Game Spotlight 

Monday, Nov 3

Giannis calls game on the (G league) Pacers

Giannis and his 4-2 Bucks return to Indiana after losing to them in the Wild Card round of the 2025 playoffs. Neither one of these teams’ rosters is standout, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Pascal Siakam being the best players on their respective rosters, both dropping 30 bombs on Monday, but the game came down to the final seconds, where Giannis bangs a fadeaway to put the seal on the now 1-6 Indiana Pacers, who continue to struggle through 2025. The questionable part of this all was Giannis celebrating it. In my opinion, it’s just a little dumb, they are a completely struggling 1-6 team without their star, but they are the defending finals contenders. However, it’s just my opinion, Giannis can celebrate how much he wants on whatever team.

Final: MIL 117 – 115 IND

Tuesday, Nov 4

The Bulls finish up a comeback to defeat the 76ers

While the Bulls were down by more than 20 points to begin the 2nd half, they decided to lock in and defeat the 76ers. But, to be fair to Philly, shot making went ice cold, as they finished out the game with 11 straight missed field goals. Still, Tyrese Maxey scored 39 points even in the loss, and still looked like the best player in Philly and one of the best in the NBA. On the Bulls’ side, Josh Giddey put up a 30 bomb and a massive performance in the 2nd half, including an insane assist to Nikola Vuckevic to hit a corner three shot reminiscent of Kawhi Leonard’s shot against Philly in the 2019 playoffs. With that, the Sixers go to 5-2 and the Bulls to 6-1.

Final: CHI 113 – 111 PHI

Wednesday Nov 5

The Thunder dropped their first game of the year 

The Thunder finally gained their first loss of 2025 to the Portland Trail Blazers. The Thunder were missing most of their players, as they lacked Chet Holmgren and, of course, Jaylen Williams, but Ajay Mitchell came and played hard in the loss. Portland was led by Deni Avdija, who scored 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds (on 15 free throws), while for the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous Alexander scored 35 points and grabbed 10 rebounds (on 12 free throws). This game went down to the wire, as the Blazers came back from a huge deficit, once down 22 in the 1st quarter. A couple of extra 4th quarter shots sealed the win in Portland.

Final: POR 121 – OKC 119

Saturday, Nov 8

The Sixers dismantle the Raptors Iverson style

On Saturday, the 76ers went against the Toronto Raptors. After a slow start, Toronto stacked a couple of wins and began looking hot, but Philly watered their flame. For Philly, their offense was close to perfect, with Joel Embiid dropping 29 points and Maxey dropping 31 points. The emphasis, though, was on free agent acquisition Trenton Watford, who scored a 20/17/10 triple-double. This effort stopped Toronto’s tough defense, while Toronto’s Scottie Barnes had a disappointing 18-point game. After the first quarter, Toronto slowed down, and the Sixers gained control for the rest of the game, winning it comfortably in their black Iverson throwback jerseys.

Final: PHI 130 – 120 TOR

The Lakers lose to the 2-man down Hawks

The Lakers, especially Luka Doncic, went into Atlanta looking strong. Luka Doncic has averaged more than 40 points per game, while the Hawks had both Jalen Johnson and Trae Young, their two best players, inactive. Many expected LA to win, but the Lakers did not. Luka Doncic put up only 22 points, but the standout for the Lakers was Jared Vanderbilt’s 18 rebounds, which led both teams. On the other side, Muhammad Geuye led the Hawks’ effort, as he put up 21/7/7 for the Hawks, and rookie Asa Newell scored 17 points. The question is whether the Lakers are actually serious after this depressing effort against Atlanta. In my opinion, they still are, because Luka just had a bad game, but it is up to Los Angeles’ play to decide

Final: LA 102 – 122 ATL

Player/Team Storylines

Tyrese Maxey keeps shining

Maxey has been one of the most surprising starts for a player in 2025. He has an average of 33 points and has been the vessel for Philadelphia’s offense throughout the first 10 games, and has made the entire team better. Maxey has made defenders fear his abilities and his playmaking on offense, and has learned to improve his own defense. All this to say, Maxey just keeps improving, and if he stays consistent, he can circle the MVP race and maybe win it with larger efforts.

More teams in the out list: 

Indiana Pacers: When I made the original list, I believed there was a chance they could come back if Tyrese Haliburton made a surprise return, but the hole they are digging for themselves is eating them alive. The team without Haliburton is just not enough to be a good functional team, and Haliburton is the bones of Indiana. The Pacers will not make the playoffs without Tyrese Haliburton.

Major Game Predictions (Nov 10 – 17):

Monday: Spurs @ Bulls

Spurs win

Tuesday: Warriors @ Thunder

Thunder win

Wednesday: Lakers @ Thunder

Lakers win

Thursday: Raptors @ Cavaliers 

Cavs win

Friday: 76ers @ Pistons

76ers win

Saturday: Nuggets @ Timberwolves

Nuggets win

Sunday: Magic @ Rockets

Rockets win