The Athletic NBA Daily

Anthony Slater, an NBA reporter for The Athletic, joins the discussion on the Mavericks' thrilling draft lottery win that positions them to select Cooper Flagg. The conversation shifts to Jayson Tatum's injury, impacting the Celtics’ playoff hopes, and the potential for the Spurs to become trade players for Giannis. Slater also analyzes the Warriors' struggles against the Timberwolves, offering insights into their future prospects and the implications of key player injuries affecting playoff dynamics.

The Thunder pull off a vital win against the Nuggets, leveling the series and showcasing their clutch performance. Meanwhile, the Cavs face elimination, struggling against the Pacers. Key injuries and defensive strategies play a major role in the playoffs, impacting teams' fortunes. Draymond Green's performance is scrutinized as the Warriors gear up for critical matchups. The excitement builds around the NBA draft lottery, with teams like the Wizards and Sixers eyeing potential superstars to reshape their futures.

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers are joined by Anthony Slater to discuss the Western Conference Playoffs including the Warriors without Steph, what will happen to the Clippers and Rockets in the offseason, and if the Wolves are ready to win the West. Then they do a championship draft. Then they are joined by Jared Weiss to discuss the Celtics, what is wrong with the offense, and if they can adjust in time to beat the Knicks in this series. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against a beat writer.Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex SpeersWith: Jared Weiss and Anthony SlaterExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Editor: Gonzalo Torres Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julius Randle had 24 points and 11 to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a win over the Warriors. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Marcus Thompson react to the Wolves win, the absence of Playoff Jimmy Butler, and Jonathan Kuminga’s opportunity.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Zena Keita & Marcus ThompsonExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mikal Bridges makes a game saving steal for the second game in row to help the Knicks take a 2-0 series lead over the Boston Celtics. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni breakdown the Knicks defensive effort, the Thunder beatdown of the Nuggets, and discuss Steph Curry’s hamstring injury. Then, Jared Weiss joins the show after being evacuated from TD Garden following the brutal loss for the Celtics to discuss another 20-point lead disappearing and whether the Celtics stand a chance at winning the series.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Eś Baraheni and Jared WeissExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Indiana emerging as a true contender? The hosts break down team anxiety levels, particularly for the struggling Cavaliers. They also delve into playoff dynamics, spotlighting clutch performances and critical coaching decisions. Plus, geographic challenges in team alignments are examined as they consider the Thunder's future. Tune in for insights on how injuries and strategies might reshape the playoff landscape!

Jon Krawczynski, a seasoned analyst for the Minnesota Timberwolves, joins the discussion on the exhilarating playoff series between the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers. They dive into Tyrese Haliburton's dramatic game-winning shot that clinched a critical comeback. Krawczynski also shares insights on the Timberwolves' struggles, highlighting Anthony Edwards' inconsistent performance and the challenges the team faced. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on how the Warriors might cope without Steph Curry as they navigate their playoff path.

Andrew Schlecht, an NBA reporter for The Athletic, joins the discussion following the Thunder's disappointing loss to the Nuggets. He analyzes what went wrong in their game, particularly against star Nikola Jokić. The conversation highlights the Thunder's struggles with shooting efficiency and critical coaching decisions. Schlecht emphasizes the importance of playoff experience and learning from mistakes as the team navigates this challenging series. The insights offer a sobering yet hopeful perspective for Thunder fans.

Buddy Hield poured in 33 points and made 9 threes to lead the Golden State Warriors to a game 7 series clinching win over the Houston Rockets. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Pacers win over the Cavaliers, Andrew Nembhard as a playoff riser, and how the Nuggets stack up against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Then, Zena Keita joins the show to talk about Buddy Hield’s big night and how the Warriors stack up against the Timberwolves.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni & Zena KeitaExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson Moodyhttps://www.nytimes.com/athletic/nba/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers are joined by Mike Zakarian to discuss questions surrounding East teams that remain in the Playoffs and if the Cavs can win it all. They also discuss the eliminated teams including which future would you rather have: Magic or Pistons? Mike then joins the guys in doing their weekly Contender Draft, before discussing the Western Conference Playoffs. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against a beat writer.Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex SpeersWith: Mike ZakarianExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Editor: Gonzalo Torres Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.