The Ringer NBA Show

The shorthanded Portland Trail Blazers advance to the Western Conference finals in impressive fashion, but how far will they be able to push reigning champs Golden State Warriors (0:48)? With the Toronto Raptors now facing the well-rested Milwaukee Bucks, who will emerge from a massive Eastern Conference finals showdown (22:38)? Plus: Recent head coach hirings elicit a wide range of reactions, and many fan bases’ hopes hinge on the results of the NBA draft lottery (48:30). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kawhi Leonard’s buzzer-beating fadeaway lifts the Toronto Raptors over the Philadelphia 76ers to move on to the conference finals (3:12), while CJ McCollum’s big night helps the Portland Trail Blazers defeat the Denver Nuggets to secure their first conference finals berth in 19 years (32:29). Host: John Gonzalez Guest: Dan Devine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We give our immediate reactions to a statement game from Ben Simmons, who helped the Sixers force a Game 7 in Toronto on Sunday (0:50). Then, we eulogize the Celtics and wonder if the Bucks are flying under the radar as the best team in the league, before wondering how KD's injury will affect the Rockets-Warriors series (16:00). Finally, we recap a tumultuous week in Lakerland, as they lost out on their desired coach in Ty Lue, only to land on Lionel Hollins and Jason Kidd as potential backup options (33:00). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We go over what appears to be the worst possible timeline for the Sixers—backs against the wall in the present, uncertain of how to build their Frankenstein roster in the future (1:15). Then, we run down the larger takeaways from the other series: Boston’s been overwhelmed by Milwaukee, Paul Millsap has found his old form, and the Rockets’ swingmen have been critical (24:50). Finally, we finish with some draft talk about what lessons we can learn from these playoffs, including (for the hundredth time) that teams shouldn’t take inexperienced rim-running centers over skilled combo guards (44:10). Hosts: Danny Chau and Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two of our resident Philadelphia 76ers fans commiserate over the Sixers’ embarrassing loss to the Toronto Raptors in Game 5. Hosts: John Gonzalez, Michael Baumann Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Giannis Antetokounmpo takes advantage of the imploding Boston Celtics to propel the Milwaukee Bucks to a 3-1 series lead (0:34) while the Houston Rockets hold off a late run from the Golden State Warriors to tie the series (25:04). Plus: The Portland Trail Blazers need to reactivate Dame Time to defeat the Denver Nuggets (42:19), and the Philadelphia 76ers need to address their inconsistent play to compete against Kawhi Leonard’s historically great playoff stretch for the Toronto Raptors (51:10). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to give immediate reactions to a gritty, frantic win for the Houston Rockets over the two-time reigning champion Golden State Warriors to even the series at 2-2 (1:10). Then, Simmons and House discuss the Milwaukee Bucks’ sound win over the Boston Celtics to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series, which featured a dominant, MVP-like performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo (21:10). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Joe House Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An impressive scoring outburst from Jamal Murray helps the Denver Nuggets edge out the Portland Trail Blazers (3:45) while yet another dominant performance from Kawhi Leonard lifts the Toronto Raptors over a struggling Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers (16:28). A bizarre end-of-game sequence of events, including a missed Stephen Curry dunk, ensures the Houston Rockets an overtime victory over the Golden State Warriors (30:28) while the Milwaukee Bucks take back home-court advantage from the Boston Celtics by revving up their offense (42:50). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Tate Frazier, Danny Chau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We give our instant reactions to the Sixers’ convincing Game 3 win over the Raptors (1:30), before bouncing around to the other Round 2 series (21:00). Then, we go over some of the offseason news that has gotten swallowed by the playoff churn, including Monty Williams’s and Ty Lue’s impending coaching hires and Gersson Rosas’s new gig as GM of the Timberwolves (35:43). Hosts: Justin Verrier and Chris Ryan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We check in with each of the four playoff series, including what the Celtics need from Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, whether Brett Brown’s adjustments in the Sixers-Raptors series are here to stay, and whether Nikola Jokic has finally made the choice to be a dominant scorer for the rest of the playoffs (1:30). Then we give a quick preview of the big men in the upcoming NBA draft, theorizing about what roles they might fill and whether it’s worth using a high draft pick on any of them (43:23). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, Danny Chau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Game 2 of the most anticipated playoff series thus far, the Golden State Warriors hold off a bloody-eyed James Harden and the Houston Rockets to defend home-court advantage with a 2-0 lead. Host: John Gonzalez Guest: Haley O’Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Philadelphia 76ers defeat the juggernaut Toronto Raptors in Game 2, tempering concerns of a one-sided series (0:47), while Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets present a big-man problem for the Portland Trail Blazers (14:36). The Milwaukee Bucks need to address how to combat the Boston Celtics’ suffocating defense (28:38), while Warriors-Rockets remains derailed by officiating controversies (45:16). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first game of the highly anticipated second-round matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets ended with a conspicuous lack of foul calls (4:04), while in the East, the Boston Celtics proved their formidability with a resounding win against the Milwaukee Bucks (16:02). Plus: the Philadelphia 76ers struggled to contain—let alone stop—Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors (24:50), and the San Antonio Spurs got knocked out of the first round in a bizarre sequence at the end of Game 7 versus the Denver Nuggets (37:33). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Dan Devine, Shea Serrano Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We wonder whether the Warriors can close the Clippers in Game 6 in L.A., or whether we’re starting to see signs that they’re unraveling (4:00). Then, we touch on the other Western Conference series that’s still going—Spurs vs. Nuggets—and what a potential loss could mean for Michael Malone, Nikola Jokic, and the rest of the Nuggets franchise (15:30). Finally, we close with—predictably—some Russell Westbrook talk and a preview of the upcoming round of the playoffs (28:00). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Chris Ryan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We recap one of the most ridiculous shots in NBA history—Damian Lillard’s 37-foot stepback 3 to end the series against Oklahoma City (1:08). Then we talk about the rise of the pull-up 3 in the NBA, and how it might affect scouting and drafting going forward (21:00). Finally, we go over the remaining series and give exit surveys for the Nets and Magic, the other teams that were eliminated on Tuesday night (34:30). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Phoenix Suns fire head coach Igor Kokoskov, continuing a season of constant upheaval for the franchise (1:14), the Milwaukee Bucks look unstoppable as they complete their sweep of the Detroit Pistons (22:38), and the Utah Jazz pull off an impressive win against the Houston Rockets to avoid a sweep (33:36). Plus: as the first round comes to a close, the most interesting narratives for the remaining series (49:56). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the first round of the NBA playoffs in full effect, Joe House calls in to check on where the current Eastern and Western Conference matchups stand (02:51), including 76ers - Nets (18:03) and Clippers - Warriors (28:59). Then Tyler Tynes discusses his recent piece on the touchy relationship between NBA players and fans (50:14). Read Tyler Tynes's piece on fan abuse towards players here. Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Joe House, Tyler Tynes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Philadelphia 76ers found themselves without superstar center Joel Embiid against the Nets in Brooklyn for Game 3, unintentionally unlocking Ben Simmons to seize a win (0:52). Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs handily beat the Denver Nuggets behind an unlikely outburst from Derrick White (15:10) as the Golden State Warriors re-established their dominance over the Los Angeles Clippers (26:22). Plus: Which matchups are we most interested in so far (39:24)? Host: Justin Verrier Guests: Chris Ryan, Haley O’Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We break down how Jamal Murray shot his way out of his cold streak, helping the Nuggets tie their series with the Spurs at 1-1 and potentially stopping the bottom from falling out from underneath them this playoffs (1:30). Then, we wonder whether the Thunder will be able to get back on track when they come home, considering how bad they looked on the road in Portland in games 1 and 2 (12:38). Finally, we breeze through the Eastern Conference series and do a little draft preview before the expansion of The Ringer’s NBA Draft Guide this week (31:45). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Danny Chau, Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The resilient Los Angeles Clippers make a historic comeback against the reigning champion Golden State Warriors in Game 2 (0:42) and the Philadelphia 76ers redeem themselves with a resounding win against the Brooklyn Nets (26:44). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2019 NBA playoffs are finally here! The first round kicked off with some surprising upsets (2:53), most notably the Brooklyn Nets defeating the Philadelphia 76ers (29:55) and the Orlando Magic edging out the Toronto Raptors (57:16). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Justin Verrier, Spike Eskin, Kevin Clark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We preview the 2019 NBA playoffs by drafting the series we’re most excited to watch, including intriguing stylistic matchups like the Rockets and Jazz, talent-heavy lineups vs. up-and-coming teams like the Sixers and Nets, and hotly contested new rivalries like the Blazers and Thunder. Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Danny Chau, Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We open by briefly delving into the Kings firing Dave Joerger, and examining what the potential trickle-down effects of that might be (1:30). Then, we preview the playoffs through a series of questions (9:00): How far do teams like the Raptors and Warriors have to go to keep their stars? Who’s legit and who’s not ready? Will talent win out for the Sixers? Hosts: Justin Verrier, Chris Ryan, Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Magic Johnson resigning put the finishing touches on an NBA season that was filled with an absurd amount of drama. What does this mean for members of the Lakers franchise—including Rob Pelinka, Jeanie Buss, and LeBron James—and have we reached Peak NBA Reality TV yet? Hosts: Chris Ryan, Justin Verrier, Paolo Uggetti, Haley O’Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Top prospects audition for the pros in the NCAA championship game (0:46) while the still-murky NBA playoff picture continues to shift (15:23). Then: 10 burning questions for the 2019 NBA playoffs (22:24). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the postseason just within grasp, which flaws could haunt playoff-bound teams in the weeks to come (4:50)? And of course, the Philadelphia 76ers generate genuine apprehension from their fan base (34:04). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Joe House, Dan Pfeiffer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We recap the exciting Bucks comeback win over the Sixers on Thursday night, which featured gigantic performances from Giannis and Joel Embiid (1:30). Then, ahead of the Final Four, we take one last dive into NCAA tournament prospects like Jarrett Culver and De'Andre Hunter (21:30). Hosts: Danny Chau and Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We weigh the different bleak futures of some of the NBA’s bottom-feeders and try to determine who has the longest path back to contention (2:00). Then, with the playoffs on the immediate horizon, we go over the teams that are trending up and trending down, and whether that will matter for how they fare in their opening series (49:00). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Paolo Uggetti, Haley O’Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the end of the regular season in sight, which first-round matchups would be the most interesting (0:56)? Plus: even more NBA draft takeaways from the NCAA tournament (30:43). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Western Conference playoff teams locked in, we shift our focus to the four teams competing for the last three spots in the Eastern Conference (5:39). Then, we examine how media coverage for NBA teams varies across the country (34:50). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O’Shaughnessy, Bryan Curtis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Halfway through the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament, we examine the notable players with draft potential (1:12). Plus: parity between the Eastern and Western conferences (39:05). Hosts: Danny Chau, Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We hand out some traditional awards for the 2018-19 NBA season, as well as a bevy of 'Group Chat'–specific ones—like Most Washed, the Best Player in the World Belt, and the Skeleton Key Award. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Haley O’Shaughnessy, Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jusuf Nurkic’s horrific leg injury takes the air out of the Portland Trail Blazers’ postseason ambitions (1:00), the variability of playoff seeding in the Western Conference makes matchup-jockeying impossible (20:15), and the NCAA's March Madness sheds more light on NBA draft prospects (46:55). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who have been the most entertaining personalities in the NBA this season? (4:01) Plus: our pick for Coach of the Year from an unusually stacked pool of candidates (43:10). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Ian Karmel, Chris Almeida Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We assess a dominant first-game performance from Murray State point guard Ja Morant, who has now solidified his case to be a top-three pick in the coming NBA draft (1:20). Then we note a bevy of prospects to look out for in this weekend’s March Madness games (17:00) before switching to the NBA and trying to make sense of a heavily clustered race for the five-through-eight seeds in the Western Conference playoffs (35:10). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, Danny Chau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We do some in-depth analysis on the Sixers finally getting over the hump and beating the Celtics, then wonder whether the Thunder’s recent skid means they might be one-and-done in the playoffs (2:30). Then, we rapid-fire draft the teams in the playoff field that are most watchable (40:30). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Haley O’Shaughnessy, Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another home victory against the Golden State Warriors marks an impressive nine-game winning streak for the San Antonio Spurs (6:46). Plus: previewing regular-season awards (32:55) and NBA prospects to look forward to in March Madness (43:59). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Resident gambling degenerate Joe House gives his predictions for how the playoff race will shake out in each conference (4:05). Plus: New York Knicks owner James Dolan was in the headlines for all the wrong reasons last week; will he ever sell the team? (38:46) Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Joe House, Dan Devine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We react to Thursday night’s games, where the Pacers proved they’re going to be a tough out in the playoffs and Luka Doncic started to look worn down by the NBA season (2:04). Then Kevin and Danny share a short list of prospects who are piquing their interest early on in the run-up to the 2019 draft (22:36). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and Danny Chau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Now that the Anthony Davis trade saga has cooled down, we wonder whether the dwindling list of potential outcomes means he might just re-sign in New Orleans—and, of course, what that would mean for the Lakers and Celtics (01:30). Then, we speculate about which teams are most likely to be upset in the first round of the playoffs, and which teams are primed to do the upsetting (35:47). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Haley O’Shaughnessy, Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Gonzalez Guests: 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 Gonzalez Guests: 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 Tjarks Guest: 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 Gonzalez Guests: Shea Serrano, Dan Devine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices