

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

Jan 4, 2025 • 1h 23min
Jimmy Butler Trades + Cavs and Thunder Dominance
Slam N JamAndrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, Who will win the Pacific Division, the dominance of the Cavs and Thunder, Jimmy Butler Trade destinations and more. Then they are joined by Brian Geisinger to discuss the Charlotte Hornets and if their recent play is a sign of things to come. 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: Brian GeisingerExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Editor: Jake Kleinberg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 3, 2025 • 31min
Jimmy Butler has lost his joy | Steph Curry & Warriors roll Sixers
Stephen Curry was perfect in 8 attempts from behind the three-point line as the Golden State Warriors cruised to a blowout win over Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. Dave DuFour and Zena discuss all of the action from Thursday night including Tyrese Haliburton’s big game, Jimmy Butler’s postgame comments, and the Celtics big win over the Timberwolves. Then, the Athletic’s Marcus Thompson joins the show to breakdown Steph Curry and Joel Embiid’s matchup, Jonathan Kuminga as the number two option, and Paul George’s fit in Philadelphia. Then, Zena and Dave take a look at the first results in All-Star game fan voting and what stands out.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Zena Keita, Marcus ThompsonExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 31, 2024 • 27min
Cavs on cruise control | Mike Brown’s final days with Kings
The Cleveland Cavaliers hot start continued with a blowout win over the struggling Golden State Warriors. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni breakdown the win for the Cavs, the Warriors problems, and Joel Embiid’s best game of the season. Then, the Athletic’s Sam Amick joins the show to give some behind the scenes insight on Mike Brown’s firing in Sacramento, a potential De’Aaron Fox trade, and the latest on Jimmy Butler. Then, Es digs into the numbers to celebrate LeBron James’ birthday.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni, Sam AmickExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 30, 2024 • 28min
Lakers land Dorian Finney-Smith | Kings fire Mike Brown
The Los Angeles Lakers land Dorian Finney-Smith in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni breakdown the move for the Lakers, react to Mike Brown’s firing in Sacramento, and Pat Riley’s stance on trading Jimmy Butler. Then, the gang go through some “NBA New Year’s Resolutions” and reveal the new leader in the MVP award race.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Zena Keita & Es BaraheniExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 24, 2024 • 56min
Fox Trades, Warriors, Knicks and Celtics | Christmas Extravaganza
Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni and Zena Keita are joined by a plethora of guests like James Edwards, Jared Weiss and Anthony Slater to preview the Christmas Day NBA games we have in store featuring Knicks v Spurs, Celtics v Sixers and Warriors v Lakers. Our Slam ‘n’ Jam hosts Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers close out the show with their Christmas wishes for the NBA.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni, Zena Keita, James Edwards, Jared Weiss, Anthony Slater, Andrew Schlecht and Alex SpeersExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 23, 2024 • 31min
Steph Stomps Wolves | Shooting Rankings
The Warriors bounce back against the Wolves and Dave DuFour, Zena Keita and Es Baraheni break it down and assign who else made the All Weekend Team. In part 2 Zena and Es are joined by Law Murray of the Athletic to discuss the shooting rankings, why it’s not just a "make or miss" league. Law also discusses the upcoming return of Kawhi Leonard and how it will affect the Clippers this season.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni, Zena Keita, and Law MurrayExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 21, 2024 • 1h 7min
Who is Defensive Player of the Year? + Pacers up to speed?
Slam N JamAndrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, who should be DPOY?, their favorite quotes, players, and stats of the week, and more. Then they are joined by Scott Agnes to discuss the Indiana Pacers and if their recent play is a sign of things to come. 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: Scott AgnesExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Editor: Jake Kleinberg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 20, 2024 • 24min
Karl-Anthony Towns shines in return to town | Lakers looking for trades?
Karl-Anthony Town’s returned to Minnesota with the Knicks had a near perfect night as they demolished the Timberwolves. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Jon Krawczynski discuss Towns’ return to Minnesota, a potential Wolves lineup change, and where the Wolves may look to improve. Then, Dave and Jovan Buha get into LeBron’s comments on the state of the game, the Lakers trade targets, and what happened to their offense.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Zena Keita, Jon Krawczynski, Jovan BuhaExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 18, 2024 • 24min
The Bucks Respect the Cup | Zach LaVine to Denver?
Giannis and Lillard deliver an NBA Cup Championship to Milwaukee, how did they do it? Why was OKC so flat on offense, and much more. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita and Es Baraheni discuss the NBA Cup, the vibes in Vegas, and what they can do to change it next year. Then breakfast club breaks and talks about the new format for the All Star Game, and if the Denver Nuggets for trade for Zach LaVine.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Zena Keita and Es BaraheniExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 17, 2024 • 27min
Bucks & Thunder square up for the NBA Cup | Shai or Giannis for MVP?
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Milwaukee Bucks will face off in the NBA Cup Championship game. Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and Eric Nehm discuss the Bucks recent success, their approach to the Cup, and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s MVP caliber season to this point. Then, Dave, Zena Keita, and Andrew Schlecht flip to the Thunder’s side of the matchup, their claim to the “best defense ever”, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP presence.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Zena Keita, Es Baraheni, Eric Nehm, Andrew SchlechtExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.