MORE FROM Matthew Blum

Sights and Sounds from inside Oracle

The Toronto Raptors took over Oracle Arena Wednesday night and made a statement, retaking home court advantage and grabbing control of the NBA Finals.

Matthew Blum

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The Challenges Draymond presents the Raptors

Draymond Green took his game to another level in the Western Conference Finals without Kevin Durant. With Durant missing at least the beginning of the NBA Finals, Green's production on both ends will be crucial to the Warriors winning their third-straight title.

Matthew Blum

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How Houston can beat Golden State

The Rockets came agonizingly close to knocking off the Warriors last season, but they can use the lessons they learned from that loss to finally get over that hump.

Matthew Blum

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Which version of the 76ers offence will we see today?

Through their first two playoff games, the 76ers offence has seen incredible ups and downs. Their ability to find consistency throughout the playoffs will determine whether they can reach their potential.

Matthew Blum

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Evaluating Utah's potential first round opponents

The Jazz have secured a playoff spot for the third consecutive season but with the standings so close in the Western Conference, the final few games of the season will dramatically impact Utah's outlook going into the playoffs.

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How Thunder can remedy offensive woes

Oklahoma City has had one of the worst offences in the league since the All-Star break and, with the playoffs rapidly approaching, it desperately needs to start finding solutions.

Matthew Blum

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How Denver's success can translate to a playoff run

The Nuggets have been one of the best and most surprising teams in the league this season, but how can they translate their success in the regular season to a long playoff run?

Matthew Blum

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How Simmons can learn from Harden and Paul

James Harden is the reigning MVP. Chris Paul is one of the best pure point guards of all-time. As Ben Simmons continues to forge his own identity, there are several skills he could learn from the Rockets duo to help make the evolution from burgeoning All-Star to legitimate superstar.

Matthew Blum

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How remaining schedules impact playoff races

Extra road games, brutal back-to-backs or simply playing more playoff teams down the stretch of the season might make all the difference for teams vying for a higher seed and others pushing to make the playoffs entirely.

Matthew Blum

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Inside breakout seasons of 5 first-time All-Stars

Of the 26 players on the 2019 All-Star rosters, five will be making their ASG debut. All five are having career years, and each has a specific a reason why they've been able to break out.

Matthew Blum

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Will the Lakers miss the playoffs?

With 30 games remaining on the schedule, the Lakers are currently on the outside looking in at the playoff picture. Will the return of LeBron James be enough to get them back into the postseason?

Matthew Blum

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How DeRozan, Spurs have turned things around

After a rocky start to the season, San Antonio has become one of the league's best offences by embracing DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge.

Matthew Blum

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Breaking down the Warriors' defensive issues

Once a truly elite regular season defence, the Warriors have fallen off over the past couple seasons and now face real problems that could impact their title run if they persist into the playoffs.

Matthew Blum

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Which team threatens the Warriors?

With so many teams bundled together and fighting for position in the West, who will emerge as this season's primary rivals to the Golden State Warriors?

Matthew Blum

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It's time to take notice of the Clippers

Though they're lacking in traditional big name stars, the Los Angeles Clippers have found early season success by bucking many of the league's big trends.

Matthew Blum

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What makes Steph so important?

The Warriors have fought, faltered and tried to figure things out without Curry these past few weeks. Ahead of his imminent return, here's what his absence has taught us about his impact.

Matthew Blum

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Kemba is the league's most unassuming star

Putting up numbers that rival just about anyone's through the first month of the season, Kemba Walker is quietly playing at an All-NBA level and leading the Hornets back to playoff contention.

Matthew Blum

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What Chandler brings to the Lakers

After struggling through the first ten games of the season, the Lakers signing Tyson Chandler will help shore up their centre rotation and create positive effects for every player in the rotation.

Matthew Blum

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How the Raptors have evolved to the new NBA

Coming off of an offseason filled with change and upheaval, the Toronto Raptors have rebuilt themselves into a modern and more dangerous title contender.

Matthew Blum

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The Pelicans are flying behind their record-setting offense

After just two games, the New Orleans Pelicans' fast-paced offense has them turning heads in the daunting Western Conference.

Matthew Blum

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Why the Wizards are this year's surprise team

After years of struggling to translate potential into postseason success, this might finally be the year the Wizards put it together and become the surprise team in the East.

Matthew Blum

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What retaining Smart does for Boston

In re-signing Marcus Smart, the Celtics have put themselves one step closer to their ultimate goal of winning an NBA title.

Matthew Blum

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Are the Thunder title contenders?

With their new additions and retentions this summer, the Oklahoma City Thunder are in a great position to succeed in year two of Paul George and Russell Westbrook.

Matthew Blum

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Who will be this year's Oladipo?

After Victor Oladipo burst onto the scene and became one of the league's best last season, these are the players most likely to follow in his footsteps this season.

Matthew Blum

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6 big things we learned from preseason

With the start of the regular season just around the corner, these are the major lessons we learned from the NBA preseason.

Matthew Blum

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5 Rookies expected to make immediate impact

These are the rookies who are most well equipped to immediately succeed in their NBA careers.

Matthew Blum

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Jabari Parker can revitalize his career with the Bulls

Two ACL injuries significantly limited Jabari Parker's production with the Bucks, but now he's looking to rejuvinate his career in Chicago.

Matthew Blum

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How the new Rockets help against the Warriors

With so much of the Rockets' success centered around finally beating the Warriors, how their new additions match up with Golden State will have huge impacts on their season.

Matthew Blum

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Third-year players poised for a breakout season

These players coming off promising sophomore years are looking to break out in 2018-19.

Matthew Blum

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Lowry can reach new heights with Kawhi

Despite the inevitable adjustment period, Kyle Lowry stands to benefit more than any other Raptor following the trade for Kawhi Leonard.

Matthew Blum

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5 crucial post-free agency questions

Five very important unanswered questions that will determine the 2018-19 NBA landscape.

Matthew Blum

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The Cavs should embrace the future

As the Cavaliers begin the 2018-19 season without LeBron James, they can start planning for their long-term future for the first time in four years.

Matthew Blum

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Why OKC could be forced to move on from Carmelo

Facing an unprecedented tax bill for the 2018-19 season, the Oklahoma City Thunder might have no choice but to move on from Carmelo Anthony.

Matthew Blum

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