The Athletic NBA Daily

Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni check in following an Eastern Conference Finals rematch between the Cavaliers & Knicks and discuss a shorthanded Warriors team hanging with the Houston Rockets.Then, NBA Senior Writer Sam Amick joins the show to discuss: Miami’s tumultuous west coast trip, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s relationship with Doc Rivers, Domantas Sabonis seemingly quitting on the Kings, Sacramento’s roster inflexibility, Doug Christie’s future as the team’s head coach and whether Sam would like to issue an apology for doubting San Antonio’s three-guard lineup & Walker Kessler’s impact on the Lakers. Host: Dave DuFourWith: Esfandiar Baraheni Producer: Zuri IrvinAudio/Video: Alex Oliver

Alex Speers and Andrew Schlecht break down young NBA Players they are adjusting their expectations for including Amen Thompson, Alex Sarr, Nolan Traore, and more. Then, Derek Parker joins the show to talk about AJ Dybantsa's start in Washington 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. Host: Alex Speers and Andrew Schlecht Guest: Derek Parker Producer: Andrew Schlecht

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum meet in their first matchup of the season as the Sixers and Celtics face off, and Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni are here to break it down. They also go through all the NBA news and notes from the night of NBA basketball, including: Dame Time in a home Portland win over the Oklahoma City Thunder and Karl-Anthony Towns continued rebounding dominance in a win against the Bucks.Then, Christian Clark, NBA & Dallas Mavericks reporter for The Athletic, joins the show to discuss: Cooper Flagg's All-NBA start to the season, Kyrie Irving as the most overqualified No. 2 in the league, the Mavericks' youth turning them into a functional basketball team, Dusty May's inaugural season as an NBA head coach and more! And we end the show with a few interesting thoughts from our live chat on YouTube.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es BaraheniProducer: Zuri Irvin

After another fun night in the NBA, Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni recap: the Lakers becoming the first team to reach 10 wins this season, Cooper Flagg’s 40-piece against the Indiana Pacers and how Denver’s Mexico City transportation issues may have affected their loss to the Rockets Monday night. Then, after Es returned from Toronto's matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies, he explains why the Raptors have struggled without Kawhi Leonard to start the season and share some potential trades that can turn it around.And finally, we’ll discuss whether the Cleveland Cavaliers need to pack it up and start over.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Esfandiar Baraheni Producer: Zuri IrvinAudio/Video: Alex Oliver

Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni and Law Murray check in following all the NBA action Sunday night, to break down: an impressive Lakers win over the Detroit Pistons (without Luka Doncic), LaMelo Ball's continued support for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and everything that's gone awry for the Charlotte Hornets.Then, Law presents a preview of his weekly NBA Power Rankings for the upcoming week, with thoughts on: the San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers.And finally, why did the Kings trade Nique Clifford to the Thunder?Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni & Law MurrayProducer: Zuri IrvinAudio/Video: Alex Oliver

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 SpeersWith: Sean HighkenProducers: Andrew Schlecht, Alex Speers

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!

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 DuFourWith: Esfandiar Baraheni Producer: Zuri IrvinAudio/Video: Alex Oliver

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