

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

8 snips
May 30, 2025 • 22min
Can the Knicks force game 7?
Shakeia Taylor, a dedicated reporter for The Athletic covering the Pacers, joins the discussion to unpack Indiana's recent struggles in the playoffs. She dives into the team's lack of energy and the adjustments needed for Game 6. The conversation highlights the stark contrast between the Knicks' recent dominance, led by Jalen Brunson's stellar performance, and the Pacers' defensive lapses. Taylor emphasizes the importance of key player impacts and how the rivalry adds intensity to their matchup.

May 29, 2025 • 20min
Thunder advance to NBA Finals
Joined by Jon Krawczynski, who covers the Timberwolves for The Athletic, the discussion kicks off with the Oklahoma City Thunder's impressive journey to the NBA Finals. Krawczynski dives into the Timberwolves’ struggles, particularly around Anthony Edwards, highlighting the need for growth and strategic shifts. The conversation also touches on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-worthy performance, drawing parallels to legendary players. Will the Thunder face any weaknesses moving forward? Tune in for insights on this dynamic playoff season!

May 28, 2025 • 1h 16min
How did we get here? | Morning Shoot Around
The discussion kicks off with the Indiana Pacers' unexpected playoff surge, analyzing coaching strategies and future team prospects. They dive into the growing trend of restaurants owned by athletes, providing a tasty twist. Post-career opportunities for players are also explored, showcasing successful transitions. Insightful debates around player trades and roster dynamics highlight how these decisions shape team success, especially for teams like the Thunder. Overall, it's a vibrant mix of comedy, nostalgia, and deep dives into modern NBA tactics.

May 28, 2025 • 23min
Haliburton triple-double lifts Pacers go up 3-1 on Knicks
Fred Katz, an NBA writer known for his insights into player performance and team strategies, joins the discussion on Tyrese Haliburton's remarkable triple-double that propelled the Pacers to a 3-1 lead over the Knicks. The conversation highlights Jalen Brunson's struggles, the contrasting playing styles of key point guards, and the defensive tactics that played a crucial role in the game. With fresh energy dynamics in the fourth quarter and potential health concerns for the Knicks, the analysis dives deep into what this means for the series.

5 snips
May 27, 2025 • 20min
SGA drops 40; Thunder go up 3-1 on Wolves
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with an impressive 40 points as they surged to a 3-1 series lead over the Timberwolves. The team’s Big Three combined for 95 points, showcasing their offensive prowess. Meanwhile, defensive standout Lou Dort stymied Anthony Edwards, highlighting the Thunder's tactical pressure. The hosts also debated the controversial 'fouling up three' strategy and whether it should be banned, considering the effects on fan enjoyment and game flow.

8 snips
May 26, 2025 • 22min
Did KAT save the Knicks’ season?
Karl-Anthony Towns delivered an electrifying fourth quarter, helping the Knicks rally from a 20-point deficit against the Pacers. The hosts discuss strategic adjustments and how foul trouble affected both teams' dynamics. They also analyze the Timberwolves' impressive blowout win over the Thunder, highlighting player performances and tactical decisions. Tune in for insights on playoff intensity and the potential impact on both teams' journeys.

16 snips
May 24, 2025 • 1h 14min
Who should the Sixers take in the NBA Draft? + Thunder Rolling | Slam N Jam
Bryce Simon, an analyst known for his work on the Game Theory and Pistons Pulse podcasts, joins the discussion on the Sixers' NBA Draft strategy. He highlights top prospect Ace Bailey and the development paths of players outside the top three, like Trey Johnson and Derek Queen. The conversation also dives into the playoff dynamics, evaluating the Thunder and Timberwolves, and assessing player impacts in critical moments. Simon's insights into player comparisons and team strategies make this episode a must-listen for NBA fans keen on the draft and playoffs.

6 snips
May 23, 2025 • 24min
Thunder Strike Timberwolves + SGA MVP
Jon Krawczynski, a seasoned writer for The Athletic covering the Timberwolves, dives into the team's current playoff struggles following a decisive loss to the Thunder. He discusses the Wolves' shooting and turnover issues, and the need for strategic adjustments. The conversation also highlights Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP recognition and the Thunder's impressive defensive performance. Krawczynski emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the potential of Canadian players making waves in the NBA.

May 22, 2025 • 25min
Pacers Stun the Knicks in MSG
Join Andrew Claudio from Knicks Film School, known for his sharp insights into the New York Knicks, as he dissects the team's shocking playoff collapse against the Pacers. They delve into Aaron Nesmith's incredible shooting and Haliburton's clutch moments. The conversation also highlights the emotional rollercoaster of the game and the strategic blunders that led to the Knicks' downfall. With a blend of analysis and fan passion, they explore the historical significance of this thrilling matchup and what it means for the future.

May 21, 2025 • 51min
Nuggets Fake Trades: Morning Shoot Around
Join the hosts as they dive into the Denver Nuggets' offseason plans and potential trade speculations. Key players like Michael Porter Jr. are on the chopping block, sparking lively debate about roster improvements. The conversation also highlights hypothetical trades involving stars like Lonzo Ball and Drew Holiday while navigating the complexities of salary caps and team dynamics. With a mix of strategic insights and entertaining banter, it's a fascinating look at what might shape the Nuggets' future and the larger NBA landscape.