The Mismatch

Verno and KOC discuss Ja Morant’s return in the Grizzlies’ win over the Rockets on Wednesday night (03:22). The guys discuss a pair of games from the Sweet 16: Kansas State’s overtime win over Michigan State and UConn’s dominant win over Arkansas (08:55). After LeBron James shoots down the reports of his potential return, the guys debate when he’ll get back on the floor for the Lakers (19:32). In looking at the crowded West standings, the guys debate whether Karl-Anthony Towns’s return is enough for the Timberwolves to make some noise in the playoffs and if the Mavs are in danger of missing the postseason (35:04). The guys also briefly look at the East standings before discussing the reemergence of the dominant big man and ask whether Immanuel Quickley is on his way to win this year’s Sixth Man of the Year award (51:59).Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In front of a sold-out crowd, Verno and KOC headline the New Daisy Theatre located on the world-famous Beale Street in Memphis! However, the guys are not alone, as The Ringer's Joe House joins the show, as well as some surprise guests from the Grizzlies. The first surprise was David Roddy. The guys discuss his progress in his rookie season; playing for the Grizzlies G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle; as well as the team identity that the Grizz seem to be building. The second surprise was Jaren Jackson Jr. They discuss his hot streak, playing with Dillon Brooks, his relationship with the referees, and the desire to win Defensive Player of the Year. Also, the guys debate which teams in each conference have a true chance at winning it all.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorGuests: Joe House, David Roddy, and Jaren Jackson Jr.Producers: Jessie Lopez, Elizabeth Fierman, and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC discuss Ja Morant’s suspension before turning their attention to Draymond Green’s suspension after he received his 16th technical foul this season. They then discuss the feel-good Kings, who clinched their first winning season since 2005-06 (01:40). With the 76ers riding a six-game winning streak, the guys note that Joel Embiid is making a strong push for MVP as they debate the current MVP standings (22:39). With March Madness still underway, the guys discuss some of their favorite players in the tournament, as well as those players' NBA potential (42:05).Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

KOC and Rob Mahoney (who’s filling in for Chris Vernon) recap a fun night of NBA action, beginning with the Bucks’ comeback victory over the Kings (01:29). They discuss Giannis dropping 46 as well as Brook Lopez’s importance to the team. They also debate whether the Kings can make a run in the playoffs (10:22). After losing to the last-place Rockets, is it time to reconsider the Celtics as possible title favorites (17:03)? The Warriors looked like shades of their old selves, defeating the Suns for their seventh straight home win, and KOC and Rob discuss Deandre Ayton’s lack of impact before debating how the Warriors will fare without Andrew Wiggins (28:10). Without Kyrie or Luka, the Mavs lost to the Grizzlies; the guys discuss their disappointment with this Mavs team (37:58). They also discuss the good news about injured stars LeBron James and Karl Anthony-Towns (50:01).Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and Rob MahoneyProducer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC discuss last night’s Grizzlies rout over the Warriors, whose season-long struggles on the road continue (04:35). If the Warriors don’t fix their road woes, they are in danger of missing the playoffs altogether. The guys also debate how the Suns will fare after the Kevin Durant injury (15:44). Plus, the hope for a Zion Williamson return this season is in doubt once again as the Pelicans announced he will be out for at least another two weeks (33:13). Despite being without LeBron James, the Lakers are rising up the standings as Anthony Davis and the rest of the solid core continues to step up in their playoff push (39:10). Also, the guys discuss why this season is a "prove it" year for Nikola Jokic, Fred VanVleet calling out the refs, Dillon Brooks, and Lonzo Ball’s latest setback with his knee (52:28).*The ‘Mismatch’ is coming to Memphis for a live show at the New Daisy Theatre on March 21st! Get your tickets here!*Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC take over El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles for their first live show! And they’re not alone, as The Ringer's own Sean Fennessey, Chris Ryan, and Tate Frasier join in on the fun. They discuss all the hottest topics in basketball, from Ja Morant to the surging Knicks and James Harden to the best college prospects to keep an eye out for during March Madness.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorGuests: Sean Fennessey, Chris Ryan, and Tate FrazierProducers: Jessie Lopez, Elizabeth Fierman, and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ahead of Monday’s live show in Los Angeles, Verno and KOC announce another live show! This time in Verno’s town of Memphis, Tennessee, on March 21! After announcing the Memphis show, they move on to last night’s Mavs win over the 76ers (07:56). The guys discuss Giannis’s dominance during the Bucks' 16-game winning streak, which shows why they deserve to be the title favorites (21:20). Speaking of winning streaks, the guys discuss the Knicks’ seven-game win streak and Jalen Brunson’s insane run (27:17). Also, they discuss the Washington Post story around Ja Morant, Kevin Durant’s debut with the Suns, as well as looking at the Clippers' and Warriors' schedules down the stretch (36:35). *'The Mismatch' is coming to Los Angeles for a live show at the El Rey Theatre on March 6! Get your tickets here!*Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC discuss nine things that have happened since returning from the All-Star break, beginning with the breaking news of LeBron James’s injury that will reportedly keep him out indefinitely (04:37). They then move on to discuss the 76ers-Heat game from last night before Verno shares why he’s coming around to the Knicks (13:53). After looking at Damian Lillard’s 71-point game, the guys discuss the record-breaking amount of offense this season and debate how long it will be before someone scores 100 again (25:02). Also, they discuss LaMelo Ball’s injury, Quin Snyder, the progressing talks of a new CBA deal, and seeing Scoot Henderson in person (50:17).*'The Mismatch' is coming to Los Angeles for a live show at the El Rey Theatre on March 6! Get your tickets here!*Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC begin with the announcement of their first ever live show in Los Angeles (00:53)! They then discuss this weekend’s All-Star festivities before diving into the low TV ratings (08:36). After the Hawks let go of Nate McMillan, the pressure is all on Trae Young to make it work or likely be the next one on his way out in Atlanta (27:46). Next, the guys discuss eight story lines to follow when the season resumes on Thursday. Some of the story lines include debating which teams in the crowded West will make it to the postseason (35:37), discussing the transactions made in the buy-out market (46:39), how will the final stretch of games impact the MVP voting (56:43), how important the top seed is to the Bucks (01:03:06), and so much more.*The MisMatch is coming to Los Angeles for their first ever live show! Get your tickets here!*Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ahead of this weekend’s All-Star festivities, Verno and KOC play a round of everyone’s favorite game: That’s True, That Might be True, That’s Ridiculous (10:46). They discuss Tim Bontemps’s MVP straw poll, whether Kyrie Irving will be only a rental with the Mavs, which team is the best fit for Russell Westbrook, if Scoot Henderson locked in as the no. 2 pick for this year's draft, and so much more. Also, before ending the show, the guys look at the pool of All-Stars and draft their team (01:05:10).*‘The Ringer NBA’ squad is coming to Salt Lake City for NBA All-Star Weekend! Get your tickets here!*Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices