The Athletic NBA Daily

Join James Edwards, a Detroit Pistons writer, and Law Murray, covering the Los Angeles Clippers, as they dive into Kawhi Leonard's explosive 39-point game against the Denver Nuggets. They analyze the Clippers' strategies and discuss how they might counter Jokic's impact. The conversation also touches on the Pistons' comeback against the Knicks and the challenges New York faces this season. Insights into player matchups and playoff dynamics keep the discussion lively, shedding light on what it takes to excel in the postseason.

The NBA Playoffs are heating up with standout performances and surprising struggles. The Lakers face a tough loss to the Timberwolves, while the Warriors shine against the Rockets. Analysis of the Thunder’s defensive strategies reveals their dominance against the Grizzlies. Officiating controversies add drama, and individual players like Jalen Brunson and Jimmy Butler step up amid team challenges. As everyone anticipates game two adjustments, excitement builds for potential upsets and tactical shifts that could define the series.

Dan Devine, a seasoned NBA writer and podcaster for Yahoo! Sports, brings insightful analysis on the upcoming playoffs. He and the hosts dive into surprising team performances and standout players post-All-Star break. They engage in a lively contender draft, picking the most likely teams to win the championship. The discussion also touches on coaching changes and the evolving landscape of playoff matchups. A fun trivia game caps off the conversation, adding humor and testing their basketball knowledge.

Fred Katz, a national writer for The Athletic known for his expertise on NBA stars like Nikola Jokic, joins the conversation. He delves into Jokic's analytical approach and his unique mentorship style, sharing how it elevates his teammates' performance. The team discusses thrilling playoff matchups, focusing on the Nuggets vs. Clippers and the return of Damian Lillard, with a mix of tactical insights and humor. Katz highlights the excitement surrounding the playoffs and what players are saying about Jokic’s game.

Christian Clark, The Athletic's Mavericks reporter, joins the discussion to break down the Mavericks' winning strategy after their victory over the Kings. He shares insights on how they stack up against the Grizzlies and analyzes key player performances. The hosts also debate the futures of the Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls, highlighting roster challenges and the need for patience in management. With standout performances like those of Klay Thompson and Anthony Davis, the conversation is lively and filled with NBA drama.

Marcus Thompson, an NBA reporter for The Athletic, joins the discussion on the Warriors' thrilling play-in victory over the Grizzlies. He highlights the explosive combination of Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry, who racked up 71 points together. The conversation shifts to the Warriors' strategic planning as they eye their next challenge against the Houston Rockets. Thompson also reflects on standout plays by Desmond Bane and the Orlando Magic's recent success, providing an insightful look into the playoffs and the competitive landscape.

Anthony Slater, an insightful NBA reporter for The Athletic, dives into the electrifying Warriors vs. Grizzlies play-in matchup. He evaluates the pivotal roles of stars like Steph Curry and John Morant while discussing Jonathan Kuminga's injury status. The conversation also touches on the intense atmosphere leading into the playoffs and the legendary playoff performances of Jimmy Butler. With expert analysis on team dynamics and strategies, Slater offers fans a thrilling insight into the upcoming postseason action.

The podcast dives into the Clippers' thrilling victory over the Warriors, with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden dominating the court. It examines the Warriors' struggles, especially Jonathan Kuminga's benching and what it means for their playoff hopes. The hosts also reflect on Chris Paul's future and share key takeaways from the regular season finale. As anticipation builds for the playoffs, they highlight standout performances and analyze player strategies that could shape upcoming matchups.

Mike Richman, host of the Locked on Blazers podcast, joins to discuss the Portland Trail Blazers' surprising season and the exciting potential of rookie Scoot Henderson. They delve into upcoming draft strategies and how player performances are shaping the team's future. The conversation also touches on the newly introduced Slammies awards, offers insights into the challenges faced by other teams, and even features a light-hearted trivia game about basketball history and the Blazers' top three-point shooters.

This time, Fred Katz, The Athletic's NBA reporter, joins the conversation. With a keen eye on perimeter defense, he dives into the criteria for selecting top defenders and explains what makes a great defender in today’s game. The discussion touches on Anthony Edwards’ dazzling 44-point game, while also analyzing the Timberwolves’ playoff hopes. Katz highlights the evolution of defensive accolades, showcasing key players like Lou Dort and Jaden McDaniels, and reflects on the challenges of capturing defensive excellence in a stats-driven world.