Fire and Ice l Boston Celtics NBA 2K21 MyNBA

[RolePlayer]

Always enjoy your Celtics dynasties, expect this one to be no different

[patriotway]

A global pandemic caused the NBA to take a brief hiatus last season.

by Adam Turner l November 23, 2020
SECAUCUS, NJ

The 2019-20 NBA season was proceeding as planned until early March of 2020. The Los Angeles Lakers held the top spot in the Western Conference while the Milwaukee Bucks had the best record in league. The stars of both of those teams, forwards LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo, were both favorites in the MVP race. The first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, New Orleans Pelicans' forward Zion Williamson, had only played 19 games. That left Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant as the front-runner for the Rookie of the Year award.

All of that took a back seat when Utah Jazz forward Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. Shortly thereafter the NBA suspended the regular season on March 11, 2020. After almost five months the NBA resumed operations. The "Bubble", as it came to be called, served as the place where NBA players, coaches and staff could conduct business safely. Since the pandemic had not subsided fans were not offered tickets to attend games live. At the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida 22 of the 30 NBA teams were able to continue the 2019-20 season. The other eight team's season had officially ended.

From the start of the seeding games on July 30 to the last game played on October 11, the bubble was deemed an overwhelming success. The Lakers came out on top with a 17th NBA title. The Miami Heat were the surprise team as they made their first Finals appearance since the 2013-14 season. The Los Angeles Clippers, a team that many expected would at least make the Conference Finals, were eliminated in the semifinals by the Denver Nuggets. The Clippers loss was even more shocking as they had a 3-1 series lead. The most important part was that there were no positive tests in the bubble.

With the 2020-21 season set to start on December 1, the teams that advanced through the playoffs may have to deal with injuries more than any other team. The most obvious reason for this is the lack of rest between seasons. The Lakers have an opening night game against the Clippers meaning that they'll have just 50 days of rest between last season and this upcoming one. The NBA season is a grind under normal circumstances but this season will physically test a few teams like no other season has.

[patriotway]

Gordon Hayward's decision to leave the Boston Celtics surprised many because of the money involved.

by Adam Turner l November 25, 2020
SECAUCUS, NJ

This offseason didn't have the same level of talent that prior seasons have. However, there were plenty of players that could provide tons of value and depth to teams for the upcoming season. Whether a team is rebuilding or restocking there were a lot of options for teams to choose from.

TEAM: Charlotte Hornets
LAST SEASON FINISH: 23-42 (10th in Eastern Conference)
2020-21 PROJECTION: 41-41 (8th in Eastern Conference)
BIGGEST OFFSEASON LOSS: None
BIGGEST OFFSEASON ADDITION: Gordon Hayward, 2020 3rd overall pick LaMelo Ball

The Charlotte Hornets made one of the most controversial moves of the offseason when they traded for former All-Star forward Gordon Hayward. Hayward adds playmaking and scoring to a roster that has some talented scorers like Terry Rozier III and Devonte' Graham. Third overall pick LaMelo Ball should also make this team exciting to watch even if they won't be able to compete with the top tier teams in the Eastern Conference.

TEAM: Washington Wizards
LAST SEASON FINISH: 25-47 (9th in Eastern Conference)
2020-21 PROJECTION: 43-39 (7th in Eastern Conference)
BIGGEST OFFSEASON LOSS: John Wall
BIGGEST OFFSEASON ADDITION: Russell Westbrook

Five-time All-Star John Wall's time with the Washington Wizards came to an end when he was traded to the Houston Rockets for 2017 MVP Russell Westbrook. The former MVP brings his passion and leadership to a team that has finished below .500 and missed the playoffs in the previous two seasons. Westbrook 27.2 points per game will also be a big offensive boost for the Wizards. Guard Bradley Beal lead the Wizards with 30.5 points per game and the second leading scorer was forward Davis Bertans who averaged 15.4 points.

TEAM: Atlanta Hawks
LAST SEASON FINISH: 20-47 (14th in Eastern Conference)
2020-21 PROJECTION: 45-37 (6th in Eastern Conference)
BIGGEST OFFSEASON LOSS: None
BIGGEST OFFSEASON ACQUISITION: Rajon Rondo, Danilo Gallinari

The Atlanta Hawks made some serious changes to their roster over the offseason that could benefit the team in a big way. All-Star point guard Trae Young now has great backup in two-time champion Rajon Rondo. The team also added veteran forward Danilo Gallinari who averaged 18.2 points per game as a starter last season for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Hawks also managed to add another scorer in Bogdan Bogdanovic who averaged about 15 points per game and shot 37.2 percent form deep with the Sacramento Kings last season.

[patriotway]

The Golden State Warriors will have to play another season without five-time All-Star Klay Thompson.

by Adam Turner l November 2, 2020
SECAUCUS, NJ

The pecking order in the Western Conference is more locked in place than the Eastern Conference. The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers are still the teams to beat while the Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks are seen as being in contention. The real question is whether or not other teams have done enough to elevate their status.

TEAM: Minnesota Timberwolves
LAST SEASON FINISH: 19-45 (14th in Western Conference)
2020-21 PROJECTION: 41-41 (10th in Western Conference)
BIGGEST OFFSEASON LOSS: None
BIGGEST OFFSEASON ACQUISITION: Ricky Rubio

Being in the extremely competitive Western Conference may be one of the reasons the Minnesota Timberwolves miss the playoffs. The acquisition of veteran point guard Ricky Rubio is a positive for a team that has scorers like guard D'Angelo Russell and center Karl-Anthony Towns. Scoring won't matter if the Timberwolves don't work on their 28th ranked scoring defense.

TEAM: Golden State Warriors
LAST SEASON FINISH: 15-50 (15th in Western Conference)
2020-21 PROJECTION: 45-37 (8th in Western Conference)
BIGGEST OFFSEASON LOSS: None
BIGGEST OFFSEASON ACQUISITION: None

A healthy Stephen Curry will immediately lift the Golden State Warriors from the basement of the Western Conference but there is only so much a player can do. Klay Thompson's injury is devastating for a team hoping to get back into title contention. The Warriors did trade for a wing player in Kelly Oubre Jr. but the move mostly gives the team depth at the wing position.

TEAM: Phoenix Suns
LAST SEASON FINISH: 34-39 (10th in Western Conference)
2020-21 PROJECTION: 49-33 (7th in Western Conference)
BIGGEST OFFSEASON LOSS: None
BIGGEST OFFSEASON ACQUISITION: Chris Paul

At the age of 35, Chris Paul is still able to play at a high level. As a veteran, his playmaking and leadership will go a long way in getting a determined Phoenix Suns team back to the playoffs. The Suns added another tough-minded veteran in forward Jae Crowder who plays defense and provides floor spacing. Like the Timberwolves, the Suns will need to make a collaborative effort to improve on the defensive end of the court.

[patriotway]

Matchup Preview *|* December 1, 2020
	@
Los Angeles Lakers (0-0, 0-0 Away)		Los Angeles Clippers (0-0, 0-0 Home)
Projected Starters Dennis Schroder Point Guard Patrick Beverly Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Shooting Guard Paul George LeBron James Small Forward Kawhi Leonard Anthony Davis Power Forward Nicolas Batum Marc Gasol Center Serge Ibaka Injury Report NONE M. Morris Sr./Sore Right Knee (Dec 16) Game Notes LAST MEETING: (July 30, 2020) Los Angeles Lakers 103 - Los Angeles Clippers 101 SPREAD CONSENSUS PICK: Los Angeles Lakers

by Chuck Todd l December 1, 2020
LOS ANGELES, CA

The Los Angeles Lakers, fresh off a championship season and about 50 days of rest, will face the Los Angeles Clippers on opening night for the second season in a row. The four-game series was split down the middle with each team winning two games. The Lakers return the season with an improved roster consisting of Sixth Man of the Year center Montrezl Harrell and guard Dennis Schroder. Schroder scored 18.9 points per game last season with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

One intriguing aspect of this game will be the story of Harrel moving from the Clippers to the Lakers. While the Clippers still have center Ivica Zubac on their roster they also signed big man Serge Ibaka from the Toronto Raptors. Ibaka gives the Clippers an added dimension of rim protection and floor spacing that Harrell didn't. At 6'10" Ibaka also has the size to better defend other centers.

Matchup Preview *|* December 2, 2020
	@
Toronto Raptors (0-0, 0-0 Away)		Washington Wizards (0-0, 0-0 Home)
Projected Starters Kyle Lowry Point Guard Russell Westbrook Fred VanVleet Shooting Guard Bradley Beal OG Anunoby Small Forward Isaac Bonga Pascal Siakam Power Forward Deni Avdija Aron Baynes Center Robin Lopez Injury Report P. McCaw/Sore Left Knee (late Jan.) T. Bryant/Right Knee Surgery (Jan, 2022)) R. Hachimura/Eye Surgery (Dec. 10) Game Notes LAST MEETING: (Jan. 17, 2020) Toronto Raptors 140 - Washington Wizards 111 SPREAD CONSENSUS PICK: Toronto Raptors

by Greg Mann l December 1, 2020
WASHINGTON D.C.

The Toronto Raptors are coming off a disappointing loss in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and are determined to prove they can win with the roster they have at the moment. Last season the Raptors finished thirteenth in scoring offense and fourteenth in offensive rating. All-Star forward Pascal Siakam lead the team in scoring with 22.9 points per game.

Even though the Washington Wizards offense was seventh in the league, their defense was horrible coming in near the bottom of the NBA. If the addition of former MVP Russell Westbrook can get the team to focus on that end of the court that will be a huge bonus. While Westbrook may be inefficient when it comes to scoring, his playmaking can make a backcourt with guard Bradley Beal lethal.

Matchup Preview *|* December 3, 2020
	@
Milwaukee Bucks (0-0, 0-0 Away)		Philadelphia 76ers (0-0, 0-0 Home)
Projected Starters Jrue Holiday Point Guard Ben Simmons Donte DiVincenzo Shooting Guard Seth Curry Khris Middleton Small Forward Danny Green Giannis Antetokounmpo Power Forward Tobias Harris Brook Lopez Center Joel Embiid Injury Report T. Craig/Broken Nose (mid Dec) NONE Game Notes LAST MEETING: (Feb. 22, 2020) Philadelphia 76ers 98 - Milwaukee Bucks 119 SPREAD CONSENSUS PICK: Milwaukee Bucks

by Franklin Harris l December 1, 2020
PHILADELPHIA, PA

The Milwaukee Bucks improved their backcourt by trading for former All-Star Jrue Holiday. Interestingly, Holiday sole All-Star season came when he played for the Bucks upcoming opponent, the Philadelphia 76ers. Holiday not only adds more of a defensive presence, but he also provides spacing having shot 35.3 percent from beyond the arc last season. Having lost their best three-point shooters from last season, guards George Hill and Kyle Korver, others will need to step up in that department.

After a demoralizing first round exit the 76ers hired Doc Rivers as head coach and added players like guards Seth Curry and Danny Green to help space the floor. Rivers is also familiar with forward Tobias Harris who Rivers coached during his tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers. If Rivers can help Harris play like he did during his time with the Clippers, the 76ers will be a huge threat. That should also help the team's offense as it was 20th in the league last season.

[patriotway]

Week 1 NBA.com Power Rankings
RK (LW)	Team	Record	Next Game
1 (-)	Los Angeles Lakers	0-0	@ LAC (12/1), CHI (12/5)
2 (-)	Milwaukee Bucks	0-0	@ PHI (12/3)
3 (-)	Golden State Warriors	0-0	NO GAMES
4 (-)	Los Angeles Clippers	0-0	LAL (12/1), @ UTA (12/5)
5 (-)	Houston Rockets	0-0	@ DAL (12/4)
6 (-)	Philadelphia 76ers	0-0	MIL (12/3), BOS (12/6)
7 (-)	Toronto Raptors	0-0	NOP (12/1), @ WAS, (12/2)
8 (-)	San Antonio Spurs	0-0	SAC (12/4), NYK (12/6)
9 (-)	Boston Celtics	0-0	@ PHI (12/6)
10 (-)	Miami Heat	0-0	IND (12/2), MEM (12/6)
11 (-)	Brooklyn Nets	0-0	@ OKC (12/3), MIN (12/6)
12 (-)	Portland Trail Blazers	0-0	CLE (12/5), DEN (12/6)
13 (-)	Utah Jazz	0-0	LAC (12/5), OKC (12/6)
14 (-)	Chicago Bulls	0-0	@ LAL (12/5), @ CHA (12/6)
15 (-)	Denver Nuggets	0-0	MEM (12/4), @ POR (12/6)
16 (-)	Dallas Mavericks	0-0	HOU (12/4), WAS (12/6)
17 (-)	Washington Wizards	0-0	TOR (12/2), @ DAL (12/6)
18 (-)	Phoenix Suns	0-0	@ MIN (12/3), SAC (12/6)
19 (-)	Atlanta Hawks	0-0	DET (12/2)
20 (-)	Indiana Pacers	0-0	@ MIA (12/2), DET (12/6)
21 (-)	New Orleans Pelicans	0-0	@ TOR (12/1), CHA (12/3)
22 (-)	Sacramento Kings	0-0	@ SAS (12/4), @ PHO (12/6)
23 (-)	New York Knicks	0-0	@ SAS (12/6)
24 (-)	Memphis Grizzlies	0-0	@ DEN (12/4), @ MIA (12/6)
25 (-)	Orlando Magic	0-0	CLE (12/6)
26 (-)	Cleveland Cavaliers	0-0	@ POR (12/5), @ ORL (12/6)
27 (-)	Detroit Pistons	0-0	@ ATL (12/2), @ IND (12/6)
28 (-)	Minnesota Timberwolves	0-0	PHO (12/3), @ BKN (12/6)
29 (-)	Oklahoma City Thunder	0-0	BKN (12/3), @ UTA (12/6)
30 (-)	Charlotte Hornets	0-0	@ NOP (12/3), CHI (12/6)

[patriotway]

Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo is attended to by training staff after injuring his leg against the Toronto Raptors during the 2018-19 season.

by Monifa Abara l December 1, 2020
SECAUCUS, NJ

Before a single regular season game can be played teams around the NBA assess where they are depending on the number of injured players on the roster. The injury impact can range from minor injuries to severe season-ending injuries. If the latter happens to a superstar or franchise player like the Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson, that can change the complexion of the rest of the season. Even though used as an example the Warriors will be without guard Thompson for the entire 2020-21 season as he recovers from an achilles tear. Without Thompson the Warriors go from possible title contenders to maybe making the playoffs.

Other injured players whose long-term absence will significantly impact their teams are Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie, Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac and Indiana Pacers forward T.J. Warren. The previously mentioned players aren't comparable to the Warriors' Thompson but they do have significant importance to the team they play for. When starters or important role players have to miss time because of injury, that forces teams to rely on unproven or inexperienced players.

For this season, another layer that may significantly impact teams are players that miss time because of Covid-19. There are already several players that are on the injured list as they are personally battling the respiratory disease or because they have been in close contact with a person that has it. One noteworthy player that is currently "self isolating" is forward Michael Porter Jr. of the Denver Nuggets.

FULL INJURY LIST

Spoiler

Milwaukee Bucks
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
SF	Torrey Craig	Broken Nose	1-2 Weeks	RECOVERING

Chicago Bulls
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
SG	Tomas Satoransky	Self Isolating	2-4 Weeks	--
SF	Chandler Hutchinson	Self Isolating	2-4 Weeks	--
PF	Thaddeus Young	Bruised Right Heel	1-2 Weeks	Recovering

Cleveland Cavaliers
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
PF	Kevin Love	Pulled Right Calf Muscle	2-4 Months	OUT
PG	Matthew Delavedova	Concussion	2-4 Months	OUT

Boston Celtics
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
SG	Romeo Langford	Broken Right Wrist	2-4 Months	OUT
PG	Kemba Walker	Arthroscopic Left Knee Surgery	2-4 Weeks	OUT

Los Angeles Clippers
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
PF	Marcus Morris Sr.	Sore Right Knee	1-2 Weeks	RECOVERING

Memphis Grizzlies
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
PF	Jaren Jackson Jr.	Right Knee Surgery	4-6 Months	OUT
SF	Justice Winslow	Right Hip Surgery	8-10 Weeks	OUT
PF	Jontay Porter	Torn Right ACL	6-8 Weeks	OUT
PG	Ja Morant	Sprained Left Ankle	2-4 Weeks	HURT

Atlanta Hawks
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
PG	Kris Dunn	Right Knee Surgery	2-4 Months	OUT
PF	Danilo Gallinari	Sprained Right Ankle	4-6 Weeks	HURT
PG	Rajon Rondo	Sore Right Knee	2-4 Weeks	RECOVERING
PF	Onyeka Okongwu	Broken Left Toe	2-4 Weeks	HURT
SF	Tony Snell	Sore Right Foot	2-4 Weeks	RECOVERING

Charlotte Hornets
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
C	Cody Zeller	Left Hand Surgery	4-6 Weeks	OUT

Sacramento Kings
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
SF	DaQuan Jeffries	Severe Right Ankle Sprain	6-8 Weeks	OUT

New York Knicks
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
SG	Alec Burks	Sprained Left Ankle	2-4 Weeks	RECOVERING
PF	Obi Toppin	Left Calf Cramp	1-2 Weeks	HURT
SG	Austin Rivers	Strained Groin	1-2 Weeks	HURT

Orlando Magic
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
PG	Markelle Fultz	Torn Left ACL	SEASON	OUT
SF	Jonathan Isaac	Torn Left ACL	SEASON	OUT
PF	Al-Farouq Aminu	Right Knee Surgery	6-8 Weeks	OUT
C	Mohamed Bamba	Self Isolating	1-2 Weeks	--
SF	James Ennis lll	Pulled Right Calf Muscle	1-2 Weeks	RECOVERING

Dallas Mavericks
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
PF	Kristaps Porzingis	Right Knee Surgery	2-4 Weeks	OUT

Brooklyn Nets
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
SG	Spencer Dinwiddie	Right Knee Surgery	SEASON	OUT
C	Nicolas Claxton	Right Knee Tendinitis	1-2 Months	HURT

Denver Nuggets
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
SF	Michael Porter Jr.	Self Isolating	2-4 Weeks	OUT
PF	JaMychal Green	Pulled Left Calf Muscle	1-2 Weeks	HURT

Indiana Pacers
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
SF	T.J. Warren	Left Foot Surgery	SEASON	OUT
SG	Jeremy Lamb	Left Knee Surgery	4-6 Weeks	OUT
C	Goga Bitadze	Sprained Right Ankle	2-4 Weeks	HURT

New Orleans Pelicans
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
PF	Wenyen Gabriel	Sprained Right Knee	1-2 Weeks	HURT

Detroit Pistons
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
SF	Deividas Srvydis	Self Isolating	1-2 Weeks	OUT

Toronto Raptors
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
SF	Patrick McCaw	Sore Left Knee	6-8 Weeks	HURT

Houston Rockets
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
PG	Chris Clemons	Torn Right Achilles	SEASON	OUT
SG	Ben McLemore	Self Isolating	1-2 Weeks	OUT

San Antonio Spurs
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
SG	Derrick White	Left Foot Surgery	4-6 Weeks	HURT

Phoenix Suns
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
SF	Abdek Nader	Concussion	2-4 Weeks	HURT
PF	Dario Saric	Strained Right Quad	1-2 Weeks	RECOVERING

Minnesota Timberwolves
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
C	Karl-Anthony Towns	Broken Left Wrist	6-8 Weeks	OUT
SF	Josh Okogie	Sore Left Hamstring	1-2 Weeks	HURT
SG	Jaylen Nowell	Sprained Left Ankle	1-2 Weeks	HURT

Portland Trail Blazers
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
PF	Zach Collins	Broken Left Ankle	6-8 Months	OUT
PG	Anfernee Simons	Arthroscopic Right Knee Surgery	Day-to-Day	OUT

Golden State Warriors
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
SG	Klay Thompson	Torn Right Achilles	SEASON	OUT
C	Marquese Chriss	Fractured Right Leg	6-8 Months	OUT
C	Alen Smailagic	Torn Right Meniscus	8-10 Weeks	HURT
PF	Draymond Green	Sprained Left Foot	1-2 Weeks	HURT

Washington Wizards
Pos	Player	Injury	Duration	Status
C	Thomas Bryant	Right Knee Surgery	SEASON	OUT
PF	Rui Hachimura	Eye Surgery	1-2 Weeks	OUT

[patriotway]

Leonard has career night in blowout win over rival

by Chuck Todd l December 1, 2020
LOS ANGELES, CA

The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers clashed for the first time this season and the Clippers came out the winners in a 131-111 blowout. Forwards LeBron James and Anthony Davis led the way on offense for the Lakers with 34 and 24 points, respectively. The Lakers also managed to get 40 points from their bench unit with veteran forward Markieff Morris' 13 points leading the way.

After a high scoring first quarter, the Clippers took control by outscoring the Lakers 33-21 in the second quarter. When the final buzzer sounded the Clippers held a 20-point lead thanks in large part to Kawhi Leonard. The tenth-year wing had a double-double with a career-high 45 points to go with 11 rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Leonard's six-time All-Star teammate Paul George had an impressive game as well, finishing with 39 points, seven boards, seven dimes and three steals.

NEXT GAME: (December 5, 2020) Chicago Bulls @ Los Angeles Lakers
(December 5, 2020) Los Angeles Clippers @ Utah Jazz

NEXT MEETING: (February 7, 2021) Los Angeles Clippers @ Los Angeles Lakers