2020-21 NBA *Playoffs* Thread: Bucks are the champs and you can take that to the bank bromigos (2 Viewers)

[modogg]

So the Knicks, Hawks and Charlotte can get better and the Celtics cant? Not to mention not one of those teams has a 1/2 as good as the Celtics. 

i think gong forward they can. Maybe not Hawks, but Knicks and Charlotte have more options and a good young talent as well. Not a guarantee for sure, but if you pick between the Knicks and Hornets and Celtics, are we really certain that the C's will do the best for the next 2-3 years. 

Really need to consider salary cap space, and assets teams have available. Knicks have a lot of money available coming up, and i would think they have become a more attractive landing spot after their run this year. I wouldn't be surprised if they land a big chip soon since they seem to have more flexibility then other teams have 

To be honest, the biggest thing C's need to figure out is if Tatum and Brown will be interested in re-signing in the next few years or not. if they are looking to leave like a lot of the other names have then C's need to jump on the chance to make a move sooner rather than later

 

[msudaisy26]

i think gong forward they can. Maybe not Hawks, but Knicks and Charlotte have more options and a good young talent as well. Not a guarantee for sure, but if you pick between the Knicks and Hornets and Celtics, are we really certain that the C's will do the best for the next 2-3 years. 

To be honest, the biggest thing C's need to figure out is if Tatum and Brown will be interested in re-signing in the next few years or not. if they are looking to leave like a lot of the other names have then C's need to jump on the chance to make a move sooner rather than later

I would bet on the Celtics, but nothing is for sure.

You are just projecting when you question whether Tatum or Brown want to stay. You have no idea, but you want them gone so, so, so bad. The fact is the Celtics don't have to gauge anything until they have a year left on their contracts. If they are still as good as they are now and don't want to sign super max contracts then you worry about trying to trade them and starting over. 

I get that every fan has rival teams that they dislike and want to see lose, but you take it to a weird level of making up stuff and worrying about things that aren't even there.  I honestly think you are happier when the Celtics lose then if the 76ers won a title. Which is just wrong. 

 

[modogg]

I would bet on the Celtics, but nothing is for sure.

You are just projecting when you question whether Tatum or Brown want to stay. You have no idea, but you want them gone so, so, so bad. The fact is the Celtics don't have to gauge anything until they have a year left on their contracts. If they are still as good as they are now and don't want to sign super max contracts then you worry about trying to trade them and starting over. 

I get that every fan has rival teams that they dislike and want to see lose, but you take it to a weird level of making up stuff and worrying about things that aren't even there.  I honestly think you are happier when the Celtics lose then if the 76ers won a title. Which is just wrong. 

Nah. i think i am in a bit on the Cetlics' because the CLNS guys who do shows about them all the time are nice to listen to and have a good chemistry. 

I don't think i have commented on Brown much, but he is definitely much better then i thought he would be. I think he showed this year that he can be a better leader on the team, and to be honest i think if the Celtics moved Tatum and brought back in fair value they could be a better team. I just don't know if Tatum is going to be the leader of that team, and it seems that there are issues with them that come to light when they are losing. 

Maybe i am wrong (and again, pretty funny how similar they can be to the Sixers as an org), and Brown and Tatum can be grouping that can work together and make the team thrive. but i am not sure it is the best make-up for the team. Happened with Simmons and Embiid when they were losing and tons of people said the 2 couldn't play together. i think this year they disproved that a bit, and it is more of an organic team feel when you watch them. 

 

[AAABatteries]

i think gong forward they can. Maybe not Hawks, but Knicks and Charlotte have more options and a good young talent as well. Not a guarantee for sure, but if you pick between the Knicks and Hornets and Celtics, are we really certain that the C's will do the best for the next 2-3 years. 

Really need to consider salary cap space, and assets teams have available. Knicks have a lot of money available coming up, and i would think they have become a more attractive landing spot after their run this year. I wouldn't be surprised if they land a big chip soon since they seem to have more flexibility then other teams have 

To be honest, the biggest thing C's need to figure out is if Tatum and Brown will be interested in re-signing in the next few years or not. if they are looking to leave like a lot of the other names have then C's need to jump on the chance to make a move sooner rather than later

I think the Hawks are in good shape if 1. their core continues to grow and 2. they could maybe convince a winger to come in next year.

Core: Young, Capella, Bogdan, Hunter, Reddish, Huerter, Okungwu

Snell and Williams come off the books;  Gallinari is a potential problem but they are 26th in salary, 24th next year as of now.  They have some flexibility.  It will come down to how Reddish and Okungwu develop and that ability to get an impact FA.

I have complete confidence they will screw it up, make bad decisions, sign the wrong players and languish in mediocrity for 10 years.

 

[Kiddnets]

As a Nets fan its such a strange playoffs - I always envied teams that could put together a super team and now that my favorite team has it, it almost feels wrong.....everyone hates them....they are expected to win it all or its a disaster....plus while I am excited to watch these 3 great players....it almost feels like Im being used.  

The Kidd run was so much better/fun as it was a real home grown team with the core all being draft picks and Kidd just came in as a borderline outcast and made it work - plus they were still the uncool Swamp Dragons in a dingy arena (where I was able to have season tickets for dirt cheap) and underdogs.  I just got so much more satisfaction out of it. 

I try to remind myself that they did build this from the bottom of NBA - they had no picks for yrs and Marks did a masterful job of using cap space and build a culture for this to happen....its not like these 3 picks the Nets for no reason.....it was well earned...

Still excited as Im a Jets/Reds fan as well so I havent seen a title run in a long time.....hopefully I get into the spirit of it as the playoffs go on! 

 

[Kev4029]

Big thing with Philly trades to is making the money work with any trade. Not sure what Portland would want and need and how to make the money work. 

Philly has been rumored with Lowery for the last 5-6 months, so i wouldn't be surprised if he is the one to end up on the Sixers instead of any of the other guards floated around. I don't know if the Heat are as attractive as the rumors had them at the time of the trade deadline. 

McCollum for Harris works straight up and would be a decent trade for both sides. Philly might have to throw a little something in there, but it's a decent start.

 

[modogg]

I think the Hawks are in good shape if 1. their core continues to grow and 2. they could maybe convince a winger to come in next year.

Core: Young, Capella, Bogdan, Hunter, Reddish, Huerter, Okungwu

Snell and Williams come off the books;  Gallinari is a potential problem but they are 26th in salary, 24th next year as of now.  They have some flexibility.  It will come down to how Reddish and Okungwu develop and that ability to get an impact FA.

I have complete confidence they will screw it up, make bad decisions, sign the wrong players and languish in mediocrity for 10 years.

yeah, the potential is there. they have had a strange year, and the Collins situation still seems like a possible issue behind the scenes. But they are good and going in the right direction, with an aggressive front office.

it does look like in a week we may have a 6'ers-Hawks series, and if we do it will be interesting to see how it turns out. If Embiid is healthy, i think the 6'ers should be favored, but it won't be a cakewalk. i think if healthy Sixers, i may take the 6'ers in 6

 

[identikit]

I think the Hawks are in good shape if 1. their core continues to grow and 2. they could maybe convince a winger to come in next year.

Core: Young, Capella, Bogdan, Hunter, Reddish, Huerter, Okungwu

Snell and Williams come off the books;  Gallinari is a potential problem but they are 26th in salary, 24th next year as of now.  They have some flexibility.  It will come down to how Reddish and Okungwu develop and that ability to get an impact FA.

I have complete confidence they will screw it up, make bad decisions, sign the wrong players and languish in mediocrity for 10 years.

Plus they have a top coach imo.

 

[Deamon]

yeah, the potential is there. they have had a strange year, and the Collins situation still seems like a possible issue behind the scenes. But they are good and going in the right direction, with an aggressive front office.

it does look like in a week we may have a 6'ers-Hawks series, and if we do it will be interesting to see how it turns out. If Embiid is healthy, i think the 6'ers should be favored, but it won't be a cakewalk. i think if healthy Sixers, i may take the 6'ers in 6

Embiid needs time, time, time.  Tonight is a massive game.  Also going to be cheering hard for the Knicks to pull off a win or two to extend that series a bit.

 

[modogg]

As a Nets fan its such a strange playoffs - I always envied teams that could put together a super team and now that my favorite team has it, it almost feels wrong.....everyone hates them....they are expected to win it all or its a disaster....plus while I am excited to watch these 3 great players....it almost feels like Im being used.  

The Kidd run was so much better/fun as it was a real home grown team with the core all being draft picks and Kidd just came in as a borderline outcast and made it work - plus they were still the uncool Swamp Dragons in a dingy arena (where I was able to have season tickets for dirt cheap) and underdogs.  I just got so much more satisfaction out of it. 

I try to remind myself that they did build this from the bottom of NBA - they had no picks for yrs and Marks did a masterful job of using cap space and build a culture for this to happen....its not like these 3 picks the Nets for no reason.....it was well earned...

definitely think this take is a very good one. And glad Nets fans don't ignore how well Marks did navigating the team after the Billy King debacle. Certainly a lot of hate coming their way now that they have become the Death Star from Star Wars lore, but you are definitely correct in that it shouldn't be overlooked how the Nets set all of that up. 

Would love to have been a fly on the wall when Harden trade talks were going on. Really do wonder if Houston didn't work with Philly because of Morrey leaving them this off-season

 

[AAABatteries]

Plus they have a top coach imo.

I think he's a players coach and a good regular season coach.  Postseason is still iffy but to be fair - the Hawks in the postseason have been garbage for decades. 

 

[modogg]

Embiid needs time, time, time.  Tonight is a massive game.  Also going to be cheering hard for the Knicks to pull off a win or two to extend that series a bit.

i see the line has jumped up a point since i took it last night and is now -6.5 for the Sixers. not sure if that is just money coming in a lot on the Philly side, or if there are some hints that Embiid may try to play tonight

 

[Deamon]

Wow

Boston head coach Brad Stevens is planning to transition from his current role into becoming the new head of basketball ops. of the Celtics, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. 

Danny Ainge plans to resign from his role as Celtics President, sources said.

This is quite surprising.  I think it's a good move for Boston, but was this expected at all?  Some thought Brad would be gone totally, and now he's in a head office role.

Is his coaching career fully over then?  Seems unprecedented that a 44 year old coach has coached his last game in the league.  If he ever leaves the Boston job, would he ever go BACK to coaching?

 

[Deamon]

i see the line has jumped up a point since i took it last night and is now -6.5 for the Sixers. not sure if that is just money coming in a lot on the Philly side, or if there are some hints that Embiid may try to play tonight

I think it's extremely unlikely Embiid plays.  They haven't even diagnosed his knee yet.

Kind of surprised that it's 6.5.  To be honest I'd probably take Wash against that spread.  I think we have a good chance to win but Ben/Harris need to play very well. 

 

[identikit]

I think it's extremely unlikely Embiid plays.  They haven't even diagnosed his knee yet.

Kind of surprised that it's 6.5.  To be honest I'd probably take Wash against that spread.  I think we have a good chance to win but Ben/Harris need to play very well. 

Tonight's picks?

 

[Deamon]

@identikit  Almost went perfect last night until Portland messed it all up.

Sixers by 3
Knicks by 7
Jazz by 13
Clippers by 7

 

[Deamon]

Tonight's picks?

haha was just typing them out as you posted this

I feel good about tonight's picks.  Which probably isn't a good thing.

 

[wikkidpissah]

I think the Hawks are in good shape if 1. their core continues to grow and 2. they could maybe convince a winger to come in next year.

Core: Young, Capella, Bogdan, Hunter, Reddish, Huerter, Okungwu

Snell and Williams come off the books;  Gallinari is a potential problem but they are 26th in salary, 24th next year as of now.  They have some flexibility.  It will come down to how Reddish and Okungwu develop and that ability to get an impact FA.

I have complete confidence they will screw it up, make bad decisions, sign the wrong players and languish in mediocrity for 10 years.

One reason i'd want them to keep Collins - i see the Hawks having trouble attracting FAs similar to what the Celts did 5 yrs ago - is to keep them from trying Okungwu @ PF, which would be similar to what buried McMillan in Indy, Sabonis/Turner-wise. Hopefully, someone there will realize he can only play C and, since Capella tires quickly, find close to a 50/50 rotation and keep em both fresh. i'd also like to see Trae run more P&Rs w Capella like Harden/Westbrook did w him in Hou. the other reason is that there's very little toughness on the FA market this yr except for centers, and they already got those. DeRozan would be a nice signing as a bridge guy who probably wont mind playing 2nd-fiddle to Young (most will - i think that'll be a prob down the line if it isnt already) while the young'uns sort out their game

 

[Insein]

Embiid MRI shows a meniscus tear. Officially day to day.

Ffffffffffuuuuuuuuuuuu.....

 

[modogg]

Embiid MRI shows a meniscus tear. Officially day to day.

Ffffffffffuuuuuuuuuuuu.....

potentially lot of money 

looked somewhat harmless and he looked ok after he injured it. will be interesting to see what they do with him for the rest of the playoffs

 

[Deamon]

Embiid MRI shows a meniscus tear. Officially day to day.

Ffffffffffuuuuuuuuuuuu.....

Hmmm.... I would think a meniscus tear would be more significant than day to day?

Sounds like it's a small one though.  I'd bet he's out for this series though.

Anyone have any more knowledge on this kind of injury and just what it means?

 

[Deamon]

@wojespn

Managing potential swelling and pain on the knee will play a significant part in how soon Embiid returns to the floor. Team says "the injury will be managed with a physical therapy and treatment program."

 

[modogg]

@wojespn

Managing potential swelling and pain on the knee will play a significant part in how soon Embiid returns to the floor. Team says "the injury will be managed with a physical therapy and treatment program."

yeah, i am guessing lots and lots of talks will be about this over the next few days.

Super key if we can get Knicks and Hawks to get to 7 games. If not, i think Hawks and Sixers are like a 50-50 series now

 

[Deamon]

yeah, i am guessing lots and lots of talks will be about this over the next few days.

Super key if we can get Knicks and Hawks to get to 7 games. If not, i think Hawks and Sixers are like a 50-50 series now

Yep I'd say 50/50 for sure without him.  We played well without him this year, but losing a top 3 player in the NBA is not a small thing to overcome.

 

[Deamon]

Some dude just dropped $20 000 on the Hawks winning the NBA title at 100-1, and $20 000 on the Hawks winning the ECF at 40-1, for a total payout of 2.2 Million.

Is he from the future?

This guy 100% is from the future.

 

[modogg]

This guy 100% is from the future.

i wonder if that guy had camo on and was in the top rafters and shot Embiid in the knee with a pellet gun

 

[AAABatteries]

This guy 100% is from the future.

Are Giannis, Harden and Durant all coming down with knee injuries too?

 

[flranger]

Dame would be incredible playing with Jokic.  I'd imagine Murray + Porter would get it done (plus whatever filler is needed).

 

[Deamon]

Are Giannis, Harden and Durant all coming down with knee injuries too?

Perhaps!

Once/If the Hawks get past the Knicks, he can probably start to hedge and make money.

 

[msudaisy26]

I am very surprised they are going to try to play Embiid on a torn meniscus. Is there a chance this is like Durant with the Warriors and he hurts it worse?

 

[modogg]

I am very surprised they are going to try to play Embiid on a torn meniscus. Is there a chance this is like Durant with the Warriors and he hurts it worse?

no idea, has the Sixers fanbase in a bit of a panic right now. hopefully isn't floated out that way to just keep ticket sales up and they don't bring him back at all. 

at least some fans are taking in stride. thread on reddit about the injury has this as the first response:

level 1   mikeb32   ·55m

BRB jumping off a bridge

 

[Kev4029]

Dame would be incredible playing with Jokic.  I'd imagine Murray + Porter would get it done (plus whatever filler is needed).

The Nuggets aren't trading Murray, even for an improvement in talent - he is too central to their culture. I also don't think Lillard is necessarily an improvement over MPJ AND Murray (if healthy). Porter might be the best shooter in the league behind Curry, Thompson, and Lillard and he's only in his 2nd season and Murray is a pretty good facsimile of Lillard. 

 

[flranger]

Hate seeing this for Embiid.....

But this is why you cannot discount availability when discussing MVP or a players value to the franchise.  The ability to on the court as many games as possible matters.  

 

[mr. furley]

if the Sixers are smart they sit Embiid, tank game 5 and buy him a couple more days rest. maybe game 6, too.

don't rush him back. it's not necessary.

 

[caustic]

I am very surprised they are going to try to play Embiid on a torn meniscus. Is there a chance this is like Durant with the Warriors and he hurts it worse?

Not a doctor, just have experience with this injury -- It's definitely possible to make the tear worse, and there's a long-term risk of messing up your knee cartilage leading to arthritis. If they really do plan on bringing him back soon, it must be a VERY minor tear IMO. Small tears on the outside of the meniscus are definitely treatable with physical therapy and no surgery, but it usually takes a month or two.

 

[Deamon]

Hate seeing this for Embiid.....

But this is why you cannot discount availability when discussing MVP or a players value to the franchise.  The ability to on the court as many games as possible matters.  

Agree... kinda.

Most people, myself included, have discounted Embiid as the MVP due to him missing games.

Also, is he less valuable to the franchise due to injuries?  Sure.  But not like they're going to trade him because of that.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

So my Embiid t-shirt didn't help today.  ####

 

[Deamon]

if the Sixers are smart they sit Embiid, tank game 5 and buy him a couple more days rest. maybe game 6, too.

don't rush him back. it's not necessary.

You actually believe that if they're smart they should purposely lose tonight's game?

 

[modogg]

if the Sixers are smart they sit Embiid, tank game 5 and buy him a couple more days rest. maybe game 6, too.

don't rush him back. it's not necessary.

man that would be risky, but actually not a bad call. i think they try to win tonight. if they lose tonight, i do think they should basically punt on game 6, and expect top come in and play game 7 with everyone little healthier

 

[Deamon]

Not a doctor, just have experience with this injury -- It's definitely possible to make the tear worse, and there's a long-term risk of messing up your knee cartilage leading to arthritis. If they really do plan on bringing him back soon, it must be a VERY minor tear IMO. Small tears on the outside of the meniscus are definitely treatable with physical therapy and no surgery, but it usually takes a month or two.

Ugh.  A month or two?  This would suck.

I'm hoping that NBA Doctors might be able to speed up the 1-2 month thing.  I'm assuming it is a very small tear, but I think "day to day" is a stretch maybe to keep fans from panicking, keep the Wiz from game planning, and keep ticket sales up.  Not like any of those three things are actually going to help, but doesn't hurt to at least say day to day.

My best case scenario is he's back for the Atlanta series if we pull out this series.  Worst case is he's done for the playoffs.

My realistic hope is that he comes back in game 5 of the Hawks series and hopefully we are at least 2-2 at that point.

 

[Deamon]

man that would be risky, but actually not a bad call. i think they try to win tonight. if they lose tonight, i do think they should basically punt on game 6, and expect top come in and play game 7 with everyone little healthier

You absolutely can't risk a game 7.  And it's not like lots of guys are hurting right now outside of Embiid.  He's also unlikely to be bac for game 7, so what does that even do?  You can't really "punt" a game in the NBA... you're not playing only your bench guys in a game 6 of the NBA playoffs .... C'mon man.

 

[mr. furley]

You actually believe that if they're smart they should purposely lose tonight's game?

you're right. they should throw Embiid out there in a series they're up 3-1 in and cross their fingers he doesn't get hurt so they can then rest him before the next series and hope he doesn't get hurt in that one.

 

[modogg]

Agree... kinda.

Most people, myself included, have discounted Embiid as the MVP due to him missing games.

Also, is he less valuable to the franchise due to injuries?  Sure.  But not like they're going to trade him because of that.

i think it does shorten the window a bit with him and the window they have to win a championship. poor guy just isn't catching breaks with so many injuries and they are starting to pile up. Shame because he was really having a good season and worked hard on the one deficiency in his game with facing double teams and turnovers.

Will be interesting when his next contract comes up, and above all i think my wish for Embiid is that when he retires and leaves the game to trim down the weight he has and try his best to heal and prep his life for post  - 45's when it is older and more worn down

 

[Deamon]

you're right. they should throw Embiid out there in a series they're up 3-1 in and cross their fingers he doesn't get hurt so they can then rest him before the next series and hope he doesn't get hurt in that one.

When did I say they should put Embiid out there?????

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Nobody is tanking Game 5 and hoping for a Game 7.

Do we think they start Simmons at C and move Hill into the starting lineup?  

 

[mr. furley]

You absolutely can't risk a game 7.  And it's not like lots of guys are hurting right now outside of Embiid.  He's also unlikely to be bac for game 7, so what does that even do?  You can't really "punt" a game in the NBA... you're not playing only your bench guys in a game 6 of the NBA playoffs .... C'mon man.

you're right about this, too because with Simmons as their lead player in a game 7 they have absolutely no freaking chance at all.

they can lose 5 w/o Embiid, but not 6 and hope Embiid can play in 7 and save the series.

 

[msudaisy26]

My husband tore his meniscus years ago. His was a complete tear and he was out for 4 weeks after surgery, but he also isn't a professional athlete and said he didn't feel 100 percent for 8 months. 

From what I read this isn't an injury that will get better with a few days rest. It isn't a sprained ankle. 

 

[modogg]

You absolutely can't risk a game 7.  And it's not like lots of guys are hurting right now outside of Embiid.  He's also unlikely to be bac for game 7, so what does that even do?  You can't really "punt" a game in the NBA... you're not playing only your bench guys in a game 6 of the NBA playoffs .... C'mon man.

no, i don't think they should plan it that way either, just thinking of what they can do to help the big guy heal well and be available for the last playoffs

 

[mr. furley]

When did I say they should put Embiid out there?????

they aren't winning without him

 

[mr. furley]

no, i don't think they should plan it that way either, just thinking of what they can do to help the big guy heal well and be available for the last playoffs

you're going to have to take your reasonable understanding and contemplation to another thread, guy. there isn't room for this here.