Oddball w/ Amin Elhassan & Izzy Gutierrez

Luka Doncic emerged victorious from his first matchup against his former team, with a little help from LeBron James. Even after watching Luka go head to head with Kyrie Irving and the Mavericks, we still can't believe the trade actually happened. Is it possible for Nico Harrison to ever be redeemed? Plus, our picks for game of the week were both hits! Amen Thompson is developing a reputation, and the Grizzlies took advantage of the setting Suns. On this week's edition of Prop-a-Slot: IT'S YOU, PAUL GEORGE! YOU'RE THE ONE YOU'RE LOOKING FOR! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the NBA season hits the home stretch, we’re breaking down what top contenders need to prove before the playoffs. The New York Knicks continue to struggle against elite competition—can they fix their defensive issues? Are the Boston Celtics primed for another easy path to the Finals? Plus, we dive into the Cleveland Cavaliers’ legitimacy, the surging Golden State Warriors, and whether the Oklahoma City Thunder are truly ready for a deep playoff run. Also, what do Nikola Jokić and Ja Morant need to show to be considered true Western Conference threats?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Luka Dončić responded to JJ Redick’s challenge with a dominant performance, while the Lakers found a way to slow down Nikola Jokić. Did Redick crack the Nuggets’ code, or was it just a one-off? And are the Lakers legitimate title contenders? Plus, Amin and Izzy react to the news that Joel Embiid’s season may be over and discuss how Kevin Garnett’s potential front-office role could shape the Timberwolves’ future. And on Hot Streak, Amin and Izzy reveal their pick for Luka’s first game against his former team as the Lakers take on the Mavericks Tuesday night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Victor Wembanyama’s season is likely over—what does his absence mean for the NBA? Plus, Amin and Izzy react to the controversy surrounding the Lakers after failing Mark Williams’ physical and LeBron James' returns to action after skipping All-Star Weekend. To close the show, Amin fires back at PK Subban’s NBA vs. NHL culture comparison. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amin and Izzy bring fan takes straight from the streets in today’s episode of Oddball. Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander truly the MVP favorite over Nikola Jokić? Are Warriors fans justified in believing Draymond Green’s championship guarantee? Should Anthony Edwards leave Minnesota? Plus, we break down Ja Morant’s legacy, Jayson Tatum’s leadership in Boston, and Mac McClung’s potential dunk contest three-peat. Also, Frank Isola weighs in on Kevin Durant’s future and a possible overtime rule change, while Greg Oden makes the case for bringing ELAM endings to the NBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2025 NBA All-Star Game introduced a brand-new format, but did it deliver? Steph Curry took home All-Star MVP as Shaq’s veteran squad won the first-ever All-Star tournament, but reactions were mixed. Amin and Izzy break down what worked, what flopped, and the impact of LeBron James and Anthony Edwards sitting out last-minute. They also discuss Mac McClung’s historic dunk contest three-peat and Draymond Green’s criticism of the format—plus, NBA legend Oscar Robertson’s response. Plus, we react to Kyrie Irving's response to Juju Gotti's question at media day.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the NBA gears up for All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, Amin and Izzy break down the new mini-tournament format, the biggest storylines, and what’s at stake for stars like LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, and Nikola Jokić. Will the revamped format make players care? Can Wemby inject new energy into the event? Plus, we analyze team rosters, betting odds, and the 3-Point Contest, Dunk Contest, and Skills Challenge. Get the ultimate preview before the action tips off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Izzy and Amin put together a handy list of Do's and Don'ts for new owners to help guide Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore through the potential pitfalls that come with being a new owner in the NBA. For example, don't trade away your 25-year-old franchise superstar. Plus, breaking down Luka Doncic's first game with the Lakers and all the drama that came with it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amin and Izzy go head-to-head in a battle of NBA knowledge. Find out who the only person to outscore Luka in the playoffs is, plus Mike Conley’s unbeatable record and what to expect from Ben Simmons on the Clippers. Also, Trae Young’s “murky” future, more Dunk Scores, and whether the Dallas Maverick’s should retire Luka's jersey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amin kicks off the show by recapping the NBA season so far for NFL fans tuning back into basketball after the Super Bowl. He and Izzy dive into Mavericks team governor Patrick Dumont's revealing interview with the Dallas Morning News, where he discusses the controversial decision to trade Luka Doncic and shares his thoughts on winning culture. They break down Dumont's eyebrow-raising comments, the implications for Dallas, and reactions from LeBron James. Plus, Anthony Davis' indefinite injury status raises questions about the Lakers' competitiveness, and Jimmy Butler's stunning Warriors debut alongside Stephen Curry takes center stage. Stick around for Hot Streak picks brought to you by DraftKings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices