Bucks ALL-IN for Giannis? | Why Pacers MUST STOP SGA | Which Coach Gets Fired NEXT?

Are the Indiana Pacers already in must-win territory heading into Game 3? On today’s episode of Locked On NBA, Doug Branson is joined by Matt Moore and Haize to break down what adjustments Rick Carlisle can make to finally slow down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—and whether the Pacers should bet on a big Tyrese Haliburton or Pascal Siakam performance to tip the scales. Haize says it best: "Get Haliburton going early and you drastically increase your chances of winning."

Then, it’s Giannis Watch 2025. Should the Bucks really risk their entire future—including a 2031 draft pick—to build around a star who hasn’t explicitly committed long-term? Matt lays out a nuanced take, suggesting the Bucks need to "moneyball" the situation rather than chase another overpaid star. Meanwhile, Haize wonders: what happens if Giannis asks out in a year anyway?

Later in the show, the crew discusses Darius Garland’s injury and its implications for Cleveland’s offseason—does this actually make him more valuable if he returns strong in the playoffs? And the coaching carousel keeps spinning. With Thibs out in New York, who’s next? Nick Nurse? Doc Rivers? Jamahl Mosley?

All that, plus a little KD trade fatigue and Matt’s rant on NBA teams making life-altering decisions without considering the people they affect.

Hit play to hear the boldest takes and sharpest analysis in the game.

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LONBA?sid=YouTube

Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More

🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA

Find a Daily Locked On NBA Podcast covering your favorite team:

📲 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA

Follow the Locked On Podcast Network

Twitter 📲 https://twitter.com/LockedOnNetwork

TikTok 📲 https://www.tiktok.com/@lockedonsports

Subscribe to the Locked On NBA YouTube Channel: Locked On NBA

Follow/Subscribe/Listen Anywhere: linktr.ee/LockedOnNBA

Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

OpenPhone

Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba

Betterhelp

This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit BetterHelp.com/lockedonnba today to get 10% off your first month.

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.