Some very unexpected news coming from Boston:

source: https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1400094456129507335

Ainge stepping down after almost 20 years as head of basketball ops in Boston and Brad Stevens succeeding him with zero experience as a gm must be a shock to all Celtics fans.

From what i'm reading, Jason Kidd's name has been mentioned as a possible candidate for their now-vacant head coaching job.

Doncic, the floor general of the Mavericks is in serious injury right now.
His neck injury is very serious that his production in Game 4 has decreased by a lot.

Clippers winning 4 straight is possible knowing that the Mavericks aren't be the same without Luka Magic. If only Luka is healthy and didn't get an injury, the Mavericks might win on this series in 6-7 games but.. it is what it is. Injuries do happen anytime.

Its over for the Memphis but commend on how Morant is playing still.

Davis will not return in Game 6. I'm not pretty sure about it because there is a possibility that he will still play but even though he will come back, he will not be as productive as he is on Games 2 & 3 where he got 34 points on each of the games.

We know that Caruso and KCP are good defenders but they can't stop Booker and Ayton is still a beast inside getting double doubles although in Game 5, he didn't get it. On the other hand, we also saw CP3 injured his shoulder again. AD got injured and now CP3 got injured too so there is a possibility that both of them will not play in Game 6 or at least one of them will play. I also like how Cameron Payne of the Suns is playing off the bench. He got double digit points in 4 of the 5 Games against the Lakers. At least Booker got some supporting scorers .

Agreed, the Lakers were in top contention until lebron and ad started missing games in the reg season.  The Suns are just a REALLY good team, they were #2 in the west.  Lakers were never going to knock them out in 4.  It's been a great series so far like it should be.  I expect game 6 in LA to be a great game as well.  Bron has never been down after 5 games in the first series.  Let's see how he does.

AD was really the key here, Lakers brought their A game in this series and the favorite.

We have been talking about the bench and the supporting cast not really providing any help. I think Lakers 20 without AD can beat 21 Phoenix suns, we still have Dwight or even Javale to contained Ayton and then Danny Green to play good defense, he may be known for this 3 point, but Green can play D. And then CP3 vs Rondo, which we all know have a history, will be another interesting match up. And then add Caruso to the list, and the Kuzma version that time and then Avery Bradley too another tough defender and could be assign against Booker.

But the current roster lacks good D and other intangibles (lacks championship heart).

It's time to share my bet, yesterday's bet was won 100%, I am sincerely sorry for those who bet on the Blazers, but Dame was a god. Here's a parlay for today:

Clippers + Jazz + Wizards = x4.67: My bet


Today there are no less interesting matches, almost everyone can decide the issue of reaching the semifinals. The Clippers finally found their game and did not allow Doncic to win on their site. The funny thing is that Mavs won 2 matches in LA, and Clippers won 2 in Dallas, but today it should be a completely different situation, since PG is no longer as lost on the court as he was in the first 2 games, so I believe in the Clippers victory today.

Morant shows skill, but it still lacks, although it is a good experience for next season, but Utah should close the series 4-1 today.

And the last match in the combo is quite difficult to analise, because knowing that Wizards like to throw the games, although if you think so, then how can they lose to a team that has lost its firepower, but everything is real. Hope Westbrook gonna pick up and break Phila tonight.

As J. Embiid has a knee injury, it's a big loss for 76ers and big opportunity for Wizards. I feel like the series will be 3-2 after this game. Especially Westbrook's performance can be really crucial for a win.

What a disappointment to the New York Knicks most of the fans expect that they will gonna face the Brooklyn Nets but things are not the same in the playoffs though, you will always see scenes such as this one. anyway, the Eastern Conference will finally all set for the second round and the Hawks vs 76ers will be on 06/06 on their first game. who will dominate the series?

No doubt. 76ers are way above the Hawks when it comes to offensive strength. Even minus Embiid.
All they need is someone to stop Capella, and Howard is still there for that position, he may just want to take care of his fouls.
Simmons is there to stop Trae, which is actually a mismatch.
Then, Curry and Green are good defenders too so even with a switch Trae will be having a difficult time scoring.

Luka Doncic making his own record at Clippers' home.
Winning this game will give them a chance to end it at Dallas for homecourt advantage.

Both teams shot terribly, but it looks like the Knicks shot a little worse and the Hawks rebounded a little better.  The Knicks had been relying heavily on Randle to win games this season and his 23 points tonight just wasn't enough to do it.  Barrett shot pretty terribly as well.  He's going to need to be much more efficient if he wants to have a career in the NBA.  Making the playoffs in itself was a massive step forward for the Knicks though.  If they can hold onto and develop their talent, I could see them picking up a decent free agent and being a top 5 team in the East.

Sorry @jaberwock , but I disagree with you.

The Lakers in 12/13 season was an excellent team, yes, the only problem it's because the LA had several unforeseen, for example injuries in some players.

If the team was 100% healthy, I think they could beat the Heat(maybe) at that time
I don't know if it could be the Lakers best  team ever had, because the team of Magic Johnson and Kareen, and Kb and Shaq in the early 2000s were unstoppable, and one of the best in the franchise's history.