AROUND the NBA:

[HoosierDaddyKid]

https://x.com/clutchfans/status/1908344978239107554


Impressive win by the Rockets over the Thunder.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

https://x.com/NotoriousOHM/status/1908320714199097419


Steve Kerr on the Joker.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

https://hoopshype.com/lists/detroit-pist...ason-year/


Detroit has done what no other team in NBA history has done.

[FireNicoHarrison]

78-56 half time. Lakers at OKC.

Luka 22-3-5.

No comment.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Lakers blast the Thunder 126-99. Lakers shot 22-40 from 3. Luka had 30 pts, Reaves had 20, and LeBron 19 and DFS 14. Thunder have lost 2 in a row for only the 2nd time this year. SGA had 26.

[FireNicoHarrison]

Luka destroyed OKC. Again.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

https://x.com/AdamJWexler/status/1909078108952580119

Rockets hold Curry to 3 pts on 1-10 shooting.
Rockets playing well headed into the playoffs.

[Chicagojk]

The west playoff race is fascinating. It looks like the Lakers are pretty well set at 3 if they take care of business. That should be a pretty good spot, although their matchup will still be up in the air. As good as Houston has been this year, I would love to play them in round 2 if Houston makes it there.

Denver looked set for a top 4 seed but a slow finish they could see themselves in the playin.

I think everyone is hoping to play Memphis, but they may not even make it to the playoffs if they are in the play in. Despite Memphis having a good season and a good record, I think they are a clear #8 with the rest of the conference.

The Denver, Clippers, Warriors and Minnesota battle to stay out of the playin is really interesting. I guess Memphis is also tied with that group. Although, personally I am not sure #7 is that bad of a spot. You do have to take care of business in the first playin though.

[Chicagojk]

The East is less so. It feels like it is again clearing out for Boston. Clev is very good, but they appear to have lost their magic and i have trouble seeing them beating Boston in a series. If they are upset prior to the ECF, that is just another run where Boston is hardly challenged in a series.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

The East is less so.  It feels like it is again clearing out for Boston.  Clev is very good, but they appear to have lost their magic and i have trouble seeing them beating Boston in a series.    If they are upset prior to the ECF, that is just another run where Boston is hardly challenged in a series.

Indiana is playing well and it's going unnoticed. Their 12-2 in their last 14. This is not to say they'll challenge Boston, or maybe Cleveland. But they could cause some issues vs the Knicks, Bucks, or Pistons. Denver needs a healthy Murray and MPJ needs to step up as well.to have a chance in the West. Joker can't carry them by himself even though he'll damn sure try.

[SleepingHero]

https://streamable.com/rxdcqt


Memphis rookie standout Jaylen Wells had an incredibly scary injury tonight. Had to be rushed off in a stretcher after being undercut mid air. Here is the full broadcast and replay if you want to see.

[Chicagojk]

The west playoff race is fascinating.  It looks like the Lakers are pretty well set at 3 if they take care of business.  That should be a pretty good spot, although their matchup will still be up in the air.  As good as Houston has been this year, I would love to play them in round 2 if Houston makes it there.   

Denver looked set for a top 4 seed but a slow finish they could see themselves in the playin. 

I think everyone is hoping to play Memphis, but they may not even make it to the playoffs if they are in the play in.  Despite Memphis having a good season and a good record, I think they are a clear #8 with the rest of the conference. 

The Denver, Clippers, Warriors and Minnesota battle to stay out of the playin is really interesting.  I guess Memphis is also tied with that group.  Although, personally I am not sure #7 is that bad of a spot.  You do have to take care of business in the first playin though.

Just an update.  Houston secured #2 in the west.  What a turnaround and their future is bright. 

Lakers are in third.  One game up on the Clippers, Denver, Golden State and Memphis.   Crazy.  Minnesota is two games back...that blown lead by the wolves last night really hurts.  

I have no idea how the tie breakers go, but I don't think I have seen an ending this close.

[omahen]

Just an update.  Houston secured #2 in the west.  What a turnaround and their future is bright. 

Lakers are in third.  One game up on the Clippers, Denver, Golden State and Memphis.   Crazy.  Minnesota is two games back...that blown lead by the wolves last night really hurts.  

I have no idea how the tie breakers go, but I don't think I have seen an ending this close.

I think Lakers hold a tie breaker against all but one of those teams. I wonder how much energy will they have left for todays game, fifth one in seven days. Three other teams in this cluster also play today. GSW shouldn't have problems against SAS. The other two games will be much more interesting. Denver plays in Sacramento and who knows how they will look like. Their defense has been beyond bad lately and Sacramento can score. Clippers are playing Houston, who already secured the second spot. 

While Houston has been good, I think they will have problems in the playoffs. I see them as a regular season team now. They just don't have a reliable go-to guy. I doubt they have another gear for the playoffs.

[FireNicoHarrison]

It's sad to see a so mediocre west (outside OKC) and our squad is a mess.

[Chicagojk]

I think Lakers hold a tie breaker against all but one of those teams. I wonder how much energy will they have left for todays game, fifth one in seven days. Three other teams in this cluster also play today. GSW shouldn't have problems against SAS. The other two games will be much more interesting. Denver plays in Sacramento and who knows how they will look like. Their defense has been beyond bad lately and Sacramento can score. Clippers are playing Houston, who already secured the second spot. 

While Houston has been good, I think they will have problems in the playoffs. I see them as a regular season team now. They just don't have a reliable go-to guy. I doubt they have another gear for the playoffs.

Sounds like if the Lakers win tonight, they should be pretty set in #3 then.    Although what you said, who knows how they compete after a tough stretch and two pretty grueling games.   

After Dallas, they have Houston and Portland.   Houston may be on cruise control.  Portland can be sneaky tough.  If the game means something, I can see Portland trying to spoil the Lakers seed.   We will see.  If they win tonight, they should get #3.

[Chicagojk]

Odd night last night. I didn't watch any games but Brunson and KP (8 threes) went mono to mono. Then we had Luka and DFS battling against OKC. I figure we will be seeing plenty of ex mavs this playoffs.

[omahen]

So than GSW manages to lose against SAS. Houston started to rest guys, all starters out against Clippers who got an easy win. Denver beat Sacramento, who I guess has even worse defense than Denver. Sacramento was shooting 44% from three on good volume and it wasn't enough.

Lakers secured the play-off tonight and need one more win to secure the third spot.

[Chicagojk]

Pretty exciting race for the last playin spots in the West. PhX has lost 8 straight and are now eliminated. Kings had two nice road wins but are 4 and 6 their last 10 and Dallas has lost 3 straight. It is just a battle to get those spots

[FireNicoHarrison]

Pretty exciting race for the last playin spots in the West.    PhX has lost 8 straight and are now eliminated.  Kings had two nice road wins but are 4 and 6 their last 10 and Dallas has lost 3 straight.  It is just a battle to get those spots

Play-in teams are often bad teams....that new mode is useless and it's just a TV affair.

[Chicagojk]

I wish the standings in the west end like they are now. Memphis and Minnesota at 7 and 8. If it holds, Memphis is red meat for OKC to eliminate. Minnesota and Houston would be a really fun first round. LAL and Golden State would be awesome as would Clippers and Nuggets. I am sure it won't end that way, but it would be fun.