NBA Season/Playoffs 2025-26

[Larry for 3]

I noticed that in yesterday's games that the winning team pulled away from the loser in the 3rd quarter.  curious if the trend continues with today's games.  even without that trend, still need to see the C's come out strong to start each half (and just play strong throughout the whole game but don't want to push my luck)

The C's themselves have to prove they can play in the 2nd half. Hate to keep beating a dead horse, but they blew multiple 20 point leads in the Knicks series and often were the inferior team in the 4th against them despite having dominant stretches before that. They'll have to prove better in those moments later this postseason and this round can at least give them some chances to try some things or learn. After this, it's likely NY/DET/CLE then SAS/DEN/OKC in the Finals. The Celtics can hang with any of them, but to beat them they'll have to get to another level in the 2nd half and 4th quarter of games. I don't think they can frontrun or rely on blowouts like in 2024 where OKC wasn't OKC yet and the East had a lot of injuries.

Everything comes down to that Knicks series. The Knicks have answers against the Celtics. Do they have answers back? We?ll see.

[slamtheking]

I noticed that in yesterday's games that the winning team pulled away from the loser in the 3rd quarter.  curious if the trend continues with today's games.  even without that trend, still need to see the C's come out strong to start each half (and just play strong throughout the whole game but don't want to push my luck)

The C's themselves have to prove they can play in the 2nd half. Hate to keep beating a dead horse, but they blew multiple 20 point leads in the Knicks series and often were the inferior team in the 4th against them despite having dominant stretches before that. They'll have to prove better in those moments later this postseason and this round can at least give them some chances to try some things or learn. After this, it's likely NY/DET/CLE then SAS/DEN/OKC in the Finals. The Celtics can hang with any of them, but to beat them they'll have to get to another level in the 2nd half and 4th quarter of games. I don't think they can frontrun or rely on blowouts like in 2024 where OKC wasn't OKC yet and the East had a lot of injuries.

Everything comes down to that Knicks series. The Knicks have answers against the Celtics. Do they have answers back? We?ll see.

those answers are called "let them shoot themselves out of the game" and "get the refs to bail us out with questionable/biased calls"

[SparzWizard]

The 1/8 matchup definitely looks like a 1/8 matchup...OKC curbstomping Phoenix

[slamtheking]

The 1/8 matchup definitely looks like a 1/8 matchup...OKC curbstomping Phoenix

I don't see OKC getting challenged until/unless they play SAS in the conf finals.  only other way is if they play the Lakers next and the Luka/Lebron combo get their star whistle to the Nth degree and put OKC in serious foul trouble.  I just don't see that happening though.

[SparzWizard]

So far all the home teams have won their Game 1s. Orlando has a chance with an upset.

[SparzWizard]

NBA on NBC with the classic "DEEEEETROIT BASKETBALL" John Mason and Final Countdown intro. Nostalgic. Always get the goosebumps with that opening.

[Phantom255x]

Orlando off to a strong start so far

[Goldstar88]

Magic are giving Pistons all they can handle.

[Larry for 3]

I noticed that in yesterday's games that the winning team pulled away from the loser in the 3rd quarter.  curious if the trend continues with today's games.  even without that trend, still need to see the C's come out strong to start each half (and just play strong throughout the whole game but don't want to push my luck)

The C's themselves have to prove they can play in the 2nd half. Hate to keep beating a dead horse, but they blew multiple 20 point leads in the Knicks series and often were the inferior team in the 4th against them despite having dominant stretches before that. They'll have to prove better in those moments later this postseason and this round can at least give them some chances to try some things or learn. After this, it's likely NY/DET/CLE then SAS/DEN/OKC in the Finals. The Celtics can hang with any of them, but to beat them they'll have to get to another level in the 2nd half and 4th quarter of games. I don't think they can frontrun or rely on blowouts like in 2024 where OKC wasn't OKC yet and the East had a lot of injuries.

Everything comes down to that Knicks series. The Knicks have answers against the Celtics. Do they have answers back? We?ll see.

those answers are called "let them shoot themselves out of the game" and "get the refs to bail us out with questionable/biased calls"

Beating a team 7 out of 10 times is not the refs or luck or a fluke. If it was reversed you will be saying the Celtics have their number or they match up great or they?re in their heads and they can?t beat us. The Knicks consistently out execute the Celtics in the 4th quarter time and again. It?s very concerning.

[slamtheking]

I noticed that in yesterday's games that the winning team pulled away from the loser in the 3rd quarter.  curious if the trend continues with today's games.  even without that trend, still need to see the C's come out strong to start each half (and just play strong throughout the whole game but don't want to push my luck)

The C's themselves have to prove they can play in the 2nd half. Hate to keep beating a dead horse, but they blew multiple 20 point leads in the Knicks series and often were the inferior team in the 4th against them despite having dominant stretches before that. They'll have to prove better in those moments later this postseason and this round can at least give them some chances to try some things or learn. After this, it's likely NY/DET/CLE then SAS/DEN/OKC in the Finals. The Celtics can hang with any of them, but to beat them they'll have to get to another level in the 2nd half and 4th quarter of games. I don't think they can frontrun or rely on blowouts like in 2024 where OKC wasn't OKC yet and the East had a lot of injuries.

Everything comes down to that Knicks series. The Knicks have answers against the Celtics. Do they have answers back? We?ll see.

those answers are called "let them shoot themselves out of the game" and "get the refs to bail us out with questionable/biased calls"

Beating a team 7 out of 10 times is not the refs or luck or a fluke. If it was reversed you will be saying the Celtics have their number or they match up great or they?re in their heads and they can?t beat us. The Knicks consistently out execute the Celtics in the 4th quarter time and again. It?s very concerning.

the 'strategy' last post season was definitely relying on the C's going cold because if the C's hit half the open 3's they missed in the first 2 games, Knicks don't win those games.  Knicks 3-1 in the regular season this season with 2 close games, 1 with and 1 without Tatum. 

not exactly what I what classify as having Boston's number.

[Goldstar88]

Orlando might take game 1. Wow

[jambr380]

This is why I was really rooting for the Sixers to beat the Magic to play us in the play in. I know Orlando has had an up and down season, but they are fully healthy now and just have a ton of talent.

This just became a series, but Orlando has to keep playing at a very high level to beat a tough Detroit team

[Phantom255x]

This series could go 6, or even 7 games. Both teams hate each other too lol

[SparzWizard]

And just like that Orlando has stolen home court advantage oooof.

If Detroit loses game 2 then I think their season is all but over

[Goldstar88]

Duren who is an all-star and likely an all NBA player this year took 4 shots the whole game. 3-4 from the field. How do you not get him more involved. Makes no sense.