NBA Thread

[Orgfiller]

So if the Cavs keep downplaying during the regular season, they'll downplay themselves right out of a Finals spot. Three blow out losses against good teams and a close game against a basement dweller on their four game road trip. Barely positive point differential now. I don't know basketball that well but that looks like a team that wasn't what it was the last couple of years. If I bothered with bets that took 5 months to complete, some money on the Raptors or Celtics to be the conference winner looks pretty good right about now.

They're too old and don't play defense. LeBron as usual is just carrying the entire team on his back, he has zero support from the rest of the players right now.

[Dick_Pole]

They're too old and don't play defense. LeBron as usual is just carrying the entire team on his back, he has zero support from the rest of the players right now.

I really hope he goes to the Lakers so the Cavs can continue their legacy as an 11 win team. What a shithole city. Cleveland has had far too much winning (in sports, not in life) recently. It needs more Browns.

[Krylian]

So if the Cavs keep downplaying during the regular season, they'll downplay themselves right out of a Finals spot. Three blow out losses against good teams and a close game against a basement dweller on their four game road trip. Barely positive point differential now. I don't know basketball that well but that looks like a team that wasn't what it was the last couple of years. If I bothered with bets that took 5 months to complete, some money on the Raptors or Celtics to be the conference winner looks pretty good right about now.

The thing with Lebron lead teams is that they have a history of turning it on in the playoffs (Cleveland and Miami). So, yes, they look like garbage right now...but don't sleep on them. Those veteran teams can be very dangerous when they get on the same page. It may not happen, but don't be surprised.

[connorp]

So seriously I'm not trolling... but assuming both teams are healthy, would you really bet on the Raps over Lebr.. I mean the Cavs in a playoff series?

Kool-aid is nice sometimes

[connorp]

The thing with Lebron lead teams is that they have a history of turning it on in the playoffs (Cleveland and Miami). So, yes, they look like garbage right now...but don't sleep on them. Those veteran teams can be very dangerous when they get on the same page. It may not happen, but don't be surprised.

When they decide to play defense like it matters*

[Orgfiller]

So seriously I'm not trolling... but assuming both teams are healthy, would you really bet on the Raps over Lebr.. I mean the Cavs in a playoff series?

Kool-aid is nice sometimes

This team could easily beat the Cavs in a playoff series, I have no doubt about that. Our bench is like, the best in the NBA. Now whether that means they will play at a high level come the playoffs like they're capable of, and LeBron will completely dominate as usual, is a different thing.

[connorp]

This team could easily beat the Cavs in a playoff series, I have no doubt about that. Our bench is like, the best in the NBA. Now whether that means they will play at a high level come the playoffs like they're capable of, and LeBron will completely dominate as usual, is a different thing.

Not sure how many times Bron's teams have to coast regular season to know they're coasting. Let's just bookmark these posts

[Dick_Pole]

So seriously I'm not trolling... but assuming both teams are healthy, would you really bet on the Raps over Lebr.. I mean the Cavs in a playoff series?

Kool-aid is nice sometimes

That's a silly question. A gambling newb here trying to be a smartass. You have to frame the question right, gambling newb. Would I take the Raptors in an even money bet....no, what a stupid idea that would be. Would I take them at +150 or higher, which would be the going rate with the home court advantage if the season ended today. Yes, I would.

[Orgfiller]

Not sure how many times Bron's teams have to coast regular season to know they're coasting. Let's just bookmark these posts

I don't know what you're getting at here. I don't expect the Cavs to crap out come the playoffs, but they most certainly are not the clear cut best team in the East like the last couple of years, the Celtics and Raptors present huge problems for them. Could I see Cleveland winning the East? Of course, but they won't just sweep everyone like last year.

[connorp]

I don't know what you're getting at here. I don't expect the Cavs to crap out come the playoffs, but they most certainly are not the clear cut best team in the East like the last couple of years, the Celtics and Raptors present huge problems for them. Could I see Cleveland winning the East? Of course, but they won't just sweep everyone like last year.

Not sure how clear cut they were last year when Boston had better record and TOR same record

[burlingtonbandit]

The thing with Lebron lead teams is that they have a history of turning it on in the playoffs (Cleveland and Miami). So, yes, they look like garbage right now...but don't sleep on them. Those veteran teams can be very dangerous when they get on the same page. It may not happen, but don't be surprised.

I think the key to beating them in the playoffs will be to play extremely fast. Cavs will no doubt turn it up in the playoffs but at the same time they are still old and slow and have limitations on defense.

If the Raps or Celtics (maybe even the Wiz) run in transition I think they have a good chance of beating them. The Pace always slows down in the playoffs because teams don't want to risk turning the ball over but a smart coach will realize that's going to be how you beat them.

[burlingtonbandit]

For the Raps the biggest questions are going to be:

1. Can Derozan and Lowry play to their talent level

2. Can the young players knock down open shots. Delon, OG, VV and Siakam are going to be left open as teams rightfully will focus on Lowry and Derozan.

I'm confident in the Raptors defense being good enough as they've shown all year they are a top team with all of their length and athleticism so I think that will translate. Then bench isn't going to be a factor as much given stars play 35-40 min in the playoffs.

[jays_fever]

I don't know what you're getting at here. I don't expect the Cavs to crap out come the playoffs, but they most certainly are not the clear cut best team in the East like the last couple of years, the Celtics and Raptors present huge problems for them. Could I see Cleveland winning the East? Of course, but they won't just sweep everyone like last year.

Until Lebron actually gets beat, I'd say Cleveland is the clear cut favourite. Casey needs to stop with the 12 man rotation though and go hard for that 1 seed.

The bucks or Washington would be a good entertaining series. Getting bounced in 5 by the Cavs would be horrible

[Abomination]

This game might be incredibly high scoring. Neither team seems interested in playing defense.

[connorp]

Until Lebron actually gets beat, I'd say Cleveland is the clear cut favourite. Casey needs to stop with the 12 man rotation though and go hard for that 1 seed.

The bucks or Washington would be a good entertaining series. Getting bounced in 5 by the Cavs would be horrible

I can't say I watched any game against TOR but I've seen my fair share of Cavs games this year and Lebron isn't even pretending to play D most of the time lol.
It'll all start with him and I expect they're going to turn on the jets post-season

[burlingtonbandit]

Raps defence struggling big time. Credit to GS because they've made everything but lots of good looks for them.