We are closing in on the end of the de facto preseason (first 30 games) and the beginning of the real regular season, which kicks off Christmas Day. Random thoughts:

Golden State seems to be showing signs of wear, but that happens to dynastic teams that have runs into mid-June for three or more years.

Toronto and Kawhi seem like a hand-in-glove fit.

The Celts seem to be rounding into form. Can they play addition-by-subtraction with a big trade before the deadline?

Can the Nuggets sustain this run?

The LeBrons are exactly where I thought they'd be, and maybe even a little ahead of schedule.

In NYC, we have a motto for the Knicks - "Tryin' for Zion!"

As a long time Raptors and basketball fan, I am so happy with the Raptors this season. It's been awesome! It's also nice to see other teams near the top rather than the same old. I would like nothing more than for GS to NOT get past the first round of playoffs this year for a change and to make room for other teams. It gets a little stale when the same teams win year after year. It's time for another team to take the crown and if that is the Raptors, I will be thrilled!! As will an entire country! We The North!!

Empress said:

As a long time Raptors and basketball fan, I am so happy with the Raptors this season. It's been awesome! It's also nice to see other teams near the top rather than the same old. I would like nothing more than for GS to NOT get past the first round of playoffs this year for a change and to make room for other teams. It gets a little stale when the same teams win year after year. It's time for another team to take the crown and if that is the Raptors, I will be thrilled!! As will an entire country! We The North!!

One thing in the Raptors favor is Kawhi Leonard can play Kevin Durant straight up. Durant will get his, but he'll have to work for it.

728huey said:

Merry Christmas NBA fans. This is always a big day in the NBA, as we are a third of the way into the season and we have a better view of which teams are doing well, which ones are disappointing and need to step up, and which ones are hopelessly out of the picture.

Somewhat expected is the Toronto Raptors leading the NBA with the best overall record. The Raptors led the Eastern Conference last season, and with Kawhi Leonard they have clearly upgraded in talent. But while the focus has been on the Celtics and 76ers chasing them for the top spot, don't overlook Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. They have also stepped up this year, and barring a freaky collapse or some serious injuries down the stretch, they could be a dark horse candidate for reaching the NBA Finals. As for the Sixers, it looks like Jimmy Butler was a great addition. Now if they could add some depth down the stretch, they could compete for the NBA Finals. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics seemed to have overcome their slow start to get back on track for title contention.

As for the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors look like that team that's getting older and too sure of their ability to cruise now and step up later, if not getting downright complacent. Anyone who wins multiple NBA titles in a short span is going to feel the weight of the league pulling on them. It happened to Kobe's Lakers teams, it happened to Michael Jordan's Bulls teams, and it happened to Magic Johnson's Lakers teams. Speaking of which, Lebron's Lakers team is progressing a bit ahead of schedule, but we'll see what happens a couple of months from now, because many teams hit the proverbial wall after the All-Star break. The Denver Nuggets have been surprisingly good this season. While they were an up-and-coming squad that barely missed the playoffs last season, I expected them to be better but not necessarily leading the Western Conference in win percentage. The other pleasant surprises happen to be the LA Clippers and Indiana Pacers.

On the other hand, the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans have been big disappointments so far, and they really need to step up and/or make some roster moves if they have any chance of making the playoffs. But the biggest bust has to be the Washington Wizards. Even without Marcin Gortat they have far too many talented players to be playing so terribly. They're already looking to break up this team before the All-Star break. Of course, the Knicks are struggling, but at least they have the excuse of not having Kristaps Porzingis available. The same can't be said for my Chicago Bulls, who only managed to fire their head coach yet didn't clean out the front office.

It always feels like Christmas Day is the start of the season. As for the lead games:

The Eastern marquee matchup was indeed a glimpse into how it would play out in May. The C's will always find a way against these Sixers.

The Western marquee was nothing more than a Christmas present for Lakers fans like me, though I take absolutely nothing away from it for the future. The Dubs missed a lot of shots they usually make and when they get Boogie back there's no way a solid role player like Zubac will be as effective in the pivot.

namepeace said:

Empress said:

namepeace said:

It always feels like Christmas Day is the start of the season. As for the lead games:

The Eastern marquee matchup was indeed a glimpse into how it would play out in May. The C's will always find a way against these Sixers.

The Western marquee was nothing more than a Christmas present for Lakers fans like me, though I take absolutely nothing away from it for the future. The Dubs missed a lot of shots they usually make and when they get Boogie back there's no way a solid role player like Zubac will be as effective in the pivot.

The Raptors will be there in May/June, count on it!

No doubt. Kawhi is making a case for MVP. BOS may not be able to take them 4 of 7 without homecourt.

The LeBrons beat the pants off the Stephens last night - in StephenTown,and without LeBron for half the game. (Am I doing this right?)

Really impressed with what Brooklyn is doing. I hate to admit it, but they have a better future than the team at MSG. If I'm a top FA, I'd definitely give them a look over the Knicks.

uPtoWnNY said:

Really impressed with what Brooklyn is doing. I hate to admit it, but they have a better future than the team at MSG. If I'm a top FA, I'd definitely give them a look over the Knicks.

There was talk of Kyrie and Jimmy Butler teaming up and going there.

"The Last Dance" a 10 part series about the Chicago Bulls - Espn Netflix Trailer, that we have to wait until 2020 to watch

[Edited 12/27/18 15:29pm]

(FULL) Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson with Isiah Thomas & Joe Dumars Exclusive Interview

Empress said:

namepeace said:

It always feels like Christmas Day is the start of the season. As for the lead games:

The Eastern marquee matchup was indeed a glimpse into how it would play out in May. The C's will always find a way against these Sixers.

The Western marquee was nothing more than a Christmas present for Lakers fans like me, though I take absolutely nothing away from it for the future. The Dubs missed a lot of shots they usually make and when they get Boogie back there's no way a solid role player like Zubac will be as effective in the pivot.

The Sixers will be there in May/June, count on it!

Quick fix

LeBron James: Cavs' title 'made me the greatest player of all time' http://www.espn.com.au/nb...player-all

namepeace said:

Empress said:

namepeace said: The Raptors will be there in May/June, count on it!

No doubt. Kawhi is making a case for MVP. BOS may not be able to take them 4 of 7 without homecourt.

The Greek Freak is my MVP so far. Bucks are looking good. Lopez's ability as a stretch 5 lets Giannis go to work in the paint.

Seems Denver has taken that next step. I'll watch them beat up on the suck-ass Knicks tomorrow.

uPtoWnNY said:

namepeace said:

No doubt. Kawhi is making a case for MVP. BOS may not be able to take them 4 of 7 without homecourt.

The Greek Freak is my MVP so far. Bucks are looking good. Lopez's ability as a stretch 5 lets Giannis go to work in the paint.

You're right; Giannis is making a strong MVP case and Lopez has opened things up for him even more, which is a scary thought.

Empress said:

Wow, what a game last night between the Raptors and Bucks. The Raps needed that win.

I like that Siakam kid. He's really improved his game from a year ago.

uPtoWnNY said:

Empress said:

uPtoWnNY said:

I like that Siakam kid. He's really improved his game from a year ago.

Yes, he really has improved big time. He's also a very funny guy. Have you seen any of his YouTube stuff?

Not yet...I'll check it out.

T'wolves fired Thibs.

Raptors are playing the Pacers, another team folks are sleeping on. It's amazing how Victor Oladipo has made himself into a legit superstar.

[Edited 1/6/19 17:12pm]

How LeBron James' absence could impact the Lakers' future https://www.usatoday.com/...508534002/

Goddess4Real said:

How LeBron James' absence could impact the Lakers' future https://www.usatoday.com/...508534002/

Walton was right for calling Ball & Ingram out. Time for those young cats to step up.

uPtoWnNY said:

Goddess4Real said:

How LeBron James' absence could impact the Lakers' future https://www.usatoday.com/...508534002/

Walton was right for calling Ball & Ingram out. Time for those young cats to step up.

How is it possible that Lonzo Ball shoots 41% from the free-throw line?!?

RodeoSchro said:

uPtoWnNY said:

Walton was right for calling Ball & Ingram out. Time for those young cats to step up.

How is it possible that Lonzo Ball shoots 41% from the free-throw line?!?

Inexcusable for an NBA point guard. Shaq laughs at that percentage.

I can't believe this came up on YouTube just now! We spent HOURS trying to make those behind-the-back shots that Pistol Pete pulled off.

uPtoWnNY said:

RodeoSchro said:

How is it possible that Lonzo Ball shoots 41% from the free-throw line?!?

Inexcusable for an NBA point guard. Shaq laughs at that percentage.

Indeed.

uPtoWnNY said:

Goddess4Real said:

How LeBron James' absence could impact the Lakers' future https://www.usatoday.com/...508534002/

Walton was right for calling Ball & Ingram out. Time for those young cats to step up.

They better. They're auditioning for a spot on the roster opening night 2019.

If they don't ball out -- especially Ingram, who's supposed to be in his "Leap Year" -- then LA will send them both to NO for AD, along with Hart and maybe even Kuzma.

If they want to stay in La La Land they better wake up.

The two top teams in the western conference met last night and it was no contest. Golden State let Denver know who's in charge. They're winning the finals with or without Boogie.