Welcome to another edition of NBA Nation Australia’s Roundtable! This week we’ll be tackling more hot topics from around the league including George Karl, the MVP award, the free agent debate in LA, most improved teams, Derrick Rose and Kobe’s mum (only because it’s Mother’s Day). We also welcome back podcaster and blogger Jabari Davis from The OpinioNation (theopnation.com), Brent Veale formerly of That Basketball Show and Tom Read from the #BelieveTheHype podcast!
Blake dunks all over the 76ers Spencer Hawes.
Every day brings us closer to the new NBA season and we are all waiting with baited breath to see our teams run out on the pine in a few weeks time. During the lead up we’ve been updating you with our 2012/13 preseason team previews! Today, we take a brief look at the Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons and the two sides in Los Angeles, the Clippers and the Lakers.
Let’s get into it!
Ex-Lakers bad boy Matt Barnes has reportedly agreed to terms with rival Los Angeles club the Clippers. Though nothing is confirmed, sources at CBS have reported that after lengthy talks with many clubs including the Lakers, Nets and Heat, the small forward has told the Clippers he will sign with them them.
It’s unknown where Barnes will fit into the already loaded Clippers lineup with Grant Hill, Lamar Odom and Caron Butler already filling out the roster in the forwards but Barnes could be a handy addition to their already deep bench.
Barnes was not offered an extension by the Lakers after the team’s acquisitions of Dwight Howard, Steve Nash, Antawn Jamison and Jodi Meeks this summer and has since been shopping himself in hopes of finding a new home. Unfortunately Barnes has a knack for finding trouble, most recently being cited for a traffic violation and resiting arrest along with a host of other on and off court incidents.
Barnes began his NBA career with the Clippers 9 years ago.
Nick C.
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Los Angeles Lakers (3) vs Oklahoma City Thunder (2) – Western Conference Semi Finals Continue reading
So….. continuing on from our Eastern Conference Playoffs post, here are the Western Conference match-ups previews and predictions.
With this being the second from last Power Rankings before the Playoff, it’s been a very entertaining week with some big matchup’s. Boston beating Miami on the road, then getting beat by Toronto at the end of it. Chicago beating both Miami and New York at home while also losing to the Knicks on the road. The Lakers also beat reigning champions Dallas. In a time of the regular season where legs are rested, and teams being to ‘tank’ how did your team fair up in our weekly Power Rankings. Catch up with NBA Nation Australia same time next week for the last regular season Power Rankings.
1. Chicago Bulls (46-15)
With the return of Rose this week, the Bulls continued their strong finish to the regular season. Beating New York, Miami & Detroit this week with only one loss against the Knicks on the road Chicago continue to look the team most certain of a Finals appearance. With the current best record in the league and obviously the best percentage (.754) the Bulls continue to dominate and top our Power Rankings this week.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder (44-17)
While the Thunder topped most Power Rankings last week and could very well top a lot this week, we at NBA Nation Australia believe Chicago did just enough by beating teams of Playoff worth to pip Thunder to the top spot. Still, a very strong week playing 5 games and winning 4 of those, with more than convincing wins against Toronto, Milwaukee, Sacremento, and Minnesota. With Durant and Westbrook still continuing to tear it’s way through the league, and KD still in run for the MVP spot the Thunder still have one of the best records in the league. With a great win percentage of .721, and another strong week, the Thunder sit at out number 2 spot. Continue reading
The Nuggets are bobbing in and out of playoff contention. With their huge win today their chances firm . They sit at 7th in the West one game clear of 8th placed Houston and one game clear of facing the ferocious Thunder in Round 1. Denver has 6 games in 11 days before the playoffs begin, only 1 game against the East, so each game will be critical.
April 16 @ Houston
The Nuggets spanked the Rockets in Denver today by 15 points after leading by as many as 20 points. Faried dropped a double-double and is emerging as another great draft pick from the post-Anthony era. The Rockets don’t have anyone who matches up against his big body as well as an OKC or San Antonio. It’ll be a tight hard fought game but the Nuggets should eek out a win.
April 18 vs Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers lead the season series 2-1 and this is a crucial game for both teams. The Clippers will want to come to Denver and pick up a win away from home heading into the playoffs just to keep pace with the Lakers. Denver needs to protect home court. Paul could run wild and slice this Denver defence to shreds, even though he is only 26 he commands the Clipper offense like a veteran. Denver cant afford to drop a game against a Western conference opponent here. Continue reading
