The Ringer NBA Show

‘The Last Dance’ and the Athlete As a Role Model | The Mismatch

05 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We run through some league news, including the discussions about whether Kevin Durant would be ready to come back by the time the NBA is ready to ramp...

Instant Reactions to ‘The Last Dance Episodes 5-6 | The Ringer NBA Show

04 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Justin Verrier and Rob Mahoney come to you immediately after the conclusion of the fifth and sixth episodes of ‘The Last Dance.’ On this week’s ...

The NBA’s Orlando Bubble. Plus: ‘The Last Dance’ Questions, Allen Iverson in 2020, and Chris Paul to the Bright-Future Suns? | The Mismatch

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With news swirling about the NBA's continued exploration of potential return options, we discuss the complexities of restarting basketball in a bubble...

NBA Facilities Opening in May. Plus: ‘The Last Dance’ Episodes 3-4 | The Mismatch

28 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We react to the news that the NBA is considering opening its practice facilities up to players starting as soon as May (1:40), before discussing Marc ...

Instant Reactions to ‘The Last Dance Episodes 3-4 | The Ringer NBA Show

27 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Justin Verrier and Rob Mahoney gather to discuss the second week of ESPN’s Michael Jordan documentary, ‘The Last Dance.’ This week, we got a pee...

Brooklyn’s Head Coaching Search, Chris Paul’s Hesitance to Return Too Fast, and More Mailbag Questions | The Mismatch

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss the short list (read: Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving’s list) for Kenny Atkinson’s replacement in Brooklyn (2:13). Then, we take a look a...

Virtual Draft Strategies, Past Draft Stories, and Game-Changing Coaches | Flying Coach With Steve Kerr and Pete Carroll

23 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll discuss all things draft, including how they are preparing fo...

‘The Last Dance,’ Re-living the Demise of the ’90s Bulls, and the NBA’s Quarantine Bubble With Bill Simmons | The Mismatch

21 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin and Chris are joined by Bill Simmons to react to Draymond Green’s Warriors-Bulls comparisons (1:48), discuss episodes 1-2 of ‘The Last Dance...

Instant Reactions to ‘The Last Dance’ Episodes 1-2 | The Ringer NBA Show

20 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Ryan and Sean Fennessey convene for a special recap of ESPN's new Michael Jordan documentary, 'The Last Dance.' Episodes 1-2 bring us back to th...

Jalen Green Forgoes College for the G League. Plus: The Ringer NBA Draft Guide Launches | The Mismatch

17 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Top prospect Jalen Green is the next player to join the G League rather than go to college. Is he the next wave in a trend or an outlier (3:20)? Plus:...

What Can the NBA Learn From Other Leagues Around the World About Returning in 2020? | The Mismatch

14 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss the successes and failures of the NBA’s H-O-R-S-E broadcast (2:30), before talking about Taiwan bringing basketball back with mannequins ...

Flying Coach With Steve Kerr & Pete Carroll: Two Champions on Mentors, Philosophies, and Why They Coach (Premiere Episode!)

13 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll sit down for the premiere episode of their new podcast ‘Fly...

Four Draft Prospects You Should Start Looking Up Now | The Mismatch

10 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We chat about whether the proposed NBA H-O-R-S-E tournament will be entertaining or a bust (1:31), before reviewing the news that the Bulls will hire ...

Creative Ideas to Bring Basketball Back and Even More Mailbag Questions | The Mismatch

07 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The guys discuss the emerging ideas about how to bring back the NBA, including a H-O-R-S-E competition and rapid testing to resume the season (0:41), ...

Our Biggest Draft Hits and Misses: Jayson Tatum, Mike Conley Jr., Draymond Green, and More | The Mismatch

03 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With basketball still shelved, we revisit our biggest hits and misses in previous draft coverage: Dragan Bender, Jaylen Brown, Mario Hezonja, and more...

Optimism for Completing the Season, the Jordan Documentary, Mailbag, and More | The Mismatch

31 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We review comments by Mark Cuban and Adam Silver that make it seem like the NBA is still focused on finishing the 2019-20 season (3:52), before discus...

The Four Most Undercovered Stories or Players from the 2019-20 Season | The Mismatch

27 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We revisit some of the stories and players that we dropped the ball on covering this year—including Goran Dragic (the unsung anchor of the Miami Hea...

Possible NBA Return Scenarios, Draft Prospects Declaring, and More Mailbag Questions | The Mismatch

25 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We look to other countries’ professional basketball leagues and wonder whether the NBA can develop a model to return that works in the United States...

Reopening the Mismatch Mailbag: Who Should Blow It Up, NBA Sliding Doors, and More | The Mismatch

20 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We sifted through all your questions and picked our favorites: What were our most memorable arguments? Which teams are primed to blow it up next seaso...

Life Without the NBA. Plus: Tom Brady Leaves the Patriots. | The Mismatch

17 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin reacts to the news that his favorite football player of all time, Tom Brady, is leaving the New England Patriots (0:00). Then, we discuss the NB...

The NBA Season Is Suspended | The Mismatch

12 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In light of the news that the Utah Jazz’s Rudy Gobert has tested positive for COVID-19, the NBA announced that the 2019-20 season has been suspended...

The Rebuilding State of the NBA | Group Chat

11 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers lose a shocker to the Nets, only their second defeat in 13 games (1:04). We then discuss what rebuilding looks like for the league and its ...

Is LeBron James Catching Up in the MVP Race? Plus: How the Coronavirus Might Affect the Rest of the Season | The Mismatch

10 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin wonders whether LeBron James should be getting more serious consideration for the MVP award, which leads us to a knock-down, drag-out fight abou...

Coronavirus Concerns, the Nets Fire Atkinson, and We All Drink the Ben Bartch Smoothie | Heat Check

09 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Instant Replay: In this special extended segment, the gang looks at the latest news from around the NBA, including what further precautions the league...

Podcast Spotlight—Winging It With Vince Carter and Annie Finberg

07 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here are some highlights from our podcast 'Winging It With Vince Carter.' On this special preview, Vince and Annie Finberg talk to an array of guests ...

At Full Strength, Are the Clippers the Title Favorites? | The Mismatch

06 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After laying it on the Houston Rockets last night, the full-strength Clippers look about as good, if not better, than anyone in the NBA right now. Can...

Lakers vs. Sixers Recap, Another Knicks Feud, Plus: Line ’Em Up—a Jon Tjarks Joint! | Group Chat

04 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our very own Chris Ryan recaps what he saw last night at the Lakers-Sixers game (1:45). Spike Lee addresses his feud with the Knicks and the infamous ...

Should Giannis Antetokounmpo’s MVP Already Be Locked Up? | The Mismatch

03 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In Kevin’s return to the show, we return to our old ways: arguing about James Harden’s gather dribble and Giannis’s claim to the MVP (10:30). Th...

Things We Need to Stop Talking About | Heat Check

02 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Instant Replay: The Knicks make a hire, developments in the Giannis-Harden beef, and the Timberwolves get a resting policy violation (03:16). The Main...

Giannis vs. Harden, a Budding Personal Rivalry | The Mismatch

28 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We parse James Harden’s comments in response to Giannis Antetokounmpo passing him over during the All-Star draft (16:28), before breaking down which...

Zion vs. LeBron, Bucks vs. Raptors, and the Ben Simmons Injury | Group Chat

26 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks walked away with a win over Toronto, but who deserves the credit? Zion Williamson faced off against LeBron James i...

LeBron vs. Zion: A Potential Playoff Matchup and Passing of the Torch | The Mismatch

25 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We recap some news from around the league, including Vanessa Bryant’s moving tribute to Kobe Bryant, Bradley Beal’s big scoring night, and Ben Sim...

The Five Most Interesting Teams of the Stretch! Plus, Analyzing the Buyout Market and Playoff Projections | Heat Check

24 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Instant Replay: Dwyane Wade's jersey is retired, Mark Cuban has a very expensive meltdown, and we analyze the buyout market (03:08) The Main Event: Th...

Trae Young Drops 50 on His First Night Back. Plus: Embiid Says He’s the Best Player in the World. | The Mismatch

21 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We go over some highlights of the first night the NBA returned to action, including Trae Young's and Joel Embiid’s big games against the Miami Heat ...

The Cavs’ Coaching Change and Three Post-All-Star Story Lines | Group Chat

19 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With a new head coach and a less-than-impressive season, what does the future look like for the Cleveland Cavaliers (3:30)? Plus, major story lines fo...

Four Questions for the Post-All-Star NBA World | The Mismatch

18 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We run down a list of items, including rumors that John Beilein might be on his way out in Cleveland and news that the G League is unionizing (1:23). ...

All-Star Recaps, a Dunk Contest Controversy, and Dame D.O.L.L.A. | Heat Check

17 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Instant Replay: John Beilein is reportedly not long for the Cavaliers, and we recap the All-Star events from Friday and find out who is the league's b...

The Sixers Are ... Fine? Plus, More Knicks Drama, and Oh My God, Zion | Group Chat

12 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Despite concerns surrounding Joel Embiid’s incendiary comments earlier this week, the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers; could th...

Toronto Is on a Tear. Plus: Jimmy Butler Is Openly Recruiting Joel Embiid. | The Mismatch

11 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about how Toronto’s unbelievable win streak has kept teams like Boston, Miami, and Philly in their rearview mirror in the East (3:32), befor...

Trade Deadline Winners and Losers, KD Goes Off, and We Do Art | Heat Check

10 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Instant Replay: The Raptors just can’t seem to lose, Kevin Durant wants all the smoke, and James Dolan isn't selling the New York Knicks (02:05). Th...

D’Angelo Russell for Andrew Wiggins, Andre Iguodala to Miami, and More From the NBA Trade Deadline | The Ringer NBA Show

06 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We react to the biggest news of today’s NBA trade deadline, including the Golden State Warriors swapping D’Angelo Russell for Andrew Wiggins, the ...

Breaking Down the Capela-Covington Blockbuster Trade | Group Chat

05 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

News of a four-team, 12-player trade revolving around Clint Capela and Robert Covington broke late Tuesday night, with numerous implications for the e...

Knicks Fire Steve Mills, Ja Morant vs. Andre Iguodala, and Trade Deadline Preview | The Mismatch

04 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We run down the Andre Iguodala vs. Memphis Grizzlies timeline (1:21) before previewing Thursday’s NBA trade deadline (12:40). Then ESPN’s Adrian W...

The Lakers Remember Kobe, All-Star Game Changes, and Trade Deadlines | Heat Check

03 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Instant Replay: The Lakers' touching tribute to Kobe Bryant, Damian Lillard's amazing streak, and the impressive run from the Raptors (3:05). The Main...

NBA All-Star Reserves, Lakers Back on the Court. Plus: Matisse Thybulle, Snubbed? | The Mismatch

31 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We run through the list of All-Star reserves and debate whether guys like Bradley Beal have a good case for feeling left out (2:33). Then, we talk abo...

News From Around the League and Reflecting on Kobe Bryant | Heat Check

29 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today on 'Heat Check,' John, Dan, and Haley take a look at the news around the NBA, talk about a few recent games, and examine some impressive 50-poin...

Grappling With the Death of Kobe Bryant | The Mismatch

28 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We try to come to terms with the life and death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant after a tragic helicopter crash killed him, his daughter Gianna, and seven o...

Remembering Kobe Bryant | Group Chat

27 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Justin Verrier and Rob Mahoney remember Kobe Bryant on the day after the tragic death of the legendary Laker and eight others in a helicopter crash. H...

All-Star Starters, Zion’s Return, and Montrezl Harrell Rumors. Plus: Horford for Gallinari? | The Mismatch

24 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We review the announced starters for the NBA’s All-Star Game (1:02) before discussing Zion Williamson’s return (47:00), debating whether the Sixer...

The Boring Clippers, Zion’s Debut, and Trade Deadline Preview | Group Chat

22 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Los Angeles Clippers are really, really good. But does that make them uninteresting to watch (0:44)? With Zion Williamson making his regular-seaso...

The Lakers Are Missing a Piece. Plus: Ben Simmons Is Unleashed | The Mismatch

21 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Lakers got walloped by the Celtics last night—is there more to take away from this one game than meets the eye (5:56)? Plus, Ben Simmons has bee...

Kent Bazemore Traded, Kyrie Back on the Record, and All-Star Starting Ballots | Heat Check

20 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Instant Replay: The Blazers have cut ties with Kent Bazemore and Kyrie Irving is back saying weird things in the media (4:01). The Main Event: Our ve...

Reassessing Brandon Ingram’s Ceiling, Talking Zion’s Return, and Examining the Depth of Denver | The Mismatch

17 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After Brandon Ingram scored 49 points to outduel Donovan Mitchell, we wonder whether it’s realistic to think he’s already better than Ben Simmons ...

The Fast & Furious Grizzlies, SGA Is the Future, and Why the Bucks Don’t Get Their Due | Group Chat

15 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss the impressive new-era Grizzlies (1:57), teams looking to go all in at the trade deadline (18:16), contenders that are positioned to make a...

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Is a Budding Superstar. Plus: Why Would Anyone Trade for Andre Drummond? | The Mismatch

14 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We review Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic triple-double and look at what the Clippers gave up when they sent him to OKC (1:04), before discussing...

The Spurs Keep Coming Back | Heat Check

13 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Instant Replay: The Nets beat the Hawks, plus the impact of Spencer Dinwiddie's off-court interests, a possible Sixers trade, and debating whether Ste...

Kevin Durant vs. Kendrick Perkins. Plus: Russ Returns to OKC but Chris Paul Prevails. | The Mismatch

10 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss the overperforming Oklahoma City Thunder and whether they should still consider dealing their desirable players at the trade deadline (1:02...

Three Old Men and a Dunk Contest | Heat Check

08 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Instant Replay: Anthony Davis busts his bum, Blake Griffin is no longer the bee’s knees, and more changes to the NBA (03:17). The Main Event: Dwight...

The Wild, Wild West and Midseason Overreactions | The Mismatch

07 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Spurs, Pelicans, and Grizzlies have all looked quite encouraging as of late; do they have what it takes to make it into the playoffs (0:43)? As we...

Can the Sixers Fix Themselves With a Trade? Plus: The Never-ending Kevin Love Speculation | Group Chat

06 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Sixers are 3-7 in their last 10 games—is the floor really dropping out from under them, or are they not suited to win regular-season games (1:07...

David Stern’s Monumental Legacy, the NBA’s Middle Class, and the Return of Zion | The Mismatch

03 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We take some time to review David Stern’s illustrious life and career after the news of his death (0:58). Then, we run down a list of teams that can...

Pelicans, Suns, Timberwolves: Who Can Still Turn It Around? | The Mismatch

31 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We break down a Western Conference trio that had high hopes coming into the season but have struggled their way to the bottom of the conference. Can a...

The Lakers Come Up Short Again Against the Clippers. Plus: Rockets Falter, Carlisle Calls the Post Extinct. | The Mismatch

27 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We recap the Christmas Day games: Are the Clippers better suited for the playoffs than the Lakers? Does the same go for the Sixers vs. the Bucks? Plus...

NBA Christmas Day Preview. Plus: Ben Simmons Is Jahlil Okafor and Michael Carter-Williams All in One. | The Mismatch

24 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin deep-dives on his spicy Ben Simmons take (1:10) before we run down our wishes for the rest of the 2019-20 season and preview NBA Christmas Day (...

What’s the Point of an In-Season Tournament? | Heat Check

23 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Instant Replay: The Denver Nuggets’ sneaky resurgence, a Siakam-less Raptors comeback, IT suspended because of … Frosties?, and Pop goes Pop on pl...

Is Giannis the Best Player in The World?| The Mismatch

20 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The weekend is here, and we are here to talk about the excellent face-off between the Lakers and the Bucks. We discuss whether Giannis Antetokounmpo i...

Are the Knicks Good or Are the Hawks Just That Bad? Plus: Solving the Sixers and Cutting Bait SZN. | Group Chat

18 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The New York Knicks win their third game in four against the Atlanta Hawks, exposing the Hawks’ roster construction issues and illuminating a larger...

The Bucks Stop There, Pelicans Down for the Count, and Drake Is Still Weird | Heat Check

17 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Instant Replay (03:24): News from around the league, including the end of the Bucks’ win streak, Dion Waiters's latest suspension, the excellent cla...

Can the Lakers or Bucks Amass 73 Wins? | The Mismatch

16 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

With the Lakers and Bucks on a crash course to meet each other with identical 25-3 records, we wonder whether each team can continue its torrid pace (...

Luka Lights Up Mexico City. Plus: Is There a Trade Out There for the Celtics? | The Mismatch

13 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

With Luka Doncic continuing to put up gaudy numbers (this time in Mexico), we imagine a world in which the NBA continues its global expansion and incr...

The Top 25 Players of the 2019-20 Season Thus Far | Group Chat

11 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We run down our lists of the 25 best NBA players so far this season, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden as solo shows, but also Anthony ...

The Bucks and Lakers Are the Cream of the Balanced NBA’s Crop. Plus: Trade Season Preview and the Denied Rockets Protest. | The Mismatch

10 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers continue to thrive atop their respective conferences, but there is still more parity in the NBA than in yea...

Will Kevin Get Love, the Knicks Fire Fizdale, and Untucked Jerseys | Heat Check

09 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Instant Replay (03:40): News from around the league, the state of the Cavs and what the price of Kevin Love might be, and the result of Clippers-Bucks...

The NBA’s Replay Review System Is Flawed. So Do the Rockets Have a Point? | The Mismatch

06 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss the James Harden dunk that wasn’t counted in the Houston Rockets’ double-overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs (1:21). Are the Rockets...

Does the NBA Have a TV Ratings Problem? | Group Chat

04 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We take a look at the Rockets protesting their loss to the Spurs (2:00) and discuss the NBA’s plummeting ratings (14:00). Then Jonathan Tjarks joins...

Giannis, Harden, and Luka Have Broken PER. Plus: Are the Raptors the 1993-94 Bulls? | The Mismatch

03 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The high-usage superstars of the league have all become so dominant and efficient that they’re in line to break historical PER records. Do we need t...

The Ceiling For the Clippers, Nets Momentum without Irving, and Love Chokes | Heat Check

02 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Instant Replay (03:16): The Clippers and Raptors had wonderful games with no signs of slowing down. Also, James Harden had a moment. The Main Event (2...

A Thanksgiving NBA Mailbag! | Group Chat

27 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The ‘Group Chat’ crew answers questions from you, the listeners! Topics include: the biggest “pretender” team, help for Luka Doncic and the Da...

The NBA’s Radical Proposed Schedule Shakeups. Plus: Is Giannis as Big a Star as He Deserves to Be? | The Mismatch

26 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We break down the ins and outs of the proposed changes to the NBA schedule, including playoff reseeding, the midseason tournament, and more (2:00). Th...

Big League Changes, the Spurs' Surprise Victory, and Crazy Jersey Choices | Heat Check

25 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Instant Replay: The Spurs and the Bulls pull one out of the hat, along with Jimmy Butler returning to Philly to an irate crowd! (03:43). The Main Even...

Brandon Ingram Is Better Than Ben Simmons | The Mismatch

22 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about the Celtics' versatility, including Kemba Walker's range on and off the court (02:07), dive into how Brandon Ingram is the driving force...

Carmelo Is Back, and He's the Same As Ever. Plus: Luka, Harden, LeBron, and Giannis Tangle for MVP Front-runner | Group Chat

20 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We dive deep on the Blazers' roster building and how it created a need for Carmelo Anthony just two months into the season (1:16). Then, Jonathan Tjar...

Should the Spurs Trade DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge? | The Mismatch

19 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss Luka Doncic’s incredible start to the season, including his run of triple-doubles and how it compares to Russell Westbrook's (1:31), befo...

Paul George’s Historic Start, the Sixers’ Angst, and Austin vs. Doc | Heat Check

18 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Instant Replay: The Blazers sign Carmelo Anthony, Paul George’s Clippers debut, and Pop’s second-in-command (5:32). The Main Event: Pod Save Ameri...

Carmelo Anthony to the Blazers, Kristaps Porzingis Returns to the Garden, and Andrew Wiggins ... Superstar? | The Mismatch

15 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss last night’s breaking news that Carmelo Anthony will be joining the struggling Portland Trail Blazers (1:20), before analyzing the Knicks...

Are AD and LeBron Better Than We Expected? Plus: Hipster Team Watch and Best Young Duos. | Group Chat

13 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We are three weeks into the season, and LeBron has seemingly unlocked Anthony Davis. However, are the Clippers still the best team in the West? (1:15)...

A Knicks Coup! Plus: Injuries Are Starting to Pile Up. | The Mismatch

12 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A rash of injuries has hit the NBA. We discuss the most impactful ones, including Gordon Hayward's and Steph Curry's (1:50). Then, we run through some...

Dion Waiters’s Suspension, Hayward’s Hand, and the Nightmare in New York | Heat Check

11 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Instant Replay: Dion Waiters’s suspension, Gordon Hayward’s injury, and the success of the Raptors (03:00). The Main Event: James Dolan and the d...

Is Kawhi Leonard’s Load Management a Problem? Plus: Gordon Hayward Is Back and the Wolves Need a Leader. | The Mismatch

08 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The load management conversation is at a fever pitch in the NBA after the Clippers were fined for not communicating Kawhi Leonard’s reason for sitti...

Trending: Lakers and Clippers Up, Blazers and Rockets Down | Group Chat

06 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We examine four Western Conference teams who have had a noteworthy week: the Los Angeles Lakers trending up (1:09), the Portland Trail Blazers trendin...

John Collins’s PED Suspension, the Truly Bright Future Suns, and Anthony Davis’s Chicago Comments | The Mismatch

05 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We react to the breaking news that Hawks forward John Collins has been suspended 25 games for violating the league’s PED policy (2:45). Then, we dis...

The Tanking Warriors, the Overachieving Suns, and the Undefeated Sixers | Heat Check

04 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Instant Replay: The tanking Warriors, Giannis-to-Raptors rumors, early overachievers, and the Blazers’ frontcourt void (4:00). The Main Event: The s...

Does Steph Curry’s Broken Hand Equal Tank for the Warriors? | The Mismatch

01 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Two-time MVP Stephen Curry broke his hand this week—will the mighty Warriors wave the white flag on this season after a slow start and the loss of t...

Real or Fake: MVP Anthony Davis, the Deep Mavs, the Suns Sans Ayton, and More | Group Chat

30 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Golden State Warriors’ bumpy start to the season highlights the steep cost of building a superteam (0:59). Then, with so many premature narrativ...

Early Signs of Trouble for the Nets and Kyrie Irving? Plus: Five Early Takeaways From the First Week of the Regular Season. | The Mismatch

29 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We react to Jackie MacMullan’s story in ESPN about Kyrie Irving’s mood swings and the Nets’ organizational response to it (1:23). Then we share ...

Is the West More Wide Open Than We Thought? Plus: NBA Media in L.A. | Heat Check

28 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

With one week in the books for the 2019-20 regular season, we share our takeaways from the first handful of games (2:16). Plus: Los Angeles is the cen...

It’s Overreactions SZN: All-Star Trae Young, Portland in Trouble, MVP KAT, and More | The Mismatch

25 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The guys share their concerns about the Houston Rockets experiment (1:26) as well as the revamped Los Angeles Lakers (9:07). Then they overreact to op...

The Clippers Expose the Lakers’ Flaws in Round 1 of the Battle for L.A. Plus: Must-Watch Games. | Group Chat

23 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Los Angeles Clippers impress on opening night with a statement victory over crosstown rivals Los Angeles Lakers: how the Lakers can address their ...

2019-20 NBA Season Preview: Three Bold Predictions, Title Picks, MVP, and More | The Mismatch

22 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We speed through the last pieces of preseason news—Zion’s knee, contract extensions, Michael Jordan's comments, and Klay Thompson's timeline (1:30...

Zion’s Injury, Buddy Gets Paid, and Way-Too-Early Playoffs Predictions | Heat Check

21 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The NBA-China story drags on, Zion Williamson’s injury delays his much-anticipated debut, and Buddy Hield reaches an extension with the Sacramento K...