Upsets incoming?

Hey Ballers,

It’s Basti and Benji.

On today’s game plan we’ve got:

  • 🔥 NBA Recaps

  • 🔍️ BBB Udpates

  • 💥 Drill Of The Month

Let’s get started!

🔥 NBA Recaps 🔥 

NBA Playoff Shake-Up: Dark Horses and Key Storylines 🏀


As the calendar flips to April, the NBA playoff race has intensified, with some dark horses emerging that could possibly upset some of the favorites in the postseason. 

🛑 Detroit Pistons (42-33, 5th in East)

The Pistons continue their remarkable turnaround, despite widespread skepticism following years of disappointing performance.

Their acquisition of veteran guard Dennis Schröder at the trade deadline has added stability to their backcourt, complementing Cade Cunningham’s breakout season.

While their record against elite teams remains shaky, their grit and defensive schemes could make them a tough out in the playoffs.

🖐️ LA Clippers (42-32, 8th in West)

Despite Kawhi Leonard’s absence due to injury, James Harden has stepped up as a leader, averaging +24 PPG and +10 APG since March.

Their small-ball lineup has been effective, but inconsistency and injuries could hinder their playoff push.

🐻 Memphis Grizzlies (45-30, 6th in West)

With Ja Morant healthy and playing at an All-NBA level, the Grizzlies have quietly become dangerous again. Their league-leading transition offense paired with Jaren Jackson Jr.'s elite rim protection gives them the formula to upset top seeds.

Who is your dark horse team to beat out the big favorites on their way to the Larry O'Brien trophy? 🏆

Which team do you think might upset the favorites?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Check out our BBB Podcast for more NBA insights! 🏀

🚀 BBB Updates 🚀

Here is what has happened behind closed curtains at BBB lately:

⛹️ Project Free Training

We’re busy planning our weekly free training sessions that will take place in the Littau area of Lucerne. These sessions will be all about giving kids a chance to learn, grow, and have fun on the court - no experience required! 👍️ 

Details are being finalized, and we can’t wait to share the schedule with you!

♻️ Pass the Gear

In just two days, Benji will meet with Jens Bernhardt, the gym renovation representative, to collect 2-3 basketball rims from the Steinhof School Gym (currently undergoing renovations).

These hoops will be passed along to kids in underserved communities to give them the chance to play, learn, and grow.

We’re thrilled to continue this journey of giving back and spreading the game we love! 🙏 

❤️ Membership

You still aren’t part of the BBB family yet?

Just fill out the membership form on our website or click the button below! 👇️

Join us on our mission to make basketball accessible to everyone!

🏀 Drill Of The Month 🏀

Tired of missing out on running, jumping, or playing ball just because of knee pain?! 👀

This month’s drill is a bulletproof knee workout designed to target the key muscles around your knee joint, boost their strength and stability to help you play pain-free on the court. 🚀

Warm-Up

  • Backwards Jogging | 5× 30 seconds on the treadmill

  • Single-Leg Balance Holds | 2x 60 seconds per leg

  • Some dynamic stretching to prepare for physical exercises, as well as to prevent injuries.

Workout:

  • Jump To The Beat | 2 Songs

    • Jump continuously to the beat of two songs, focusing on soft landings and controlled movements to absorb impact efficiently.

  • Banded Knee Extensions | 3x 15-20 reps per leg

    • Secure a resistance band behind your knee, fully stretch your leg against the resistance, and return to the starting position with control.

  • Isometric Lunge Hold | 2x 60 seconds per leg

    • Step into a deep lunge while maintaining your back knee just above the ground and raising the heel of your front foot. Hold your position without moving.

  • Isometric Step Downs | 3x 10 reps per leg

    • Stand on a box in a squat stance, slowly lower one foot to tap the ground while maintaining the other leg engaged, and then return to the starting position without pushing off the lowered foot.

Try to do each exercise with good quality and as controlled as possible.

Cool down:

  • Cool down with some walking, grounding, and static stretching.

  • Recovery meals with carbs and lots of protein.

Train consistently, and soon, you’ll be able to jump like Ja with a pain-free knee. 🚀🏀

Quote of the Month

''If you see me in a fight with a bear, pray for the bear.''

Kobe Bryant

Ballin Beyond Borders Podcast

Go have a listen to our german basketball podcast with Demba and Benji 🎧️ 

🎙️ Episode 102: CRAZIEST TRADE EVER | Ep 102

🎙️ Episode 103: R.I.P Mavs | Ep 103

🎙️ Episode 104: NBA Europe Extension | Ep 104

🎙️ Episode 105: LeGoat or LeDiva (Back2Back Episode) | Ep 105

That’s it for this month!

Keep Ballin!

Much love ❤️,

Your BBB Team