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The Athletic NBA Daily

The Athletic

Start your day with The Athletic NBA Daily – a fast, entertaining recap of the most important games and stories from the world of professional basketball with new episodes dropping Monday through Friday. Hosted by Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni with regular appearances by The Athletic’s award-winning NBA reporters. Andrew Schlecht and Alex Spears cap the week with the full-length Saturday Slam n’ Jam episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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91 episodes
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English

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Yesterday · 1 hr 4 min
Red Hot Blazers + Music Stopped for the Jazz? | Slam N Jam
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.
Friday · 42 min
A Vintage Warriors Performance + Boston's Tatum-Brown Beef Explained
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.
Thursday · 44 min
The Best Game of Victor Wembanyama’s NBA Career
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.
Wednesday · 1 hr 7 min
Panic Time in Denver? | Slam N Jam LIVE
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.
Wednesday · 44 min
The "Moneyball" Memphis Grizzlies are Ahead of Schedule
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.
Tuesday · 43 min
Internal Growth is Driving a Houston Rockets Resurgence
We still believe in the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni check in after a 15-game slate in the NBA to recap Shai Gilgeous-Alexander & Luka Doncic’s heroic 40+ point performances and Houston’s dominant win over the Boston Celtics. Then, Will Guillory, staff writer for The Athletic who covers the Rockets and Pelicans, joins the show to discuss: internal growth allowing the Rockets to hit another gear early in the season, Fred VanVleet’s return allowing his teammates to find their roles, the credit Alperen Sengun deserves for Houston’s long range shooting success, how Marcus Smart mirrors Ime Udoka and more! Also, what do the Pelicans have planned for Herb Jones, Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy III? And we end the show with a salute to Ty Jerome, Draymond Green and the Indiana Pacers. Host: Dave DuFour With: Esfandiar Baraheni Producer: Zuri Irvin Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Monday · 43 min
Which Team Has the Deepest Roster in the NBA?
Dave DuFour, Esfandiar Baraheni and Law Murray are live Sunday night following Celtics-Magic, Nets-Pacers, Clippers-Warriors and Lakers-Raptors to break down Luka Doncic's (latest) 40+ point game, Yaxel Lendeborg's continued ascension and preview Law's NBA Power Rankings for the upcoming week. Host: Dave DuFour With: Esfandiar Baraheni and Law Murray Producer: Zuri Irvin Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 31 · 1 hr 9 min
Grizzlies Rise and Grind + Are the Thunder STILL contenders? | Slam N Jam
The NBA season has been... well.... kind of a bummer to start with all the injuries, but Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers are here to walk you through the week of NBA basketball including the success of the Grizzlies, why the Thunder are not contenders, Gobert's struggles and picking the NBA Cup Champion. Then Philip Rossman-Reich joins the show to discuss the Orlando Magic and do some trivia. Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers With: Philip Rossman-Reich Producer: Andrew Schlecht Video Producer: Monica Compton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 30 · 44 min
Why Are NBA Injury Rates Increasing?
Are the Grizzlies good? Dave DuFour and Andrew Schlecht get to the bottom of it after Memphis remained undefeated with an impressive win in Portland. Plus, Dave explains why Darius Acuff Jr. is on a Wilt Chamberlain trajectory. Then, Henry Abbott, founder True Hoop and author of BALLISTIC: The New Science of Injury-Free Athletic Performance, joins the show to discuss the rise of high-profile injuries in the league, including conversations on: single-sport specification in youth sports, improper workout regiments, parallels in European football, kinematic movement analysis, an increase in possessions per game, style of play, the 65-game rule and how this all affects roster construction. Host: Dave DuFour With: Andrew Schlecht Producer: Zuri Irvin Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 29 · 44 min
Steph Curry Remains an Ageless Wonder
We have a lot of injuries, but the basketball continues to bounce. On an active Wednesday night in the NBA, Dave DuFour and Andrew Schlecht recap Steph Curry’s big night against the Timberwolves, AJ Dybantsa’s impressive NBA debut and the Miami Heat finally winning a game this season. Then, Senior NBA writer Sam Amick checks in to discuss Oklahoma City’s options after losing Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace long term, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP chances, whether LaMelo Ball has too much on his plate in Anthony Edwards’ stead and why the Portland Trail Blazers have been the surprise of the season so far. And we’ll end the show with Charles Lee assuming a paternal role with Naz Reid and the Charlotte Hornets. Host: Dave DuFour With: Andrew Schlecht Producer: Zuri Irvin Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 28 · 56 min
Were we wrong about Ja Morant? + Darius Acuff | Slam N Jam LIVE
Alex Speers and Andrew Schlecht break down the biggest storylines from the first week of the NBA season, including why they're already bailing on some of their NBA preseason predictions. They discuss what's changed their minds about the Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, and other early-season surprises around the league. Then, Derek Parker joins the show to talk about Darius Acuff's outstanding start to the season, his development, and what it could mean for his future. To close the episode, it's time for Pack Attack, where the crew opens a pack of basketball cards and each drafts one player from the pack. If you enjoy NBA analysis, team-building discussions, NBA Draft coverage, and basketball card collecting, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with the preseason take you've already changed your mind about. Host: Alex Speers and Andrew Schlecht Guest: Derek Parker Producer: Andrew Schlecht Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 28 · 40 min
Anthony Edwards Goes Down + Nikola Jokic Appreciates Cheers
In a special edition of NBA Daily, Dave DuFour is joined by NBA Draft expert and Sports Illustrated columnist Derek Parker to dive into (unfortunately) more injury updates from around the league, now including Anthony Edwards’ right knee and Kawhi Leonard’s left knee. Then we’ll take a tour around this season’s rookie class to assess: Yaxel Lendeborg, Darius Acuff Jr., Darryn Peterson and Aday Mara. And finally, did Nikola Jokic deserve to be booed by Denver Nuggets fans? Host: Dave DuFour With: Derek Parker Producer: Zuri Irvin Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 27 · 42 min
What’s Next for the Oklahoma City Thunder?
On a strange day to live in Oklahoma City, Andrew Schlecht joins Dave DuFour to unpack the latest on Jalen Williams’ fractured fibula and dislocated ankle, Cason Wallaces’ labral tear in his left shoulder, and what moves the Thunder can make to remain competitive the West. Then, we’ll discuss which teams are currently best suited to control the conference, including: the Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers. And we end the show with some pleasant surprises: Ty Jerome’s upstart Memphis Grizzlies and Cade Cunningham’s dominant Detroit Pistons. Host: Dave DuFour With: Andrew Schlecht Producer: Zuri Irvin Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 26 · 40 min
Jalen Williams Suffers Devastating Injury + Miami Slides in Power Rankings
Following two brutal lower leg injuries to Jalen Williams and Jalen Suggs, Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni and Law Murray catch up on a damaging first Sunday night of the season. Then we head to Law’s weekly NBA power rankings, which should see some changes, especially featuring the 3-1 Philadelphia 76ers, winless Miami Heat and undefeated Houston Rockets. And finally, was Jayson Tatum capping? We’ll discuss the most recent chapter of his contentious relationship with Jaylen Brown. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni Producer: Zuri Irvin Audio/Video: Josh Sexton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 25 · 1 hr
Sixers Thrive + Jamal Murray down bad? | Slam N Jam
The NBA Season is HERE. Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers are here to chop it up. Alex gives his classic "Top Stories this Week" monolog and the guys give their Good, Bad and What of the NBA this week. Then Shamit Dua of the In the N.O. podcast and substack joins to discuss the Pelicans season. Of course, the boys finish with some TRIVIA. Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers With: Shamit Dua Producer: Andrew Schlecht Video Producer: Monica Compton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 23 · 39 min
The Thunder Are Inevitable + Philly Trusts the Process
On the first Thursday night of the regular season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 20-point streak came to an end, in a win, after 141 games; and Philadelphia erased a 29-point Cavaliers lead to finish off a monumental comeback in its home opener against the Cavaliers. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni walk you through an exciting night. Plus, we’ll make far-too-early reactions on Anthony Edwards, the Portland Trail Blazers and Darius Acuff Jr. And finally, we head to the mailbag to answer your burning questions. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni Producer: Zuri Irvin Audio/Video: Josh Sexton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 22 · 47 min
Wolves Make a Big Statement in Miami + Luka’s Showtime Era Begins
Okay, now the NBA season has officially started. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni break down all the major action from the first full slate of action, including: Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball & Giannis Antetokounmpo putting on a show in Miami, Luka Doncic entering a new era in Los Angeles, Steph Curry’s options in Golden State, Kawhi Leonard’s return to Toronto, and more! And Sam Amick, Senior NBA Writer for The Athletic, joins the show to unpack the Sixers’ impressive win over the Knicks, Portland’s ownership conundrum and what Ben Simmons’ devastating Achilles injury means for Darius Acuff Jr. and the Sacramento Kings. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni Producer: Zuri Irvin Audio/Video: Josh Sexton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 21 · 1 hr 15 min
BIG NBA Questions: Slam N Jam LIVE!
The NBA Season has begun and Alex Speers and Andrew Schlecht are here to break down their biggest questions about the upcoming season. Plus! Derek Parker joins as the boys reveal the Wheel of Tomorrow. To end the show the guys do their first edition of Pack Attack. Host: Alex Speers and Andrew Schlecht With: Derek Parker Producer: Andrew Schlecht Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 21 · 55 min
What we learned from a chaotic NBA Opening Night
Opening Night in the NBA! Dave DuFour, Esfandiar Baraheni and Law Murray are live Tuesday night following all the action to unpack a lively tipoff to the 2026-27 NBA season, including: the Pistons completing the largest opening day comeback in NBA history, the Knicks celebrating their first championship since 1973 at Madison Square Garden and the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs continuing the best rivalry in the association. Then, we’ll break down Law Murray’s season-opening NBA Power Rankings and point out what might change as the week continues. And finally, we’ll hear from you, the fans, with instant reactions from the first night of the season. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni Producer: Zuri Irvin Audio/Video: Josh Sexton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
October 20 · 43 min
Final Considerations Ahead of NBA Opening Night
Real, tangible basketball! We are finally here. As we head into the 2026-27 NBA season, we have a few questions for our opening trio of games: Will Ausar Thompson ascend to Detroit’s second option alongside Cade Cunningham? What does Joe Mazzula regular season basketball look like without Jaylen Brown? Who will play off the ball in San Antonio’s three-guard lineup? Will the Knicks have a championship hangover? Then, we’ll head to the pressure meter to assess Nick Nurse’s job security in Philadelphia, Chet Holmgren’s to-do list this season, Luka’s expectations and more. And finally, we’ll check in on Ben Simmons’ devastating achilles injury and how Oklahoma City can build around Cason Wallace’s new contract. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni Producer: Zuri Irvin Audio/Video: Josh Sexton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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