Tried to play 19 at least 3 times recently and just could not like it anymore.
18 is just on another level. If you take the time to experiment and tweak sliders, as well as edit each and every player, you will have the best NBA experience a Live game has ever given you.
I am addicted to this game. CPU moves the ball crazy great, lots of off ball movement as well, physicality, midrange, mismatches...it's all there.
I've been editing each team and play a 12min-qtr games, and this game never seizes to amaze me.
And don't get me started on the graphics, it's gorgeous!
19 has nicer animations and more interactions, but 18 is so much better overall. Best Live ever, in my opinion.
PS: I only play offline vs the CPU, nothing else.