The Athletic NBA Daily

The discussion kicks off with the Cavaliers' surprising struggles, particularly their over-reliance on Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. LeBron James' recent health issues are examined, alongside how a more balanced Lakers offense is supporting him. The hosts also tackle the Orlando Magic's ongoing injury woes, focusing on Franz Wagner's knee troubles. In a thrilling preview of the NBA Cup, they debate the upcoming matchups, including the heated Heat vs. Magic and the powerhouse Thunder against the struggling Suns.

Josh Robbins, a Washington Wizards beat reporter for The Athletic, dives into the team's ongoing rebuild and player development. He highlights Alex Sarr's impressive growth in rim protection and rebounding, while also discussing Keyshawn George's emerging playmaking abilities. The conversation touches on the Wizards' lottery prospects and the challenges facing coach Brian Keefe amid a young roster. Robbins offers insights into the strategy behind the team's current 3-18 record, making it a must-listen for Wizards fans.

Law Murray, an NBA reporter specializing in the Clippers and league analysis, joins the hosts to discuss the recent end of LeBron James' scoring streak. They break down the chaotic final moments of the Lakers-Raptors game, highlighting Rui Hachimura's buzzer-beater assist from LeBron. The conversation shifts to the Clippers, with Murray detailing locker-room energy issues leading to Chris Paul's departure and the team's impressive win without him. They also explore future trades, roster depth, and potential strategies as the trade window approaches.

Join NBA reporter Eric Nehm, who covers the Milwaukee Bucks and superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he delves into the team's rocky start and growing concerns. Nehm discusses Giannis' frustrations and evaluates if his commitment wanes amidst trade chatter. He clarifies that while there's no formal trade request, communication between Giannis and the Bucks is crucial. The conversation also touches on Milwaukee's internal challenges and the looming December 15 trade deadline, underscoring the stakes for both the team's performance and Giannis' future.

Chris Paul's surprising exit from the Clippers sparks heated debate about his leadership style and the team's internal struggles. The conversation shifts to Giannis discussing his future in Milwaukee, with speculation about potential trade destinations. The panel explores which teams would be the best fit for Giannis, including the Hawks, while analyzing the implications of past Clippers trades. The implications of every decision are weighed carefully, as fans wonder what the next chapter holds for these NBA stars.

James Edwards, an NBA reporter known for his insights on the New York Knicks, dives into the team's evolving identity and their recent struggles on defense following a puzzling loss to Boston. He sheds light on Jalen Brown's impressive growth while analyzing the Knicks' performance. Law Murray, a seasoned NBA writer covering the Clippers, shares updates on the team's situation and the recent developments surrounding Chris Paul. Their insights explore how both teams navigate their challenges in the current season.

Hunter Patterson, NBA reporter for The Athletic covering the Detroit Pistons, shares insights after Detroit's thrilling win over the Hawks. He dives into the team's unconventional closing lineup and the emerging connection between Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. The discussion also highlights the Pistons’ top-ranked defense, featuring key blocks and defensive strategies. Patterson assesses Detroit's playoff potential and future, while the hosts celebrate LeBron James's impressive scoring streak.

As the NBA season hits the quarter mark, the hosts dive into the MVP race, sparring over Jokic's stats versus SGA's impact. Rookie of the Year candidates shine, particularly Cason Canipple and Cooper Flagg, as they analyze the evolving roles of new talent. The excitement builds around the NBA Cup, with Oklahoma City eyed as the clear favorite, while potential challengers like Phoenix and the Lakers spice up the discussions. Tune in for their bold predictions and a fun take on what makes this tournament-style play so captivating!

Sam Vecenie, a draft analyst at The Athletic and co-host of the Game Theory Podcast, dives into the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft with hosts Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers. They gauge if Darryn Peterson lives up to the hype and discuss the intriguing start of Cam Boozer, including his unique struggles. Vecenie shares insights on AJ Dybantsa's prospects and personality traits of top players. A lightning round tests their knowledge on rookie stats while highlighting rising stars like Kingston Flemings and the standout Braylon Mullins.

The discussion dives into the 2021 NBA Draft, exploring how players have evolved and impacted the league. A redraft of the top 15 picks reveals surprising insights, especially with Cade Cunningham being the top choice. Controversies spark over Scottie Barnes vs. Evan Mobley, with arguments for each player's unique strengths. The emergence of undrafted players like Austin Reaves adds an exciting twist, while the hosts reflect on the depth of the draft class and their Thanksgiving favorites to wrap up.