

The Athletic NBA Daily
The Athletic
Start your day with The Athletic NBA Daily – a fast, entertaining recap of the most important games and stories from the world of professional basketball with new episodes dropping Monday through Friday. Hosted by Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni with regular appearances by The Athletic’s award-winning NBA reporters. Andrew Schlecht and Alex Spears cap the week with the full-length Saturday Slam n’ Jam episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

14 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 1h 1min
NBA Eastern Conference Preview: The top 5 contenders
James Edwards, an insightful NBA reporter for The Athletic, and Es Baraheni, a skilled NBA writer for the same outlet, dive into the competitive landscape of the Eastern Conference. They discuss the top five players in the East, debating the merits of stars like Giannis, Jalen Brunson, and Donovan Mitchell. The duo also predicts breakout candidates, evaluates teams likely to miss the Play-In, and ranks the top contenders. With candid assessments, they tackle roster challenges, player potential, and who might emerge victorious in the playoffs.

Oct 16, 2025 • 54min
NBA Western Conference Preview: The top 5 contenders
A lively debate unfolds as hosts rank the top five players in the Western Conference, weighing veterans against rising stars. Shai's potential to outshine Jokic is analyzed, while breakout candidates like Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren are highlighted. Concerns arise about Dallas and Sacramento missing the Play-In, alongside Memphis's roster vulnerabilities. The discussion culminates with predictions on the top contenders, showcasing the Clippers, Nuggets, Warriors, and Timberwolves, each with compelling strengths and playoff potential.

Oct 15, 2025 • 50min
Bold NBA predictions + under pressure teams
The discussion heats up as the hosts analyze which NBA teams and players face the most pressure this season. From the Atlanta Hawks needing to capitalize on Trae Young's talent to the Cleveland Cavaliers aiming for the conference finals, the stakes are high. They also point out key players like Deandre Ayton and Giannis Antetokounmpo, exploring their critical roles. Bold predictions emerge, with the Spurs aiming for 50 wins led by Victor Wembanyama, and unexpected Rookie of the Year contenders like Scoot Henson. Tune in for all the insights!

8 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 42min
NBA award predictions: Who will win MVP?
Hosts dive into exciting NBA award predictions! The MVP race heats up with discussions on Jokic and Shai's narrative challenges, and Luka Doncic's potential after his move to the Lakers. Anthony Edwards and Jalen Brunson are highlighted as dark-horse candidates, while Trae Young's chances soar if Atlanta excels. For Defensive Player of the Year, Wembanyama is a favorite, with MIP contenders like Nembhard and Mathurin under the spotlight. They explore Coach of the Year predictions and fresh Sixth Man prospects too, offering a thrilling look at the upcoming season!

Oct 13, 2025 • 23min
Does Kevin Durant make the Rockets contenders?
Will Guillory, an NBA reporter for The Athletic, lends his insights on how Kevin Durant's arrival could transform the Houston Rockets into contenders. He highlights the need for young talents like Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard to step up. Discussion includes the implications of Fred VanVleet's injury on team strategy, Alperen Şengün's potential breakout season, and how Houston plans to utilize their size defensively. Guillory also ranks the Rockets in the competitive Western Conference and evaluates their playoff chances.

Oct 10, 2025 • 27min
Can Ace Bailey give hope to the Jazz?
Andy Larsen, a seasoned Salt Lake Tribune reporter and Utah Jazz beat writer, dives into the future of the Jazz. He highlights Ace Bailey as the team's first true cornerstone in years and discusses his impressive preseason debut. The duo also evaluates young prospects like Keyonte George and the potential breakout of other players. With trade discussions, particularly around Lauri Markkanen, and the team's cap flexibility, Larsen paints a comprehensive picture of what lies ahead for the Jazz's rebuilding journey.

23 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 22min
Can Anthony Edwards win the 2026 NBA MVP?
Jon Krawczynski, a veteran NBA reporter for The Athletic, joins to dissect the Minnesota Timberwolves' upcoming season. He emphasizes the importance of roster continuity and chemistry in driving team growth. Krawczynski highlights Anthony Edwards' potential MVP candidacy, discussing the areas he needs to improve. They touch on the challenges Edwards may face from opposing defenses and the impact of veteran players like Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert on team performance. With a realistic win forecast of mid-50s, the conversation builds excitement for the Wolves' season.

Oct 8, 2025 • 23min
Can Devin Booker lead the Suns to a better season?
Doug Haller, the Phoenix Suns beat writer for The Athletic, dives into the team's offseason changes and what they mean for next season. He discusses the shift in team identity to prioritize grit and defense, the impact of new player Dylan Brooks, and Devin Booker's role as the undisputed leader. Haller also touches on the importance of team chemistry, lowered expectations for wins, and the fallout from last year's Durant experiment. Can Booker stay committed to the Suns as they rebuild? Tune in for insights on Phoenix's future!

Oct 7, 2025 • 37min
Can the Philadelphia 76ers make the playoffs without Embiid?
Tony Jones, an NBA reporter for The Athletic, shares insight on the Philadelphia 76ers' season outlook and their current injury woes, particularly regarding Joel Embiid and Paul George. He discusses the team's reliance on its big three and evaluates the potential of rookie V.J. Eshcomb. Tony also explores the balancing act for Daryl Morey between immediate success and youth development, and speculates on trade possibilities if the season falters. The conversation delves into the Sixers' playoff hopes amidst uncertainty.

Oct 6, 2025 • 27min
Can the Thunder win the title again?
The hosts delve into the Oklahoma City Thunder's intriguing offseason, highlighting critical injuries and contract extensions. They spotlight Chet Holmgren as a key player likely to make a significant impact this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's potential growth in playmaking is also a hot topic. The discussion turns to team dynamics, exploring vital factors like health and shooting performance that could influence their success. With realistic goals set for the season, they emphasize the challenges of repeating past achievements.