*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (3 Viewers)

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Really don't understand why the Bulls would even bring back Rose. I don't think Rose over the course of the playoffs back from injury is better than how Nate Robinson is playing right now. The team already overcame all odds in Game 7 in NJ and Game 1 in Miami.....not sure if just his presence in uniform on the bench really gives them the emotional boost say that David Lee coming back in Round 1 did.

Hoopsworld is reporting that sources in Chicago are suggesting that Derrick Rose "may suit up for Game 3 in Chicago," which doesn't mean he would play, even if he does dress.
However, if Rose is in uniform it's possible he could get into the game on Friday, even if it's on an emergency basis. We're still of the belief that Rose is a long shot to play anytime soon, but this is just another teasing reminder that it remains a possibility. Stay tuned.

 

[Mile High]

Really don't understand why the Bulls would even bring back Rose. I don't think Rose over the course of the playoffs back from injury is better than how Nate Robinson is playing right now. The team already overcame all odds in Game 7 in NJ and Game 1 in Miami.....not sure if just his presence in uniform on the bench really gives them the emotional boost say that David Lee coming back in Round 1 did.

Hoopsworld is reporting that sources in Chicago are suggesting that Derrick Rose "may suit up for Game 3 in Chicago," which doesn't mean he would play, even if he does dress.
However, if Rose is in uniform it's possible he could get into the game on Friday, even if it's on an emergency basis. We're still of the belief that Rose is a long shot to play anytime soon, but this is just another teasing reminder that it remains a possibility. Stay tuned.

Can't have to many good players, especially if you are adding a former MVP.

 

[Abraham]

Exactly. For all the distraction this season, he's a top 10 player if healthy. The heat will certainly care if he is available.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Hoopsworld has a history of making #### up.

 

[simmonjm]

Yeah, the conspiracy stuff is pretty silly.

That would make about as much sense as shooting someone over a pack of gum. The catastrophic downside just doesn't justify any minor, short-term benefit.

Exactly. Makes no sense at all.

I mean, two days ago we had Knicks fans whining about getting screwed over by the refs. The New York Knicks. Whose best player is the current league scoring champion. That would have to be the worst-executed conspiracy in the history of conspiracies.

Melo has gotten to the line 9 times in 2 games against the pacers (late in todays game not sure if he went to the line more). I understand the pacers are a great defensive team but those who have watched Melo know he should be getting to the line more. I don't think there is a conspiracy against the Knicks but it is frustrating to watch Melo go to the rack and get hit in the head and not receive a call furthering my frustration is the inability of Melo to bounce back from the no call instead he whines misses a defensive assignment or picks up a charge next time down the floor.

 

[Spin]

Memphis' ability to get offensive boards is insane.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Nice move by Allen pulling the rug on Durant.

 

[Spin]

Hrm. Allen dunking at end rather then stopping and letting clock run out. Poor sportsmanship or a non issue?

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Hrm. Allen dunking at end rather then stopping and letting clock run out. Poor sportsmanship or a non issue?

 

[biggamer3]

Hrm. Allen dunking at end rather then stopping and letting clock run out. Poor sportsmanship or a non issue?

really a non issue. Why was Fisher taking the 3 right at the buzzer any different?

 

[thecatch]

Memphis' ability to get offensive boards is insane.

Also, Conley rebounding just in general. He was great last night.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Bulls in 6, the nightmare continues for the Heat tonight.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Bulls in 6, the nightmare continues for the Heat tonight.

Bet?

 

[Abraham]

Wouldn't pacers v Memphis in the finals be awesome?

 

[pollardsvision]

Wouldn't pacers v Memphis in the finals be awesome?

I'd love to see that.

 

[Kev4029]

Wouldn't pacers v Memphis in the finals be awesome?

If ever Stern was going to call in a favor from a ref, it would be to make sure that didn't happen. That would be a painful series with two of the smallest half dozen markets in the league. I don't think I could watch more than one 71-66 game.

 

[Abraham]

Wouldn't pacers v Memphis in the finals be awesome?

If ever Stern was going to call in a favor from a ref, it would be to make sure that didn't happen. That would be a painful series with two of the smallest half dozen markets in the league. I don't think I could watch more than one 71-66 game.

True, although it would be a huge opportunity for George, Conley and a couple others to become well known stars.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Wouldn't pacers v Memphis in the finals be awesome?

If ever Stern was going to call in a favor from a ref, it would be to make sure that didn't happen. That would be a painful series with two of the smallest half dozen markets in the league. I don't think I could watch more than one 71-66 game.

True, although it would be a huge opportunity for George, Conley and a couple others to become well known stars.

Not if no one is watching.

 

[saintfool]

Bulls in 6, the nightmare continues for the Heat tonight.

You willing to put money on that?

 

[Village Idiot]

Wouldn't pacers v Memphis in the finals be awesome?

Ugh.

i've seen their regular season games since I live in Memphis.

If you like low scoring physical games then yes.

IND won both meetings, 88-83 and 82-81.

A Bulls with no Rose and Grizzlies or Warriors final would be awesome to me.

 

[Village Idiot]

Bulls in 6, the nightmare continues for the Heat tonight.

Bet?

MoP is trying to Gunztm Da Bulls.

 

[Dought Man]

I think the Bulls win this series too.... Miami does not want any part of this grind. Lebron looks off...Noah and Butler have him all shaken up.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I think the Bulls win this series too.... Miami does not want any part of this grind. Lebron looks off...Noah and Butler have him all shaken up.

Hey, look who's here!

Does your offer to wager on it still stand? Read back to Monday or so in this thread if you don't remember the conversation from earlier this season. Even though the Heat are down 1-0 now, I'm still willing to make the bet! I must be some kinda sucker. You up for it?

 

[Moe.]

I think Miami is still -900 to win the series so if you guys are serious you could make some money if correct.

 

[Dought Man]

I think the Bulls win this series too.... Miami does not want any part of this grind. Lebron looks off...Noah and Butler have him all shaken up.

Hey, look who's here!

Does your offer to wager on it still stand? Read back to Monday or so in this thread if you don't remember the conversation from earlier this season. Even though the Heat are down 1-0 now, I'm still willing to make the bet! I must be some kinda sucker. You up for it?

I already have a lot of money tied up in this series with great odds through Vegas. There is probably too much injury uncertainty for me to make an straight up bet right now. Just doesnt make financial sense... maybe if you put up 130 to my 100, i would consider it.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I think the Bulls win this series too.... Miami does not want any part of this grind. Lebron looks off...Noah and Butler have him all shaken up.

Hey, look who's here!

Does your offer to wager on it still stand? Read back to Monday or so in this thread if you don't remember the conversation from earlier this season. Even though the Heat are down 1-0 now, I'm still willing to make the bet! I must be some kinda sucker. You up for it?

I already have a lot of money tied up in this series with great odds through Vegas. There is probably too much injury uncertainty for me to make an straight up bet right now. Just doesnt make financial sense... maybe if you put up 130 to my 100, i would consider it.

Yeah, it would have to be more of about being a man of your word than about the numbers, since you already offered us the wager a couple months ago, pending the matchups

Good luck on your bets.

 

[[icon]]

I think the Bulls win this series too.... Miami does not want any part of this grind. Lebron looks off...Noah and Butler have him all shaken up.

Hey, look who's here!

Does your offer to wager on it still stand? Read back to Monday or so in this thread if you don't remember the conversation from earlier this season. Even though the Heat are down 1-0 now, I'm still willing to make the bet! I must be some kinda sucker. You up for it?

I already have a lot of money tied up in this series with great odds through Vegas. There is probably too much injury uncertainty for me to make an straight up bet right now. Just doesnt make financial sense... maybe if you put up 130 to my 100, i would consider it.

I'd go 130 on heat to your 100 on Bulls.

 

[saintfool]

I think the Bulls win this series too.... Miami does not want any part of this grind. Lebron looks off...Noah and Butler have him all shaken up.

Hey, look who's here!

Does your offer to wager on it still stand? Read back to Monday or so in this thread if you don't remember the conversation from earlier this season. Even though the Heat are down 1-0 now, I'm still willing to make the bet! I must be some kinda sucker. You up for it?

I already have a lot of money tied up in this series with great odds through Vegas. There is probably too much injury uncertainty for me to make an straight up bet right now. Just doesnt make financial sense... maybe if you put up 130 to my 100, i would consider it.

I'd go 130 on heat to your 100 on Bulls.

 

[Dought Man]

I think the Bulls win this series too.... Miami does not want any part of this grind. Lebron looks off...Noah and Butler have him all shaken up.

Hey, look who's here!

Does your offer to wager on it still stand? Read back to Monday or so in this thread if you don't remember the conversation from earlier this season. Even though the Heat are down 1-0 now, I'm still willing to make the bet! I must be some kinda sucker. You up for it?

I already have a lot of money tied up in this series with great odds through Vegas. There is probably too much injury uncertainty for me to make an straight up bet right now. Just doesnt make financial sense... maybe if you put up 130 to my 100, i would consider it.

Yeah, it would have to be more of about being a man of your word than about the numbers, since you already offered us the wager a couple months ago, pending the matchups

Good luck on your bets.

Yeah..I didnt factor for no starting point guard or power forward. I'm dumb, but I'm not an idiot

 

[Juxtatarot]

I'd think I'd go even money on Miami winning the championship, although I'm not really a gambler and have no idea what the Vegas odds on that would be.

 

[Dought Man]

Miami looks disinterested and not willing to fight. They should win tonight, but I dont think they are up for the challenge that awaits them in Chicago in games 3,4 and 6.

 

[thecatch]

I think the Bulls win this series too.... Miami does not want any part of this grind. Lebron looks off...Noah and Butler have him all shaken up.

Hey, look who's here! Does your offer to wager on it still stand? Read back to Monday or so in this thread if you don't remember the conversation from earlier this season. Even though the Heat are down 1-0 now, I'm still willing to make the bet! I must be some kinda sucker. You up for it?

I already have a lot of money tied up in this series with great odds through Vegas. There is probably too much injury uncertainty for me to make an straight up bet right now. Just doesnt make financial sense... maybe if you put up 130 to my 100, i would consider it.

I'd go 130 on heat to your 100 on Bulls.

I'd like to get in on this as well.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Miami looks disinterested and not willing to fight. They should win tonight, but I dont think they are up for the challenge that awaits them in Chicago in games 3,4 and 6.

Could you please explain how you arrived at this?

 

[Dought Man]

Miami looks disinterested and not willing to fight. They should win tonight, but I dont think they are up for the challenge that awaits them in Chicago in games 3,4 and 6.

Could you please explain how you arrived at this?

I think Bosh is soft and can be taken out of a series. Noah pushed him around a bit in Game 1 and he stopped going after rebounds and loose balls. Jimmy Butler was hounding Lebron and he essentially took him out of the first half. Lebron was very passive. We saw a bit of this in the streak buster game in Chicago as well. The Bulls are going to try and force Shane Battier, Ray Allen and Mario Chalmers to beat them..and I dont think they can. The only problem for the Bulls will be foul trouble, as there is nothing left on that bench.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Miami looks disinterested and not willing to fight. They should win tonight, but I dont think they are up for the challenge that awaits them in Chicago in games 3,4 and 6.

Could you please explain how you arrived at this?

I think Bosh is soft and can be taken out of a series. Noah pushed him around a bit in Game 1 and he stopped going after rebounds and loose balls. Jimmy Butler was hounding Lebron and he essentially took him out of the first half. Lebron was very passive. We saw a bit of this in the streak buster game in Chicago as well. The Bulls are going to try and force Shane Battier, Ray Allen and Mario Chalmers to beat them..and I dont think they can. The only problem for the Bulls will be foul trouble, as there is nothing left on that bench.

Bosh's rebound rate in game 1 was pretty much equal to his career average and higher than it was during the regular season. LeBron took more shots than he usually does and got to the line more than his average as well. I can't find the numbers to back it up but LeBron is more often a facilitator during the 1st half and then starts looking for his shot more in the 2nd half. I'm pretty confident is has nothing to do with him being "disinterested" or "unwilling to fight".

Battier, Allen and Chalmers all shot poorly in the first game. Lots of wide open misses, especially in the 1st half. You can chalk it up to being "disinterested" or "unwilling to fight" while most other will either call it variance or 'rust' from the long layoff. They are all much, much better shooters than what they showed and those open shots will start dropping.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I think the Bulls win this series too.... Miami does not want any part of this grind. Lebron looks off...Noah and Butler have him all shaken up.

Hey, look who's here!

Does your offer to wager on it still stand? Read back to Monday or so in this thread if you don't remember the conversation from earlier this season. Even though the Heat are down 1-0 now, I'm still willing to make the bet! I must be some kinda sucker. You up for it?

I already have a lot of money tied up in this series with great odds through Vegas. There is probably too much injury uncertainty for me to make an straight up bet right now. Just doesnt make financial sense... maybe if you put up 130 to my 100, i would consider it.

Yeah, it would have to be more of about being a man of your word than about the numbers, since you already offered us the wager a couple months ago, pending the matchups

Good luck on your bets.

Yeah..I didnt factor for no starting point guard or power forward. I'm dumb, but I'm not an idiot

You also extended the offer for series against the Knicks and Pacers I believe. I was giving you a pass on this series because of the Deng injury, was really just hoping for a bet on the next one.

I think you're far too down on LeBron and the Heat, though. I seem to recall bumping previous posts you made about them last year, and the one you made about them this year was immediately followed by a 27 game winning streak. They're not unbeatable by a long stretch, but I think they're better then you give them credit for.

On Monday night the Heat shot 29% from three after shooting 39% from three in the regular season and 68% from the line after shooting 75% on the season. That wasn't the Bulls, that was just rust or variance. Meanwhile, the Bulls were above their season percentages from three and from the line. I can definitely see the Bulls' rebounding advantage continuing through the series, but not those deviations in 3 PT and FT shooting numbers.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

The Heat have dug themselves a hole that they cannot crawl out of until after Game 3. And if they do manage to win tonight and then get a split, then we move to a best of 3 series at that point. World Champs, MVP, stacked line up, and they can't dispose of the injury riddled Bulls inside of 5 games? Miami had 8 days to prepare and plan, they had a 7 point lead in the 4th, 4 point lead with 2 minutes to go, they surrendered 35 in the 4th and suddenly they looked lost again in tight playoff games.

Heat are almost in a no win situation. Even if they play well tonight, Chicago just has to hold serve at home.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Miami looks disinterested and not willing to fight. They should win tonight, but I dont think they are up for the challenge that awaits them in Chicago in games 3,4 and 6.

Could you please explain how you arrived at this?

I think Bosh is soft and can be taken out of a series. Noah pushed him around a bit in Game 1 and he stopped going after rebounds and loose balls. Jimmy Butler was hounding Lebron and he essentially took him out of the first half. Lebron was very passive. We saw a bit of this in the streak buster game in Chicago as well. The Bulls are going to try and force Shane Battier, Ray Allen and Mario Chalmers to beat them..and I dont think they can. The only problem for the Bulls will be foul trouble, as there is nothing left on that bench.

Bosh's rebound rate in game 1 was pretty much equal to his career average and higher than it was during the regular season. LeBron took more shots than he usually does and got to the line more than his average as well. I can't find the numbers to back it up but LeBron is more often a facilitator during the 1st half and then starts looking for his shot more in the 2nd half. I'm pretty confident is has nothing to do with him being "disinterested" or "unwilling to fight".

Battier, Allen and Chalmers all shot poorly in the first game. Lots of wide open misses, especially in the 1st half. You can chalk it up to being "disinterested" or "unwilling to fight" while most other will either call it variance or 'rust' from the long layoff. They are all much, much better shooters than what they showed and those open shots will start dropping.

Great minds.

 

[Dought Man]

Miami looks disinterested and not willing to fight. They should win tonight, but I dont think they are up for the challenge that awaits them in Chicago in games 3,4 and 6.

Could you please explain how you arrived at this?

I think Bosh is soft and can be taken out of a series. Noah pushed him around a bit in Game 1 and he stopped going after rebounds and loose balls. Jimmy Butler was hounding Lebron and he essentially took him out of the first half. Lebron was very passive. We saw a bit of this in the streak buster game in Chicago as well. The Bulls are going to try and force Shane Battier, Ray Allen and Mario Chalmers to beat them..and I dont think they can. The only problem for the Bulls will be foul trouble, as there is nothing left on that bench.

Bosh's rebound rate in game 1 was pretty much equal to his career average and higher than it was during the regular season. LeBron took more shots than he usually does and got to the line more than his average as well. I can't find the numbers to back it up but LeBron is more often a facilitator during the 1st half and then starts looking for his shot more in the 2nd half. I'm pretty confident is has nothing to do with him being "disinterested" or "unwilling to fight".

Battier, Allen and Chalmers all shot poorly in the first game. Lots of wide open misses, especially in the 1st half. You can chalk it up to being "disinterested" or "unwilling to fight" while most other will either call it variance or 'rust' from the long layoff. They are all much, much better shooters than what they showed and those open shots will start dropping.

I know I am in the minority here and my view likely sounds crazy to most.

Agree on what you said about LBJ, he typically doesnt look for his offense much early, but he was eerily passive, I thought. I just think last year was one of those once and a lifetime playoff performances by Lebron. I don't think he is going to be able to take Miami all the way this year, especially when they have that defensive sieve in at crunch time (Ray Allen). I am really just going off a hunch from watching them a lot this year. Coach Thibs seems to have developed a very good game plan against these Miami teams.

They let teams hang around way too much and eventually that will bite them. Couple that with D Wade not quite looking right from a health perspective and I think it adds up to Miami being vulnerable and not a juggernaut. Chicago is a pain in the ### to play agaisnt, like an annoying gnat. I dont know if all the Miami guys want to roll up their sleeves and fight with these guys.

 

[Dought Man]

I think the Bulls win this series too.... Miami does not want any part of this grind. Lebron looks off...Noah and Butler have him all shaken up.

Hey, look who's here!

Does your offer to wager on it still stand? Read back to Monday or so in this thread if you don't remember the conversation from earlier this season. Even though the Heat are down 1-0 now, I'm still willing to make the bet! I must be some kinda sucker. You up for it?

I already have a lot of money tied up in this series with great odds through Vegas. There is probably too much injury uncertainty for me to make an straight up bet right now. Just doesnt make financial sense... maybe if you put up 130 to my 100, i would consider it.

Yeah, it would have to be more of about being a man of your word than about the numbers, since you already offered us the wager a couple months ago, pending the matchups

Good luck on your bets.

Yeah..I didnt factor for no starting point guard or power forward. I'm dumb, but I'm not an idiot

You also extended the offer for series against the Knicks and Pacers I believe. I was giving you a pass on this series because of the Deng injury, was really just hoping for a bet on the next one.

I stand by that and will certainly make that bet, should Miami advance and the Knicks or Pacers don't lose a starter in the process.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Heat are almost in a no win situation. Even if they play well tonight, Chicago just has to hold serve at home.

I know this is shtick and all but the Bulls were 24-17 at home in the regular season.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Miami looks disinterested and not willing to fight. They should win tonight, but I dont think they are up for the challenge that awaits them in Chicago in games 3,4 and 6.

Could you please explain how you arrived at this?

I think Bosh is soft and can be taken out of a series. Noah pushed him around a bit in Game 1 and he stopped going after rebounds and loose balls. Jimmy Butler was hounding Lebron and he essentially took him out of the first half. Lebron was very passive. We saw a bit of this in the streak buster game in Chicago as well. The Bulls are going to try and force Shane Battier, Ray Allen and Mario Chalmers to beat them..and I dont think they can. The only problem for the Bulls will be foul trouble, as there is nothing left on that bench.

Bosh's rebound rate in game 1 was pretty much equal to his career average and higher than it was during the regular season. LeBron took more shots than he usually does and got to the line more than his average as well. I can't find the numbers to back it up but LeBron is more often a facilitator during the 1st half and then starts looking for his shot more in the 2nd half. I'm pretty confident is has nothing to do with him being "disinterested" or "unwilling to fight".

Battier, Allen and Chalmers all shot poorly in the first game. Lots of wide open misses, especially in the 1st half. You can chalk it up to being "disinterested" or "unwilling to fight" while most other will either call it variance or 'rust' from the long layoff. They are all much, much better shooters than what they showed and those open shots will start dropping.

I know I am in the minority here and my view likely sounds crazy to most.

Agree on what you said about LBJ, he typically doesnt look for his offense much early, but he was eerily passive, I thought. I just think last year was one of those once and a lifetime playoff performances by Lebron. I don't think he is going to be able to take Miami all the way this year, especially when they have that defensive sieve in at crunch time (Ray Allen). I am really just going off a hunch from watching them a lot this year. Coach Thibs seems to have developed a very good game plan against these Miami teams.

They let teams hang around way too much and eventually that will bite them. Couple that with D Wade not quite looking right from a health perspective and I think it adds up to Miami being vulnerable and not a juggernaut. Chicago is a pain in the ### to play agaisnt, like an annoying gnat. I dont know if all the Miami guys want to roll up their sleeves and fight with these guys.

LeBron has played better in the playoffs this year than he did last year.

Wade hasn't looked quite right for years. The guy is always beat up.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Chicago just has to hold serve at home.

If you look at some of their home losses, 'just holding serve at home' is a tall order.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Chicago just has to hold serve at home.

If you look at some of their home losses, 'just holding serve at home' is a tall order.

MOP is pure shtick. Barring a Bulls blowout or an injury tonight, the Heat will be favored in Chicago.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Rose has made Nate a bunch of money this offseason. There's probably no one happier about Rose's absence. JMO The market will be red hot for him and Jack. [but the teams that do go after unfortunately won't have the luxury in all likelihood to have them off the bench and rotating PG duties with Curry/Hinrich]

Tim McMahon of ESPN Dallas suggests the Mavericks could target Nate Robinson in the offseason.
The Mavs, along with the rest of the NBA, had their chance to snag Robinson last summer but passed in part due to Delonte West's presence. Once the Mavs parted ways with West before the season, they struggled to find a sufficient backup to point guard Darren Collison, a role in which Robinson has excelled in this season, especially in the playoffs. Unfortunately for Dallas, as McMahon points out, Robinson's current postseason excellence likely puts him out of the "backup point guard" price range this summer.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Whomever overplays for Nate Rob will inevitably regret it.

 

[scoobus]

Whomever overplays for Nate Rob will inevitably regret it.

Agreed

 

[Kev4029]

I will be very surprised if Robinson gets a big deal in the offseason. After his rookie deal was up in NY nobody came after him and he was four years younger and coming off a better season. I think hes been under appreciated since then with his one year minimum salary contracts, but I think teams see what he is. He's a 3rd/4th guard who is a very streaky shooter, plays defense inconsistently and is something of a headache to coach, kind of like a fun size JR Smith. I will be surprised if he gets much more than a 3 year $12 million deal.

 

[Dought Man]

Will Phoenix sign Nate Rob and JR Smith to contracts in the offseason?

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Will Phoenix sign Nate Rob and JR Smith to contracts in the offseason?

Terrible idea for Phoenix. Nate and JR can be good for contenders but I can't see why a rebuilding team would want anything to do with them.