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The Sacramento Kings are listening to trade offers for former All-Star De’Aaron Fox. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss to the Kings decision and Fox’s preferred destination, react to another wild finish for the Houston Rockets, and praise the Portland Trail Blazers for their recent stretch. Then, the Athletic’s Anthony Slater stops by to talk about the Warriors options at the trade deadline, the De’Aaron Fox timeline, and why the Western Conference isn’t very good.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Zena Keita & Anthony SlaterExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodyCheckout the Athletic Women’s Basketball Show: https://podfollow.com/the-athletic-womens-basketball-show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amen Thompson scored a career high 33 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a victory in Boston over the Celtics. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to Houston’s big win, Amen Thompson’s star potential, Bradley Beal’s no trade clause, and the death of the dunk contest . Then, Keith Parish from “Grits and Grinds stops by to talk about the Grizzlies recent schedule, their new offense and Ja Morant’s bad game against the Knicks.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni & Keith ParishExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Houston Rockets on Saturday to drop their third game in a row. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni react to Cleveland’s losing streak, the Sixers trying to compete, and Rivalry Week’s conclusion. Then, the gang talks about some things nobody is talking about like the Clippers since Kawhi returned, Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Grizzlies winning ways, and Kel’el Ware’s ascension up the rookie ladder.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni & Zena KeitaExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodyRead David Aldridge’s story on the Sixers: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6087167/2025/01/26/joel-embiid-76ers-committed-draft-josh-harris/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nikola Jokić recorded his fifth straight triple-double to lead the Denver Nuggets to a win over the Sacramento Kings. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to Jokić’s 70 foot buzzer beater and box score, the Lakers ability to be good or bad depending on the night, and the biggest name snubbed as an All Star starter. Then, the Athletic’s Joe Vardon joins the show from Paris to talk about the awesome Victor Wembanyama show, the hum of the arena, and possible NBA expansion to Europe.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni & Joe VardonExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Houston Rockets handed the Cleveland Cavaliers their 7th loss of the season thanks to two late by Alperen Sengun. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the chaotic finish in Houston, the Pistons climb up the standings, and Jimmy Butler’s suspension. Then, the Athletic’s Fred Katz joins the show to talk about his interview with OG Anunoby, the Pistons (again), and whether Jimmy Butler moves the needle for the Suns.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni & Fred KatzExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Phoenix Suns traded their 2031 first round pick to the Utah Jazz for three future first rounders. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss the Suns trade, what it means for Jimmy Butler, and the season Nikola Jokic is having. Then, the Athletic’s Marcus Thompson joins the show to discuss the idea of Rivals Week, how Cam Johnson can swing the championship, and why the Thunder have title pressure this season.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Zena Keita & Marcus ThompsonExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jaren Jackson scored 15 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Memphis Grizzlies over Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves for the second time in ten days. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Wolves lineup issues with Donte DiVincenzo out indefinitely, the Julius Randle problem, and the Pistons success in 2025. Then, the Athletic’s Jay King joins the show from the Bay Area to discuss the woeful Warriors, Boston’s status in the Eastern Conference, and what’s next for the Celtics.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni & Jay KingExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slam N JamAndrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the 2025 NBA Draft with Sam Vecenie of the Athletic. They deep dive on Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper and which player is most likely to go number 3? How many tier 1 players are in this draft and a lengthy discussion on the depth of the draft. They then transition to a discussion about the 2024 rookie class and hand out awards as a way to talk about 9 rookies who are standing out above (or below) the rest. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against a beat writer, this time a trivia show based on the 2024 class.Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex SpeersWith: Sam VecenieExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Editor: Jake Kleinberg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points in the first 3 quarters en route to a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in a matchup between the league’s two best teams. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita breakdown the Thunder win, Shai’s MVP performance, and discuss the new Unrivaled basketball league and the potential ramifications for the NBA. Then, the Athletic’s Joe Vardon joins the show from Oklahoma City with the Cavs’ perspective on their loss, why they struggle against perimeter size, and who they are targeting on the trade market.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Zena Keita & Joe VardonExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Phoenix Suns acquired Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets for Josh Okogie and three second round picks. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita breakdown the trade and the Suns’ next steps, discuss Boston’s loss to the tanking Raptors, and the Wolves dropping another game they need to win. Then, the Athletic’s Sam Amick joins the show to empty his notebook and tell us what he’s hearing on the Milwaukee Bucks’ potential pursuit of Jimmy Butler, the Suns’ prospects on a trade with Miami, and whatever the Chicago Bulls are doing.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni & Sam AmickExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donovan Mitchell poured in 35 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 127-117 win over the Indiana Pacers. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita breakdown Mitchell and the Cavs’ bounce back performance, Jamal Murray’s night in Dallas, and the weird vibe around the Golden State Warriors. Then, The Athletic’s Eric Nehm joins the show to discuss the Milwaukee Bucks’ identity, their up and down season, and their trade deadline prospects.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Zena Keita & Eric NehmExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Houston Rockets beat the Memphis Grizzlies thanks to 42 points from Jalen Green. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Rockets big win and their place in the West, the Warriors abysmal lost to the tanking Raptors, and the Knicks side of their loss to Detroit. Then, the Athletic’s Hunter Patterson joins the show to breakdown the Pistons path to success, Cade Cunningham’s growth, and Detroit’s trade deadline plans.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni & Hunter PattersonExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Indiana Pacers stopped the Cleveland Cavaliers win streak at 12 games with a 108-93 win. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni discuss the Pacers big win and their recent success, the Kings winning ways under Doug Christie, and Jalen Brunson’s 44-point game against the Bucks. Then, the gang talks about the returns of Paolo Banchero and Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets place in the West, and their sicko games of the week.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni & Zena KeitaExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slam N JamAndrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, Who will win the Most Improved Player, the insane Cavs/Thunder game, Mazzula quotes, best and worst catch and shoot players, Pistons success and more. Then they are joined by Will Guillory of the Athletic to discuss the New Orleans Pelicans and if it’s possible to turn the team around this season, what Zion’s return means, and what kind of player they would want in the draft. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against a beat writer.Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex SpeersWith: New Orleans PelicansExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Editor: Jake Kleinberg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies battled it out for second place in the West. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Jared McCain injury news, the Cavs 12th straight win, and debate Bradley Beal vs. Zach LaVine as trade candidates. The Athletic’s Kelly Iko joins the show to talk about the Rockets win over the Grizzlies, Reed Shepherd in the G League, Jimmy Butler’s fit in Memphis, and who matches up with the Thunder in the West.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni & Kelly IkoExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a game of the year candidate as the two best teams in the NBA met for the first time. Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and Andrew Schlecht discuss Cleveland’s gameplan, what went wrong for the Thunder, and who has the clearest path to the Finals. Then, Es and Dave take a look at how Giannis manhandled Victor Wembanyama, the Bucks lineup change, and Paolo Banchero’s upcoming return.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni & Andrew SchlechtExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans thanks to Anthony Edwards’s 32 point performance. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss the Edwards’ game, Zion’s return from injury, and the Suns’ terrible loss to Charlotte. Then, the Athletic’s Joe Vardon joins the show to discuss the huge showdown between the Cavaliers and Thunder, Cleveland’s path to success, and why this is the last regular season test for the Cavs.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Zena Keita & Joe VardonExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Minnesota Timberwolves overcame a 19-point deficit as Anthony Edwards poured in 37 points en route to a 108-106 victory of the Los Angeles Clippers. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Wolves big lineup change, Edwards’ night, and Kyrie Irving’s injury. Then, Sam Cooper, from the Timeline Podcast about the Phoenix Suns, stops by to discuss the Suns’ win over Philadelphia, Bradley Beal coming off the bench, and if a trade can save Phoenix’s season. Then, Es and Dave throw a party for the Pistons as they make it to 18-18 and wonder if Cade Cunningham is going to make All-NBA.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni & Sam CooperExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Oklahoma City Thunder won their 15th straight game while holding the Boston Celtics to 27 2nd half points. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni discuss the Thunder as the best team in basketball, their recent stretch of games, and their upcoming showdown with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Then, the gang discusses Kawhi Leonard’s comeback, Victor Wembanyama vs Nikola Jokić, the Bucks woes, and their favorite landing spots for Jimmy Butler.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Zena Keita, Es BaraheniExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio Producer: Grayson MoodySubmit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slam N JamAndrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, Who will win the Pacific Division, the dominance of the Cavs and Thunder, Jimmy Butler Trade destinations and more. Then they are joined by Brian Geisinger to discuss the Charlotte Hornets and if their recent play is a sign of things to come. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against a beat writer.Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex SpeersWith: Brian GeisingerExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Editor: Jake Kleinberg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.