Great game last night between Toronto and Portland.....amazing last second shot by Kawhi for the win. Raptors got the better of that trade, and that front line of Gasol, Siakam & Leonard is sweet.

Tobias Harris is just what Philly needed,,,,,a dude who can get his own shot. He's fit in nicely.

Milwaukee added Pau Gasol, who was waived by San Antonio. He's near the end, but he'll gve them useful minutes, and he has playoff experience.

No playoffs for Lebron and the Lakers this year. The injuries derailed their season.

Empress said:

The Raps/Portland game was a real nail-biter. I could hardly watch the last couple of minutes and the refs were bloody awful. I'm confident the Raps will do very well in the playoffs, but I'll admit I'm a little worried about meeting Milwaukee. They will be very tough to beat. It's going to be an awesome playoff season and nice Lebrun isn't there for a change.

I'm looking at a possible second round matchup between Toronto and Indiana. Pacers are playing solicit ball even without Oladipo.

Tough loss for Philly against GS. Not having Embiid really hurt, because their late game offensive execution was bad. You have to wonder about Embiid's conditioning and long-term durability.

[Edited 3/2/19 21:59pm]

Philly's late game offensive execution is awful even when Embiid is there.

Embiid has been relatively healthy this season. Hindsight is 20/20 but

it probably hurt him when he played in the All Star game.

Hopefully Philly can win enough to move up to the 3rd seed. I don't think they

want a first round matchup against the Celtics. The Celts have shown they are not

afraid of Philly.

Beeen busy moving the last couple weeks but as I recall:

The Houston Rockets whipped Golden State, in Golden State - without James Harden.

The Houston Rockets beat the Boston Celtics into submission yesterday, on national TV - in Boston.

The Houston Rockets are completely healthy right now.

Like I said - a healthy Rockets team can win the championship.

BTW, there was some commentary from the TV announcers yesterday about James Harden's workout regimen and how it's designed to keep him fresh during the playoffs. I am a little worried about whether Harden can lead the NBA in minutes AND maintain his MVP play through the playoffs, but up to this point he sure looks like he knows what he's doing.

Go Rockets!

728huey said:

As for Lebron and the Lakers, I said before the season that they weren't quite ready for prime time even with Lebron James joining them, but after having that solid start, the injury to Lebron threw them into disarray. The whole Anthony Davis trade saga didn't help either, as they didn't end up picking up anyone of value at the trade deadline and are now likely to miss the playoffs. I still see Golden State emerging out of the West to make the NBA Finals, but this year all of the real drama is likely to be in East.

Ball & Rondo were hurt to, adding to the Lakers problems. But I still felt they had the talent to pull out more wins. I was watching Chauncey Billups breaking down their defense, and it was pathetic. Like Clyde Frazier alays says, defense is about effort, not talent.

The way the seedings are now, Houston would have to go through Portland first, then Golden State just to get to the conference finals. I can see the Blazers taking them to seven games.

uPtoWnNY said:

728huey said:

As for Lebron and the Lakers, I said before the season that they weren't quite ready for prime time even with Lebron James joining them, but after having that solid start, the injury to Lebron threw them into disarray. The whole Anthony Davis trade saga didn't help either, as they didn't end up picking up anyone of value at the trade deadline and are now likely to miss the playoffs. I still see Golden State emerging out of the West to make the NBA Finals, but this year all of the real drama is likely to be in East.

Ball & Rondo were hurt to, adding to the Lakers problems. But I still felt they had the talent to pull out more wins. I was watching Chauncey Billups breaking down their defense, and it was pathetic. Like Clyde Frazier alays says, defense is about effort, not talent.

The way the seedings are now, Houston would have to go through Portland first, then Golden State just to get to the conference finals. I can see the Blazers taking them to seven games.

Anything can happen. We're the number 5 seed now but we're only 1 game out of the 3 seed.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: A healthy Rockets team beats anything Golden State can throw at them.

Our beloved Houston Rockets put a beatdown on Toronto last night, in Toronto. Looking good!

RodeoSchro said:

Our beloved Houston Rockets put a beatdown on Toronto last night, in Toronto. Looking good!

Yes, they did. The Raps were terrible last night. Houston is a strong team, for sure.

Empress said:

RodeoSchro said:

Our beloved Houston Rockets put a beatdown on Toronto last night, in Toronto. Looking good!

Yes, they did. The Raps were terrible last night. Houston is a strong team, for sure.

I was thinking about you last night. Toronto is good, I hope they can make it to the Finals.

RodeoSchro said:

Empress said:

Yes, they did. The Raps were terrible last night. Houston is a strong team, for sure.

I was thinking about you last night. Toronto is good, I hope they can make it to the Finals.

Well, isn't that funny as I was thinking of you too I wish the Raps had Harden. He's an awesome player. I think both TO and Houston will make it to the finals and beyond.

RodeoSchro said:

Empress said:

Yes, they did. The Raps were terrible last night. Houston is a strong team, for sure.

I was thinking about you last night. Toronto is good, I hope they can make it to the Finals.

It's all about match-ups come playoff time. The team no one is talking about, who I think can cause problems for Toronto or Milwaukee, is Indiana. It's amazing they're at 3. And if the Celtics can ever get their shit together, they can do damage with their closer (Kyrie).

Houston? Well, you know how I feel about Pringles, particularly in the playoffs....the proof in the pudding.....

Great double-header tonight....Pacers/Bucks, Thunder/Blazers....nice!

ESPNLosAngeles‏Verified account @ESPNLosAngeles 5h5 hours ago

Goddess4Real said:

Empress said:

Goddess4Real said:

ESPNLosAngeles‏Verified account @ESPNLosAngeles 5h5 hours ago

A message from the to MJ. (via LeBron James/IG)

Awesome accomplishment! Congratulations to Lebron.

Golden State returned the favor and beat Houston last night without Durant. Blame it on the Boogie.....27 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assista and 2 steals.

James Dolan showing why he's the worst owner in the NBA, maybe pro sports.....Knicks have been a shitfest for nearly 18 years thanks to him.

https://www.youtube.com/w...wZ5rEudAps

The biggest problem with the Knicks has always been the front office, even pre-Dolan. They're the polar opposite of the San Antonio Spurs. Instead of drafting smart, scouting well, and developing players, the Knicks management always goes for the quick fix, trading away draft picks and signing high-priced free agents past their prime. This has been going on since Spencer Heywood and Marvin Webster. And if you look up their draft history aside from Patrick Ewing, it'll make you laugh (makes me cry). I've seen my share of bad losing stretches, but this is as bad as it gets.

[Edited 3/14/19 16:31pm]

It was great to see the Raptors beat the Lakers last night. LeBron has been a thorn in our side for years. I read this morning that LeBron may no longer be bringing in the money like he used to since joining the Lakers. I hope this will deter Kawhi from going there and staying with the Raps for at least another year. Fingers crossed.

uPtoWnNY said:

Golden State returned the favor and beat Houston last night without Durant. Blame it on the Boogie.....27 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assista and 2 steals.

James Dolan showing why he's the worst owner in the NBA, maybe pro sports.....Knicks have been a shitfest for nearly 18 years thanks to him.

https://www.youtube.com/w...wZ5rEudAps

The biggest problem with the Knicks has always been the front office, even pre-Dolan. They're the polar opposite of the San Antonio Spurs. Instead of drafting smart, scouting well, and developing players, the Knicks management always goes for the quick fix, trading away draft picks and signing high-priced free agents past their prime. This has been going on since Spencer Heywood and Marvin Webster. And if you look up their draft history aside from Patrick Ewing, it'll make you laugh (makes me cry). I've seen my share of bad losing stretches, but this is as bad as it gets.

[Edited 3/14/19 16:31pm]

Harden went 2 - 12 from 3-Point Land. It seems the only way GS can beat Houston is if the Rockets have not just a bad night behind the arc, but an historically bad night. I still like our chances.

Since re-hiring defensive guru Jeff Bzdelik, the Rockets have gone from the fifth-worst defense in the NBA to the fifth-best.

Fun game between Milwaukee & Philly. Sixers starting 5 is sweet, but I still worry about their bench...and Simmons' free throw shooting in a tight playoff game.

Not buying the Rockets until they actually get it done against the Warriors.

uPtoWnNY said:

Fun game between Milwaukee & Philly. Sixers starting 5 is sweet, but I still worry about their bench...and Simmons' free throw shooting in a tight playoff game.

Not buying the Rockets until they actually get it done against the Warriors.

I just came back from the Sixers-Hornets game tonight. Tonight was a rest night for Embiid. Don't even think he made the trip because they got Boston Wednesday night. Like you said the Sixers

starters are sweet but the bench is really ass. They struggled to pull away from Charlotte tonight

even with Kemba Walker in foul trouble in the first half. James Ennis was the only player who scored off Philly's bench with 14. Boban Marjonivich was horrible and slow. Charlotte had way too many drives to the basket without Embiid in the middle. All the Philly starters but C Amir Johnson had 20 plus points. They have to get more production from the bench going forward to the postseason.

The good news is the Sixers won an ugly game and clinched a playoff berth.

Philly got a much needed win over the Celtics on Wednesday. That's still a tough matchup for the

Sixers. The Celtics spread the floor and causes the Sixers defensive rotation problems.

I'm excited and ready for the postseason this year. Go Sixers!

Dadgummit, James Harden is running out of gas! He only got 61 last night against the Spurs.

Empress said:

Harden is incredible! Possibly MVP.

Possibly?!? LOL, who else can even be in the conversation?

He's leading the scoring average by more than EIGHT points per game. In other words, what Harden averages in just THREE quarters of play is more than what the next-best guy averages in FOUR quarters of play.

Add to that a top-10 ranking in assists and steals, and I don't see how anyone could make a case for anyone but Harden for MVP.

RodeoSchro said:

Empress said:

Harden is incredible! Possibly MVP.

Possibly?!? LOL, who else can even be in the conversation?

He's leading the scoring average by more than EIGHT points per game. In other words, what Harden averages in just THREE quarters of play is more than what the next-best guy averages in FOUR quarters of play.

Add to that a top-10 ranking in assists and steals, and I don't see how anyone could make a case for anyone but Harden for MVP.

IMO, Milwaukee losing the Greek Freak (for a stretch) would hurt more than Houston losing Harden. I'm going with Giannis for MVP.

Hot rumor is Jason Kidd will be the next coach of the Lakers.

Knicks are well on their way to having the worst record....hopefully we'll get lucky like we did in 1985.

uPtoWnNY said:

RodeoSchro said:

Possibly?!? LOL, who else can even be in the conversation?

He's leading the scoring average by more than EIGHT points per game. In other words, what Harden averages in just THREE quarters of play is more than what the next-best guy averages in FOUR quarters of play.

Add to that a top-10 ranking in assists and steals, and I don't see how anyone could make a case for anyone but Harden for MVP.

IMO, Milwaukee losing the Greek Freak (for a stretch) would hurt more than Houston losing Harden. I'm going with Giannis for MVP.

Hot rumor is Jason Kidd will be the next coach of the Lakers.

Knicks are well on their way to having the worst record....hopefully we'll get lucky like we did in 1985.

You mean with frozen ping-pong balls, some of which have bent edges?

I read that Zion doesn't want to play in a major market. Not good for the Knicks if they get the "lucky" and get the #1 draft pick, as Zion is the best collegiate player I've seen in many a moon.

uPtoWnNY said:

RodeoSchro said:

Possibly?!? LOL, who else can even be in the conversation?

He's leading the scoring average by more than EIGHT points per game. In other words, what Harden averages in just THREE quarters of play is more than what the next-best guy averages in FOUR quarters of play.

Add to that a top-10 ranking in assists and steals, and I don't see how anyone could make a case for anyone but Harden for MVP.

IMO, Milwaukee losing the Greek Freak (for a stretch) would hurt more than Houston losing Harden. I'm going with Giannis for MVP.

Hot rumor is Jason Kidd will be the next coach of the Lakers.

Knicks are well on their way to having the worst record....hopefully we'll get lucky like we did in 1985.

LOL, dude you're just trolling me now! That's OK, I'm such a Houston homer that I probably deserve it. But Harden is still the MVP and should be a unanimous pick, in my very very very humble and non-biased opinion.

Here's the hometown Houston Chronicle's breakdown on the James Harden/Giannis Antetokounmpo MVP race. They think it's a closer call than I do, but to me the MVP should be given to the best player in the league. I don't look at it as "What if this guy wasn't on the team, or got hurt?".

The site is paywalled but here are the relevant points:

Once again, the NBA’s Most Valuable Player race seems to be reduced to a choice between two stars having sublime seasons: reigning MVP James Harden and leading contender Giannis Antetokounmpo. There are, as usual, other worthy players, including Paul George of the Thunder, Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets, Damian Lillard of the Trail Blazers and former MVPs Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant of the Warriors. But the race appears to have become a binary choice between players who have dominated the season.

<snip>


When Harden totaled 57 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks at Memphis, he was the first player in NBA history to reach those stat-stuffing numbers in one game. When he had 41 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds, six blocks and three steals against the Suns, he became the only player to collect at least 30 points, 10 assists, five steals and three blocks in a game. When he had 61 points, 15 rebounds and five steals against the Knicks, he became the only player to score 60 points while getting 15 rebounds and five steals. With his 40 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds against Cleveland, he became the only player with a 40-point triple-double in less than 30 minutes.

His 40-game stretch averaging 40.1 points and his 24-game run leading both teams in scoring are the longest in NBA history by anyone other than Chamberlain.

Of players to have averaged 35 points per game, Harden is on pace to do it on fewer shots and while averaging more assists than any previous player.

Antetokounmpo, however, is on pace to become second player in NBA history, joining Oscar Robertson, to average at least 27 points, 12 rebounds and six assists per game, and he is doing it while shooting 58.1 percent, far better than any of the other 32 players averaging 20 or more points per game.

On pace to be the ninth player in NBA history to average at least 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists and just the fourth in the past 30 years, Antetokounmpo would do it with the best shooting percentage in league history

<snip>


Edge: Too different to call. Strict definition of “value” goes to Harden because of where the Rockets, with all their injuries, would have been without him. But it’s not Antetokounmpo’s fault his team stayed healthy for longer. Antetokounmpo’s dominance is easier to appreciate. But it’s not Harden’s fault that many don’t understand the difficulty of conquering all the defenses designed just to stop him.

Antetokounmpo seems to have the momentum, but Harden might be gaining on him. History might favor Harden, but Antetokounmpo has a good combination of being a fresh face with old-school greatness.

Go Bulls.........opps, I forgot, the run (in the ground) by Paxson, Forman and the worst owners in pro-sports.