The Mismatch 10 Questions Heading into All-Star Weekend
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Feb 10, 2026 A wild on-court brawl sparks a look at which teams could meet in a heated first-round series. A playful ranking imagines which squads would win a Royal Rumble-style fight. Debate over growing tanking concerns and possible league responses. Quick takes on rebuilding teams to watch, whether Minnesota is truly legit, and which East clubs could topple the Cavs.
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Hornets–Pistons Fight Became A Cultural Touchstone
- Chris Vernon and David Jacoby recount the Hornets–Pistons brawl and how social media turned it into an instant cultural moment.
- They describe multiple melees, unexpected intensity from Moise Diabaté, and how the fight replayed across angles online.
Tanking Has Hit Critical Mass
- David Jacoby and Chris Vernon say tanking has reached critical mass and will force NBA reform due to integrity and gambling concerns.
- They list possible fixes like draft-locking, limiting protections, and flattening lottery odds to deter intentional losing.
Policy Fixes To Deter Tanking
- Consider rule changes like prohibiting teams from drafting top-four picks two years in a row or locking draft positions to discourage tanking.
- Limit how teams protect picks to reduce incentives for losing late-season games.