The Zach Lowe Show

Kirk Goldsberry, an NBA analyst and data-visualization expert, dissects every Eastern contender’s fatal flaw, from Cleveland’s wing shortage to Philadelphia’s health gamble. Awards picks, push-off rules, and the Knicks’ biggest threat follow. Television critic Joanna Robinson then tackles The New York Times’ top 100 shows, spotlighting overlooked gems, surprising omissions, overrated favorites, and essential rewatches.

Mo Dakhil, an NBA analyst and tactical basketball writer, joins a tour of Media Day storylines, overlooked X factors, first-time All-Star hopefuls, and Jalen Brunson’s SNL performance. Author Keith O’Brien then shares vivid Larry Bird stories from Heartland, covering Bird’s near-exit from basketball, hard-fought Indiana State years, brawls, and dislike of the spotlight.

Howard Beck, veteran NBA journalist and co-host of The Ringer NBA Show’s Real Ones, joins a wide-ranging league conversation. They examine Jalen Duren’s contract standoff, Kawhi Leonard’s extension, Steph Curry’s future flexibility, and the Knicks’ tricky Karl-Anthony Towns decision. They also debate early Coach and Sixth Man of the Year contenders, from DeMar DeRozan to Dylan Harper.

Rob Mahoney, an NBA writer and analyst at The Ringer, joins for a sweeping tour of the Western Conference. They tackle Denver’s defensive ceiling, Minnesota’s new identity, Oklahoma City’s prospects, Houston’s contender case, San Antonio’s late-game questions, and Memphis as a play-in threat. They also examine Luka’s Lakers, Phoenix’s shaky foundation, Sacramento’s need for change, and crowded rotations across the West.

Chris Ryan, Ringer writer and pop-culture raconteur, and Joe House, sports media personality and NBA analyst, draft their favorite champions since 2000, from the 2004 Pistons to the 2023 Nuggets. They revisit iconic dynasties, underdog runs, legendary shots, and the teams left off the board. Sean Fennessey, Ringer content chief, joins a spirited Mets debate over Pete Alonso’s curtain call and his place in franchise history.

Michael Pina, a Ringer NBA writer known for team-building and tactical analysis, joins Zach to wrap up the Clippers saga and Steve Ballmer’s apology. Then they pose one defining question for every Eastern Conference team, from Toronto’s Kawhi Leonard–Scottie Barnes pairing and Boston’s post-Jaylen Brown identity to Miami’s Giannis-fueled offense, Cleveland’s lineup puzzle, and Milwaukee’s uncertain transition.

Law Murray, The Athletic’s Clippers and NBA analyst, helps rank the seven teams still without a 2020s playoff-series win, from Orlando’s breakthrough hopes to Sacramento’s uncertainty, plus speculative Sabonis trades. Sportswriter Luke Epplin discusses his book Moses and the Doctor, exploring the 1983 76ers, Moses Malone’s greatness, Dr. J’s nickname, and Daryl Dawkins’s legendary interviews.

John Hollinger, a basketball analyst and former Grizzlies executive, joins the discussion on the Clippers’ punishment, possible playoff fallout, and rookie extension decisions. Mike Schur, the TV creator behind Parks and Recreation and The Good Place, explores how sports fandom forms, fades, and returns. They also revisit The Office’s basketball comedy and stage a spirited fruit draft.

Kirk Goldsberry, a basketball analyst and data visualization expert, and Michael McCann, a sports law scholar, unpack the Clippers’ unprecedented punishment, the alleged sponsorship quid pro quo, Steve Ballmer’s legacy, and Kawhi Leonard’s limited penalty. Sean Fennessey, film critic and Mets enthusiast, joins for a lively look at Pete Alonso’s return, the team’s young core, bullpen, and glaring roster problems.

Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic’s Timberwolves insider, explores Minnesota’s new identity, LaMelo Ball’s ceiling-raising potential, and Jonathan Kuminga’s fit beside Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert. NBA analyst Mo Dakhil joins to debate Western Conference contenders, Portland’s risky lineup, the East’s crowded playoff race, and intriguing Most Improved Player candidates.