The Ringer NBA Show

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

We talk about the sustainability of the Lakers' flipping the switch and what it means for Western Conference playoff contenders the Kings, Clippers, and Spurs (1:00). Then, we do a mini Draft Class in light of the news that Zion Williamson dodged a bullet with just a mild knee strain (33:00). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Danny Chau, Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We react briefly to the news that top prospect Zion Williamson has a sprained knee (2:40) before diving deep on the recent Kyrie Irving interview with Rachel Nichols (8:40). Then, news breaks that Anthony Davis will not only be active in the Pelicans game Friday night, but also will be the next guest on LeBron James’s ‘The Shop’ on HBO (29:20). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Haley O’Shaughnessy, Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our hosts had an eventful time in Charlotte over All-Star Weekend, and they’re here to share some notable highlights. Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The New Orleans Pelicans’ Anthony Davis problem casts a shadow on All-Star Weekend (1:57). Plus: debating the Ringer staff’s ranking of the top 25 players (36:05). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Justin Verrier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We run down the list of the five Eastern Conference contenders that made deadline additions and where they’ll stand in relation to each other come playoff time (1:00). Then, Arcade Fire’s Win Butler joins the show for a second time to discuss the awkward Anthony Davis situation and the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game (37:52). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, Danny Chau Guest: Win Butler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We parse last night’s news through the lens of some unnecessarily hot takes—Luka is the next LeBron, Jake Layman is first-team All-NBA, Buddy Hield is better than Jamal Murray, and more (2:00). Then, we steal a bit from Chris Ryan and Jason Concepcion and do our own 'True Detective' investigation: Who is to blame for ‘The Flat Lakers’ (28:55)? Hosts: Justin Verrier, Paolo Uggetti, Haley O'Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paul George’s MVP case grows as his scorching offensive streak continues (1:15), Marc Gasol bolsters the already-formidable Toronto Raptors (10:45), the Philadelphia 76ers’ new Big Four forms a threat in the East (27:35), and the Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff berth is anything but certain (46:48). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The anticlimactic nonresolution of the Anthony Davis saga leaves the Western Conference at the mercy of the Golden State Warriors (3:03), while the reloaded Philadelphia 76ers look to rise atop the Eastern Conference elite (25:33). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Justin Verrier, Michael Levin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The trade deadline delivered on medium deals—including Marc Gasol to the Raptors, Tobias Harris to the Sixers, and Nikola Mirotic to the Bucks—but it was missing the Anthony Davis trade we were hoping for. What does this mean for the Eastern Conference Finals race, and does any of this matter with the Warriors hanging overhead? Hosts: Justin Verrier, Kevin O’Connor, Danny Chau, and Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan hop on the Ringer NBA Show feed to talk about the Sixers spending what was left of their draft capital to acquire Tobias Harris and make a push for the NBA Finals this season (1:06). Then, Ben Detrick joins to break down how this Sixers lineup might jell come playoff time (28:04). Hosts: Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan Guest: Ben Detrick Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Los Angeles Lakers may need to overpay to acquire Anthony Davis before the trade deadline (3:57). Plus: Which trade candidates could propel fringe playoff teams into contention? (37:10) Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers, Celtics, Knicks, and Sixers are making noise as the trade deadline approaches (3:39), while the New Orleans Pelicans are still looking to move Anthony Davis (35:14). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Jonathan Tjarks, Micah Peters, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We break down the Kristaps Porzingis–to-Dallas trade from every angle: the Mavericks, the Knicks, Porzingis himself, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, the Pelicans, the Lakers, the Raptors, and more. NBA trade season is upon us! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, Danny Chau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We pore over the myriad teams that could offer a reasonable package for Anthony Davis: chief among them the Lakers and Celtics, but maybe equally as intriguing, the dark horse Clippers and Raptors. Disclaimer: This podcast was recorded prior to the Kristaps Porzingis trade news. For more on that, tune into 'The Bill Simmons Podcast.' Hosts: Justin Verrier, Chris Ryan, Paolo Uggetti Try Hopsy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Los Angeles Lakers are the clear front-runners to trade for Anthony Davis, but 28 other teams could look to acquire him (1:32). With the trade deadline fast approaching, teams bifurcate into buyers and sellers (28:54). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adrian Wojnarowski dropped a not-so-surprising Woj bomb on Monday morning, reporting that Anthony Davis will not sign a contract extension in New Orleans and has requested a trade. Will this shake up the Lakers? Does Boston have the most assets, or will another team woo the Pelicans? And is there something to the Klutch Sports conspiracy theory? Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Kevin O'Connor and Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The hype around the Toronto Raptors has died down despite their continued excellence (0:40). With the All-Star starters announced, which players will make the team as reserves? (14:05) Plus: Kevin O’Connor sits down with Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic to discuss his outstanding play this season (31:46). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, Danny Chau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We digest the news that Victor Oladipo is out for the rest of the season by wondering whether the Pacers should push on for the playoffs or reset until he gets back (2:30). Then, we debate who has a more promising future: the Hawks or the Mavericks (27:53)? And finally, we finish with one final chat about Carmelo Anthony (39:05). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Haley O’Shaughnessy, Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The juggernaut Golden State Warriors look unstoppable as of late (4:10) and Carmelo Anthony looks to return to the court (15:00). Plus: Which players could benefit from a change of scenery at the trade deadline? (25:43) Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What would the All-Star teams look like if they were selected on the merits of creating drama (3:11)? Plus: Lonzo’s injury, Boogie back, the PG-Russ dynamic, and the Dennis Smith Jr. saga's resolution (?) (33:03). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Jason Concepcion, Haley O’Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dennis Smith Jr. is the latest high draft pick to become uncomfortable with the ball being taken out of his hands. What does that mean for him and Luka Doncic (18:00)? Then we run down our All-Star ballots for this season (28:18). To wrap up, Kevin interviews Matt Quinn from the band Mt. Joy—a lifelong Sixers fan—about his favorite Sixers-Celtics media conspiracies and the overlap between touring bands and NBA players (39:42). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks Guest: Matt Quinn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We diagnose the problems that the Celtics, the Lakers, and the Grizzlies will have to address at the upcoming NBA trade deadline (1:10). Then, we call up Scott Kushner, the 'New Orleans Advocate' Pelicans beat reporter, to give us the Pelicans side of the Anthony Davis story and dish out his best DeMarcus Cousins stories (28:19). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Paolo Uggetti, Haley O’Shaughnessy Guest: Scott Kushner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The fraying Boston Celtics slide even further (0:44), James Harden continues his historic scoring streak amid the Houston Rockets’ injury plague (23:04), and trade rumors pile up as the deadline approaches (34:42). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Los Angeles Clippers host Blake Griffin for the first time since the controversial trade (3:27), the Boston Celtics falter despite their talent (15:26), the New York Knicks accelerate their tank (28:08), and rookies’ statistical comparisons encourage or discourage fans (49:32). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Joe House, Dan Devine, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We take a stab at clairvoyance by each trying to predict two headlines that will be written over the coming weeks (1:05). Then, we throw an outlet pass to the weekend’s best games (34:00). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Danny Chau, Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We award 2018-19 half-season awards for: Best Player, Most Surprising Team, Most Disappointing Team, Most Confusing Team, and League Pass Poison Teams (0:50). Then, Kings superfan Riley McAtee joins to talk about how he hopes the rest of Sacramento’s season unfolds (43:46). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Haley O’Shaughnessy, Paolo Uggetti Guest: Riley McAtee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tom Thibodeau is out in Minnesota. So what does that mean for franchise cornerstone Karl-Anthony Towns (1:00)? Then we dive deep into how the Spurs have reinvented themselves by turning the clock forward and backward at the same time (18:25). Finally, we take stock of the upcoming “pre-agents” and what their franchises have to do to ensure they don’t walk (43:25). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices