*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (8 Viewers)

[Kev4029]

The Thunder announced that Adams will start over Perkins. The fact that this had to be announced and wasn't a given is pretty ridiculous but I will take it.

That's great news for Thunder fans.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

The Thunder announced that Adams will start over Perkins. The fact that this had to be announced and wasn't a given is pretty ridiculous but I will take it.

That's great news for Thunder fans.

And my dynasty team!

 

[Raider Nation]

Tonight is the first of 1,230 largely meaningless games? I have goosebumps.

 

[Juxtatarot]

How do you accidentally type Hoodish when you mean Yiddish?

 

[Freelove]

Listening to the Simmons/House O/U podcast right now. Got me wanting to try my luck. Bolding my high confidence choices for kicks.

ATL: 43.5 - Over (Really just a question of health)

BOS: 27.5 - Over (Don't love the talent, but I'm cautiously optimistic about the mix of skills and the coach)

BRK: 42 - Under (I refuse to believe in the health of DWill/Lopez)

CHA: 44.5 - Under (Low confidence either way)

CHI: 55.5 - Over (Built to dominate the regular season)

CLE: 58.5 - Over (They and CHI are going to make the East's W's top-heavy)

DET: 36 - Over (Talent + SVG overcomes knuckleheads)

IND: 33.5 - Under (West goes in a trade and IND vies for the top pick)

MIA: 44.5 - Under (Low confidence)

MIL: 24.5 - Over (No tank in effect, team is healthy again, enough talent, number seems a relic of last year)

NYK: 41 - Over (Begrudging nod to Fish/Phil, but can see it going WAY wrong)

ORL: 27 - Under (Low confidence, but young talent seems raw, and a month w/o Oladipo won't help)

PHI: 15.5 - Over (Low confidence, but can't take an under on 15.5)

TOR: 48 - Under (The big overs in CHI and CLE have to take their toll somewhere)

WAS: 47.5 - Under (Ditto)

DAL: 50.5 - Under (I see too many up and comers in the West, and I think DAL is one of the teams that pays the piper)

DEN: 42.5 - Over (The Faried confidence thing, Danilo healthy again, a real SG, moving on from "McGee is a starter" narrative)

GSW: 51.5 - Over (Make a run at best record, IMO. Kerr makes a run at COY as a rook.)

HOU: 49.5 - Under (The deeper I look, the more I may hate this team's chances.)

LAC: 56.5 - Over (Don't see why they'd be worse with a missing Durant in the West and another year of Doc)

LAK: 30.5 - Over (Healthy Kobe plus stubborn Scott refuse to lay down late, salvage mediocrity against tankers during the stretch run)

MEM: 48.5 - Under (Seems about right, but a resurgent Gasol could make me regret it. Wouldn't touch this either way.)

MIN: 27.5 - Under (Maybe. Seems like a prime tank candidate to me.)

NO: 43.5 - Over (Fringe playoff team, IMO. Emergent Davis + healthy Jrue + great bench + Asik! I don't need a healthy Gordon to believe.)

OKC: 53.5 - Under (Hate foot injuries. I think KD misses more time than expected, OR else we get a sub-par season when he gets back.)

PHX: 44 - Under (I don't get this team build)

POR: 50 - Over (I'd guess 50, but I'll hedge in the direction of Aldridge/Lillard building on last year's postseason breakout)

SAC: 30.5 - Over (Boogie, if his head is on at all, is too good for this line. House adds that Vivek is the most likely owner to acquire an overpriced star.)

SAS: 57.5 - Under (Don't see a push for the #1 this year, so they go into cruise control and settle for the #3 or #4 in a slightly weaker West)

UTA: 27.5 - Over (Better coach, better Burke, Hayward might get open looks without having to create them himself)

Not that anyone asked, but screw it, I'm retired and this is opening night.

 

[Todem]

East

Bulls

Cav's

Raptors

Heat

Hornets

Wiz

Hawks

Pistons

West

Spurs

Rockets

Clippers

Thunder

Trailblazers

Warriors

Mavs

Pelicans

MVP - Russell Westbrook - Carry's his team for 2 months then continues ascent upon Durant's return into the post season. Of course Lebron is the easy pick, but I am going against the grain and Westbrook has a golden chance to show how important he can be to keep his team afloat in Durant's absence.

Finals - Thunder over Bulls

 

[Moe.]

You're insane if you think the Warriors are going to miss the playoffs.

 

[Todem]

You're insane if you think the Warriors are going to miss the playoffs.

Fixed......Warriors are no doubt in. Grizzlies out.

 

[Instinctive]

Prediction: all of you who left Dallas out of your Western Conference playoff pictures are mistaken. They'll fall 3-6 seed, and Carlisle's continued ingenuity will be overlooked yet again. Pop may be the only better coach in the league. Honestly, I'm not sure he is. The Spurs have certainly won more, but they've also had better players.

If Chandler is healthy all year, Dallas could push ahead of the Clippers or Thunder. In the more likely scenario that he misses some games, I'm betting on a bottom 4 seed, but a playoff team nonetheless. Even if he were out game 1 for the whole year, this team will finish ahead of the Suns...

That's a pretty big if.

Did you read the rest? lol. Addresses the other scenarios too.

Yep. I disagree. They're getting old and in the toughest division in the league. Upside of a 5 seed if they have perfect health. Downside of a 9 seed. I think they'll be closer to the downside. Still probably win 45 games or so but that likely won't be enough.

Never made a bet on here but I'll take the over on 45 for a decent bet. PM if you want to put some money where your mouth is

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Prediction: all of you who left Dallas out of your Western Conference playoff pictures are mistaken. They'll fall 3-6 seed, and Carlisle's continued ingenuity will be overlooked yet again. Pop may be the only better coach in the league. Honestly, I'm not sure he is. The Spurs have certainly won more, but they've also had better players.

If Chandler is healthy all year, Dallas could push ahead of the Clippers or Thunder. In the more likely scenario that he misses some games, I'm betting on a bottom 4 seed, but a playoff team nonetheless. Even if he were out game 1 for the whole year, this team will finish ahead of the Suns...

That's a pretty big if.

Did you read the rest? lol. Addresses the other scenarios too.

Yep. I disagree. They're getting old and in the toughest division in the league. Upside of a 5 seed if they have perfect health. Downside of a 9 seed. I think they'll be closer to the downside. Still probably win 45 games or so but that likely won't be enough.

Never made a bet on here but I'll take the over on 45 for a decent bet. PM if you want to put some money where your mouth is

No thanks. There are lots of places I can bet on the Dallas total if I want to.

 

[Todem]

I bet the Heat for the Eastern Conference at 17-1 and 40-1 for the title.

Of course it is probably toilet paper.....but WTF...I am rooting for them anyway...nice to have some jingle on it with big odd's.

 

[Gr00vus]

Prediction: all of you who left Dallas out of your Western Conference playoff pictures are mistaken. They'll fall 3-6 seed, and Carlisle's continued ingenuity will be overlooked yet again. Pop may be the only better coach in the league. Honestly, I'm not sure he is. The Spurs have certainly won more, but they've also had better players.

If Chandler is healthy all year, Dallas could push ahead of the Clippers or Thunder. In the more likely scenario that he misses some games, I'm betting on a bottom 4 seed, but a playoff team nonetheless. Even if he were out game 1 for the whole year, this team will finish ahead of the Suns...

That's a pretty big if.

Did you read the rest? lol. Addresses the other scenarios too.

Yep. I disagree. They're getting old and in the toughest division in the league. Upside of a 5 seed if they have perfect health. Downside of a 9 seed. I think they'll be closer to the downside. Still probably win 45 games or so but that likely won't be enough.

Never made a bet on here but I'll take the over on 45 for a decent bet. PM if you want to put some money where your mouth is

No thanks. There are lots of places I can bet on the Dallas total if I want to.

Got any books that'll take action on when certain posters misuse apostrophes? Pretty sure I could clean up on that.

 

[Sammy3469]

You're insane if you think the Warriors are going to miss the playoffs.

They still have Curry's balky ankles and Bogut's entire body, correct? I don't think they'll miss the playoffs, but I can certainly envision a scenario where health becomes a problem.

And that's not just a problem for them...with all the back-to-backs this year to make up for the week All-Star game break, you're going to see a whole bunch of guys taking night's off. One reason most of those OUs should be avoided this year.

 

[Sammy3469]

East

Cavs

Bulls

Washington

Raptors

Hornets

Brooklyn

Hawks

Heat

West

Clippers

Spurs

Memphis

OKC

Warriors

Mavs

Rockets

Portland

MVP - LeBron - No way they don't give it to him

Rookie - Jabari

Finals - Spurs over Cavs

 

[thecatch]

You're insane if you think the Warriors are going to miss the playoffs.

Fixed......Warriors are no doubt in. Grizzlies out.

I don't think that change is any less absurd.

 

[timschochet]

Surprised that so few of you are picking the Spurs to win the #1 seed in the west. For the last several years, this team has consistently had the best record in the regular season. They are the best "team" in terms of playing together and defense. It's true that NBA champions sometimes lack motivation the next year, but this squad is filled with veterans who know the value of home court. What has changed? Are they just a boring pick?

 

[No. 16]

You're insane if you think the Warriors are going to miss the playoffs.

They still have Curry's balky ankles and Bogut's entire body, correct? I don't think they'll miss the playoffs, but I can certainly envision a scenario where health becomes a problem.

And that's not just a problem for them...with all the back-to-backs this year to make up for the week All-Star game break, you're going to see a whole bunch of guys taking night's off. One reason most of those OUs should be avoided this year.

Another thing specifically for the Warriors o/u is that we have 5 sets of 4 games in 5 nights (tied for most in the league). The Dubs have some realistic shot at the easily surpassing 51 wins, but the injury concerns and schedule scared me away.

Where are all those posters who questioned why we fired Jackson? It's pretty apparent now that the team underachieved with him.

Also, look for the media and public wisdom to finally catch up on Klay's defense. I said it last year, was better than Iggy and he looks sharp as ever his off-season.

Go Dubs!

 

[No. 16]

Surprised that so few of you are picking the Spurs to win the #1 seed in the west. For the last several years, this team has consistently had the best record in the regular season. They are the best "team" in terms of playing together and defense. It's true that NBA champions sometimes lack motivation the next year, but this squad is filled with veterans who know the value of home court. What has changed? Are they just a boring pick?

Other teams have the improvement of youth on their side and made off-season additions.

I'm with Simmons. The Spurs played last year with razor sharp focus to avenge their final loss in 2013. Don't think we will see that birth juggernaut again.

 

[Dondante]

Surprised that so few of you are picking the Spurs to win the #1 seed in the west. For the last several years, this team has consistently had the best record in the regular season. They are the best "team" in terms of playing together and defense. It's true that NBA champions sometimes lack motivation the next year, but this squad is filled with veterans who know the value of home court. What has changed? Are they just a boring pick?

I'm not sure how anyone that watched even a few minutes of the finals could call the Spurs boring. Unless you mean that it would be boring to pick the defending champs (chalk).

 

[Dondante]

Surprised that so few of you are picking the Spurs to win the #1 seed in the west. For the last several years, this team has consistently had the best record in the regular season. They are the best "team" in terms of playing together and defense. It's true that NBA champions sometimes lack motivation the next year, but this squad is filled with veterans who know the value of home court. What has changed? Are they just a boring pick?

Other teams have the improvement of youth on their side and made off-season additions.

I'm with Simmons. The Spurs played last year with razor sharp focus to avenge their final loss in 2013. Don't think we will see that birth juggernaut again.

I think you're both wrong - especially Simmons. Simmons has made a living off of trolling the Spurs fans of late. What's to say that same razor sharp focus isn't locked-in to a repeat? And why is it necessary to approach the Spurs most recent title with some sort of BS caveat? They dominated the best player ever and his hand-picked roster and they made it look relatively easy. I'd say there was (and is still) a little more going on in SA than simply revenge. That said, I'm sure the Spurs are used to being overlooked and probably couldn't care less.

 

[thecatch]

You really have to stretch to argue that nobody believes in the Spurs.

 

[Todem]

You're insane if you think the Warriors are going to miss the playoffs.

Fixed......Warriors are no doubt in. Grizzlies out.

I don't think that change is any less absurd.

There is always a team or two that are expected...and fail.....I think the Grizzlies are borderline this year and the Pelicans surprise with a playoff spot.

And absurd? Please.

 

[Eephus]

Surprised that so few of you are picking the Spurs to win the #1 seed in the west. For the last several years, this team has consistently had the best record in the regular season. They are the best "team" in terms of playing together and defense. It's true that NBA champions sometimes lack motivation the next year, but this squad is filled with veterans who know the value of home court. What has changed? Are they just a boring pick?

I'm not sure how anyone that watched even a few minutes of the finals could call the Spurs boring. Unless you mean that it would be boring to pick the defending champs (chalk).

I don't think regular season (and by extension, the #1 seed) is important to Popovich. The Spurs will continue to rest their vets and sacrifice some wins because of it.

 

[Dondante]

Surprised that so few of you are picking the Spurs to win the #1 seed in the west. For the last several years, this team has consistently had the best record in the regular season. They are the best "team" in terms of playing together and defense. It's true that NBA champions sometimes lack motivation the next year, but this squad is filled with veterans who know the value of home court. What has changed? Are they just a boring pick?

I'm not sure how anyone that watched even a few minutes of the finals could call the Spurs boring. Unless you mean that it would be boring to pick the defending champs (chalk).

I don't think regular season (and by extension, the #1 seed) is important to Popovich. The Spurs will continue to rest their vets and sacrifice some wins because of it.

Maybe. But if there's a repeat ahead it probably requires the #1 seed. I'd like to think the repeat is the last jewel in TimPop's crown. I'd like to think they're supremely motivated to get there. I'd like to think they'll stay healthy enough to make a run. The last part probably being the most important part.

 

[Eephus]

Surprised that so few of you are picking the Spurs to win the #1 seed in the west. For the last several years, this team has consistently had the best record in the regular season. They are the best "team" in terms of playing together and defense. It's true that NBA champions sometimes lack motivation the next year, but this squad is filled with veterans who know the value of home court. What has changed? Are they just a boring pick?

I'm not sure how anyone that watched even a few minutes of the finals could call the Spurs boring. Unless you mean that it would be boring to pick the defending champs (chalk).

I don't think regular season (and by extension, the #1 seed) is important to Popovich. The Spurs will continue to rest their vets and sacrifice some wins because of it.

Maybe. But if there's a repeat ahead it probably requires the #1 seed. I'd like to think the repeat is the last jewel in TimPop's crown. I'd like to think they're supremely motivated to get there. I'd like to think they'll stay healthy enough to make a run. The last part probably being the most important part.

Right but the only control they wield on the healthy part is by limiting regular season minutes. They have a lot better chance of getting through the playoffs as a #4 seed than they would without Duncan or Parker.

 

[Dondante]

Surprised that so few of you are picking the Spurs to win the #1 seed in the west. For the last several years, this team has consistently had the best record in the regular season. They are the best "team" in terms of playing together and defense. It's true that NBA champions sometimes lack motivation the next year, but this squad is filled with veterans who know the value of home court. What has changed? Are they just a boring pick?

I'm not sure how anyone that watched even a few minutes of the finals could call the Spurs boring. Unless you mean that it would be boring to pick the defending champs (chalk).

I don't think regular season (and by extension, the #1 seed) is important to Popovich. The Spurs will continue to rest their vets and sacrifice some wins because of it.

Maybe. But if there's a repeat ahead it probably requires the #1 seed. I'd like to think the repeat is the last jewel in TimPop's crown. I'd like to think they're supremely motivated to get there. I'd like to think they'll stay healthy enough to make a run. The last part probably being the most important part.

Right but the only control they wield on the healthy part is by limiting regular season minutes. They have a lot better chance of getting through the playoffs as a #4 seed than they would without Duncan or Parker.

I can agree with that.

 

[timschochet]

Surprised that so few of you are picking the Spurs to win the #1 seed in the west. For the last several years, this team has consistently had the best record in the regular season. They are the best "team" in terms of playing together and defense. It's true that NBA champions sometimes lack motivation the next year, but this squad is filled with veterans who know the value of home court. What has changed? Are they just a boring pick?

I'm not sure how anyone that watched even a few minutes of the finals could call the Spurs boring. Unless you mean that it would be boring to pick the defending champs (chalk).

I don't think regular season (and by extension, the #1 seed) is important to Popovich. The Spurs will continue to rest their vets and sacrifice some wins because of it.

Maybe. But if there's a repeat ahead it probably requires the #1 seed. I'd like to think the repeat is the last jewel in TimPop's crown. I'd like to think they're supremely motivated to get there. I'd like to think they'll stay healthy enough to make a run. The last part probably being the most important part.

Right but the only control they wield on the healthy part is by limiting regular season minutes. They have a lot better chance of getting through the playoffs as a #4 seed than they would without Duncan or Parker.

I've thought that for the last few years. And yet they continue to have the best record each and every year.

 

[Freelove]

Surprised that so few of you are picking the Spurs to win the #1 seed in the west. For the last several years, this team has consistently had the best record in the regular season. They are the best "team" in terms of playing together and defense. It's true that NBA champions sometimes lack motivation the next year, but this squad is filled with veterans who know the value of home court. What has changed? Are they just a boring pick?

I'm not sure how anyone that watched even a few minutes of the finals could call the Spurs boring. Unless you mean that it would be boring to pick the defending champs (chalk).

I don't think regular season (and by extension, the #1 seed) is important to Popovich. The Spurs will continue to rest their vets and sacrifice some wins because of it.

Maybe. But if there's a repeat ahead it probably requires the #1 seed. I'd like to think the repeat is the last jewel in TimPop's crown. I'd like to think they're supremely motivated to get there. I'd like to think they'll stay healthy enough to make a run. The last part probably being the most important part.

Right but the only control they wield on the healthy part is by limiting regular season minutes. They have a lot better chance of getting through the playoffs as a #4 seed than they would without Duncan or Parker.

I've thought that for the last few years. And yet they continue to have the best record each and every year.

Don't they only have a one year run with the best record at the moment?

 

[timschochet]

I don't remember. It seems like for several years they have had the best record or close to it.

 

[Premier]

Free love - good post on the over unders

 

[Dondante]

I don't remember. It seems like for several years they have had the best record or close to it.

Only once since 05

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Lakers over the Knicks in 7.

(it's way better if you imagine my avatar saying it)

 

[Moe.]

tim - promise me you will never start posting in the soccer thread

 

[Freelove]

Free love - good post on the over unders

I'm expecting about 75% of them to go teats up.

 

[Freelove]

I don't remember. It seems like for several years they have had the best record or close to it.

Only once since 05

I think it's more than that. Two of the last three? I'll go look.

 

[Freelove]

I don't remember. It seems like for several years they have had the best record or close to it.

Only once since 05

I think it's more than that. Two of the last three? I'll go look.

Top seed in the West three of the last four, a #2 seed once, and a #7 seed the year before all that.

Solo best record in basketball one of those years, tied for best one other.

Damn consistent, but not so much so that people saying, "they're not worried about being a #1" have no leg to stand on.

 

[thecatch]

You're insane if you think the Warriors are going to miss the playoffs.

Fixed......Warriors are no doubt in. Grizzlies out.

I don't think that change is any less absurd.

There is always a team or two that are expected...and fail.....I think the Grizzlies are borderline this year and the Pelicans surprise with a playoff spot.And absurd? Please.

Memphis is really good. Their record with Gasol last year, extrapolated, would have put them as a top 3/4 seed IIRC. Absent a major injury (which you could say about GS or almost any other team) they will be in the playoffs.

 

[No. 16]

You're insane if you think the Warriors are going to miss the playoffs.

Fixed......Warriors are no doubt in. Grizzlies out.

I don't think that change is any less absurd.

There is always a team or two that are expected...and fail.....I think the Grizzlies are borderline this year and the Pelicans surprise with a playoff spot.And absurd? Please.

Memphis is really good. Their record with Gasol last year, extrapolated, would have put them as a top 3/4 seed IIRC. Absent a major injury (which you could say about GS or almost any other team) they will be in the playoffs.

I think with Memphis it all hinges on how Z-Bo ages or if they can replace his production. Gasol and Conley are the 1 and 2 on that team, but there has to be concerns about Z-Bo as the #3... he showed some signs of slowing down last year.

 

[timschochet]

tim - promise me you will never start posting in the soccer thread

what do I get? And why does Cristiano earn more than Messi?

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Zach Randolph.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

tim - promise me you will never start posting in the soccer thread

what do I get?And why does Cristiano earn more than Messi?

Messi's new contract actually puts him slightly ahead of Ronaldo, they're both now in the 50mm a year range.

I think (and I'm a Barca supporter) that they're very close to each other in terms of how good they are. Two differing players in two different team philosophies and playing two different positions, but it's nuts to think that they're not in the same class with each other.

 

[Kev4029]

You're insane if you think the Warriors are going to miss the playoffs.

Fixed......Warriors are no doubt in. Grizzlies out.

I don't think that change is any less absurd.

There is always a team or two that are expected...and fail.....I think the Grizzlies are borderline this year and the Pelicans surprise with a playoff spot.And absurd? Please.

Memphis is really good. Their record with Gasol last year, extrapolated, would have put them as a top 3/4 seed IIRC. Absent a major injury (which you could say about GS or almost any other team) they will be in the playoffs.

I think with Memphis it all hinges on how Z-Bo ages or if they can replace his production. Gasol and Conley are the 1 and 2 on that team, but there has to be concerns about Z-Bo as the #3... he showed some signs of slowing down last year.

Randolph has been awful for three years running. He still rebounds extremely well, but otherwise he is a detriment to the team.

 

[Moe.]

Portland is my pick to fall out of the playoffs in the West this year.

 

[Freelove]

Portland is my pick to fall out of the playoffs in the West this year.

I see them as one of the less likely to slip. They've got enough quality depth on that squad that anything short of catastrophic injury to the studs shouldn't derail them, IMO.

 

[Slapdash]

tim - promise me you will never start posting in the soccer thread

Honestly, not sure how much lower it really could get...

 

[Frostillicus]

tim - promise me you will never start posting in the soccer thread

what do I get?And why does Cristiano earn more than Messi?

Messi's new contract actually puts him slightly ahead of Ronaldo, they're both now in the 50mm a year range.

I think (and I'm a Barca supporter) that they're very close to each other in terms of how good they are. Two differing players in two different team philosophies and playing two different positions, but it's nuts to think that they're not in the same class with each other.

Get out.

 

[CurlyNight]

Let's go Spurssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!@#@! ..............though I won't be watching the game tonight...

I'll be busy cheering on the Giants for hopefully the world series win!! Let's go GIANTS!!!!

 

[Slapdash]

Let's go Spurssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!@#@! ..............though I won't be watching the game tonight...

I'll be busy cheering on the Giants for hopefully the world series win!! Let's go GIANTS!!!!

Great shtick here

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Hi , I'm here for the schadenfreude.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Schadenfreude. Schadenfreude. Schadenfreude. Schadenfreude. Schadenfreude. Schadenfreude. Schadenfreude. Schadenfreude. Schadenfreude. Schadenfreude. Schadenfreude. Schadenfreude. Schadenfreude. Schadenfreude. Schadenfreude. Schadenfreude. Schadenfreude. Schadenfreude.