The Athletic NBA Daily

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.

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.

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.

The NBA preseason can be deceiving. Dave and Es walk you through what’s real and what’s fake, between: the Orlando Magic offense, Denver Nuggets role players, Matisse Thybulle in the Lakers starting lineup and NBA officiating points of emphasis. Then, Sandro Mamukelashvili joins the show to discuss his decision-making process behind signing with the Lakers, how J.J. Redick envisions his role on the team, their team-bonding summer trip to Slovenia, his sense of urgency to return to the playoffs and the five greatest European NBA players of all time. And we end the show with a quick recap of Anthony Edwards’ 2nd Annual Believe That Awards, which we do believe in. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni Producer: Zuri Irvin Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Josh Sexton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NBA season is just days away, and every year there is a team that no one expects to win a lot games…..that wins a lot of games. Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers are joined by Trill Bro Dude of the You Know Ball Podcast to guess which team that will be this year. Alex Speers gives context for each team that is a “Surprise Team” candidate and the guys debate why each team won’t be that team, then they answer a trivia question about each team. Then at the end the boys give who they think their “Surprise Team” of the year is. And…. there is a special announcement for this season for Slam n Jam Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers With: Trill Bro Dude Producer: Andrew Schlecht Video Producer: Monica Compton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Cooper Flagg to Cam Boozer, the NBA is loaded with young, generational talent. Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and Andrew Schlecht are here to put players from the last 3 draft classes into tiers and attempt to project the future heading into the 2026-2027 NBA Season. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni and Andrew Schlecht Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Josh Sexton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boston Celtics as the one seed, the Utah Jazz as a top-six seed, and the Washington Wizards as a top-eight seed? Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni are here to share predictions ahead of the 2026-2027 NBA season and give their League Pass power rankings. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Josh Sexton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has won the last 2 MVP's, why can't he do it again? Dave, Es and Andrew explore that and all the other major NBA awards and make predictions ahead of the beginning of the NBA season. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni and Andrew Schlecht Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Josh Sexton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Western Conference is has 2 juggernauts, but who could challenge the Spurs and Thunder? Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and Law Murray are here to put the teams into tiers and answer some big questions heading into the 2026-2027 NBA Season. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni and Law Murray Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Josh Sexton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Eastern Conference is deeper than its ever been and Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and Law Murray are here to put the teams into tiers and answer some big questions heading into the 2026-2027 NBA Season. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni and Law Murray Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Josh Sexton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Es Baraheni is joined by Noa Dalzel, to preview the Boston Celtics season. They discuss the expectations for Jayson Tatum, how the team moves on from Jaylen Brown and how Paul George fits, how their young wings progress, and more. Host: Es Baraheni Guest: Noa Dalzel Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Video/Audio: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave DuFour is joined by Dan Woike, to preview the Lakers season. They discuss the expectations for Luka Doncic, how the team will look post LeBron James, how they will integrate Walker Kessler, and more. Host: Dave DuFour Guest: Dan Woike Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Video/Audio: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave DuFour is joined by Hunter Patterson, to preview the Detroit Pistons season. They discuss the expectations for Cade Cunningham, how the team will bring back Jalen Duren and the awkwardness of that situation, how Ausar can progress, and more. Host: Dave DuFour Guest: Hunter Patterson Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Video/Audio: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Es Baraheni is joined by Doug Haller, to preview the Phoenix Suns season. They discuss the expectations for Devin Booker, if they can repeat their previous season's success, the offseason changes and more. Host: Es Baraheni Guest: Doug Haller Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Video/Audio: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Es Baraheni is joined by Shreyas Laddha, to preview the Utah Jazz season. They discuss the expectations for Darryn Peterson, how the Jazz could make a leap, the center position and how it could shape the team, who can make a leap and more. Host: Es Baraheni Guest: Shreyas Laddha Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Video/Audio: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave DuFour is joined by Camille Davis, to preview the Milwaukee Bucks season. They discuss how the Bucks move on from Giannis, what to expect from the young players, how they balance the rotation and more. Host: Dave DuFour Guest: Camille Davis Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Video/Audio: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Es Baraheni is joined by Christian Clark, from the Athletic, to preview the Dallas Mavericks. They discuss Cooper Flagg in year 2, how the overlap of the roster will work, the Mavs new coach, and what the ceiling of the Mavs is this season. Host: Es Baraheni Guest: Christian Clark Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Video/Audio: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave DuFour is joined by Jon Krawczynski of the Athletic to discuss the Wolves upcoming season including: Can Anthony Edwards win MVP? How will LaMelo Ball fit in? What is the Wolves identity? Host: Dave DuFour Guest: Jon Krawczynski Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Video/Audio: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave DuFour is joined by Adam Mares, from DNVR, to preview the Denver Nuggets season, discuss Jamal Murray’s impact and importance, and breakdown the MVP chances for Nikola Jokić. Host: Dave DuFour Guest: Adam Mares Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Video/Audio: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Es Baraheni is joined by Josh Robbins from the Athletic to preview the Washington Wizards season, breakdown A.J. Dybantsa’s impact as a rookie, and project their playoff chances. Host: Es Baraheni With: Josh Robbins Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave DuFour is joined by Tony Jones from the Athletic to preview the Philadelphia 76ers season, discuss their added star power with Jaylen Brown and LeBron James, and debate who their best player will be this season. Host: Dave DuFour Guest: Law Murray Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Video/Audio: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Es Baraheni is joined by Josh Robbins from the Athletic to preview the Orlando Magic season, discuss their coaching change, and what to look for from Paolo Banchero. Host: Es Baraheni With: Josh Robbins Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Es Baraheni is joined by Justin Rowan and Carter Rodriguez, the hosts of the Chase Down Podcast, to preview the Cleveland Cavaliers season, breakdown the biggest storylines to watch, and discuss their championship chances. Host: Es Baraheni Guests: Justin Rowan and Carter Rodriguez Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave DuFour is joined by Law Murray from the Athletic to preview the Los Angeles Clippers season, weigh the fallout of their tumultuous offseason, and look at the direction of the franchise without Kawhi Leonard. Host: Dave DuFour Guest: Law Murray Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Video/Audio: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Indiana Pacers Preview Es Baraheni is joined by Caitlin Cooper to preview the Indiana Pacers season and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline 2. What’s the floor and ceiling? 3. Who’s the X Factor? 4. Expectations for the best player or best rookie? 5. Crystal ball prediction for the season Host: Es Baraheni With: Caitlin Cooper Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Es Baraheni is joined by Shamit Dua to preview the New Orleans Pelicans season and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline 2. What’s the floor and ceiling? 3. Who’s the X Factor? 4. Expectations for the best player or best rookie? 5. Crystal ball prediction for the season Host: Es Baraheni With: Shamit Dua Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Es Baraheni is joined by Brian Geisinger to preview the Charlotte Hornets season and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline 2. What’s the floor and ceiling? 3. Who’s the X Factor? 4. Expectations for the best player or best rookie? 5. Crystal ball prediction for the season Host: Es Baraheni With: Brian Geisinger Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Miami Heat Preview Es Baraheni is joined by Wes Goldberg to preview the Miami Heat season and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline 2. What’s the floor and ceiling? 3. Who’s the X Factor? 4. Expectations for the best player or best rookie? 5. Crystal ball prediction for the season Host: Es Baraheni With: Wes Goldberg Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Schlecht is joined by Sean Highkin, from The Rose Garden Report, to preview the Portland Trailblazers season, discuss the addition of Ja Morant to a crowded backcourt, and the impact of the new ownership group. Host: Andrew Schlecht Guest: Sean Highkin Exec Producer: Andrew Schlecht Video/Audio: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Schlecht is joined by Erik Slater, from the Locked On Nets podcast, to preview the Brooklyn Nets season, which young players to watch, and their future. Host: Andrew Schlecht With: Erik Slater Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Es Baraheni is joined by James Edwards III to preview the New York Knicks season and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline 2. What’s the floor and ceiling? 3. Who’s the X Factor? 4. Expectations for the best player or best rookie? 5. Crystal ball prediction for the season Host: Es Baraheni With: James Edwards III Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Es Baraheni is joined by Jared Weiss to preview the San Antonio Spurs season and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline 2. What’s the floor and ceiling? 3. Who’s the X Factor? 4. Expectations for the best player or best rookie? 5. Crystal ball prediction for the season Host: Es Baraheni With: Jared Weiss Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Es Baraheni is joined by Samson Folk and Trevon Heath of the Pull Up Tre podcast to discuss the Raptors championship odds, Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes fit, and whether they need to make a trade. Host: Es Baraheni With: Samson Folk and Trevon Heath Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Es Baraheni is joined by Lauren Williams to preview the Atlanta Hawks season and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline 2. What’s the floor and ceiling? 3. Who’s the X Factor? 4. Expectations for the best player or best rookie? 5. Crystal ball prediction for the season Host: Es Baraheni With: Lauren Williams Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Es Baraheni is joined by Zena Keita to preview the Golden State Warriors season and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline 2. What’s the floor and ceiling? 3. Who’s the X Factor? 4. Expectations for the best player or best rookie? 5. Crystal ball prediction for the season Host: Es Baraheni With: Zena Keita Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave DuFour is joined by Marcus Thompson II to discuss his new book on basketball game changers, exploring how players and innovations have transformed the sport. He shares insights on legendary figures, evolution of play styles, and the future of basketball. Host: Dave DuFour With: Marcus Thompson Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Schlecht is joined by Deuce Mason and Morgan Ragan to discuss the Sacramento Kings and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline 2. What’s the floor and ceiling? 3. Who’s the X Factor? 4. Expectations for the best player or best rookie? 5. Crystal ball prediction for the season Host: Andrew Schlecht With: Deuce Mason and Morgan Ragan Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Es Baraheni is joined by Joel Lorenzi to discuss the Chicago Bulls and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline 2. What’s the floor and ceiling? 3. Who’s the X Factor? 4. Expectations for the best player or best rookie? 5. Crystal ball prediction for the season Host: Es Baraheni With: Joel Lorenzi Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, NBA insider Sam Amick discusses the league's recent disciplinary actions against the Los Angeles Clippers, the implications of the Wachtel Lipton report, and the ongoing trade developments involving Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors. We explore how the league enforces rules, the strategic adjustments for the Clippers, and the broader impact on NBA team dynamics. Host: Dave DuFour With: Sam Amick, Es Baraheni Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pablo Torre has been on the forefront of the investigation into the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard, and he joins Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni to discuss the findings from the investigation, the punishment from the NBA and Pablo’s process in discovery. Host: Dave DuFour With: Pablo Torre and Es Baraheni Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NBA announced its punishment for the Los Angeles Clippers, Steve Ballmer, and Kawhi Leonard after the nearly year long investigation in their dealings with Aspiration, Inc. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni give their instant reaction to the news and look ahead to the ripple effects. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni Producer: Andrew Schlecht Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave DuFour is joined by Keith Parish to discuss the Memphis Grizzlies and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline 2. What’s the floor and ceiling? 3. Who’s the X Factor? 4. Expectations for the best player or best rookie? 5. Crystal ball prediction for the season Host: Dave DuFour With: Keith Parish Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Schlecht is joined by Rylan Stiles to do a Thunder season preview answering the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline 2. What’s the floor and ceiling? 3. Who’s the X Factor? 4. Expectations for the best player or best rookie? 5. Crystal ball prediction for the season Host: Andrew Schlecht With: Rylan Stiles Producer: Andrew Schlecht Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, Zena Keita and Andrew Schlecht break down their top 5 ranked players for the upcoming NBA Season, PLUS a special message from our own Zena Keita FILL OUT OUR LISTENER SURVEY Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni, Andrew Schlecht, Zena Keita Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, Zena Keita and Andrew Schlecht break down their 10-6 ranked players for the upcoming NBA Season. FILL OUT OUR LISTENER SURVEY: Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni, Andrew Schlecht Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Peyton Watson sign and trade, DeMar DeRozan signing with the Nuggets, Klay Thompson's buyout and signing with the Heat, and much more. FILL OUT OUR LISTENER SURVEY: Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni, Zena Keita Producer: Andrew Schlecht Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who has the most pressure this NBA Season? Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers are joined by JE Skeets of No Dunks to answer that question. Which All Star, Young Player, Playoff Team, Front Office and Wild card has the most pressure on them this season. Then the guys finish with another round of Andrew vs. the Beat. Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers With: JE Skeets Producer: Andrew Schlecht Video Producer: Monica Compton FILL OUT OUR LISTENER SURVEY: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and Andrew Schlecht break down their 16-11 ranked players for the upcoming NBA Season. FILL OUT OUR LISTENER SURVEY: Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni, Andrew Schlecht Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, Zena Keita and Andrew Schlecht break down their 20-16 ranked players for the upcoming NBA Season. FILL OUT OUR LISTENER SURVEY: Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni, Zena Keita, Andrew Schlecht Producer: Andrew Schlecht Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NBA never stops and Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni are here to discuss Russell Westbrook's retirement, the odd sale of the Los Angeles Lakers and what it means, and then discuss the release of the NBA's schedule. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.