2024 NBA Season and Playoffs

[celticsclay]

Assuming the Nuggets keep the #1 seed, what do you think the most difficult playoff path will be for them?

I think the first round is obvious with the Suns being a lethal threat as a 7 or 8 seed, especially given that they’ve had success against them in the past and this year.

I think the next two rounds are up in the air assuming that the higher seeds (LAC, Min, OKC) all win, as they’ve all had some success against Denver this year. Actually, Denver is just 3-5 against the top 4 in the West this year - 1-3 vs OKC, 2–1 vs LAC, and 0-1 vs Min. (Funny how you don’t hear that critique against them like you hear the critique against us against the West’s top 4 despite virtually an identical record.)

I’d probably say Clippers in the 1/4 matchup and then a fully healthy Minnesota in the conference finals is the toughest route for them. While OKC is 1-3 against them this year, they’re very young and inexperienced, as well as being very small with no option to try and even limit/make it difficult for Jokic. I think those will be exposed in the playoffs against Denver.

What do you think?

We really need to stop using regular records as any measurement of how teams matchup. Lakers for example have played Phoenix without Booker twice and once without both Booker and Beal. They just beat Minnesota when Minnesota didn’t have either Gobert or KAT. Right now teams are piling up wins against the warriors cause they don’t got curry.

[Phantom255x]

Just realizing but Denver is also now the 1 seed in the West.

Would love to see them knock off the Lakers first round assuming they are the 8 seed after the play-in. But if LAL is the 7 seed it seems likely OKC which would be ugh...

It is starting to look quite likely the 9 10 game in the west will be lakers warriors. Especially with curry still out it’s crazy one of those teams won’t make the playoffs. I thought the warriors were poised to go on a mini run before curry got hurt.

Yeah. They also really don't have an answer for AD either. Looney looks cashed and while Kuminga has risen, I still think he'd have trouble against AD

Teams can still move around obviously but good chance lakers and warriors are lock in that first game. With the tiebreaker kings are now basically 4 up on lakers. Dallas has two tough games coming up but then get three in a row against the spurs and jazz. If the standings do hold I expect lakers to beat warriors and then lose at Dallas or at Sacramento to miss the playoffs. If lakers can make 7 or 8 I think they win one of the two games.

It's hard with it just being a "one game tournament" since anything can really happen. Ultimately, I think Sacramento is the only team that can beat the Lakers of the three mentioned. But assuming LAL is 9 or 10, that's all it'll take to potentially get eliminated unless if Sacramento wins their play-in vs. Dallas which I predict.

[Phantom255x]

Assuming the Nuggets keep the #1 seed, what do you think the most difficult playoff path will be for them?

I think the first round is obvious with the Suns being a lethal threat as a 7 or 8 seed, especially given that they’ve had success against them in the past and this year.

I think the next two rounds are up in the air assuming that the higher seeds (LAC, Min, OKC) all win, as they’ve all had some success against Denver this year. Actually, Denver is just 3-5 against the top 4 in the West this year - 1-3 vs OKC, 2–1 vs LAC, and 0-1 vs Min. (Funny how you don’t hear that critique against them like you hear the critique against us against the West’s top 4 despite virtually an identical record.)

I’d probably say Clippers in the 1/4 matchup and then a fully healthy Minnesota in the conference finals is the toughest route for them. While OKC is 1-3 against them this year, they’re very young and inexperienced, as well as being very small with no option to try and even limit/make it difficult for Jokic. I think those will be exposed in the playoffs against Denver.

What do you think?

Their toughest path would be Phoenix first round, healthy Clippers or Kings 2nd round (I'd lean LAC but honestly both teams would present different/unique challenges and it also depends on health), then against a healthy Wolves with KAT back.

If we're being honest, the only two teams that I can see beating DEN is the Clippers + Wolves, but even that is dependent on LAC/MIN being fully healthy which probably isn't likely to happen.

[Vermont Green]

Assuming the Nuggets keep the #1 seed, what do you think the most difficult playoff path will be for them?

I think the first round is obvious with the Suns being a lethal threat as a 7 or 8 seed, especially given that they’ve had success against them in the past and this year.

I think the next two rounds are up in the air assuming that the higher seeds (LAC, Min, OKC) all win, as they’ve all had some success against Denver this year. Actually, Denver is just 3-5 against the top 4 in the West this year - 1-3 vs OKC, 2–1 vs LAC, and 0-1 vs Min. (Funny how you don’t hear that critique against them like you hear the critique against us against the West’s top 4 despite virtually an identical record.)

I’d probably say Clippers in the 1/4 matchup and then a fully healthy Minnesota in the conference finals is the toughest route for them. While OKC is 1-3 against them this year, they’re very young and inexperienced, as well as being very small with no option to try and even limit/make it difficult for Jokic. I think those will be exposed in the playoffs against Denver.

What do you think?

Their toughest path would be Phoenix first round, healthy Clippers or Kings 2nd round (I'd lean LAC but honestly both teams would present different/unique challenges and it also depends on health), then against a healthy Wolves with KAT back.

If we're being honest, the only two teams that I can see beating DEN is the Clippers + Wolves, but even that is dependent on LAC/MIN being fully healthy which probably isn't likely to happen.

Hard to say, but the best thing would be if OKC can beat them out for the top seed.  They are only ahead by 0.5 games.  That way you could have a WCF on the road vs OKC.  If LAC end up 4 and OKC 1, LAC could still beat OKC and then DEN would have home court anyway.  Just too many combinations possible.  So I guess I would hope for PHX in round 1, LAC in round 2 (they would have to get the 3 seed over MIN), and then on the road vs. OKC in the WCF.  MIN may also be able to be a spoiler to win the top seed and be a tough out in the playoffs but I don't see it.  It will be tough for them to get back to where they were in time.

[jpotter33]

Embiid-less Sixers up 3 on the Bucks in Milwaukee.

By the way, did people see the reporting that Embiid is targeting to get back at least one week before the playoffs? Hard to imagine him actually risking it and playing coming back that late. No way he'll be in shape, and they're just not going to be in position to win anything this year. Would be a big gamble coming off major knee surgery.

[Phantom255x]

Embiid-less Sixers up 3 on the Bucks in Milwaukee.

By the way, did people see the reporting that Embiid is targeting to get back at least one week before the playoffs? Hard to imagine him actually risking it and playing coming back that late. No way he'll be in shape, and they're just not going to be in position to win anything this year. Would be a big gamble coming off major knee surgery.

That’s why I have an asterisk on Philly in discussions because a lot depends on Embiid. When fully healthy that team probably is the true #2 in the East. Without him though they are zero threat

It’s just hard to tell though. I think he will come back but idk if he’ll be able to play heavy minutes or not

[SparzWizard]

Embiid-less Sixers up 3 on the Bucks in Milwaukee.

By the way, did people see the reporting that Embiid is targeting to get back at least one week before the playoffs? Hard to imagine him actually risking it and playing coming back that late. No way he'll be in shape, and they're just not going to be in position to win anything this year. Would be a big gamble coming off major knee surgery.

That’s why I have an asterisk on Philly in discussions because a lot depends on Embiid. When fully healthy that team probably is the true #2 in the East. Without him though they are zero threat

It’s just hard to tell though. I think he will come back but idk if he’ll be able to play heavy minutes or not

A healthy Embiid vs Boston in round 1 is going the limit.

[celticinorlando]

Embiid-less Sixers up 3 on the Bucks in Milwaukee.

By the way, did people see the reporting that Embiid is targeting to get back at least one week before the playoffs? Hard to imagine him actually risking it and playing coming back that late. No way he'll be in shape, and they're just not going to be in position to win anything this year. Would be a big gamble coming off major knee surgery.

That’s why I have an asterisk on Philly in discussions because a lot depends on Embiid. When fully healthy that team probably is the true #2 in the East. Without him though they are zero threat

It’s just hard to tell though. I think he will come back but idk if he’ll be able to play heavy minutes or not

A healthy Embiid vs Boston in round 1 is going the limit.

IF Embiid even returns he will be so out of shape that he will be a non factor. And I don't think he even returns this year.

That series isn't going past 5 or 6 games if they play with Embiid.

[scaryjerry]

Embiid-less Sixers up 3 on the Bucks in Milwaukee.

By the way, did people see the reporting that Embiid is targeting to get back at least one week before the playoffs? Hard to imagine him actually risking it and playing coming back that late. No way he'll be in shape, and they're just not going to be in position to win anything this year. Would be a big gamble coming off major knee surgery.

That’s why I have an asterisk on Philly in discussions because a lot depends on Embiid. When fully healthy that team probably is the true #2 in the East. Without him though they are zero threat

It’s just hard to tell though. I think he will come back but idk if he’ll be able to play heavy minutes or not

A healthy Embiid vs Boston in round 1 is going the limit.

Goes 6 or 7 even without Embiid…until they show me they can be consistently dominant in the playoffs I’m assuming all their series are going 6 or 7, don’t care how much better there regular season record is, all that does in the playoffs is add more pressure.

[celticinorlando]

Embiid-less Sixers up 3 on the Bucks in Milwaukee.

By the way, did people see the reporting that Embiid is targeting to get back at least one week before the playoffs? Hard to imagine him actually risking it and playing coming back that late. No way he'll be in shape, and they're just not going to be in position to win anything this year. Would be a big gamble coming off major knee surgery.

That’s why I have an asterisk on Philly in discussions because a lot depends on Embiid. When fully healthy that team probably is the true #2 in the East. Without him though they are zero threat

It’s just hard to tell though. I think he will come back but idk if he’ll be able to play heavy minutes or not

A healthy Embiid vs Boston in round 1 is going the limit.

Goes 6 or 7 even without Embiid…until they show me they can be consistently dominant in the playoffs I’m assuming all their series are going 6 or 7, don’t care how much better there regular season record is, all that does in the playoffs is add more pressure.

This guy again. You are a miserable fan. Nothing the Cs do brings you any happiness. All doom and gloom and the Cs just aren't good enough.

Here is what will happen in the playoffs. When the Celtics win series in 5 or 6 games, it won't be good enough for you. Even if they sweep teams, you will find something to complain about.


And you never criticize any other team. Just Boston.  Excuses for every other team. If the regular season does not matter to you, stop watching. Stop posting. Sit the last few weeks out.

[Celtics2021]

Embiid-less Sixers up 3 on the Bucks in Milwaukee.

By the way, did people see the reporting that Embiid is targeting to get back at least one week before the playoffs? Hard to imagine him actually risking it and playing coming back that late. No way he'll be in shape, and they're just not going to be in position to win anything this year. Would be a big gamble coming off major knee surgery.

That’s why I have an asterisk on Philly in discussions because a lot depends on Embiid. When fully healthy that team probably is the true #2 in the East. Without him though they are zero threat

It’s just hard to tell though. I think he will come back but idk if he’ll be able to play heavy minutes or not

A healthy Embiid vs Boston in round 1 is going the limit.

Goes 6 or 7 even without Embiid…until they show me they can be consistently dominant in the playoffs I’m assuming all their series are going 6 or 7, don’t care how much better there regular season record is, all that does in the playoffs is add more pressure.

This guy again. You are a miserable fan. Nothing the Cs do brings you any happiness. All doom and gloom and the Cs just aren't good enough.

Here is what will happen in the playoffs. When the Celtics win series in 5 or 6 games, it won't be good enough for you. Even if they sweep teams, you will find something to complain about.


And you never criticize any other team. Just Boston.  Excuses for every other team.

Yep, truly miserable.  The last four 1st rounds with Tatum and Brown (so ignoring 2021 when Jaylen was hurt) have been 3 sweeps and one that went six games.

[celticinorlando]

Embiid-less Sixers up 3 on the Bucks in Milwaukee.

By the way, did people see the reporting that Embiid is targeting to get back at least one week before the playoffs? Hard to imagine him actually risking it and playing coming back that late. No way he'll be in shape, and they're just not going to be in position to win anything this year. Would be a big gamble coming off major knee surgery.

That’s why I have an asterisk on Philly in discussions because a lot depends on Embiid. When fully healthy that team probably is the true #2 in the East. Without him though they are zero threat

It’s just hard to tell though. I think he will come back but idk if he’ll be able to play heavy minutes or not

A healthy Embiid vs Boston in round 1 is going the limit.

Goes 6 or 7 even without Embiid…until they show me they can be consistently dominant in the playoffs I’m assuming all their series are going 6 or 7, don’t care how much better there regular season record is, all that does in the playoffs is add more pressure.

This guy again. You are a miserable fan. Nothing the Cs do brings you any happiness. All doom and gloom and the Cs just aren't good enough.

Here is what will happen in the playoffs. When the Celtics win series in 5 or 6 games, it won't be good enough for you. Even if they sweep teams, you will find something to complain about.


And you never criticize any other team. Just Boston.  Excuses for every other team.

Yep, truly miserable.  The last four 1st rounds with Tatum and Brown (so ignoring 2021 when Jaylen was hurt) have been 3 sweeps and one that went six games.

He expects every series to be 4-0 and JT and JB average 50 points each. Nothing is good enough. The regular season does not matter until the Cs lose a game and then he rips them. Never have I seen him post one positive thing about the Cs.

But if the Bucks or anyone else lose, it a character builder. They are tested. Toughness by learning from losses.

[Donoghus]

Embiid-less Sixers up 3 on the Bucks in Milwaukee.

By the way, did people see the reporting that Embiid is targeting to get back at least one week before the playoffs? Hard to imagine him actually risking it and playing coming back that late. No way he'll be in shape, and they're just not going to be in position to win anything this year. Would be a big gamble coming off major knee surgery.

That’s why I have an asterisk on Philly in discussions because a lot depends on Embiid. When fully healthy that team probably is the true #2 in the East. Without him though they are zero threat

It’s just hard to tell though. I think he will come back but idk if he’ll be able to play heavy minutes or not

A healthy Embiid vs Boston in round 1 is going the limit.

IF Embiid even returns he will be so out of shape that he will be a non factor. And I don't think he even returns this year.

That series isn't going past 5 or 6 games if they play with Embiid.

Yup. 

[Roy H.]

Embiid-less Sixers up 3 on the Bucks in Milwaukee.

By the way, did people see the reporting that Embiid is targeting to get back at least one week before the playoffs? Hard to imagine him actually risking it and playing coming back that late. No way he'll be in shape, and they're just not going to be in position to win anything this year. Would be a big gamble coming off major knee surgery.

That’s why I have an asterisk on Philly in discussions because a lot depends on Embiid. When fully healthy that team probably is the true #2 in the East. Without him though they are zero threat

It’s just hard to tell though. I think he will come back but idk if he’ll be able to play heavy minutes or not

A healthy Embiid vs Boston in round 1 is going the limit.

IF Embiid even returns he will be so out of shape that he will be a non factor. And I don't think he even returns this year.

That series isn't going past 5 or 6 games if they play with Embiid.

Yup.

Agreed that Boston would win in 5 or 6, although I wouldn't necessarily call Embiid a "non factor".  I expect we'd see something like what the Sixers got out of Harden last year:  a couple of great performances, and a few stinkers.

[Celtics2021]

Embiid-less Sixers up 3 on the Bucks in Milwaukee.

By the way, did people see the reporting that Embiid is targeting to get back at least one week before the playoffs? Hard to imagine him actually risking it and playing coming back that late. No way he'll be in shape, and they're just not going to be in position to win anything this year. Would be a big gamble coming off major knee surgery.

That’s why I have an asterisk on Philly in discussions because a lot depends on Embiid. When fully healthy that team probably is the true #2 in the East. Without him though they are zero threat

It’s just hard to tell though. I think he will come back but idk if he’ll be able to play heavy minutes or not

A healthy Embiid vs Boston in round 1 is going the limit.

IF Embiid even returns he will be so out of shape that he will be a non factor. And I don't think he even returns this year.

That series isn't going past 5 or 6 games if they play with Embiid.

Yup.

Agreed that Boston would win in 5 or 6, although I wouldn't necessarily call Embiid a "non factor".  I expect we'd see something like what the Sixers got out of Harden last year:  a couple of great performances, and a few stinkers.

How about we call him “insufficient at best”?