On this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, Tom Haberstroh hops on to discuss the instant classic between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder and of course the latest trade rumors as we inch closer to the deadline. Kevin and Tom both agree after Wednesday night's statement victory, the Cleveland Cavaliers are bona fide NBA title contenders. KOC points out the Cavs' depth is full of unsung heroes like Ty Jerome and Dean Wade. They know the matchup might not be the sexiest when it comes to TV ratings, but who cares! They both want to see these two teams face off again in June and luckily for fans these 2 teams face off again next week (if only Chet Holmgren was healthy!)The guys broke down the chances of the New Orleans Pelicans actually moving Zion Williamson now that he's back in the lineup and looking great. Tom's idea: why shouldn't the Spurs take a swing for Zion? Pairing Williamson and Wemby might be the modern day equivalent of Shaq-Kobe when it comes to unstoppable duos. The trade chatter didn't stop there: each of the guys give their take on where Bradley Beal and Jimmy Butler could wind up, too. While Golden State Warriors fans wish Steph Curry would get some help, the guys explain why GSW may stand pat. And speaking of "Pat," Riley and the Miami Heat might be better off tanking for Cooper Flagg at this point. Fresh off Tom attending Duke's last game, Tom and Kevin discuss the ultra-talented 18-year-old. (1:45) - Cavaliers beat Thunder, prove they are legit(17:40) - Wemby no match for Giannis in Spurs-Bucks showdown(26:40) - Zion Williamson returns, should NOP sell-high?(35:30) - Why the Warriors need to trade now(40:35) - Latest on Jimmy Butler, Bradley Beal trade rumors(50:05) - Cooper Flagg, still definitely tops in this year's draft class(55:30) - Reed Sheppard gets his groove back in G-League 🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTubeCheck out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

The Sacramento Kings are on a five-game win streak with the latest two victories coming with De’Aaron Fox on the sidelines. With this in mind, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine reveal this week’s Big Number and evaluate if the Kings are better off WITHOUT De’Aaron Fox on the court and, if so, should they trade him before the deadline?Dan brings in four Little Numbers that explain what’s going right and what’s still wrong with Sacramento this season including Keon Ellis’ rising star and Keegan’s Murray’s drop in production. Dan also dives deep into the Kings’ offensive possessions in transition and compares their expected total wins this season with their actual win total.The pair give an update to their over/unders competition and wrap by sharing their latest Yahoo Sports stories on Victor Wembanyama & potential first-time NBA all-stars.  (1:21) The Big Number: -5.2(12:55) The Little Numbers: 8.9(17:21) Keon Ellis minigame(21:16) The Little Numbers: .513(25:51) The Little Numbers: 14.6%(29:59)The Little Numbers: -2.8(36:29) Over/under scoreboard update(37:49) Tom & Dan's recent Yahoo Sports stories Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

On today's episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill is joined by Dan Titus and Ice Young to catch up on the latest NBA headlines regarding the Timberwolves, Knicks, Nuggets and Clippers.Titus and Goodwill start the show with a deep dive into the clear chemistry issues for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and pitch why Anthony Edwards needs to be more reckless. Then, they express concern for the New York Knicks showing signs of being word down early in the year. They also discuss the resurgence of the Denver Nuggets and debate if the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Oklahoma City Thunder are the best team in the NBA.To close out the show, Young and Goodwill discuss the expectations for Kawhi Leonard returning to the Los Angeles Clippers lineup. They discuss how his game could change and how he'll mesh with James Hard.(1:49) Timberwolves chemistry issues(12:19) Knicks are worn down(19:55) Westbrook and Jokic are cooking(23:38) Who's the best team in the NBA?(25:32) Kawhi returns

On this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, Mo Dakhil of Bleacher Report hops on to discuss a wild Monday night in the NBA, and of course the latest trade rumors as we inch closer to the deadline. One of the teams that can't escape trade rumors, the Phoenix Suns, were in action on Monday — and got a huge win after Coach Bud decided to remove Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic from the starting lineup. Mo wonders if Bradley would waive his no-trade clause, while Kevin thinks a certain Eastern Conference Playoff team could be in the mix. And speaking of trade rumors involving Eastern Conference powers — could the Milwaukee Bucks be the surprise team to make a run at acquiring Jimmy Butler?The guys broke down the chances of the New Orleans Pelicans actually moving Zion Williamson this season — why they both could see the Golden State Warriors making a run at the oft-injured superstar. Plus — Kevin and Mo react to the Orlando Magic getting the surprise win against the New York Knicks, they hit the Los Angeles Clippers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game, and also Coby White and the Chicago Bulls' thrilling win over the San Antonio Spurs. Before the guys call it a day, Kevin asks Mo ahead of Wednesday's monster showdown: what is more impressive between the Oklahoma City Thunder defense and Cleveland Cavaliers offense?(00:45) - Suns win & Jimmy Butler trade talk(21:05) - Wolves come back against Clippers(29:15) - Jamahl Mosley for Coach of the Year?(38:00) - Did Doug Christie save the Sacramento Kings?(40:20) - Should Pelicans showcase Zion for a trade?(48:50) - Bulls-Spurs recap(56:30) - Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets preview(1:02:30) - Thunder vs. Cavs preview📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

On today's episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill is joined by three-time NBA champion and current agent BJ Armstrong to address the chaos surrounding the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler. They discuss his potential trade value, destinations for where he can land and what to expect following his suspension.Also on today's show, Goodwill and Armstrong reflect on Chicago Bulls legend Derrick Rose's career after he was honored by the team this past weekend. They additionally dive into how the NBA has changed, and what has negatively impacted the league.(6:46) The Jimmy Butler situation(29:01) Derrick Rose's career(45:33) How the NBA has changedSubscribe to Good Word with Goodwill on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/41IZn4e🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Dkv6ij📢 Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

Goodbye 2024, hello 2025. With the new year only three days into existence, Kevin O'Connor is joined by Yahoo Sports contributor Tom Haberstroh to conjure up ten wild predictions for the remaining 363 days.Kevin outlines the reason Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is primed to win his first MVP this season, Tom explains why a LeBron James trade is coming this offseason and how it connects to his son Bryce James' commitment to Arizona and the guys predict into a whole lot more. There's even some predictions for you Charlotte Hornets fans out there.Buckle up for ten of KOC and Tom Haberstroh's most outlandish, yet realistic, NBA predictions for 2025.(0:05) - Jimmy Butler's comments signal upcoming trade(9:45) - SGA wins his first MVP(16:35) - Wemby breaks Kobe's 81 point mark(23:15) - Jalen Johnson makes Eastern Conf. All-Stars(26:55) - Houston trades Reed Sheppard(29:15) - Phoenix gets rid of stars, goes full rebuild mode(37:05) - A star draft prospect holds out(44:55) - Charlotte trades LaMelo Ball(49:07) - Vince Wiliams Jr. is a starter and major contributor on Memphis(51:15) - Golden State trades for LeBron James(1:05:55) - Cleveland wins the Eastern Conference, goes to NBA Finals🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTubeCheck out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

On this week's episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dig deep into a stellar rookie season for Memphis Grizzlies big man Zach Edey. They help paint the picture of why Edey leads the discussion for Rookie of the Year in the NBA.They cover how Edey has heavily outperformed expectations and made an efficient impact on Memphis this year. Specifically, they discuss Edey's impact as an offensive rebounder and how the Grizzlies currently sit atop multiple efficiency statistics in the NBA.(2:30) The Big Number: 15(12:24) Little Number 1: 40%(19:23) Little Number 2: +23.59(25:51) Little Number 3: 18.3%(33:51) Little Number 4: 1(44:28) Over/Unders

In this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, KOC is joined by Dan Titus to break down some of the NBA's biggest trade moves and coaching shakeups before deep diving on the Detroit Pistons with Bryce Simon. KOC and Dan start with the recent D'Angelo Russell trade, with the Los Angeles Lakers acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith. KOC and Dan discuss what else the Lakers need before the conversation turns to the Memphis Grizzlies, who missed out on DFS in this deal. KOC and Titus evaluate what this means for Memphis, which has been struggling to find its footing this season. Meanwhile, over in Brooklyn, the Nets' latest moves signal a full rebuild. KOC also takes a moment to reflect on the Orlando Magic’s standout Tristan Da Silva turning heads as the team’s depth continues to shine.Later in the episode, the guys discuss a range of topics, from Mike Brown's firing in Sacramento to the state of the NBA's culture around fighting and villains in the game. KOC and DT weigh in on the Sacramento Kings' disappointing start and the reality that the team needs a full reset. They debate the best landing spots for D’Aaron Fox, with the San Antonio Spurs emerging as a dream destination.Later, KOC and Bryce Simon dive into the Detroit Pistons' early season performance, with a focus on Cade Cunningham's development. While Cunningham has made significant strides in his shooting, KOC questions whether his struggles with finishing at the rim and turnovers could hinder his potential as a true #1 option. They also discuss the inconsistency of Ivey and Duren, the Pistons' potential draft plans and whether adding a player like Zach LaVine could be the key to unlocking the team’s next level.(1:10) - D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets, Dorian Finney-Smith to the Lakers(11:05) - Should Grizzlies fans be concerned about missing out on Finney-Smith?(17:15) - Magic depth pieces shine in comeback win(20:10) - Should the NBA allow fights?(23:35) - Mike Brown fired: will the Kings finally reset?(43:05) - Pistons deep dive with Bryce Simon📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

The NBA's five-game lineup on Christmas Day delivered against a crowded sports landscape in which the NFL (and Beyoncé) tried to make waves of their own on the Wednesday holiday. Kevin O'Connor is joined by Yahoo Sports contributor Tom Haberstroh to break down all five games from the Christmas day slate.Starting with Victor Wembanyama's statement game in a road loss to the New York Knicks, the guys argue that Wemby has already entered into elite top-ten player status and his 42-point MSG opus is just the start of another decade of dominance.They also discuss Luka Dončić's leg injury in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and why Luka's lack of conditioning is finally catching up to him.Kevin & Tom later break down the Philadelphia 76ers' win against the reigning champion Boston Celtics and if the Sixers have finally turned things around after a rough start to the season.LeBron James & Steph Curry had yet another Christmas day battle, this time with Austin Reaves playing the pivotal role in a 115-113 Lakers win. This was everything Christmas day NBA games should be and LeBron even took shots at the NFL encroaching on the NBA's territory after the game.Wrapping up the show, the guys discuss the Denver Nuggets falling to the Phoenix Suns, why Nikola Jokić needs a better supporting cast, and if improvements don't come to Denver soon, how Jokić could soon be making waves with lobbying to move onto greener pastures.(1:15) - Wemby shines in MSG loss to Knicks(12:00) - Luka's injury the big story of MIN/DAL(20:40) - Did Sixers turn around their season vs. Celts?(30:55) - Lakers/Warriors was legendary(39:20) - Lakers or Warriors: who needs a big trade more?(44:55) - Counting down until Jokić is unhappy in Denver🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTubeCheck out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

In this festive episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin O'Connor and Wosny Lambre share their NBA Christmas wishes that they want to see come true this season. First, KOC suggests the Sacramento Kings should trade D’Aaron Fox while his value is at its peak. The duo agrees that the Kings need to look ahead and start building around their future stars. Next, the conversation shifts to the Denver Nuggets, where Wosny believes Nikola Jokić needs more help if Denver is going to compete at a higher level. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks could see a big boost from Mitchell Robinson’s return, with Wos stressing the importance of his physical presence to elevate their offense to the next level.Later, the duo discusses some players and teams needing adjustments, including Zion Williamson’s future with the New Orleans Pelicans and the need for Zach LaVine to finally get out of Chicago. KOC and Wos also hit on the Philadelphia 76ers, Amen Thompson and Jonathan Kuminga, plus KOC has bold predictions for Victor Wembanyama, already calling him a top-5 player in the NBA. The duo finish up with a mailbag question on the Oklahoma City Thunder and whether they'll keep adding.(1:20) - Time to trade D'Aaron Fox(8:20) - Nuggets need to get some help for Jokic(15:40) - Knicks need Mitchell Robinson back(20:50) - Amen Thompson needs more opportunities(25:25) - Warriors wash their hands of Jonathan Kuminga(27:55) - Nick Nurse needs to add layers to the 6ers offense(30:30) - Zach LaVine finds a new home(33:50) - Pelicans trade everybody(39:20) - Victor Wembanyama a top-5 player?(46:10) - Thunder re-sign Alex Caruso📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT