All Things NBA: From A to Z

Kris Pursiainen is joined by Zach Blatter of The Strickland to discuss the New York Knicks' 3-1 series lead over the Boston Celtics as well as the Mavericks, Spurs, and 76ers landing the 2025 NBA Draft's top three selections.

Knicks vs. Celtics, T-Wolves vs. Warriors, Cavaliers-Pacers, and Nuggets-Thunder are making for one hell of a start to the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Kris Pursiainen and Albert Nguyen break it all down!

Kris Pursiainen, Zak Noble, and Albert Nguyen break down the start of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.Knicks-Pistons (1-1): (00:48-13:05)Warriors-Rockets (1-0): (13:39-20:40)Clippers Nuggets (1-1): (20:41-34:26)

Kris Pursiainen and Albert Nguyen preview the 3/6 and 4/5 matchups in each conference ahead of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. From Clippers/Nuggets' title chances to Giannis' chances to win another championship – they covered it all.

Claire de Lune, national NBA reporter for The Guardian, joins Kris Pursiainen to discuss JJ Redick's first year as Lakers coach, how the Luka Doncic trade is a microcosm of societal trends, her article and research on the minutes Tom Thibodeau plays his guys, and some NBA Awards picks.

Founder, President, and CEO of Life Sports Agency Todd Ramasar joins Kris Pursiainen and Zak Noble for a discussion about Todd's family of NBA clients, navigating the representation of D1 NCAA athletes in the NIL era, and how the sports landscape is changing.

John Carter, CEO of Noah Basketball, joins Kris Pursiainen and Zak Noble to discuss WHY Noah Basketball is utilized by 28 NBA teams, over 200 NCAA basketball programs, and over 1,000 high schools and HOW the data they provide helps players become better shooters.

EPISODE #58: Kris Pursiainen and Zak Noble talk about the Cleveland Cavaliers being the first NBA team to clinch a playoff spot, the Clippers sneakily getting themselves into position to make a run, and Giannis Antetokounmpo's legacy and impact on basketball thus far.

In Episode #57 of All Things NBA: From A to Z, Kris Pursiainen and Zak Noble host their first ever annual NBA midseason awards show. The duo argues their way through deciding who the winner of each award would be if the season ended today.

In Episode #56 of All Things NBA: From A to Z, Kris Pursiainen and Albert Nguyen talk about the top three teams in the NBA's Eastern Conference and whether they're a true contender or just a pretender for now. Come for the hoops talk, stay for the Kenny Atkinson-Dan Campbell comparison.

In Episode #55 of All Things NBA: From A to Z, Kris Pursiainen, Zak Noble, and Albert Nguyen talk about the three most intimidating NBA teams in the wild west and whether or not they're for real. They also debate the merits of a mock trade that would send Jimmy Butler to the Denver Nuggets! The Heat-Nuggets trade article: https://clutchpoints.com/perfect-nuggets-heat-trade-pairs-jimmy-butler-nikola-jokic

In Episode #54 of All Things NBA: From A to Z, Kris Pursiainen, Zak Noble, and Albert Nguyen talk about their takeaways from the NBA Cup Final between the Bucks and Thunder, discuss Kris' hypothetical trade between OKC and the Pelicans, and Kris & Zak talk about which NBA players they would guarantee All-Star spots if they could.

On Episode #53 of All Things NBA: From A to Z presented by Ballislife.com, Kris Pursiainen and Zak Noble talk about their predictions for the Emirates NBA Cup, Zak's Timberwolves seemingly having chemistry problems, what this season has looked like for LeBron James, and a Jimmy Butler destination that actually makes sense.

On Episode #50 of All Things NBA: From A to Z, Kris Pursiainen and Albert Nguyen interview Jamal Collier, NBA Reporter with ESPN, about his Minnesota cover story with Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves and Justin Jefferson of the Vikings, the Chicago Bulls' rebuild, the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Milwaukee Bucks.

In Episode #51 of All Things NBA: From A to Z presented by Ballislife, Kris Pursiainen and Zak Noble sit down with Orlando Magic F Jonathan Isaac to talk about the start to his season, what it's been like in the locker room since Paolo Banchero's injury, re-negotiating his contract with the Magic last summer, his coaches in Orlando throughout the years, and more!

In Episode #50 of All Things NBA: From A to Z, Kris Pursiainen, Zak Noble, and Albert Nguyen talk about the six NBA teams off to the best starts to their seasons and whether or not they think those teams will be real contenders by the end of the year. TIMESTAMPS: OKC Thunder 01:13 | Boston Celtics 06:46 | Is NBA teams shooting this many threes fun to watch? 09:26 | Los Angeles Lakers 14:28 | JJ Redick 21:20 | Is LeBron still a top-8 player? 25:06 | Having 2 vs. 3 Stars 28:22 | Orlando Magic 29:48 | Phoenix Suns 39:33 | Cleveland Cavaliers 45:58 | Outro 55:18

In Episode #49 of All Things NBA: From A to Z, Kris Pursiainen and Zak Noble talk about every team - yes, every team! - in the NBA in regards to how their 2024-25 season will go, what question that team needs to answer this season, and which player they're paying extra attention to. TIMESTAMPS: Boston Celtics 03:27 | OKC Thunder 07:06 | Denver Nuggets 11:30 | Minnesota Timberwolves 15:13 | New York Knicks 18:30 | Philadelphia 76ers 24:16 | Milwaukee Bucks 28:58 | Dallas Mavericks 33:22 | Cleveland Cavaliers 35:47 | Orlando Magic 39:29 | Memphis Grizzlies 44:25 | Phoenix Suns 46:15 | Sacramento Kings 48:42 | Indiana Pacers 50:18 | New Orleans Pelicans 55:32 | Los Angeles Lakers 58:00 | Miami Heat 59:24 | Golden State Warriors 01:01:30 | Houston Rockets 01:04:40 | Los Angeles Clippers 01:07:41 | Atlanta Hawks 01:08:46 | San Antonio Spurs 01:10:10 | Toronto Raptors 01:11:50 | Charlotte Hornets 01:14:43 | Utah Jazz 01:19:10 | Chicago Bulls 01:20:30 | Detroit Pistons 01:21:42 | Portland Trail Blazers 01:23:45 | Washington Wizards 01:27:44 | Brooklyn Nets 01:31:12 | Hot Takes for the Year 01:34:05

In Episode #48, the guys are joined by ESPN NBA Reporter Kendra Andrews to start previewing the 2024-25 NBA Season! Kendra talks Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, DeMar DeRozan and the Sacramento Kings, "Starting 5" star LeBron James' Lakers, Karl-Anthony Towns' trade to the Knicks, and more!

In Episode #47 of All Things NBA: From A to Z, Kris and Zak react to their teams making the blockbuster trade that sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks. All Things NBA: From A to Z is presented by Ballislife.

In Episode #46 of All Things NBA: From A to Z presented by Ballislife, Kris & Zak had only one rule: they couldn't stop recording until they agreed on which five NBA teams make up the league's top tier. Watch and find out who made the cut!

In Episode #45 of All Things NBA: From A to Z presented by Ballislife, Kris and Zak re-drafted the NBA's 2020 draft class featuring Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Devin Vassell, Immanuel Quickley, Jaden McDaniels, and more! The guys also talked about Adrian Wojnarowski's retirement from the newsbreaking game.

In Episode #44 of All Things NBA: From A to Z, Albert, Zak, and Kris were challenged with recording the episode until there was an agreement on who the 5 best basketball players are in the NBA. Who made the list? Who just missed the cut?

In Episode #43 of All Things NBA: From A to Z presented by Ballislife.com, Kris & Zak RE-DRAFT the 2021 NBA Class. Did Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons go #1, again? Where did Franz Wagner land in the wake of his $224M extension? Which players that got drafted in the second round were redrafted in the lottery!?

In Episode #42 of All Things NBA: From A to Z presented by Ballislife.com, Kris & Zak RE-DRAFT the 2022 NBA Class. Where did Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic go? Where'd they take Chet Holmgren or Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder? The guys alternate picks until they've redrafted a full lottery's worth of players.

In Episode #41 of All Things NBA: From A to Z, Kris & Albert discuss Albert's experience at Summer League 2024 in Las Vegas, which young players stood out to them the most, and how Team USA is looking heading into the Olympics after a 5-0 performance in their exhibition games. Kris: https://x.com/krispursiainen Albert: https://x.com/analyticscapper Zak: https://x.com/zaknoble

In Episode #40(!) of All Things NBA: From A to Z presented by Ballislife.com, Kris & Zak go through their biggest winners and and losers of the 2024 NBA Offseason. They also discuss Lauri Markkanen and Zach LaVine's trade markets, and whether or not the Warriors and Clippers should swing trades for them. Follow the fellas! Kris: https://x.com/krispursiainen Zak: https://x.com/zaknoble Albert: https://x.com/analyticscapper

In Episode #39 of All Things NBA: From A to Z, Kris & Zak react to the three MAJOR NBA trades made in June involving Alex Caruso, Josh Giddey, Mikal Bridges, and Dejounte Murray! Follow Kris: x.com/krispursiainen Follow Zak: x.com/zaknoble Follow Albert: x.com/analyticscapper

In Episode #38 of All Things NBA: From A to Z, Kris & Zak react to the biggest extensions and acquisitions from the first night of NBA Free Agency - 2024! Takes on all the big, and small, signings, right here. Follow Kris: x.com/krispursiainen Follow Zak: x.com/zaknoble Follow Albert: x.com/analyticscapper

In Episode #37 of All Things NBA: From A to Z, Kris & Zak react to Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals and talk about the performance that got the Boston Celtics a 3-0 lead, the arrival of Jayson Tatum and Kyrie Irving in this series, Luka Doncic's performance, and more! FOLLOW US: Kris: x.com/krispursiainen Zak: x.com/zaknoble Albert: x.com/analyticscapper

In Episode #36 of All Things NBA: From A to Z, Kris and Zak react to Game 2 of the NBA Finals and break down how the Boston Celtics have gotten out to a 2-0 lead to start the series against the Dallas Mavericks. What adjustments can Dallas make? Who's the Finals MVP so far? And more! Follow Kris: x.com/krispursiainen Follow Zak: x.com/zaknoble Follow Albert: x.com/analyticscapper

In Episode #35 of All Things NBA: From A to Z presented by Ballislife, the guys get behind the mics to preview this year's NBA Finals matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics. Who's winning? In how many games? Finals MVP picks!? All that and more, right here on All Things NBA. Follow Kris: x.com/krispursiainen Follow Zak: x.com/zaknoble Follow Albert: x.com/analyticscapper

In Episode #34 of All Things NBA: From A to Z presented by Ballislife, the guys are joined by ESPN"s Dave McMenamin to discuss the Los Angeles Lakers' coaching search, LeBron James' upcoming offseason, the WCF series between Dallas and Minnesota, and how the teams might fare against the Boston Celtics. Follow Dave: x.com/mcten Follow Kris: x.com/krispursiainen Follow Zak: x.com/zaknoble Follow Albert: x.com/analyticscapper

In Episode #33 of All Things NBA, the guys are joined by Esfandiar Baraheni to talk about the first round of the NBA Playoffs on the East's side of things! From the dramatic finish of Game 5 of Knicks/Sixers to the home teams being 5-0 in the Magic/Cavs series, we've got you covered on All Things... you get the memo. Follow us! Es: https://twitter.com/JustEsBaraheni Kris: https://twitter.com/krispursiainen Zak: https://twitter.com/zaknoble Albert: https://twitter.com/AnalyticsCapper

In Episode #32 of All Things NBA, Zak, Kris, and Albert are joined by Cassidy Hubbarth of ESPN (CJ McCollum show, Hoop Streams, NBA Crosscourt, and Sneaker Center) to discuss the beginning of the 2024 NBA Playoffs and what takeaways can be made from the first couple games in each series. Follow us! x.com/zaknoble, x.com/krispursiainen, x.com/analyticscapper

In Episode #31 of All Things NBA: From A to Z, Kris and Zak bring Jason Timpf of Hoops Tonight at The Volume Sports onto the show to discuss the NBA Play-In matchups between the Lakers and Pelicans, Kings and Warriors, and give takes on some of the upcoming first round matchups! Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/_JasonLT Join the crew Thursday nights LIVE for weekly playoff shows presented by Beat the Book! Follow the guys: x.com/krispursiainen | x.com/zaknoble | x.com/analyticscapper

In Episode #30 of All Things NBA: From A to Z, the guys go live! The first edition of the new weekly shows brought to you by Beat the Book is here. Who do the Knicks want to see - and avoid - in the first round? Who's making it out of the Play-In in each conference? And more! Check out the Beat the Book app on your phone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/beat-the-book-betting-network/id6450905349

In Episode #29 of All Things NBA: From A to Z presented by Ballislife, Kris and Zak are joined by Adam Mares of DNVR Sports, the All City NBA podcast co-hosted by Tim Legler, and Locked On Nuggets! The crew talk about the Denver Nuggets' chances to repeat, the Philadelphia 76ers with the return of reigning MVP Joel Embiid, and the NBA's MVP race! Follow us on X – Kris: x.com/krispursiainen | Zak: x.com/zaknoble | Adam: x.com/adam_mares | Albert: x.com/analyticscapper

In Episode #28 of All Things NBA: From A to Z presented by Ballislife, Kris & Zak talk about the five players with the best odds to win the NBA's Most Improved Player award and give their picks of who should be up there instead. 0:00-40:00 - Candidates with best betting odds, 40:01-1:01:28 - Kris & Zak's candidates

In Episode #27 of All Things NBA: From A to Z... Kris and Zak hop behind the mics to give their power rankings of the NBA's Eastern Conference, from all the way down at the #15 spot up to the top dog. You can watch every podcast on YouTube! https://youtu.be/HEuXOVpxwNs Follow us: x.com/krispursiainen | x.com/zaknoble | x.com/analyticscapper

In Episode #26 of All Things NBA: From A to Z... Kris, Zak, and Albert hop behind the mics to compete! Each host drafted seven players, all 25 years old or younger, to build a superteam of premium young talent. Whose team is best! Follow us! Kris - x.com/krispursiainen | Albert - x.com/analyticscapper | Zak - x.com/zaknoble

In Episode #25 of All Things NBA: From A to Z... Zak, Albert, and Kris went through the Eastern Conference's top 10 teams and decided if they were buying or selling stock in them. 0:00-1:00 - Intro | 1:00-8:30 - Atlanta Hawks | 8:30-12:40 - Chicago Bulls | 12:40-18:18 - Orlando Magic | 18:19-25:29 - Indiana Pacers | 25:29-31:32 - Philadelphia 76ers | 31:32-37:37 - Miami Heat | 37:38-43:26 - New York Knicks | 43:27-48:20 - Milwaukee Bucks | 48:21-56:27 - Cleveland Cavaliers | 56:28-01:02:16 - Boston Celtics Follow us! Albert: x.com/analyticscapper | Zak: x.com/zaknoble | Kris: x.com/krispursiainen

In Episode #24 of All Things NBA: From A to Z, Kris & Zak went through the top 10-seeded teams in the Western Conference and discussed whether they were buying or selling stock. 1:30-5:15 - Lakers and Mike Muscala | 5:16-11:07 - Warriors | 11:11-15:30 - Mavericks | 15:31-20:40 - Kings | 20:50-24:46 - Suns | 24:47-28:07 - Pelicans | 28:19-31:59 - Clippers | 32:00-36:53 - Nuggets (& Warriors, honestly) | 36:54-41:10 - Thunder | 41:11-48:25 - Timberwolves Follow us!⁠ Kris: x.com/krispursiainen⁠⁠ Zak: x.com/zaknoble

In Episode #23 of All Things NBA: From A to Z, Kris & Zak reviewed the NBA's 2024 All-Star festivities as well as played a game of Championship Roulette, where hosts selected a group of three teams in hopes of predicting this season's NBA Champion. 0:00-18:34 - NBA All-Star Weekend talk, 18:35-45:00 - Championship Roulette! Follow us!⁠ Kris: x.com/krispursiainen⁠⁠ Zak: x.com/zaknoble

In Episode #22 of All Things NBA: From A to Z, Zak & Kris went over their picks for each conference's reserves in the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indiana! East: 01:37 | West: 17:20 Follow us!⁠ Kris: x.com/krispursiainen ⁠⁠Zak: x.com/zaknoble

In Episode #21 of All Things NBA: From A to Z, Zak and Kris talked about the rumors surrounding Pascal Siakam's move to the Indiana Pacers and give out their NBA Award picks halfway through the 2023-24 season! 08:11 - MVP, 16:24 - RoTY, 20:57 - 6MoTY, 26:06 - DPoY, 34:10 - CoTY, 39:45 - MIP Follow us: Kris: x.com/krispursiainen Zak: x.com/zaknoble

In Episode #20 of All Things NBA, Zak and Kris talk about all of the latest headlines around the National Basketball Association, from which teams need to shake things up before the deadline to how the unfortunate injuries to Ja Morant and Tyrese Haliburton change things for the Grizzlies and Pacers. Follow us! Zak: x.com/zaknoble Kris: x.com/krispursiainen Albert: x.com/analyticscapper

In Episode #19 of All Things NBA, Kris, Zak, and Albert team up to give every team in the Eastern Conference a New Years Resolution to help the rest of their season trend upwards! Follow us! Kris: x.com/krispursiainen Zak: x.com/zaknoble Albert: x.com/analyticscapper

In Episode #18 of All Things NBA, Zak, Albert, and Kris talk about the Detroit Pistons' losing streak, Ja Morant's return to the Memphis Grizzlies lineup, and all of the latest trade buzz surrounding Lauri Markkanen, Donovan Mitchell, and Zach LaVine. FOLLOW US! Zak: x.com/zaknoble Albert: x.com/analyticscapper Kris: x.com/krispursiainen

In Episode #17 of All Things NBA: From A to Z: Zak & Kris go up the NBA's Eastern Conference's standings and ask one burning question about each team. From the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets to the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks, the guys covered it all! FOLLOW US! Zak: x.com/zaknoble Albert: x.com/analyticscapper Kris: x.com/krispursiainen

In Episode #16 of All Things NBA: From A to Z: Zak, Albert, & Kris go up the NBA's Western Conference's standings and ask one burning question about each team. From the struggling San Antonio Spurs to Zak's beloved Minnesota Timberwolves, the guys covered it all! FOLLOW US! Zak: x.com/zaknoble Albert: x.com/analyticscapper Kris: x.com/krispursiainen

In Episode #15 of All Things NBA: From A to Z, Zak, Albert, and Kris discussed some teams that fanbases and media members have been concerned about to start the season and how much each host thinks fans should worry. Is Zion Williamson "bought in" to the Pelicans are doing? Do the Bulls need to blow it up? Will the Suns meet expectations once healthy? FOLLOW US: Albert: x.com/AnalyticsCapper Zak: x.com/ZakNoble Kris: x.com/KrisPursiainen