*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (5 Viewers)

[Abraham]

The Pacers are playing with a swagger I haven't seen before. A lot of this comes from Stevenson. Looking forward to the playoffs.

One thing that does concern me is the Heat coasting down the stretch if they get the #2 locked up while the Pacers would be playing all out in hopes of securing the best overall record in case they do get to the finals. Might make for tired legs.

It will be interesting to see what happens to Stevenson in the offseason and what kind of offers he'll receive. There will be a lot of interest in him. I'm not sure if the Pacers will be able to afford to hold this team together.

The way he's playing he's going to be the top UFA on the market. I don't see how the Pacers afford him unless he takes a substantially smaller offer.

 

[Joe Summer]

Just seeing Oden on the court again brought a tear to my eye. I really hope he can have a successful career, even if it's just as a backup.

 

[pizzatyme]

The Pacers are playing with a swagger I haven't seen before. A lot of this comes from Stevenson.

Looking forward to the playoffs.

One thing that does concern me is the Heat coasting down the stretch if they get the #2

locked up while the Pacers would be playing all out in hopes of securing the best overall record in case they do get to the finals. Might make for tired legs.

It will be interesting to see what happens to Stevenson in the offseason and what kind of offers he'll receive. There will be a lot of interest

in him. I'm not sure if the Pacers will be able to afford to hold this team together.

The way he's playing he's going to be the top UFA on the market. I don't see how the Pacers afford him unless he takes a substantially smaller offer.

I agree it will be tough. He may have some loyalty to Bird who showed supreme confidence in him previously to help him get to this level. That coupled with the lure of multiple rings. Who knows. I think he might stay IF the Pacers win it all this year. Otherwise, he goes to get paid.

 

[SoCalBroncoFan]

So if the Bulls would just tank already they have the possibility of 3 picks in the Top 15 this year.

Their own pick, which isn't very high right because they keep winning for some reason.

Sacramento pick (thru Cleveland) which is top 12 protected. Sacramento is in the #8 spot, but is only 1 1/2 games from the 13th pick. With Gay and Cousins playing well this isn't a stretch.

Charlitte's pick, which is too 10 protected. Charlotte is currently in the 11 spot.

3 first round picks and the possibility of bringing over Mirotic gives the Bulls a lot if pieces to get better with next year.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

The Pacers are playing with a swagger I haven't seen before. A lot of this comes from Stevenson. Looking forward to the playoffs.

One thing that does concern me is the Heat coasting down the stretch if they get the #2 locked up while the Pacers would be playing all out in hopes of securing the best overall record in case they do get to the finals. Might make for tired legs.

It will be interesting to see what happens to Stevenson in the offseason and what kind of offers he'll receive. There will be a lot of interest in him. I'm not sure if the Pacers will be able to afford to hold this team together.

The way he's playing he's going to be the top UFA on the market. I don't see how the Pacers afford him unless he takes a substantially smaller offer.

I think he's an All Star this year, but I'd be scared as #### to offer him the money and length he'll command (if he plays the way he has this year).

He should actually be thankful the Pacers did stick with him.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Degenerate gamblers, please explain this to me. Raptors open at -4 vs Boston today. A pretty low line IMO for one of the hottest teams in vs one of the worst/coldest (Raps have covered 10 straight overall). Boston trades away their (arguably) 2nd best player and the line moves to -3.5. Why?

Hope you resisted the urge to stay away from this one.

I haven't bet basketball for a long while now. Was just curious as to why it would move like that.

I don't either, but betting NBA is a fool's errand. Would not touch.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Degenerate gamblers, please explain this to me. Raptors open at -4 vs Boston today. A pretty low line IMO for one of the hottest teams in vs one of the worst/coldest (Raps have covered 10 straight overall). Boston trades away their (arguably) 2nd best player and the line moves to -3.5. Why?

Hope you resisted the urge to stay away from this one.

I haven't bet basketball for a long while now. Was just curious as to why it would move like that.

I don't either, but betting NBA is a fool's errand. Would not touch.

Haralabos would disagree.

Guy is a phenomenal twitter follow.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Degenerate gamblers, please explain this to me. Raptors open at -4 vs Boston today. A pretty low line IMO for one of the hottest teams in vs one of the worst/coldest (Raps have covered 10 straight overall). Boston trades away their (arguably) 2nd best player and the line moves to -3.5. Why?

Hope you resisted the urge to stay away from this one.

I haven't bet basketball for a long while now. Was just curious as to why it would move like that.

I don't either, but betting NBA is a fool's errand. Would not touch.

Haralabos would disagree.

Guy is a phenomenal twitter follow.

Haralabos watches nearly every NBA game and has invested millions of dollars into computer programs to beat NBA lines, and he's still had losing year(s). Exception proves the rule.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Degenerate gamblers, please explain this to me. Raptors open at -4 vs Boston today. A pretty low line IMO for one of the hottest teams in vs one of the worst/coldest (Raps have covered 10 straight overall). Boston trades away their (arguably) 2nd best player and the line moves to -3.5. Why?

Hope you resisted the urge to stay away from this one.

I haven't bet basketball for a long while now. Was just curious as to why it would move like that.

I don't either, but betting NBA is a fool's errand. Would not touch.

Haralabos would disagree.

Guy is a phenomenal twitter follow.

Yeah, he is. I trust him as much or more than any analyst other than maybe Zach Lowe.

I've made a decent chunk of change this year playing the NBA. There's definitely value to be had.

 

[Slapdash]

Oden had everything - I thought he was bound for HOF greatness. Best big man prospect since Shaquille. He deserves some good luck.

Really hoping he contributes for the Heat during the playoffs, would be great to see.

 

[Britney Spears]

As a Pacers fan, I hope Oden is available if the Heat and Pacers match up. It, to me, is a sign of desperation for the Heat. They know they need help against Hibbert. I can't wait to see Hibbert schooling Oden.

Pacer proud!

If by some miracle, Oden actually gets healthy, this would be a very bad thing for Roy Hibbert. The talent discrepancy there is not in Roy's favor IMO.

 

[pizzatyme]

As a Pacers fan, I hope Oden is available if the Heat and Pacers match up. It, to me, is a sign of desperation for the Heat. They know they need help against Hibbert. I can't wait to see Hibbert schooling Oden.

Pacer proud!

If by some miracle, Oden actually gets healthy, this would be a very bad thing for Roy Hibbert. The talent discrepancy there is not in Roy's favor IMO.

Not sure I agree with this. Roy is every bit as good on Defense if not better and offensively, Roy can more than hold his own. He only does what he has to offensively, which isn't much.

 

[Abraham]

As a Pacers fan, I hope Oden is available if the Heat and Pacers match up. It, to me, is a sign of desperation for the Heat. They know they need help against Hibbert. I can't wait to see Hibbert schooling Oden.

Pacer proud!

If by some miracle, Oden actually gets healthy, this would be a very bad thing for Roy Hibbert. The talent discrepancy there is not in Roy's favor IMO.

It has been 8 years since Oden showed the kind of talent you are talking about.

 

[GroveDiesel]

I don't think they would do it because of their commitment to playing "their style", but if the Heat went with Oden and Bosh at the same time, I think Indy could go small and demolish Miami. Take a page right out of Miami's book. With Granger back, they could put Granger or Scola on Bosh and West on Oden. No way could Oden get out and defend Granger, West or Scola. And West is physical enough that he would still limit Oden quite a bit on the other end. The biggest negative would be that it would leave the lane open more for James and Wade to drive the lane.

 

[Kev4029]

I don't think they would do it because of their commitment to playing "their style", but if the Heat went with Oden and Bosh at the same time, I think Indy could go small and demolish Miami. Take a page right out of Miami's book. With Granger back, they could put Granger or Scola on Bosh and West on Oden. No way could Oden get out and defend Granger, West or Scola. And West is physical enough that he would still limit Oden quite a bit on the other end. The biggest negative would be that it would leave the lane open more for James and Wade to drive the lane.

If the Heat were to go big, it would be to matchup with Indy's big lineup, not to try to exploit Indy's small ball lineup.

Plus, I don't see Oden playing big minutes. At very best, he might get Amare minutes in the future, but even that would be surprising. For all we know, Oden could have played his last game of the year.

 

[Britney Spears]

As a Pacers fan, I hope Oden is available if the Heat and Pacers match up. It, to me, is a sign of desperation for the Heat. They know they need help against Hibbert. I can't wait to see Hibbert schooling Oden.

Pacer proud!

If by some miracle, Oden actually gets healthy, this would be a very bad thing for Roy Hibbert. The talent discrepancy there is not in Roy's favor IMO.

Not sure I agree with this. Roy is every bit as good on Defense if not better and offensively, Roy can more than hold his own. He only does what he has to offensively, which isn't much.

As a Pacers fan, I hope Oden is available if the Heat and Pacers match up. It, to me, is a sign of desperation for the Heat. They know they need help against Hibbert. I can't wait to see Hibbert schooling Oden.

Pacer proud!

If by some miracle, Oden actually gets healthy, this would be a very bad thing for Roy Hibbert. The talent discrepancy there is not in Roy's favor IMO.

Not sure I agree with this. Roy is every bit as good on Defense if not better and offensively, Roy can more than hold his own. He only does what he has to offensively, which isn't much.

The athleticism and mobility that Oden had was elite. I love Hibbert, but he's a giant statue who can barely shuffle down the court sometimes. I think a healthy Oden, surrounded by the passing, penetration and and ball movement of the Heat would be a nightmare for Hibbert.

That said, Abe is completely right. It's been a long time since he was that player, and nobody knows if he will be even a shadow of what he was.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Indy has zero shot winning at small ball vs. the Heat. Everyone and their mother knows Hibbert was the reason Indy almost pulled out that series last year. I'm sure some remember Vogel getting absolutely torched by benching Hibbert. Refresher = http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--after-lebron-james--last-second-layup-beats-pacers--roy-hibbert-vows-not-to-sit-quietly-again-071555463.html

That's not happening again.

------------------------------

As alluded above, Oden will be a bit matchup limited minutes big and nothing more is expected. I think the only hope for the Heat is that by the end of the season, he's able to play in consecutive games. He's not going to play big minutes.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Going "big" for Miami is going to kill a lot of what they do. They win by spreading the floor with corner shooters and letting the Big Three go to work in the middle of the court. Taking away those guys (or replacing Wade or Bosh with Oden) is going to slow them down pretty significantly.

 

[sports_fan]

Going "big" for Miami is going to kill a lot of what they do. They win by spreading the floor with corner shooters and letting the Big Three go to work in the middle of the court. Taking away those guys (or replacing Wade or Bosh with Oden) is going to slow them down pretty significantly.

Yeah they like to play Bosh in the high-post to draw opposing bigs away from the rim and open up driving lanes. That won't work with Oden.

 

[SWC]

will bynum go to the heat i sort of wonder if that is out there with the anthony trade give me your opinions on if that would work brohans

 

[Eephus]

Indy has zero shot winning at small ball vs. the Heat. Everyone and their mother knows Hibbert was the reason Indy almost pulled out that series last year. I'm sure some remember Vogel getting absolutely torched by benching Hibbert. Refresher = http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--after-lebron-james--last-second-layup-beats-pacers--roy-hibbert-vows-not-to-sit-quietly-again-071555463.html

That's not happening again.

------------------------------

As alluded above, Oden will be a bit matchup limited minutes big and nothing more is expected. I think the only hope for the Heat is that by the end of the season, he's able to play in consecutive games. He's not going to play big minutes.

No back to backs in the playoffs. I don't see Oden getting big minutes either but I think he'd at least dress every night if healthy.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Jimmy Butler of the Bulls played sixty minutes in the game against Orlando.

I looked this up last night.

Most minutes in an NBA game: Dale Ellis with 69. Jimmy tied for 8th. http://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/mp_game.html

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Indy has zero shot winning at small ball vs. the Heat. Everyone and their mother knows Hibbert was the reason Indy almost pulled out that series last year. I'm sure some remember Vogel getting absolutely torched by benching Hibbert. Refresher = http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--after-lebron-james--last-second-layup-beats-pacers--roy-hibbert-vows-not-to-sit-quietly-again-071555463.html

That's not happening again.

------------------------------

As alluded above, Oden will be a bit matchup limited minutes big and nothing more is expected. I think the only hope for the Heat is that by the end of the season, he's able to play in consecutive games. He's not going to play big minutes.

No back to backs in the playoffs. I don't see Oden getting big minutes either but I think he'd at least dress every night if healthy.

[SIZE=14.44444465637207px] [/SIZE]

Yep. Big advantage to using Oden in that regard in playoffs..Doubt he'll play a back-2-back all year. I think a big test will just be playing consecutive games (2 games 3 days)

I think a whole lot of folks posting are thinking he'll see significant PT. It's not going to happen. The bigger concern is getting him up so he can play in consecutive games. If you just watched last night alone, Oden was out on the foul line & perimeter running pick & rolls quite a bit in his limited action. (You can probably as well pull up YouTube highlights and see that's the case)

---------------------------------------------------------

No reason to think Hibbert won't be as effective defensively vs. Miami this year. But Heat can't have him doing that AND scoring 22+ PPG (10+ PPG over career average). Given the improvement of the rest of the Pacers squad, I don't think they can allow Hibbert to play at that level on both end & expect to beat them again in the playoffs.

 

[Kev4029]

Indy has zero shot winning at small ball vs. the Heat. Everyone and their mother knows Hibbert was the reason Indy almost pulled out that series last year. I'm sure some remember Vogel getting absolutely torched by benching Hibbert. Refresher = http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--after-lebron-james--last-second-layup-beats-pacers--roy-hibbert-vows-not-to-sit-quietly-again-071555463.html

That's not happening again.

------------------------------

As alluded above, Oden will be a bit matchup limited minutes big and nothing more is expected. I think the only hope for the Heat is that by the end of the season, he's able to play in consecutive games. He's not going to play big minutes.

No back to backs in the playoffs. I don't see Oden getting big minutes either but I think he'd at least dress every night if healthy.

[SIZE=14.44444465637207px] [/SIZE]

Yep. Big advantage to using Oden in that regard in playoffs..Doubt he'll play a back-2-back all year. I think a big test will just be playing consecutive games (2 games 3 days)

I think a whole lot of folks posting are thinking he'll see significant PT. It's not going to happen. The bigger concern is getting him up so he can play in consecutive games.

No reason to think Hibbert won't be as effective defensively vs. Miami this year. But Heat can't have him doing that AND scoring 22+ PPG. Given the improvement of the rest of the Pacers squad, I don't think they can allow Hibbert to play at that level on both end & expect to beat them again in the playoffs.

Hibbert's scoring last year was a fluke. Hes a monster defender and a mediocre at best offensive player. If I'm Miami, I definitely trying my luck at playing small against them again, if they meet in the playoffs.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Anyone watch Melo eat Paul George's lunch in the first quarter tonight to the tune of 18 pts on 8 FGA?

Guy is as unstoppable as anyone in the league. The hate for him is completely irrational.

 

[Gr00vus]

Anyone watch Melo eat Paul George's lunch in the first quarter tonight to the tune of 18 pts on 8 FGA?

Guy is as unstoppable as anyone in the league. The hate for him is completely irrational.

He's been playing at a very high level this past month or so.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Anyone watch Melo eat Paul George's lunch in the first quarter tonight to the tune of 18 pts on 8 FGA?

Guy is as unstoppable as anyone in the league. The hate for him is completely irrational.

Cherry-picking much?

He's an amazing player, but he could be so much better. On a consistent basis.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Anyone watch Melo eat Paul George's lunch in the first quarter tonight to the tune of 18 pts on 8 FGA?

Guy is as unstoppable as anyone in the league. The hate for him is completely irrational.

Well, guess those 8 shots settle it. Melo for MVP!

 

[pizzatyme]

Anyone watch Melo eat Paul George's lunch in the first quarter tonight to the tune of 18 pts on 8 FGA?

Guy is as unstoppable as anyone in the league. The hate for him is completely irrational.

And then 10 the rest of the game on 9FGA. Oh, and a 28 point Loss. Yep, that sounds like a Melo-led team alright.

 

[Moe.]

Please come back Russ.

 

[Abraham]

The Rockets have hit 9 three pointers in the second quarter against OKC and have 73 points with34 seconds to go in the first half. Donuts has 3 tres.

 

[Abraham]

Gone stone cold this quarter. T. Jones has 5 points in the third. No one else has made a shot.

 

[Abraham]

The rockets have scored 16 points in the first 20 minutes of the second half and now trail by 8. This team is MADDENING to watch.

 

[Abraham]

73 points in the first half and 19 in the second has to be the record for greatest disparity between two halves of play by the same team. x 1000

 

[Moe.]

What a strange ####### game. Didn't even get close to the over after that first half. Bonkers.

 

[pizzatyme]

2 reasons why the Heat will always be a contender with LeBron there:

Joey

Crawford

 

[TobiasFunke]

2 reasons why the Heat will always be a contender with LeBron there:

Joey

Crawford

Two reasons why an otherwise likeable Pacers team is kinda hard to root for:

Crybaby

Fans

 

[coyote5]

Hey just got proposed a Westbrook for Conley trade in my league, you guys have any good info on when Russ is expected back? LMGTF is not giving me much good info... where do you guys typically go to get decent player updates?

 

[Moe.]

Hey just got proposed a Westbrook for Conley trade in my league, you guys have any good info on when Russ is expected back? LMGTF is not giving me much good info... where do you guys typically go to get decent player updates?

Guy that writes for the Oklahoman mentioned in a chat yesterday it could be as early as next week. He was on the floor taking shots last night before the game. Weekly h2h league or just straight-up roto?

 

[coyote5]

It's a 9 cat weekly H2H. I'm tempted by the upside... thanks for that info

 

[Cliff Clavin]

My link

 

[pizzatyme]

2 reasons why the Heat will always be a contender with LeBron there:

Joey

Crawford

Two reasons why an otherwise likeable Pacers team is kinda hard to root for:

Crybaby

Fans

Don't really need ya on the bandwagon. http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=302149 3rd post down says it all

 

[scoobus]

2 reasons why the Heat will always be a contender with LeBron there:

Joey

Crawford

Two reasons why an otherwise likeable Pacers team is kinda hard to root for:

Crybaby

Fans

Don't really need ya on the bandwagon. http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=302149 3rd post down says it all

How about the 5th post down?

 

[Long Ball Larry]

73 points in the first half and 19 in the second has to be the record for greatest disparity between two halves of play by the same team. x 1000

Yes

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20140116_OKC@HOU/okc-shuts-down-rockets-in-second-half-for-comeback-win

 

[pizzatyme]

2 reasons why the Heat will always be a contender with LeBron there:

Joey

Crawford

Two reasons why an otherwise likeable Pacers

team is kinda hard to root for:

Crybaby

Fans

Don't really need ya on the bandwagon. http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=302149%C2'>

How about the 5th post down?

Would be awesome if true!

 

[sports_fan]

My link

He didn't need to do that. He had an easy layup either way.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

My link

He didn't need to do that. He had an easy layup either way.

You're right. But it was awesome that he did.

 

[whoknew]

Trey Burke making Dumars look like an idiot again tonight at the Palace.

 

[whoknew]

Trey Burke making Dumars look like an idiot again tonight at the Palace.

Amazing Dumars still has a job.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

All I can ever think about when watching Pekovic play