On The Watch “It’s All About The NBA Season 2023/2024”

The NBA Season 2023/2024

With the Denver Nuggets finally breaking through and claiming last year’s 2023 NBA Championship, the Nuggets have now placed a target on their back and getting back to the promised land once again will not be an easy task this time around. With the team still intact with the same squad that got them their first Larry O’Brien trophy, this Championship team will definitely be looking to defend their hard-earned title while accepting all challengers from the East/West trying to prevent them of achieving back-to-back Championship glory.

That being said, with quite a few players jumping ship from East to West and from West to East this summer in effect changing the balance of power, the Western Conference still continues to bear the mantle of the strongest conference.

The Memphis Grizzlies, who had an amazing season last year, will be looking to pick up from where they left off with their squad pretty much still intact with some key new faces added, but they will have to maintain their play without their All-Star player Ja Morant who has been suspended for the first 25 games due to misconduct detrimental to the NBA. This group will have their work cut out for them but time will tell if they still got the juice.

The Phoenix Suns have their own new version of the “Big Three” with their latest acquisition of Bradley Beal to run aside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. With them three lethal shooters lightening up the scoreboard night in and night out, their win column will definitely be up during the regular season but their defense will remain questionable.

The Golden State Warriors are at a crossroads with father time as their core players who have been running the team are getting older but when your star player is Stephen Curry who is still playing at a top 5 level at 35 years old, you still have plenty of lifeline needed to hopefully bring one more title to the Bay. This unit has experience on their side and with some new fresh faces to back up the core unit, they still have the goods to wreak havoc when push comes to shove.

The Los Angeles Lakers will always be in the running as long as they have LeBron James and Anthony Davis causing havoc at both ends of the floor. If both of these Dudes can stay healthy for most of the season and their supporting cast can keep up with them, the West could belong to them because as of right now a LeBron James at 38 years old is still top 5 on any given night.

As for the remainder of the Western Conference Teams the Sacramento Kings, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Dallas Mavericks, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Utah Jazz, the New Orleans Pelicans and the Houston Rockets, they will all have to duke it out and play musical chairs. Some of these teams have already proven themselves last year in a major way but we all know that the Westside doesn’t play. It’s do or die on this side so making the top 8 is a tough task within itself.

The Eastern Conference is looking to shake the league up again with top players relocating and changing the balance of power making this Season that much more intriguing. The Boston Celtics may have made the best move out of them all with them picking up Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to reinforce their starting line-up. Them two alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown is a defensive and offensive nightmare for their opposition. It will be interesting to see who will hold down that No. 1 Seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Milwaukee Bucks may have lost Jrue Holiday but they had themselves a major pick up in Damian Lillard a lethal assassin on that court riding shot gun to Giannis Antetokounmpo. Once Damian gets acclimated with his new teammates things will start moving a lot faster on the offensive end where teams will have a problem stopping this deadly duo in the open court.

I had high hopes for the Philadelphia 76ers to wreak havoc throughout the Season but with the uncertainty of James Harden on whether he’s staying with Philly or going is making things look quite bleak at the moment. Their one major strong point is that they have the reigning MVP Joel Embiid playing at a high level and with a strong core still intact they could still make some noise. Tyrese Maxey is that gem that could have another breakout season to help carry the load off of Embiid.

The Cleveland Cavaliers had the league shook the way they balled out last year making some serious noise throughout the season and in the Playoffs. They have the goods to do even better this time around with the valuable experience they pick up on their journey. They have to show up and prove that last year’s success was not a fluke. With Donovan Mitchell steadily improving in his leadership role, the sky is their only limit.

As for the remaining Eastern Conference teams the Miami Heat, the New York Knicks, the Atlanta Hawks, the Indiana Pacers, the Toronto Raptors, the Chicago Bulls, the Brooklyn Nets, the Charlotte Hornets, the Orlando Magic, the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Wizards, the jury is still out on most of them. There are too many unknowns and too much uncertainty surrounding these teams making it real hard to really assess where they’re at.

However, with the NBA holding an in-Season tournament for the first time between November 3, 2023 and December 9, 2023 with all games except the final counting toward the regular Season standings, this will give a chance to the bottom teams from the Eastern/Western conferences to prove they belong by giving all participating teams a much-needed incentive and the motivation to compete night in and night out.

This new added format could be a game changer and for that alone we should all tune in this Tuesday night October 24, 2023, and be part of another fascinating NBA Season 2023/2024.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About The 71st 2022 NBA All-Star Game”

This year, the 71st annual NBA All-Star Game will be hosted in Cleveland, Ohio at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Saturday February 20, 2022.
Once again, the league is maintaining the Draft-Style format and the starters were chosen by the fans while the rest of the squad was selected by the media and their peers. That said the Western and returning leading vote-getter from the fans is Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James, and the Eastern returning leading vote-getter from the Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant will once again serve as Captains of their respective Conferences.

Representing the Western Conference “Team LeBron” Starters this year are:

-Lebron James (Los Angeles Lakers) Team Captain
-Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
-Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
-Demar Derozan (Chicago Bulls)
-Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)

Reserves

-Jimmy Butler (Miami Heat)
-Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)
-Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
-James Harden (Philadelphia 76ers)
-Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz)
-Chris Paul (Phoenix Suns)
-Fred Vanvleet (Toronto Raptors)

Coach Monty Williams (Phoenix Suns)

Representing the Eastern Conference “Team Durant” Starters this year:

-Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
-Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
-Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
-Andrew Wiggins (Golden State Warriors)
-Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks)

Reserves

-LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets)
-Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
-Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz)
-Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors)
-Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls)
-Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks)
-Dejounte Murray (San Antonio Spurs)
-Karl Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves)

Coach Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat)

“King of the Court” will be up for grabs once again come Sunday night February 20, 2022 on NBA TNT. Which Squad will claim “GAME” when the dust settles?

Tune in and enjoy all the festivities of the entire weekend starting February 18 to February 20, 2022.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About The NBA-Who’s On Top?”

The NBA-Who’s On Top?

We are officially passed the midpoint mark for the season with 42 plus Games played to date and we have a new contender in the Phoenix Suns (35-9) holding down the No. 1 Spot by a very small margin over the Golden State Warriors (33-13). The Suns have been keeping their steady team play on point and on both ends of the court. A return trip to the NBA Finals is their soul mission and judging by the way they have been balling as of late they have the right nucleus and focus to reach their destination point at hand. However, the Warriors, the dark horse of the Western Conference are slowly but efficiently getting their squad back in order with Stephen Curry balling at an MVP level and Klay Thompson finally gracing the NBA court from his two season-ending injuries back to proving he’s still got “Game”. The Warriors are seriously back into the race but breathing down their necks are the surging Memphis Grizzlies (32-16) who have exceeded their expectation so far by balling extremely hard as a solid squad creating havoc throughout the league. Ja Morant is becoming a legitimate star in the league capable of pushing this team deep into the Playoffs. The Utah Jazz (30-16) has been on a steady  pace amongst the top tier in the league. They have a well-balance proven squad capable of grabbing that No. 1 Spot in the Western Conference, so overlooking them would not be a good idea. Surprisingly the Dallas Mavericks (26-20), the Denver Nuggets (23-21), the Los Angeles Lakers (23-23), the Los Angeles Clippers (23-24) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (22-23) have all fallen short as of late and are all struggling to survive within the Western Conference but, that being said the possibility of any of the bottom teams to move up is not unrealistic at this point in the season.

With the improvement of the Eastern Conference teams this year, holding on to the No. 1 Spot has been challenging with new faces emerging within the standings while familiar faces have been dropping out. As of today, the Brooklyn Nets (29-16) are holding on to the No. 1 Spot with a slight edge over the Chicago Bulls (28-16). Like quite a few teams throughout the season, The Nets have been hit with the Covid-19 protocol but still managed to maintain a respected record during their hardship. When healthy, this team is a serious problem to the entire league. That said the surging Bulls have made a point to not being counted out but taken seriously by all competitors. This squad has a strong nucleus that play both ends of the floor night in and night out. They have the goods to upset quite a few teams this time around come Playoff time. The Miami Heat (29-17) has been fighting through injuries to their key players but have managed to maintain a respectable record while still being competitive night in and night out. Once healthy this will create havoc on their way to the Playoffs. The Defending Champions Milwaukee Bucks (30-19) have looked vulnerable throughout the season so far due to injuries to key players as well but with Giannis Antetokounmpo still balling at an MVP level and with their squad at full capability, the Bucks will find their way back to defending their Championship. The Cleveland Cavaliers (27-19) have taken the league by storm this year with a very impressive record to date. This young core has gelled well and silently created a squad worthy of a Playoff berth if they can keep it up and maintain a hold of their ranking. The Philadelphia 76ers (26-19) are still in the mix but struggling to hold on. With the Ben Simmons situation still unresolved, the team play has visibly struggled at times but with a healthy Joel Embiid and a focussed squad, the 76ers still have enough juice to make some noise come Playoff time. The Charlotte Hornets (26-20) are a work in progress but definitely bubbling and can unquestionably put on a good show when the whole squad is focussed. If the Hornets can keep it together down the stretch, a Playoff spot is on their horizon. As for the Toronto Raptors (22-21), the Washington Wizards (23-23), the Boston Celtics (23-24), the New York Knicks (22-24), their records don’t do them justice. These remaining struggling teams have enough fire power to turn things around in the second half of the season. The question remains which team will dig deep enough to make that reality.

So much uncertainty in both conferences is making it that much more interesting. Keep locked in to see the final stretch to the NBA’S version of the “Sweet 16” aka the Playoffs.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About The NBA Season 2021/2022”

The NBA Season 2021/2022

Although the Covid-19 pandemic is still looming over the World, a full regular NBA Season is set to start this upcoming Tuesday October 19, 2021.

With the Milwaukee Bucks claiming last year’s 2021 NBA Championship, the Eastern Conference teams are steadily showing major improvement with many high-profile players migrating and seeking permanent residency on the EASTIDE helping balance the forces of the Eastern Conference. With Giannis Antetokoumpo balling at an MVP level and with a squad to back him up, the Bucks will be working really hard at getting back to the Finals to defend their previous Championship.

A healthy Brooklyn Nets squad, disorder aside regarding Kyrie Irving on board or not, the Nets, equipped with “Easy Money Sniper” Kevin Durant and James Harden running the show along with a competitive line up, them Brooklyn Boys will cause havoc throughout the NBA in order to get to the promised land aka the NBA Finals.

The Atlanta Hawks made some serious waves throughout the season and the NBA Playoffs last year. With most of their squad still intact and with the experience they have now garnered, The Hawks will be a problem to content with on any given night.

Like Brooklyn, the Philadelphia 76ers have a personnel issue concerning Ben Simmons. Will he be part of the squad or not? Uncertainty aside them Philly Boys will still have enough fire power to stay competitive – Joel Embiid and company will make sure of that.

The Miami Heat didn’t perform to their full potential last year but with a proven leader in Kyle Lowry now running the show alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo and a deep squad, they could see themselves disrupting the Eastern Conference and playing themselves back into contention.

Although the Chicago Bulls came up short last season, I think they may have gotten it right this time around with the addition of DeMar DeRozan and Lonzo Ball alongside Zach LaVine in the starting line-up. They might have enough fire power to enter the Playoffs and make some noise.

The New York Knicks balled hard last season and I expect them to do the same this year. With the addition of a healthy Kemba Walker and some improved defense, the Knicks could find themselves once again vying for a playoff spot.

As for the remaining Eastern Teams the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic and the Washington Wizards, all have too many uncertainties surrounding them right now. They are going to have to show and prove they are capable of keeping up in the Eastern Conference.

The Los Angeles Lakers have completely revamped their squad by adding key players like Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard to run alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. On paper the Lakers look to have the goods to prevail in the Western Conference but I personally think that team chemistry will be the key to unlocking their true potential. Only time will tell if they have the right nucleus.

The Phoenix Suns will be picking things up right where they left it after an incredible run to the NBA Finals. The Suns know they have the goods and the returning squad to make sure of that. The needed experience has now been acquired along with the winning attitude and the play of Devin Booker and Chris Paul running the show, they look prime to reach the NBA Finals once again.

The Utah Jazz may have fallen short in last year’s Playoff run but their nucleus is still intact and they have already proven to be the best team in the Western Conference by holding down the No. 1 Spot last year. With that in mind, them Boys now have the right mentality to reign supreme and dominate once again while working their way through a tough Western Conference.

The Denver Nuggets will have the Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic leading their team but might have a harder time keeping up with rest of the Division without key contributor Jamal Murray still recovering from his ACL injury. I gotta tip my “B” to them boys cause they ball hard even with a key player down they still have the goods to disrupt things in the Western Conference.

The Los Angeles Clippers could find themselves struggling in the tough Western Conference if they have to deal without the services of their star player Kawhi Leonard who is still out with a knee injury. If they can find some key players to help Paul George hold it down, they might be able to stay competitive long enough until Kawhi’s return whenever that may be. It’s a tough call without a healthy Kawhi in the line-up.

The Golden State Warriors could be the sleepers in the Western Conference, looking at them right now they could easily be overlooked but with a brilliant coaching staff and a two-time MVP in Stephen Curry (still balling like an MVP) holding it down until Klay Thompson is cleared to return this season, the “Splash Brothers” could pick up where they last left it in the 2019 NBA Finals. Straight shooters back at it. With the new core of young gunners running with them and Draymond Green still in the mix, I am not counting them out just yet.

The Dallas Mavericks have a new Head Coach in Jason Kidd and still have the MVP contender Luka Doncic running the show in Dallas but still need to get it together in order to advance to the Playoffs. The pressure will be on Jason to guide this underachieving team to the promised land but with Luka balling out of his mind with the right supporting cast they just might have enough game to move up come Playoff time.

As for the remaining Western Conference teams the Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves and the Sacramento Kings, they will have to swim in the deep end in hopes of making it out somehow someway in the tough Western Conference. There is no easy passage to the NBA Playoffs in this Conference.

That being said, tune this Tuesday night October 19, 2021 and be part of another intriguing NBA Season 2021/2022.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About 2021 NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS”

2021 NBA Western Conference Finals

The NBA’s version of the Final 4 is set to start this Sunday night June 20, 2021 in the Western Conference, with two new contenders in the No. 2 Seeded Phoenix Suns and the 4th Seeded Los Angeles Clippers. Both teams have dealt with adversaries on their way to the Conference Finals. Exceptional team play, good coaching and the rise of their star players stepping it up, have all contributed to them reaching this pivotal point on the road to the NBA Finals. That being said, injuries have played a big part in this year’s Playoff run and neither team were exempted.

With Phoenix having been well rested for a week, the Suns will have the edge come game time, unlike the Clippers who had to battle through a tight game 5 and 6 without one of their star players in Kawhi Leonard due to a sprained knee. With the uncertainty of Kawhi’s availability, the battle tested Clippers will have to enter their first Western Conference Finals with a tough challenge ahead of them. Like the saying goes, “the next man up” will have to hold it down and step up to the plate if they plan on defeating this hot and blazing Phoenix Suns team who may have just the right amount of fire power to cool the Clippers off, especially if they are coming in one all-star player short.

Tune in this Sunday night June 20, 2021 and witness the Western Conference shootout under the hot blazing lights!

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About The NBA PLAYOFFS 2021”

NBA Playoffs 2021 (Sweet 16)

With the NBA shortened season now over and the NBA Play-In Tournament successfully completed, we are now officially ready to proceed with The NBA Playoffs.

This year’s surprising “King of The Court” and No. 1 Seed are the Utah Jazz (52-20). Them Boys were one of the most consistent teams to ball out this year. They were laser focussed and shook the league up with their dominant play from both ends of the floor. Securing home court advantage was a must, now let’s see if they can defy the odds and reach the NBA Finals.

One game behind them as the No. 2 Seed are the Phoenix Suns (51-21). Another team that came out on top from the tough Western Conference. The odd makers don’t have them as a favourite to win it all but damnnnnn we have to appreciate the way these Boys fought through the league to earn their spot the rightful way, by balling as a team on a mission. They will definitely cause havoc in the NBA Playoffs, bet on that.

Injuries have heavily plagued the Western Conference this year costing the usual suspects to take a hit in their respective standings. Coming in as the 3rd Seed are the Denver Nuggets (47-25), without their trusted sniper Jamal Murray (torn ACL) their Playoff run will be very challenging. The 4th Seeded Los Angeles Clippers (47-25) have everything it takes to be successful in the Playoffs but it’s time for them to show and prove that they are for real and have the squad to deliver the goods. The 5th Seeded Dallas Mavericks (42-30) and the 6th Seeded Portland Trail Blazers (42-30) have had their ups and downs throughout the season but still managed to maintain their respectful standings. As for the Defending Champions the Los Angeles Lakers (42-30), they are wobbling in fresh from the Play-in Tournament as the 7th Seed. Not where they thought they would be at this point but beside an injury plagued season the odds makers still have them as the favourite to pull it off. With a strong finish from the Play-In Tournament, the Memphis Grizzlies (38-34) locked in the 8th Seed. Them Boys can’t be taken lightly. The momentum is on their side. Young, hungry and full of energy. The Grizzlies haven’t seen the Playoffs since 2017, I can’t wait to see what these youngin’s do on the “Big Stage”.

Representing the Eastern Conference with the No. 1 Seed are the Philadelphia 76ers (49-23). The 76ers had to work hard to earn that No. 1 Seed hands down. They have an impressive squad that should have probably performed even better but the fact that they managed to hold on to get home court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference is a positive, now it’s time for them to silence the naysayers and perform above their expectations. Injuries played a big part with the play of the Brooklyn Nets (48-24) but they still managed to hold on to the 2nd Seed and with a close to heathy three-headed sniper connection of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving, they might have the goods to take it all the way. Chemistry will be key amongst the Big Three considering they haven’t played much ball as a unit but they definitely have the fire power to disrupt any series ahead. The 3rd Seeded Milwaukee Bucks (46-26) haven’t looked as dominant as their previous years but still managed to stay within range of the top Seeded teams. You can’t sleep on the Bucks, even though they lacked a successful postseason record. I personally think the Bucks have a better suited squad to tackle this year’s NBA Playoffs. Only time will tell. An unexpected entry in the New York Knicks (41-31), held down the 4th Seed. With the guidance of new Head Coach Tom Thibodeau and the Allstar play of Julius Randle, the Knicks have forced the world watching to “put some respect back on the New York Knicks name” Real Talk! Them Boys have been competitive from start to finish. Old School playing hard grinding every win out. This is a good situation for the Knicks, now let’s see what becomes of this Playoff run. The 5th Seeded Atlanta Hawks (41-31) and the 6th Seeded Miami Heat (40-32) both dealt with some injuries and the Covid-19 protocol that prevented certain players from participating in games out of safety concerns, but still managed to stay ahead and competitive enough to land a spot to the dance. Interesting to see how they will do in the Playoffs. The 7th Seeded Boston Celtics (36-36) and the 8th Seeded Washington Wizards (34-38) both needed the Play-In Tournament to get in this year’s Playoff run. This year hasn’t been too kind to the Celtics who have fallen from the top dramatically due to injuries and recently the loss of key member Jalen Brown. I’m not going to count the Celtics out just yet but the loss of Jalen leaves them with a slim chance of being successful in the Playoffs. Although the Wizards didn’t come in the Playoffs with a winning record, they are the “Cinderella Team” that if not taken seriously, could undeniably disrupt any Eastern Conference team overlooking them.

Tune in this Saturday May 22, 2021 for this year’s NBA version of the “Sweet 16” Playoff run.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About The NBA Season 2020/2021”

The NBA Season 2020/2021

The NBA Season is set to start this upcoming Tuesday December 22, 2020 but with 10 games shorter than the previous seasons due to the Covid-19 pandemic still looming over the World.

So many things are going to be different and unpredictable for this upcoming season but one thing is for sure, the Los Angeles Lakers will be looking to repeat as Champions regardless of the obstacles ahead. The Lakers’ squad is still well-intact and well-built for the long haul. As for the Los Angeles Clippers, they may have fallen short in the Playoffs last season but redemption will be their motivation throughout this season. The Houston Rockets are an uncertainty right now considering they have done some major changes starting with their front office and the coaching staff and their star player, James Harden, looking for a way out of the city. Assuming Harden’s indecision to still run with the team, only time will tell how they will look as the season progresses. The Western Conference will still be competitive as usual with the strong play coming from the Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers, the Oklahoma City Thunder and let’s not forget The Golden State Warriors who may still have a say in the Western standings, – they are not done yet in my eyes.

The Eastern Conference is steadily improving with major players changing conferences to help balance the forces. The Milwaukee Bucks fell short once again at reaching the Finals but have managed to secure their MPV player Giannis Antetokounmpo to an extended contract giving them another opportunity at the task at hand, an NBA Title. With a few added pieces to the team, things could be looking up for them. The Miami Heat shocked the league last season when they worked their way to the NBA Finals. They showed they belong and plan on getting it going right back where they left off. The Brooklyn Nets will be looking for a “Takeover” type season with a healthy Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving leading the pack along with a new coaching staff to draw up the winning format. Our own Canadian team the Toronto Raptors are still in the running and still have the ability to stay competitive with any team from any conferences. The Philadelphia 76ers have done some revamping with their team and the coaching staff in the hope of changing their future outcome. Let’s see how everything unfolds throughout the season. The Boston Celtics is still a major player with a proven squad that can definitely upset the apple tree once they get going. They are a proven squad that can definitely disrupt the standings in the Eastern Conference. As for the Indiana Pacers, the Washington Wizards, the Charlotte Hornets, the Detroit Pistons, the New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic, the jury is still out on what they can bring to the table.

We are entering the unknown with this year NBA Season. There is no script on how things will evolve and for that alone we should all tune in this Tuesday night December 22, 2020 and be part of another roller-coaster type NBA Season 2020/2021.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About The NBA – The Restart “

Due to the Covid-19 epidemic that’s been affecting the World as of late, the NBA was forced to lean back for a few months to now finally being able to get the green light as per the NBA’s Board of Governors, to officially resume play this Thursday July 30, 2020 and conclude August 14, 2020.

A lot has changed since the last NBA Game in March 2020. To stop the spread of Covid-19, games will be played inside a quarantine-safe site without fans at Orlando, Florida’s Walt Disney World aka “the Bubble”.

A total of 22 teams will be in Orlando Florida. The 16 teams currently in the Playoff position and six teams within six games of the No. 8 seed, in either conference.

Eastern Conference

1-Milwaukee Bucks (53-12)
2-Toronto Raptors (46-18)
3-Boston Celtics (43-21)
4-Miami Heat (41-24)
5-Indiana Pacers (39-26)
6-Philadelphia 76ers (39-26)
7-Brooklyn Nets (30-34)
8-Orlando Magic (30-35)
9-Washington Wizards (24-40)

Western Conference

1-Los Angeles Lakers (49-14)
2-Los Angeles Clippers (44-20)
3-Denver Nuggets (43-22)
4-Utah Jazz (41-23)
5-Oklahoma City Thunder (40-24)
6-Houston Rockets (40-24)
7-Dallas Mavericks (40-27)
8-Memphis Grizzlies (32-33)
9-Portland Trail Blazers (29-37)
10-New Orleans Pelicans (28-36)
11-Sacramento Kings (28-36)
12-San Antonio Spurs (27-36)
13-Phoenix Suns (26-39)

The eight seeding games will continue each day through August 14, 2020 to determine Playoff positioning. The postseason will follow the traditional format with the best-of-seven-game series all the way through the NBA Finals.

The stakes have gone up for the remainder of the 2019/2020 NBA Season. The challenges of having to deal with the high risk of Covid-19 and staying and playing out the rest of the NBA Season in one location is going to be quite the experiment to say the least but one I am very curious to see the outcome of.

Tune in on TNT Thursday night July 30, 2020 and be part of the “Restart” of the second half of the NBA Season 2019/2020.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About The NBA-Who’s On Top?”

The NBA-Who’s on Top?

We are at the Quarter mark of this year’s NBA Season and both the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference have been playing some serious early competitive ball to jump start this NBA season 2019/2020.

The Milwaukee Bucks are taking claim of the No. 1 Spot on the Eastside for the time being with an impressive start of 20-3 record. The Bucks have been looking good and playing hard on both ends of the floor and although we are early in the season, they are definitely seeking to hold onto that No. 1 spot. The Boston Celtics’ 16-5 record is a well-balanced squad with Kamba Walker now leading the show and definitely keeping it interesting with their play. The surprising play of the Miami Heat 17-6 has made things very interesting.With the addition of Jimmy Butler, the Heat have improved dramatically in a competitive way. Without Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green, our own Canadian Team the Defending Champs the Toronto Raptors 15-7 have managed to stay competitive at both ends of the floor and they’re not showing any signs of folding under any pressure of the competitive Eastern Conference. That being said, the Philadelphia 76ers 17-7 and the Indiana Pacers 15-8 are not to be overlooked.

The Los Angeles Lakers are also taking claim of the No. 1 Spot on the Westside with their own impressive start of 21-3 records. The powerful combination plays of LeBron James and Anthony Davis creating havoc on both ends of the court is this year’s version of showtime. The Lakers are looking to hold on to their No. 1 Spot but doing so will not be easy. The Dallas Mavericks 16-7 are surprisingly climbing up the rankings with their steady play as of late. They have a deceiving squad that can hang with the best of them on any given night. The Los Angeles Clippers 17-7 have all the goods and can turn things around in a blink of an eye. The combination of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George is certainly keeping this team in the running. The Houston Rockets 15-7 are not to be taking lightly. As long as they stay focused and competitive, they can duke it out with the best of them on any given night. The Western Conference is a battle within itself. That being said the Denver Nuggets 14-7 and Utah Jazz 13-10 can’t be slept on just yet.

Stay tuned in. This NBA Season is full of surprises.

Blaze

On The Watch “It’s All About The NBA-Who’s On Top?”

The NBA-Who’s On Top?

We are officially well passed the midpoint mark for the season with 57 plus Games played to date and lo and behold we have a new contender in the Milwaukee Bucks (43-14) holding down the No.1 Spot by a very small margin over our own Canadian team the Toronto Raptors (43-16). Giannis and The Bucks have been looking like legit contenders as of late. Real Talk! The Bucks as a Team are looking to secure their bid for the NBA Finals by balling hard every night with their MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way with his do it all, no holds barred playmaking. Giannis is balling on another level right now and the Bucks are definitely benefiting from it. That being said, the Raptors still have a very good chance of claiming the No. 1 Spot in the Eastern Conference as do the Indiana Pacers (38-20), the Boston Celtics (37-21) and Philadelphia 76ers (37-21). They are all battling to secure a better seeding come Playoff time.

Holding down the Western Conference once again is the Defending Champs Golden State Warriors (41-16) but, surprisingly, behind them is the standout play of the Denver Nuggets (39-18). The Nuggets are the wild card in the Western Conference that can undeniably disrupt the seedings and possibly take the No.1 Spot if the Warriors are caught slipping. Real Talk! That being said, the Western Conference is still a tight and competitive race with Oklahoma City Thunder (37-20) balling hard while holding on to the third spot but could perhaps shuffle up or down with the Portland Trail Blazers (34-23) and the Houston Rockets (33-24) breathing down each other’s necks. The Los Angeles Lakers (28-29) have fallen off as of late but do have “King James” on the squad that could still flip a switch and turn things around and get back into contention.

The landscape is changing fast for both conferences and making it that much more interesting. Keep tuned in to see the final stretch to the NBA’s version of the “sweet 16” aka the Playoffs?

Blaze