The Athletic NBA Daily

This week on Slam N Jam Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the top stories of the NBA, the rough start for the Jazz, Herb Jones value, the Pistons fun start and more. Then Portland Trail Blazers reporter Sean Highkin joins hosts Alex Speers and Andrew to assess the team’s explosive 6-1 start, the chemistry behind its league-leading offense, and the questions raised by Ja Morant’s injury and Scoot Henderson’s expanded role. The conversation also examines Portland’s arena lease deadline before the hosts play a fun round of Andrew vs. the Beat.

Host: Andrew Schlecht, Alex Speers
With: Sean Highken
Producers: Andrew Schlecht, Alex Speers
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni recap a two-game Thursday night slate in the NBA, featuring the Orlando Magic at the Phoenix Suns and the Miami Heat at the Golden State Warriors.

Then, Jay King, Boston Celtics beat reporter for The Athletic & host of the Still Poddable podcast, joins the show to discuss: how real the beef (or lamb chops) is between Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Harry Potter house/NBA connections, the long runup to Jaylen Brown’s offseason trade to the Sixers, how Paul George has helped Boston’s perimeter defense, Mitchell Robinson’s surprising rebounding struggles and whether Joe Mazzulla’s AI usage should be normalized around the league.

And before we go, we get you ready for Friday night’s NBA Cup games!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Victor Wembanyama is stuck on easy mode.

After one of the greatest single-game performances of his career (and NBA history), Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni recap the Spurs’ thrilling home win over the Dallas Mavericks amidst an especially wild night in the NBA.

Then, NBA Senior Writer Sam Amick checks in with the latest on Kristaps Porzingis’ contract dilemma, including thoughts on: the players union not challenging Golden State’s decision, guaranteed money, a possible Myles Turner trade package, reported frustration between Domantas Sabonis and the Sacramento Kings, and the earliest MVP prediction column in NBA history.

And before we go, a special shout out to Courtney Kirkland. Get well soon!

Host: Dave DuFour
With: Esfandiar Baraheni
Producer: Zuri Irvin
Audio/Video: Alex Oliver
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Speers and Andrew Schlecht discuss the 5 teams that should be panicking early this season. Then they are joined by Derek Parker to discuss Kingston Flemmings and other rookies making an early impact.

Host: Alex Speers and Andrew Schlecht
With: Derek Parker
Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s just early enough in the season for our first edition of Small Sample Size Theatre, with particular predictions on the Miami Heat, Darius Acuff Jr., and the Chicago Bulls.

Then, Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni are joined by Keith Parish of the Memphis Grizzlies Grits and Grinds Podcast to discuss: Cam Boozer continuing his winning basketball despite rookie mistakes, Ty Jerome becoming a fully-formed offensive menace, Tuomas Iisalo being the right fit for the job and where the Grizzlies go from here after opening the season with a six-game winning streak.

And we close the show with a closer look at which of the seven one-win teams in the NBA have the best chance at turning their season around.

Host: Dave DuFour
With: Esfandiar Baraheni
Producer: Zuri Irvin
Audio/Video: Alex Oliver
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.