The Athletic NBA Daily

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 DuFourWith: Andrew SchlechtProducer: Zuri IrvinAudio/Video: Alex Oliver

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

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 DuFourWith: Derek ParkerProducer: Zuri IrvinAudio/Video: Alex Oliver

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 DuFourWith: Andrew Schlecht Producer: Zuri IrvinAudio/Video: Alex Oliver

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 DuFourWith: Es BaraheniProducer: Zuri IrvinAudio/Video: Josh Sexton

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 SpeersWith: Shamit DuaProducer: Andrew SchlechtVideo Producer: Monica Compton

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 DuFourWith: Es BaraheniProducer: Zuri IrvinAudio/Video: Josh Sexton

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 DuFourWith: Es Baraheni Producer: Zuri IrvinAudio/Video: Josh Sexton