Around the League: Week 12 (1/3 - 1/9)

[Shabazz]

Jazz got crushed by the Cavs. Huge shame.

[Mori Chu]

The Lakers are a .500 team and are in 8th place in the West at 21-21. But they're almost certain to make the play-in game since right behind them in 9th are the Wolves (20-21) and then the 10th place Blazers (16-24) who just had Dame go out with abdominal surgery. Seems like the Blazers are giving up on the season and will fall out of 10th, putting a team like the Kings or Spurs up into their spot. I think it's very unlikely that the Lakers will fall so far as to be behind all of those teams. So they'll still get a chance to qualify for the playoffs.

https://www.espn.com/nba/standings

[Split T]

So Brooklyn for sure just pays this fine and plays Kyrie, right? I mean Kyrie loses more money per game missed than the fine would be for the rest of the season. They’ll definitely pay it in the playoffs.

[bajanguy008]

Interesting

[bajanguy008]

Interesting

[bajanguy008]

Well....

[Split T]

So Brooklyn for sure just pays this fine and plays Kyrie, right? I mean Kyrie loses more money per game missed than the fine would be for the rest of the season. They’ll definitely pay it in the playoffs.

[Split T]

No movement for Book, at least Ja rightfully passed Luka

[Indy]

Yeah, the starting lineup out West should be:
Curry
Ja
LeBron
Draymond
Jokic

[Mori Chu]

Sad LOL @ Booker barely edging out the horrendous-this-year Russell Westbrook.

[Split T]

I didn’t even think Laker fans liked Westbrook…who is voting for him?

[Shabazz]

Speaking of which, this killed me:

[pickle]

Surprised at how little love LaMelo is getting. Guess average fan isn’t as aware of him?

[LazarusLong]

Surprised at how little love LaMelo is getting. Guess average fan isn’t as aware of him?

Charlotte isn't quite a major media market.
DeRozan and LaVine get an advantage by playing in Chicago.
And both are having fairly good years.
Young and Harden are marquee names.

Still, Ball is #5, so that isn't terrible.

[pickle]

Yeah. Market size probably a big factor. LaMelo is one of the top young players in the league. If I’m building a new team today I probably pick him over Trae … and he’s so fun to watch.

[LazarusLong]

Yeah. Market size probably a big factor. LaMelo is one of the top young players in the league. If I’m building a new team today I probably pick him over Trae … and he’s so fun to watch.

I like Ball's size and skill set. Be interesting to see how he develops.

[LazarusLong]

Bucks are burying Warriors in the first half.

[Shabazz]

Bucks are burying Warriors in the first half.

Draymond is the piece that ties it all together for them. When he’s out, they’re a different team.

[The Bobster]

Halftime score - Milwaukee 77, Golden State 38

[LazarusLong]

Bucks are burying Warriors in the first half.

Draymond is the piece that ties it all together for them. When he’s out, they’re a different team.

Good point.

And the Warriors have nobody to slow Giannis. Portis also having a good game.