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After a forgettable end to their postseason campaign last season, the Philadelphia 76ers have improved over the offseason and are again nicely positioned to right the wrongs of previous years. Joel Embiid is a top-three MVP candidate, James Harden a perennial All-Star and Tyrese Maxey their burgeoning young star. So how are their fortunes going to change this term?
Continue reading “Now or never? Big things expected from Embiid, Harden and Maxey in big upcoming season for 76ers”
After finishing the top seed in last season’s Eastern Conference and finding themselves a missed three-pointer away from a second NBA Finals trip in three years – losing a seven-game series against the Boston Celtics – Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and co are raring to go ahead of the new campaign, one which poses many questions as far as their long-term future is concerned. Continue reading “No excuses, Miami Heat looking to pick up where they left off as preseason inbound”
Details of James Harden’s two-year contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers emerged overnight, confirming what was first reported: the 10-time All-Star guard agreed a reduced deal to help the franchise sign more quality players in their attempt to go all-out for a NBA championship charge this coming season. Will his bullish comments prove prophetic or not? Continue reading “After agreeing reduced $68.6m deal, will 76ers and Harden hum along into true title contention?”
Per detailed reports with informed sources via Bleacher Report today, the Houston Rockets hierarchy are thinking about possibly sacking their head coach Stephen Silas amid a miserable run of results for the ball club – 15 straight defeats – in what has rapidly become a tough rebuilding job, a stark contrast to the squad at his disposal once initially appointed last year. Continue reading “Victim of circumstance: Stephen Silas’ future under increasing pressure in Houston”
Two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo had 50 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks, as the Milwaukee Bucks rallied from a seven-point deficit early after half-time to surge back ahead of a spirited but inefficient Phoenix Suns effort. Clinching their first NBA title for 50 years with a raucous Game 6 home atmosphere to savour, Mike Budenholzer’s men did it the hard way.
Continue reading “Bucks 106-98 Suns: Giannis’ iconic 50-piece carries Milwaukee to first title since 1971”
The Milwaukee Bucks have acquired Houston Rockets power forward PJ Tucker in a four-player deal designed to bolster their Eastern Conference playoff push – sending DJ Augustin and DJ Wilson with a pick going either way, alongside forward Rodions Kurucs. Does the 35-year-old still have more juice left in the tank for another gruelling championship challenge though?
Continue reading “Jury is out: Milwaukee Bucks acquire PJ Tucker in four-player trade deal”
Midway through an unprecedented season hampered by COVID-19 protocols, troublesome injuries and more too, I spoke to LA Clippers fan and NBA expert Jack Brown shortly after the All-Star game – discussing multiple topics including: standout rookies, possible moves between now and the March 25 trade deadline while assessing true contenders from the pretenders. Continue reading “All-Star break over, what now? NBA Q+A: Rookie watch, trade targets and surging Suns”
Recent reports claim the Houston Rockets’ experienced power forward PJ Tucker continues to attract interest from teams across the league – including the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz out West, as they prepare to field offers from those title-contenders ahead of next month’s deadline.
Continue reading “Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz among contenders linked with PJ Tucker trade”
As reported by The Athletic and ESPN, Houston Rockets All-Star guard Russell Westbrook has expressed his desire to leave – less than 18 months after joining in a blockbuster trade from Oklahoma City. After taking a moment to absorb the news, you’ll quickly begin to understand that this latest development isn’t really a surprise at all. Why though and how did we get here? Continue reading “Russell Westbrook’s trade request and tensions in Houston is no surprise”
Anthony Davis and LeBron James combined for 62 points, 21 rebounds and 13 assists as the Lakers returned to winning ways in Game 2 with a eight-point victory against the Houston Rockets. After making adjustments to the Rockets’ fast-paced style, will the purple and gold replicate their impressive resurgence from the Portland series and cruise to victory here? Continue reading “Playoff Preview: Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers – Game 3 up for grabs”
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