After going 64-18 and going 8-2 through the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Boston Celtics are marching through arguably the easiest path to the Finals we have seen in NBA history. However, with the extremely high level of competition in the west, will the Boston Celtics be prepared when they play a team like the Timberwolves or the Mavericks?
It was always viewed as a sort of wide open conference, especially in the playoffs, and the first 2 rounds of Western Conference Playoffs reflected that thought perfectly. The 3 seeded Minnesota Timberwolves and 5 seeded Dallas Mavericks find themselves facing eachother in the Conference final after a messy second round, which had 1 6 game series (DAL-OKC) and 1 7 game series (MIN-DEN). In this article we will breakdown the WCF matchup, talk about key players, and make predictions for who will win in how many games.
It's here. Weeks of heartbreaking nailbiting series have led to this. The Pacers, after shocking the world and coming back from a 3-2 defecit to top the Knicks in Game 7, are ready for their biggest challenge yet. The Celtics, after beating the Cavs in 5 games in the second round, have been waiting for days to find out who they will face in the ECF, to get back to where they were 2 short years ago. In this article, we will break down the matchup, talk about each team's X factor layers, and make predictions for who will win in how many games.
The first round is all wrapped up in the NBA Playoffs, and it's time to start taking a look at the next slate of matchups. The first round was fairly calm, with most top seeds prevailing and moving on, but there is no telling what could happen this time around. In this article, we will breakdown each matchup and make predictions for who will win how many games.
What a first round it was for the east. The Celtics are really the only team who should feel completely comfortable. They made quick work of a lesser heat team without their best player, and got a long rest before playing a Cavs team coming off a 7 game series. The rest of the east however, Cleveland included, should be worried about this red hot Boston team. In this article, we will breakdown each matchup, give the most important players, and make predictions for each.
Welcome to InSzn's 2024 NBA Playoff Preview and Predictions. In this preview, we will be discussing the storylines behind each playoff series, the x-factor players and our overall predictions for each conference playoffs and then the NBA Finals.
In the Eastern Conference, many of the higher seeds are at risk of early upset due to injuries, or plain out a wild regular season resulting in some better teams being lower seeds and vice versa. In this article, we will break down each matchup, talk about X Factors, and make predictions for each first round series.
Welcome to InSzn Sports' 2024 NBA Mock Draft: Post-Lottery Edition. Now that the Draft Lottery order has been revealed, it is a perfect time to make the first installment of InSzn's NBA Mock Draft. In this article, only lottery selections will be provided with explanations for why that specific player could go to a team. For more NBA Draft content like this, visit the NBA page and subscribe to InSZN+.
The Charlotte Hornets have been the laughing stock of the league for the last decade, and it is well justified. Let's take a look at the franchise and how they ended up in this situation. They last made the playoffs in 2016, only to lose in the first round. The only consistent talent they had, Kemba Walker, was allowed to walk away to Boston, with Terry Rozier being the only return for the Hornets. Their previous owner, Michael Jordan, was not able to carry his basketball greatness into the front office aspect of the league. He and former GMs Rich Cho and Mitch Kupchak were abysmal on draft day.
After a long and in the end disappointing 6 game series against the Knicks that felt like 10 games, the Philadelphia 76ers bowed out early of the NBA playoffs yet again. This one stings, as they ended with a better FG, 3 Point, and free throw percentage than the Knicks despite losing. However, there are several positives coming away from it, starting with their high cap space and ability to sign a true superstar thanks to the impending departure of franchise legend Tobias Harris.
Welcome to the Deep End, a new series where we uncover the dirty secrets and the processes which got this team to it's peak. Today, we are uncovering the Chicago Bulls from the 1990s, a star studded dynasty which crumbled down quickly...
Although the Celtics came out on top last night over the Miami Heat, Kristaps Porzingus left the game early. Let's discuss the good and bad possibilities of this and how the Celtics will prosper.
From the Dream Team of 1992, to the Redeem Team in 2008, it's safe to say the United States used to have a chokehold on international basketball, having teams of the biggest sensations and the best coaches. However, basketball has changed, especially with how diverse the talent is. This coming summer, the United States is expected to put their best foot forward in the Olympic basketball event, but who will be out there?
Introduction
Welcome to The Aftermath, a new series where we look back on old trades and see how they affected teams involved, years later. For Part 2, we will take a look into the Sixers and Nets Simmons/Harden trade, made back in February of 2022.
In 2004, the Charlotte Bobcats joined the league and gave the NBA an even 30, creating 6 five-team divisions and leveling the playing field even more. Yet, could the NBA add a 31st, or a 32nd? If so, where? Well, three candidate cities stand out.
With the tournament nearing the end and college basketball stars beginning to announce departures to the draft, let's debrief and predict who the top four picks (not in order) will be this coming draft.
After years of trying to rebuild and find a core to build around, the Magic landed the 2022 #1 overall pick, giving a huge boost to their franchise trajectory. Still, going into draft might, there remained uncertainty around who they would select. They could go for Jabari Smith Jr. out of Auburn, Chet Holmgren out of Gonzaga, or Paolo Banchero out of Duke. Thanks to an Adrian Wojnarowski report roughly one hour before Orlando was on the clock, we knew who they would go with.
In the NBA, rookies are rarely ever true stars. However, they are the future of the NBA, and it is important to note their accomplishments. From the most anticipated player in the last few decades to others who initially flew under the radar, this draft class is pact with exciting talents. The 2023-2024 season has showcased some exceptional performances and has made this year’s Rookie of the Year award more contested than some may think.
A large trend in the basketball community right now is the idea that we should stop giving respect to the 90s of the NBA and stop making comparisons of players. This argument has two pretty clear sides that I am going to try to break down for you today.
In such an action-packed age, the NBA has seen numerous stars have big nights, whether that be through scoring, playmaking, or defending. However, there are three players who stay consistent and at the top of everyone's list, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and Nikola Jokic. Today, I will break down where each of their strengths and weaknesses lie, and their overall chances at winning the most sought-after award.
With only a few weeks until the playoffs begin, the NBA has been facing a multitude of new and usual teams who are experiencing success. Now, let's break down each of the top 3 teams from each conference and their own NBA championship chances.
Currently sitting at 48-13 and leading the NBA by 5 and a half games over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Celtics are playing the best basketball of their season and are11 and 1 in the past 12 games. As the season winds down, the chance at a "Banner 18" is much more possible compared to past years.
Welcome to InSznSports' NBA Big Board 1.0. Since this is a first installment, a 2.0 will come out once the NBA Regular Season has concluded and explanations will be given for that Big Board.
The National Basketball Association, founded in 1946, has been graced with many players who can hold up in an argument for greatness. However, when it comes to the largest barber-shop debate, who is the greatest of all time, only 3 players truly have the ability to stay in the conversation.
So far, the 2023-24 NBA season has been filled with surprises. Whether it's unfortunate injuries or surprise team success, there have been several unexpected occurrences, leading to a close knit and shocking top 3. In this article, we will go over the top 3 teams just past the midway point of the season.
After yet another early playoff exit last season, the Sixers fired head coach Doc Rivers. They were stuck in the middle. No draft pick, and star point guard James Harden, who they had traded a plethora of picks for just a year and a half prior, was requesting a trade. General Manager Daryl Morey decided to hire Nick Nurse, a coach just dismissed by the Toronto Raptors who had defeated the Sixers on the way to an NBA championship a few short years ago.
Welcome to Sporting Zone's Power Rankings. The basis for our rankings will include record, the eye test and star talent on each NBA roster.
