Arena The NBA Thread

Indiana is in great shape for the future. They have everyone except Glenn Robinson (no biggie) accounted for next year but they're still like $10 million under the cap, plus they can shed an extra ~$28 million in partially guaranteed contracts if they wanted to go after someone this summer. They could save even more money if they stretched some of those contracts. They probably won't go that route because it would involve cutting players like Bogdanovic, Collison and Jefferson, plus declining Stephenson. That would leave a lot of holes to be filled with minimum salaries and exceptions in a weak market. They have even more flexibility in 19-20, with basically only Oladipo signed. They'll have to take care of Turner, but they'll have the space for someone like Klay Thompson or Kawhi Leonard if they're available.

 

The playoffs will show how much Kyrie is missed in Cleveland. Kyrie had the ability to take over games and break down defenses, and commanded defenses to account for him. Kryie was a huge part in bringing the Cavs back from being down 1-3 to the Warriors in the NBA Finals a couple of years ago. IT was suppose to be the player to fill that role in the absence of Kyrie. So, LeBron will have to do all the heavy lifting as it doesn't appear (from my limited viewing experience of the Cavs since the trade deadline) there isn't another player on the Cavs that can consistently create his own shot or cause the defense to collapse when driving to the hoop. But, credit has to be given to the Pacers as well. They've been playing very well over the course of the season and Oladipo has risen to the occasion.

Although the Rockets won, they struggled in the closing minutes against the T-Wolves. The T-Wolves needs to take advantage of the matchups when Towns is guarded by a guard on defensive switches. I certainly want the T-Wolves to push the Rockets.

I thought the Jazz might have given the Thunder better competition considering they were one of the hottest teams since the All Star break. I think the Jazz will steal game 2.

 

I'm interested to see how Cleveland responds in game 2. The way they played the first quarter/half of that game - really, everything except the end of the third quarter and maybe the first bit of the fourth - should be an embarrassment to everyone on that roster. I'm not sure if Lue is going to make a lineup change (I would, I think Nance should be starting), but the individuals playing need to respond more than anything tactical Lue can do.

Hood, Hill, Clarkson need to make shots. Period. But they also need to do the small things. Stay with their man on defense. Give a hustle play to prevent a fast break. Fight for an offensive rebound.

if the team comes out flat on Tuesday, it'll be a telltale sign. They might be able to survive on Lebron and Kevin and advance past Indiana, but they'll get beaten by a hungry and motivated-for-revenge Toronto team if they aren't going to have the heart and desire. But, if they respond and dominate and do the small things they need to do? Confidence can be restored quickly.

 

I think this is the first time since LeBron's first tour with Cleveland that he has entered the playoffs without a legit All Star on the court with him.

 

kevin love has made the all-star team 5 times so i'm not sure what it takes to make someone "legit". i get your meaning though, which is that he doesn't have that second all star who can really create for himself and teammates like wade or kyrie.

 

They should go after this great guy, who's a free agent this summer. His name is Paul George.

 

Kevin Love might be the most underappreciated player in the NBA today.

Five time all-star
NBA Champion
Olympic Gold Medalist

And referred to as "not a real all-star", constantly in trade rumors, etc.

 

DWade turning back the clock tonight.

 

great zach lowe breakdowns as per usual

 

Attention JCC sports fans, can anyone please help the Bucks find a defense?

 

The Celtics are getting to the rim way too easily tonight. Milwaukee's defense is nonexistent.

 

bucks are pretty out of sorts on both ends. no flow.

 

Bledsoe has been horrible on both ends. Completely being out coached. Back to Milwaukee, hope to see some sort of team work.

Portland up next.

 

Watch to the end:

 

it's safe to say: lebron. is. pissed.

 

LeBron with 20 in the first quarter. In game one, the Cavs didn't get to 20 as a team until almost 2 minutes were gone in the second quarter.

Had a personal 13-0 run to start the game.

20 / 6 / 3

damn, boy.

 

RIP Erin Popovich, wife of Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich.

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I just saw. Geez, death is having a heck of a busy week.

 

Jesus, that Erin Popovich thing just made Lebron basically cry live on national TV...

 

Spurs assistant Ettore Messina will coach Game 3.

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That's terribly sad news about Erin Popovich. I heard the news yesterday during the Cavs game. Condolences to Coach Pop and family.

The Cavs may need to LeBron to score around 30-40 points for the series and play heavy minutes, especially since they're going on the road. I think the Pacers will win Game 3.

Last night is how I expected the Jazz to play the Thunder in Game One. I think they'll be able to win Game 3 as well.

I need Portland to tie the series up and hopefully this will go 7 games, as I hoping the Warriors will be able to close out the Spurs and get Steph back for round two because they're going to need him against either the Blazers or Pelicans with their guard play.

 

really feel for pop and his family. probably going to be a weird energy in the arena tonight, easy one for the warriors to lose.

this sixers heat game is insanely good.

 

yeah, that was a good game, and a good win for the sixers

 

Mirotic has 30?! @epic was that dude always sneaky good or what is going on this year