We've made it to another post-season, prayers up to those who didn't.
Things have occurred recently that not many could have imagined. Among these things, few have been more shocking than nation-wide attention being paid to basketball in Orlando. Covid-19 has altered everyday life and as such, The NBA announced that Disney would be hosting this year's post-season at Disney World. All eyes are now on Orlando. Optimistically, if we stick together and take the necessary precautions, we could be back to the old normal and ignoring Orlando during the playoffs as soon as next season.
(Thread image by Sarah Lee Grillo)
Reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and The Bucks finish the season with the best record. Milwaukee will face a Magic team that is without Jonathan Isaac, Mo Bamba and Al -Farouq Aminu. Aaron Gordon is still recovering from a hamstring injury. With so many missing players, this series is little more than a warm up for Milwaukee.
Look Out For:
- MIL: Everyone not named Giannis. Anteokounmpo has been frustrated with the recent lapse in intensity among his teammates. Although the series should not test Milwaukee much, the seemingly low pressure games being extended beyond 4 would be a disappointment. A loss would constitute a severely minor disappointment but having your star question his teammates’ commitment this early in the postseason would not be so minor.
- ORL: Gordon/Fournier. Gordon is likely to get the Giannis defensive assignment. How much can AG produce on offense if he has to check Giannis on defense? Fournier will likely have to carry the offensive load to give Orlando any kind of chance.
The Raptors begin their title defense against an injury ravaged Nets. Brooklyn will continue to wait for KD’s debut, and of course will be without Kyrie. The Nets will also be without Spencer Dinwiddie, Deandre Jordan, Wilson Chandler and Claxton. Few teams are as short handed as Brooklyn. That being said, Toronto will be dealing with the most significant player loss. The 3X, consecutive and still reigning NBA Champ, Pat McCaw will not be there to save Kyle Lowry and Co.
Look Out For:
TOR: The challenge for Toronto this series is to not look ahead to the next round.
BRK: Caris Levert. You’ve never seen a light so green.
Ben Simmons’ season being cut short by injury has changed Philly’s post-season outlook as well as their play style. Boston’s roster has been relatively untouched by injury, but they will eventually have to manage without Hayward. It shouldn’t be a concern this series but Hayward has stated that he plans to leave the bubble some time in September for the birth of his child.
Look Out For:
PHI: Joel Embiid. It’s his team and no one else’s this playoffs.
BOS: Tatum/Brown/Front Court. Tatum, having a good performance in the 1st round is an expectation now. Brown’s development has put a breakout series within the realm of possibility. How will Boston’s bigs and Coach Stevens manage against Embiid?
Indiana has benefited from the suspension of play. It has allowed them to add Malcom Brogdon and Oladipo back to their roster. They may be without Domantas Sabonis, who has not been ruled out for a return this series. There is no date set for his return and his status remains ‘out indefinitely’. The Heat’s Derrick Jones Jr was diagnosed with a neck sprain and will be re-evaluated prior to the start of the series. Jones is hopeful he will play.
Look Out For:
MIA: Jimmy Butler/Tyler Herro/Spo. Herro built on a solid rookie campaign with an even better outing in the bubble, if he can sustain his play it’ll be a huge boon for Miami. The margin for error will be small for both teams, which brings us to the contest between Coach Spo and Coach McMillan. This coaching match-up could be as important as any on the court match-up.
IND: Oladipo/TJ Warren/McMillian. Similarly, The Pacers will be counting on their star and hoping that their younger, less proven break-out player can continue to break out.
The Bubble MVP will try and keep Portland’s unlikely dream alive. LA will be without Avery Bradley thru the entire post-season & Rajon Rondo won’t suit up in the near future. Rondo is expected to rejoin the team in a coaching capacity until he recovers from his hand injury. Trevor Ariza, Caleb Swanigan and Rodney Hood will not be present. CJ is nursing a back injury. One of the few bright spots for Portland, they have Nurkic again.
Look Out For:
LA: AD/Green/Offense. Anthony Davis had some forgettable bubble games, if LA is to advance far into the postseason they will need AD to keep from disappearing. Danny Green’s shooting woes are at the center of LA’s 3pt shooting problems, will he show up hot or cold? Bron sits and so does the offense, how will LA manage running the offense by committee during Bron’s rests.
POR: Dame/CJ. No lower seed has anywhere near Portland’s confidence right now. They played their way into the playoffs and are in a good flow. Lillard did not go on a historic scoring run to JUST make the playoffs. Dame also did not get here alone, CJ had a big game that helped put them into the playoffs. Confidence aside, Portland will need contributions from both of their starting guards in order to upset The Lakers, and then some.
Dallas will be without Willie Cauley-Stein, Courtney Lee, Jalen Brunson & Dwight Powell. The Clippers will finally be at 100% after being without Harrell and Williams through part of the restarted season. Dallas will come into this match-up with a supercharged offense and forgettable defense, whereas The Clippers are among the best on both sides of the court. Dallas can’t dream of stopping Kawhi with their defense, turning the game into an offense heavy contest is their best bet at extending their postseason life.
Look Out For:
Clip: Doc/Chemistry. The series is not a gimme, but it’s NBA title or bust this season for The Clips. The team is now completely together for the first time in the bubble, the goal is cohesion and consistency, getting everyone on the same page and into their roles in preparation for later rounds.
DAL: Luka. Doncic.
Denver will be without Gary Harris and Will Barton for the foreseeable future. Utah's Mike Conley exited the bubble for the birth of his child on Sunday. If he stays outside the bubble for less than 7 days, his quarantine to re-enter will be 4 days long. Ed Davis and Bojan Bogdanovic will be definite absences due to injury.
DEN: Jamal Murray/Chemistry. Denver’s opponent is the temptation to take plays off against an undermanned Jazz squad. Jamal Murray is being reintegrated into the roster, his big performance in his one bubble game points to good things for Denver.
UTA: Mitchell/Gobert. The roster has major holes that will be a challenge to compensate for, Gobert and Mitchell will need to be at their very best to stay competitive.
Houston revamped their offense to accommodate Russell Westbrook’s arrival; Russell Westbrook will not be suiting up with Houston for at least the first few games of this series. Eric Gordon is expected back from an ankle injury in time for Game 1. Thabo Sefolosha opted out of the bubble restart and was replaced by Luc Mbah A Moute. OKC had an unexpectedly good season prior to the sudden stoppage in play, and continued the trend in the bubble. A healthy CP3 ending Houston’s playoff run this year after an unhealthy CP3 ended it last year, is the kind of thing Fertitta and Morey deserve.
HOU: Harden/Dantoni. One of the few players capable of carrying their team, Harden will need to until Westbrook returns. A bad series from Harden will likely spell the end of Houston’s playoff run. A battle of basketball philosophies, The Rockets’ small-ball lineups will provide headaches and opportunities for OKC’s more traditional lineups.
OKC: CP3/Donovan. CP3 may be the most motivated person in this series given his recent history with Houston. The 4/5 matchup in both The East and West could illustrate the importance of coaching. With the talent level between teams being so even, smart rotations and adaptive play calling could be the difference maker in either match-ups.
Things have occurred recently that not many could have imagined. Among these things, few have been more shocking than nation-wide attention being paid to basketball in Orlando. Covid-19 has altered everyday life and as such, The NBA announced that Disney would be hosting this year's post-season at Disney World. All eyes are now on Orlando. Optimistically, if we stick together and take the necessary precautions, we could be back to the old normal and ignoring Orlando during the playoffs as soon as next season.
(Thread image by Sarah Lee Grillo)
Reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and The Bucks finish the season with the best record. Milwaukee will face a Magic team that is without Jonathan Isaac, Mo Bamba and Al -Farouq Aminu. Aaron Gordon is still recovering from a hamstring injury. With so many missing players, this series is little more than a warm up for Milwaukee.
Look Out For:
- MIL: Everyone not named Giannis. Anteokounmpo has been frustrated with the recent lapse in intensity among his teammates. Although the series should not test Milwaukee much, the seemingly low pressure games being extended beyond 4 would be a disappointment. A loss would constitute a severely minor disappointment but having your star question his teammates’ commitment this early in the postseason would not be so minor.
- ORL: Gordon/Fournier. Gordon is likely to get the Giannis defensive assignment. How much can AG produce on offense if he has to check Giannis on defense? Fournier will likely have to carry the offensive load to give Orlando any kind of chance.
The Raptors begin their title defense against an injury ravaged Nets. Brooklyn will continue to wait for KD’s debut, and of course will be without Kyrie. The Nets will also be without Spencer Dinwiddie, Deandre Jordan, Wilson Chandler and Claxton. Few teams are as short handed as Brooklyn. That being said, Toronto will be dealing with the most significant player loss. The 3X, consecutive and still reigning NBA Champ, Pat McCaw will not be there to save Kyle Lowry and Co.
Look Out For:
TOR: The challenge for Toronto this series is to not look ahead to the next round.
BRK: Caris Levert. You’ve never seen a light so green.
Ben Simmons’ season being cut short by injury has changed Philly’s post-season outlook as well as their play style. Boston’s roster has been relatively untouched by injury, but they will eventually have to manage without Hayward. It shouldn’t be a concern this series but Hayward has stated that he plans to leave the bubble some time in September for the birth of his child.
Look Out For:
PHI: Joel Embiid. It’s his team and no one else’s this playoffs.
BOS: Tatum/Brown/Front Court. Tatum, having a good performance in the 1st round is an expectation now. Brown’s development has put a breakout series within the realm of possibility. How will Boston’s bigs and Coach Stevens manage against Embiid?
Indiana has benefited from the suspension of play. It has allowed them to add Malcom Brogdon and Oladipo back to their roster. They may be without Domantas Sabonis, who has not been ruled out for a return this series. There is no date set for his return and his status remains ‘out indefinitely’. The Heat’s Derrick Jones Jr was diagnosed with a neck sprain and will be re-evaluated prior to the start of the series. Jones is hopeful he will play.
Look Out For:
MIA: Jimmy Butler/Tyler Herro/Spo. Herro built on a solid rookie campaign with an even better outing in the bubble, if he can sustain his play it’ll be a huge boon for Miami. The margin for error will be small for both teams, which brings us to the contest between Coach Spo and Coach McMillan. This coaching match-up could be as important as any on the court match-up.
IND: Oladipo/TJ Warren/McMillian. Similarly, The Pacers will be counting on their star and hoping that their younger, less proven break-out player can continue to break out.
The Bubble MVP will try and keep Portland’s unlikely dream alive. LA will be without Avery Bradley thru the entire post-season & Rajon Rondo won’t suit up in the near future. Rondo is expected to rejoin the team in a coaching capacity until he recovers from his hand injury. Trevor Ariza, Caleb Swanigan and Rodney Hood will not be present. CJ is nursing a back injury. One of the few bright spots for Portland, they have Nurkic again.
Look Out For:
LA: AD/Green/Offense. Anthony Davis had some forgettable bubble games, if LA is to advance far into the postseason they will need AD to keep from disappearing. Danny Green’s shooting woes are at the center of LA’s 3pt shooting problems, will he show up hot or cold? Bron sits and so does the offense, how will LA manage running the offense by committee during Bron’s rests.
POR: Dame/CJ. No lower seed has anywhere near Portland’s confidence right now. They played their way into the playoffs and are in a good flow. Lillard did not go on a historic scoring run to JUST make the playoffs. Dame also did not get here alone, CJ had a big game that helped put them into the playoffs. Confidence aside, Portland will need contributions from both of their starting guards in order to upset The Lakers, and then some.
Dallas will be without Willie Cauley-Stein, Courtney Lee, Jalen Brunson & Dwight Powell. The Clippers will finally be at 100% after being without Harrell and Williams through part of the restarted season. Dallas will come into this match-up with a supercharged offense and forgettable defense, whereas The Clippers are among the best on both sides of the court. Dallas can’t dream of stopping Kawhi with their defense, turning the game into an offense heavy contest is their best bet at extending their postseason life.
Look Out For:
Clip: Doc/Chemistry. The series is not a gimme, but it’s NBA title or bust this season for The Clips. The team is now completely together for the first time in the bubble, the goal is cohesion and consistency, getting everyone on the same page and into their roles in preparation for later rounds.
DAL: Luka. Doncic.
Denver will be without Gary Harris and Will Barton for the foreseeable future. Utah's Mike Conley exited the bubble for the birth of his child on Sunday. If he stays outside the bubble for less than 7 days, his quarantine to re-enter will be 4 days long. Ed Davis and Bojan Bogdanovic will be definite absences due to injury.
DEN: Jamal Murray/Chemistry. Denver’s opponent is the temptation to take plays off against an undermanned Jazz squad. Jamal Murray is being reintegrated into the roster, his big performance in his one bubble game points to good things for Denver.
UTA: Mitchell/Gobert. The roster has major holes that will be a challenge to compensate for, Gobert and Mitchell will need to be at their very best to stay competitive.
Houston revamped their offense to accommodate Russell Westbrook’s arrival; Russell Westbrook will not be suiting up with Houston for at least the first few games of this series. Eric Gordon is expected back from an ankle injury in time for Game 1. Thabo Sefolosha opted out of the bubble restart and was replaced by Luc Mbah A Moute. OKC had an unexpectedly good season prior to the sudden stoppage in play, and continued the trend in the bubble. A healthy CP3 ending Houston’s playoff run this year after an unhealthy CP3 ended it last year, is the kind of thing Fertitta and Morey deserve.
HOU: Harden/Dantoni. One of the few players capable of carrying their team, Harden will need to until Westbrook returns. A bad series from Harden will likely spell the end of Houston’s playoff run. A battle of basketball philosophies, The Rockets’ small-ball lineups will provide headaches and opportunities for OKC’s more traditional lineups.
OKC: CP3/Donovan. CP3 may be the most motivated person in this series given his recent history with Houston. The 4/5 matchup in both The East and West could illustrate the importance of coaching. With the talent level between teams being so even, smart rotations and adaptive play calling could be the difference maker in either match-ups.
By Moris Go To PostDenver will not be missing any integral parts of their team, Utah however is not that lucky. Mike Conley exited the bubble for the birth of his child on Sunday. If he stays outside the bubble for less than 7 days, his quarantine to re-enter will be 4 days long. Ed Davis and Bojan Bogdanovic will be definite absences due to injury.Guess losing 2 starters is not important.
DEN: Jamal Murray/Chemistry. Denver’s opponent is the temptation to take plays off against an undermanned Jazz squad. Jamal Murray is being reintegrated into the roster, his big performance in his one bubble game points to good things for Denver.
UTA: Mitchell/Gobert. The roster has major holes that will be a challenge to compensate for, Gobert and Mitchell will need to be at their very best to stay competitive.
By Koko Go To PostGuess losing 2 starters is not important.
Sry b, Whenever I tried to research hurt Denver players I got links to The Broncos. Fix'd.
Ima be honest, knowing about the asterisk, has made it hard as fuck to get super emotionally invested.
By Fenderputty Go To PostIma be honest, knowing about the asterisk, has made it hard as fuck to get super emotionally invested.
The crazy thing about Mudiay is he has the hardest part of offense down—handling the ball well and generally getting where he wants. The problem is when he tries to score—his shot attempts look awful.
By Kabro Go To Posti expected Denver run circles this morning.I can't watch probably the whole series, will be working when the games are on. The series won't be close, hoping some younger guys can get some experience and Mitchell can get better at being the sole offense on the floor at times. Kinda hoping Clarkson likes the system enough to come back on a decent deal.
get hyped, Dyhard.
also, good shit on OP, moris.
By Method Go To Posthavent been watching bubble basketball at all. MPJ is a baller
By Dark PhaZe Go To PostThe crazy thing about Mudiay is he has the hardest part of offense down—handling the ball well and generally getting where he wants. The problem is when he tries to score—his shot attempts look awful.That's Mudiay, it always looks like he is about to figure it out and turn a corner, but he has yet to do it.
Deep bench reminds me of the Melo trade when everyone said the nuggets had two different starting line ups but lost in the 1st round
i was only half watching until that jingles three followed by that hilarious stretch of fuck ups, wow am i glad i tuned in
That was the LeBron Cleveland x Steph warriors era too, I would’ve taken Jr since you weren’t winning shit for a while, could’ve tanked again too
Oh Knicks got Knoxed
Oh Knicks got Knoxed
By Fenderputty Go To PostThey make outlets child safe now so even Knicks fans can’t electrocute themselvesI think this makes the meme even more fitting
By DY_nasty Go To Postgobert is dookie on offense its a shameright? his defense on that final possession was elite though. played the switch perfectly then got back on joker with the quickness