 0-4 when Banchero takes the most shots. They are 4-1 in the other games.

I’ve seen a lot of reports that he’s just not fully back in game shape still and his legs are really lagging.

My biggest concern is preventing any type of adherence to the rise of Anthony Black. It’s fine right now but when Franz comes back trying to get enough looks to Paolo, Franz, Bane, and Black won’t be easy. I’m going to be livid if Black takes the biggest hit. He may move back to the second unit when Suggs and Franz are both back but he should still be getting an average of 15 looks a game or somebody needs to be fired.

[Betterread]

Good question..

I will preface this by stating my answers will be based on the following thought process: Which player would be of more help now for a contending team. With that in mind, I would still rather have Thompson than Castle for Houston. For as much as I like Castle’s potential, Thompson’s length helps provide a much-needed defensive identity and adds to their ability to place lineups on the floor that creates matchup issues for the opponent given Thompson’s continual improvement as a facilitator.

As for the second comparison, it’s George - for either a rebuilding team or a team like Miami, which still cannot be ruled out as a team that can qualify for the playoffs and produce another run. George can certainly facilitate and score. Plus, he shoots 90 per cent from the charity stripe. This is not to discount Powell’s contributions to the Heat. He is still one of the best at providing microwave/instant offense FW the bench. The Clippers, among other issues, have yet to adequately replace that element to their lineup. That three way deal which sent Powell to South Beach is looking worse by the day for the Clips.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thompson has raised his level of effective offense this year. I am very impressed with Castle and his creative attack and he has defensive potential to be an all around player. If they can develop their three point jumpers to be at least .350 effectiveness, those two will be all stars.

[Betterread]

4-5 since this.

Over the last 9 games Orlando is 0-4 when Banchero takes the most shots. They are 4-1 in the other games.

I’ve seen a lot of reports that he’s just not fully back in game shape still and his legs are really lagging.

My biggest concern is preventing any type of adherence to the rise of Anthony Black. It’s fine right now but when Franz comes back trying to get enough looks to Paolo, Franz, Bane, and Black won’t be easy. I’m going to be livid if Black takes the biggest hit. He may move back to the second unit when Suggs and Franz are both back but he should still be getting an average of 15 looks a game or somebody needs to be fired.
Orlando has a lot of talented pieces. They just need time to fit them together. It is taking longer because they added Bane because they need better three point shooting but he is having his worst 3pt % year of his life - under .350. If he is healthy I see him reverting back to career norms. Suggs on the other hand is looking like his one good 3pt % year was an anomaly. Still, lots of guys work on their shot and improve (if Wiggins could do it, anyone can).

[Kingspoint]

4-5 since this.

Over the last 9 games Orlando is 0-4 when Banchero takes the most shots. They are 4-1 in the other games.

I’ve seen a lot of reports that he’s just not fully back in game shape still and his legs are really lagging.

My biggest concern is preventing any type of adherence to the rise of Anthony Black. It’s fine right now but when Franz comes back trying to get enough looks to Paolo, Franz, Bane, and Black won’t be easy. I’m going to be livid if Black takes the biggest hit. He may move back to the second unit when Suggs and Franz are both back but he should still be getting an average of 15 looks a game or somebody needs to be fired.

I was hoping POR could trade for Black the last 1-1/2 years, but he's untradeable now. He's taken a giant step this season.

[Kingspoint]

ORL is 12.2 pts/100 posessions better than their opponents when Suggs is on the floor vs off the floor. He's been out since they faced the Knicks in The Cup Semi's.

[goreds2]

NBA on Prime Video tonight:

Jan. 2: Atlanta at New York — 7:30 PM ET
Jan. 2: Oklahoma City at Golden State — 10:00 PM ET

[goreds2]

76ers have won 3 in a row. All on the road. ( 3-2 road trip )

[Betterread]

76ers have won 3 in a row. All on the road. ( 3-2 road trip )

Starting five is finally all healthy and they return home for two easy (on paper) wins. Hopefully, they can crush the nuggets and Wizards at home. Because after that, they will have harder tests with two Toronto games and Orlando on the road.

[KoryMac5]

Rumors flying around Dallas/ATL/Wash trade which would involve multiple picks and players per Stein...
Young/McCollum/Anthony Davis/KP and picks have been mentioned...also heard it could just be WashATL working a Trae Young deal...

[texasdave]

No Jokic, no Murray, no Gordon, no Hardaway, no Valanciunas, no Braun, no Johnson and on the road. No problem.

Denver's starting lineup:

Peyton Watson - 11.8 ppg.
Bruce Brown - 7.1 ppg.
Spencer Jones - 6.1 ppg.
DaRon Holmes - 4.5 ppg.
Jalen Pickett - 3.8 ppg.

And won the game.

[Betterread]

Sixers just lost at home to a Denver team with 0 of their regular starters - at home. Zeke Njaji was the Denver center. Ever heard of him? Jaden Pickett (averaging 3.8 ppg) looked like Brunson in outplaying Maxey. Embiid had 5 turnovers in OT, yet Sixers still gave him the ball every trip. Multiple times edgecombe would make a great defensive play and give it to Embiid who would make some careless turnover. Missed a great chance to beat the Knicks and Nugs in successive games to show the NBA they are a top ten team.

[SteelSD]

Sixers just lost at home to a Denver team with 0 of their regular starters - at home. Zeke Njaji was the Denver center. Ever heard of him? Jaden Pickett (averaging 3.8 ppg) looked like Brunson in outplaying Maxey. Embiid had 5 turnovers in OT, yet Sixers still gave him the ball every trip. Multiple times edgecombe would make a great defensive play and give it to Embiid who would make some careless turnover. Missed a great chance to beat the Knicks and Nugs in successive games to show the NBA they are a top ten team.

Any team can lose to any other team if the idiots chucking threes hit enough of them.

[Betterread]

Any team can lose to any other team if the idiots chucking threes hit enough of them.

True enough. Here’s an example of one of those “livin’ on a prayer “ shots -
https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1q56wbn/highlight_lamelo_ball_saves_the_ball_from_going/