

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

Apr 9, 2025 • 25min
Michael Malone out in Denver + Thunder get revenge on Lakers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 42 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni talk to Andrew Schlecht postgame to discuss the Thunder win, Shai’s big game, and Luka Doncic’s ejection. Then, Adam Mares from DNVR joins the show to discuss Michael Malone’s firing, Jamal Murray’s health, and what comes next for the post-Malone Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokić.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni, Andrew Schlecht, & Adam MaresExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 8, 2025 • 23min
Western Conference playoff race + Most Improved Player award
With 6 days remaining the NBA regular season, the 2 through 8 seeds are all still up for grabs. Dave DuFour and RealGM’s Wes Goldberg breakdown the western conference playoff seeding race, discuss the field, and why the Clippers need to avoid the play-in. Then, Dave and Wes breakdown the defensive player of the year race, discuss Amen Thompson’s case, and why Tyler Herro should win most improved.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Wes GoldbergExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 7, 2025 • 23min
Why the Lakers are a nightmare for the Thunder + MVPs in purgatory
Luka Doncic scored 30 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 27-point blowout win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dave DuFour and RealGM’s John Wilmes breakdown the Lakers win, discuss JJ Redick’s coaching, and the OKC’s nightmare scenario. Then, Dave and John discuss the MVP level performances from Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo and what it means if they fail in the playoffs.Host: Dave DuFourWith: John WilmesExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 5, 2025 • 1h 12min
Ja Morant and Westbrook Blunders + Nets Need Lottery Luck | Slam N Jam
Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, the most improved player, and our players, stats and quotes of the week. Then they are joined by Mike Smeltz to discuss the Brooklyn Nets and what prospects are worth building with, coach Jordi Fernandez and his potential, which players they should target in the draft, and more. 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 SmeltzExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Editor: Jake KleinbergFILL OUT OUR SURVEY PLEASEThe athletic.com/athletic/survey25 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 4, 2025 • 31min
Luka’s worst game as a Laker + Draymond’s defensive mind
Stephen Curry scored 37 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 123-116 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Dave DuFour and Jovan Buha breakdown the Warriors defense against the Lakers, Luka’s worst game in LA, and Austin Reaves’ playoff role. Then, the Athletic’s Marcus Thompson stops by to discuss his film breakdown with Draymond Green, Kevin Garnett, and the Defensive Player of the Year award.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Jovan Buha & Marcus ThompsonExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodyRead Marcus Thompson on Draymond: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6248565/2025/04/03/draymond-green-golden-state-warriors-nba-defense/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 3, 2025 • 25min
Can OKC get to 70 wins? + Anthony Davis’ big night
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 33 points on the Detroit Pistons as the OKC Thunder pick up their 11th straight win. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Thunder’s chances at 70 wins, the bad loss for the Kings, and Anthony Davis’ game winner. Then, the Athletic’s James Edwards stops by to talk about the Knicks’ loss to Cleveland, OG Anunoby’s scoring surge, and Jalen Brunson’s return.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni & James EdwardsExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodyRead James Edwards on OG: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6248667/2025/04/02/knicks-og-anunoby-new-york/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 2, 2025 • 26min
Jokić and Curry make history + Ja Morant on the move?
Nikola Jokić recorded the first ever 61 point triple double in a double overtime loss to Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni and Anthony Slater react to the Jokić’s night, Steph Curry’s 52 point night, and the playoff implications for the Timberwolves, Grizzlies, and Warriors. Then, the Athletic’s Sam Amick stops by to discuss the ongoing saga in Memphis, new Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo, and Ja Morant’s future.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni & Anthony SlaterExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 1, 2025 • 27min
Are the Thunder the best regular season team ever?
The Oklahoma City Thunder move to a 28-1 record against the eastern conference with a 28-point win over the Chicago Bulls. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the Lakers win over the Rockets, the Celtics’ dominant March, and the Pacers status as sneaky contenders. Then, the Athletic’s Anthony Slater stops by to discuss the historic season for the Thunder, Lu Dort vs. Draymond Green for DPOY, and the Warriors playoff chances.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni & Anthony SlaterExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 31, 2025 • 23min
Playoff Pressure Meter + Weekend Update
The NBA season is winding down and the NBA Daily crew discusses which West playoff teams under the most pressure. Dave, Es and Zena discuss the weekend of basketball, a brawl between the Pistons and Wolves, and the games of the week.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni and Zena KeitaExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 29, 2025 • 1h 10min
Why the Grizzlies fired Taylor Jenkins + DPOY Madness | Slam N Jam
Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball Defensive Player of the year, and our players, stats and quotes of the week. Then they are joined by Keith Parish of the Athletic to discuss the Memphis Grizzlies and why they fired Taylor Jenkins, Ja Morant’s season, the value of Brandon Clarke, and more. 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: Keith ParishExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Editor: Jake Kleinberg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.