The Athletic NBA Daily

In this week's Basketball Buds, Zach, Tray, Jay and Dave contemplate a probable play-in between LeBron's Lakers and Steph's Warriors. Then the Celtics are struggling and what is wrong with Marcus Smart. Some hypothetical matchups in the East and the return of South Beach Zach. Finally, is Zion getting unfairly officiated? And has anyone noticed the Thunder are worse than Sam Hinkie's 76ers? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week that was in the NBA, a fun rookie stat, what the Cavs will do with Collin Sexton and then NBA birthdays. In part 2 Jon Krawczynski joins the show to discuss the Timberwolves, how Edwards and Towns fit, developing players, and then a Wolves trivia show. Thanks for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Nerder, Indy Cornrows' and SB Nation's Caitlin Cooper drops by to talk about the turmoil in Indiana with head coach Nate Bjorkgren. Then teams that may be going under the radar including the Bucks, Jazz and Clippers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest Point of Contention, Ethan Strauss and Marcus Thompson debate. Hosted by Zach Harper.Take 1: LeBron James will be out at least the next two games for the Lakers and it could be longer! This according to ESPN. Following a 20-game absence James, the Star of Space Jam 2 out this summer, returned for two games with a high ankle sprain. But!Take 2: Holy Shit the Suns are the best team in basketball?! What day is it? May 5th? That’s right fellas, the Phoenix Suns are now 47-18 riding a 5 game win streak into their game against the Hawks. Take 3: As predicted many times on this podcast channel, The Portland Trail Blazers are expected to move on from head coach Terry Stotts, after 9 years at the helm...this according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.Take 4: Are the Warriors Tanking? Just kidding, but man they must be regretting not picking LaMelo Ball cuz he’s back to ballin!Take 5: More coaching hot-seat news, this just in. According to Sam Amick and Shams Charania Bucks head coach Mike “Why Change a Thing?” Budenholzer is gone “unless there’s a deep playoff run.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's edition of Hoops Adjacent, David Aldridge bids adieu to Wos Lambre as he heads over to The Ringer, and welcomes in Marcus Thompson as his new co-host. The two get to talking about the Warriors title chances in the future and if Brad Beal will be in the Bay next season. Then, this week's guest the great Eddie Johnson drops by to talk about the dangerous Suns as they speed their way into the playoffs. Chris Paul the ultimate leader mentoring Devin Booker's evolving greatness and playoff hopes. Mikal Bridges and the gentle giant Deandre Ayton. Also Eddie reflects back to his days playing for Phoenix and Cotton Fitzsimmons and the money that guys earn today, in a good way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Amick, Anthony Slater, and Fred Katz welcome in Marcus Thompson on the show to discuss NBA awards. Is LaMelo an easy pick for ROY? Who will challenge Jokic for MVP? What about MIP? The guys dive in to COY and 6MOY as well. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Basketball Buds Dave DuFour, Jay King, James Edwards and Tray Edwards talk about the race for the playoffs in both the West and Eastern Conferences. LeBron is back, but say's he's never be the same player again. That's weird. Also Anthony Davis, still not right. Then, the guys are very confident about the Suns heading into the playoffs. Chris Paul and Devin Booker have made this a professional operation and very dangerous. Plus the Nuggets and the future MVP Nicola Jokic. In the East Philly, Brooklyn, Milwaukee are all in great shape. Don't sleep on the Heat! Can Jayson Tatum carry the Celtics? And finally the 4/5 seed battle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Schlecht is joined by Fred Katz to discuss who the All NBA Guards should be. Is Luka a guard? Who are the locks? Is Chris Paul a lock? Kyrie or James Harden? Booker or Mitchell? Then they have a brief discussion on Georges Niang of the Utah Jazz. Andrew and Fred are then joined by Jason Jones of the Athletic to discuss the Sacramento Kings and their wild season. How can the improve from here? Will Buddy and Bagley be part of the team moving forward? and more. Then Jason sticks around for a trivia show, Fred vs. the Beat, where Fred tries his luck against the Kings beat writer in .... Kings Trivia! Then we spin the wheel of fandom to see who the next team is going to be. Listen in to find out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Point of Contention, Marcus Thompson and Ethan Strauss debate! Hosted by Zach Harper.Take 1: In a time when fans are pretty much waiting for the playoffs to start the NBA has delivered! Russell Westbrook has delivered as well breaking the longstanding NBA record in the Wizards' 146-143 loss to the San Antonio Spurs: Wilt Chamberlain's record for triple-doubles in a single month, which has stood since 1968. Wilt had 11, Russ now has 12. Take 2: Cavaliers forward Kevin Love apologized for his on-court brain-fart Monday night, saying his behavior was out of character. "That wasn't me." he said. Wait. It wasn’t you? Well then who the hell was it? Take 3: This week, NBA legend Julius Irving aka Dr. J on 'Posted Up' with Chris Haynes did not include LeBron James, arguably one of the Top 3 players to play the game in his Top 2 All Time teams.Take 4: After the game Steve Kerr said "They came out like it was a playoff game. We came out like it was an exhibition." Is now the time to tank?Take 5: Is Julius Randle the Real MVP? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wizards reporter Fred Katz drops by to talk with David and Wos about the red-hot Wizards. What's going on? Even Fred is mystified. The defense has been key. Russell Westbrook has returned to form and much more. Plus, we answer your non-stupid questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.