The Ringer NBA Show

Altercations mar an otherwise entertaining night in the NBA (0:53), playoff-bound teams jockey for matchup advantages (20:21), and draft season approaches as the NCAA action accelerates (42:37).Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amid a dynastic run of dominance, the Golden State Warriors are starting to show some cracks (2:47). But is anyone a real threat to challenge the reigning champions (8:48)? Plus: Is Brett Brown the right coach for the star-studded Philadelphia 76ers (25:12)?Host: John GonzalezGuests: Jonathan Tjarks, Tyler Tynes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We start by taking stock of the incredible Thunder vs. Blazers Thursday-night game, which featured 51 points from Damian Lillard in a Thunder victory (2:00). Then, Danny goes iso in a special Dwyane Wade–jersey-swap-edition of "Huerter She Wrote" (20:03). Finally, we go long on the Eastern Conference playoff race, and all somehow agree that the Pistons are … good (21:40)?Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, Danny Chau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We react to the underwhelming response from the Lakers crowd as LeBron James passed Michael Jordan for fourth on the NBA’s all-time leading scorers list (1:30). Then we crib a segment from the Magic’s television broadcast and answer "Is this anything?" with regards to the Warriors' recent struggles, Gordon Hayward’s game-winner, and the Mavs’ tanking (32:06).Hosts: Justin Verrier, Paolo Uggetti, Haley O’Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Clippers add one more blow to the Lakers’ playoffs hopes (1:40) while the Boston Celtics’ chemistry issues continue to fester (31:15). Plus: takeaways from the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference (43:05).Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Los Angeles Lakers continue their collapse (4:04) while the Eastern Conference playoff race heats up (17:21). Plus: an inside look at the story of Rick Pitino in Greece (29:21).Host: John GonzalezGuests: Jonathan Tjarks, Chris Ryan, Dave the Greek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We recap the Jazz-Nuggets game and wonder whether this is proof that the Jazz are back to where they need to be to contend in the Western Conference (1:00). Then, Zach Kram joins to talk about his piece on the 3-point revolution (25:00). Finally, we throw an outlet pass to the weekend’s games (44:30).Hosts: Danny Chau, Jonathan TjarksGuest: Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We all bring one team, one player, and one take to discuss on this episode. Featured: the Boston Celtics, the Los Angeles Lakers, Chris Paul, Ben Simmons, and more.Hosts: Justin Verrier, Haley O’Shaughnessy, Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After falling below .500, the Los Angeles Lakers are at risk of missing the playoffs (1:19). Plus: checking in with the young rebuilding teams (33:28).Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With so many story lines in the NBA, which ones are we in on (3:41)? Then: the New Orleans Pelicans’ continuing conundrum (30:55) and the most interesting MVP candidates of the season (44:21).Host: John GonzalezGuests: Shea Serrano, Dan Devine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices