Le Batard & Friends Network

On this episode of Goalless… the Champions League quarterfinals are set. Alvarez's double kick, Liverpool's exit, Lamine Yamal's brilliance, and does Manchester United's newly proposed 2.6 billion dollar stadium look like an infected nipple? Plus, Rebecca Lowe joins to talk Crystal Palace's FA Cup run, her time on Ted Lasso, walking to school with Peter Crouch, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's word of the day is 'check' as in not check mate yet as in the Rays as in St. Pete as in Tampa as in new stadium. Here we are again. The Rays have announced they are not moving forward with a new stadium in St. Pete right no. Nice. So now what? Is this just more negotiating? Is this the team trying to get to Tampa? Is a sale coming? (19:20) We have more owner fights about to start. This time it's Rockies owner Dick Monfort publicly calling for salary caps. And the Reds owner is in on it too. (25:30) The Marlins want to hire you. Seriously. You can go play for the team! (34:25) Review: Babygirl. (36:40) Should Cooper Flagg sit out the tournament? (41:00) Marquette head coach Shaka Smart says he will not negotiate deals with agents of players. They get paid what they get paid, and that's it. (46:25) UNLV cannot pay its head coach Dan Mullen. What? (52:04) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Billy, Mikey A and Fuentes take a look at all the moves in free agency and who came out on top so far. Billy is learning the X's and O's of football from an unlikely source. Fuentes is entering his goth era. A game of more Mikely compares some former Jets QB's chances in 2025. Billy has a new goal for the Miami Dolphins. And we debut a new game called "Is It Over?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Mystery Crate boys discuss motion sickness and how it gets worse as you get older. Billy calls out people filming the boats at Haulover Inlet. Mike Fuentes gives his opinion on the best and worst Flanigan's in South Florida. Ethan defends F1 as an event. Later, the boys want to try one of the famous Marklight Shakes and some unpopular opinions from the internet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do they sever the actors on Severance? Does Severance cast member (!!) Michael Cruz Kayne know the secrets of Lumon? (For people who believe in spoilers, you're good through Episode 7 of Season 2.) Also: Why are we trying so hard to figure out The White Lotus? And how much would you pay, at auction, for props from your favorite show? Plus: The Pablovian Shiver Response, the weaponization of AIM, trusting the parsnip steak, StraightDope.com, aliens... and that scene from Saltburn. The Severance Subreddit https://www.reddit.com/r/SeveranceAppleTVPlus/ The 'Saltburn' Bathtub Finds a New Home (Valeriya Safronova) https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/01/style/saltburn-bathtub-jacob-elordi.html Subscribe to "Casuals with Katie Nolan" https://www.youtube.com/katienolan Listen to "Sorry for Your Loss" by Michael Cruz Kayne https://www.audible.com/pd/Sorry-for-Your-Loss-Audiobook/B0CGJSXSPF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Oklahoma City Thunder took down the Boston Celtics 118-112 behind a dominant fourth quarter from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Celtics' late-game struggles continued, as they rank near the bottom of the league in fourth-quarter net rating over their last 10 games. Crunch time gets even crunchier in the playoffs... Can Boston right the ship in time? Plus, we break down whether SGA is the NBA's best closer, how to weigh this matchup with Kristaps Porziņģis and Jalen Williams on the sidelines, and what a potential Celtics-Thunder NBA Finals could look like. Later, we dive into Mikal Bridges' comments on Tom Thibodeau's heavy minutes load for Knicks starters and get spicy with another round of Hot Po-Take-O! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Which MLB teams could shock you? Which NCAA Basketball teams are destined to fall? On this week's “Underdogs,” Jordan and Peter dive into what MLB teams could make a run for a title. Plus, which “Giants” in the NCAA are overrated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's word of the day is 'velocity' as in fastball as in baseball as in Jacob deGrom as in Tommy John. The Texas Rangers have a major deGrom problem. They paid him to pitch and he doesn't pitch. How can they keep him healthy? (13:00) Bobby Witt Jr. had an injury scare yesterday. Got hit by a pitch and went down. How does it feel to be in the front office watching this happen? (18:00) Josh Allen spoke after getting his big deal. He said he took less money so the team could sign some more players. Good for him. (26:20) The Jets have officially released Aaron Rodgers. What's he going to do? (32:30) Review: Jerry Maguire. (38:00) NPPOD. (42:30) The Utah Jazz were fined for not making players available for national games. The tank is on. Fail for Flagg! (45:10) Apple and MLS was never a good deal. MLS needs more viewers. It needs more reach. Is it time to call this broadcast deal a failure? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everyone is talking about A.I. now, but what we haven't heard is an updated, informed discussion of what, exactly, it will do to the sports world. So in our first on-stage episode, at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, Pablo hosts an actual verified genius... and a pioneering NBA executive who gets to be sarcastically referred to as one. We discover how the Philadelphia 76ers already consult large language models, why artificial general intelligence is actually unambitious and much more. But rest assured: At this moment of tension between entertainment and efficiency, the forecast is Kyle Lowry with a chance of Gasol. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA MVP race is heating up, and Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are making their cases. What were Amin and Izzy's takeaways after a back-to-back showdown between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder earlier this week? We break down Jokić's comments on the race, and Coach Mike Malone's argument for his star player to take home the award. Plus, Tyrese Haliburton delivers the Iciest Shot of the Week, the latest on the Pacers' playoff positioning, and a look at must-watch matchups ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's word of the day is 'icon' as in Shohei Ohtani as in Dodgers as in MLB as in Fortnite as in Demon Slayer. What!? Ohtani is ready to takeover Japan again. But this feels so much bigger. Let's discuss this series for MLB and the activation of promotion that MLB has done there. (13:20) Vladdy Jr wants $500 million. No deferrals. That was his last offer to the Blue Jays. (23:15) Brian Cashman said exactly what we said! The Yankees will not spend right now on a new starter. Not going to happen. (28:50) Review: The Search for Instagram's Worst Con Artist. (34:24) The great Junior Bridgeman died yesterday. What a legacy he leaves behind. (36:30) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the new MLB Overlap hats from New Era. Who approved them!? (43:33) NBA to NIL is the new way. Steph Curry and Davidson. James Harden and Arizona State. Russell Westbrook and UCLA? (51:30) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NBA champion and Cleveland Cavaliers legend Channing Frye steps into the hot seat to separate fact from fiction about the Cavs' title hopes. How does Cleveland's starting five compare to Oklahoma City and Boston? Is Donovan Mitchell better than Jalen Brunson? Did the Cavs overpay for De'Andre Hunter? Could this year's squad beat the 2016 championship team? And most importantly: can Channing Frye handle the heat of the hot seat?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's word of the day is 'mileage' as in Gerrit Cole as in Aaron Boone as in the Yankees as in Tommy John. That's it. Cole's season is done before the end of March. What a disaster for the Yankees and for Cole. (11:07) The Seattle Mariners are already down a starter. George Kirby is shutdown because of shoulder inflammation. Uh oh. The team says not to be worried, but Mariners fans still are. (24:00) The Dodgers just gave Dave Roberts a huge new deal. Another record-setting contract. Good for him. (33:15) Review: The Girl with the Needle. (35:30) The NFL QB carousel is spinning and spinning and spinning. Seahawks traded one away and signed one. Jets got one. Steelers need one. Giants need one. Vikings need one. (47:01) Former MVP Mo Vaughn admitted to HGH use. He was in the 2007 Mitchell Report, but now he's on record. (51:20) NPPOD.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nobody makes opponents miss free throws like Arizona State's student section and their infamous Curtain of Distraction. On the brink of March Madness, we embed with the Sun Devils writers' room — and the Lorne Michaels of college basketball — to test the limits of absurdity (with a little help from the likes of Donald Glover and Mike Schur). Then we activated polyamorous conjoined unicorns on the baseline… on live national television. What could possibly go wrong? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the playoffs one month away, these regular season powerhouse matchups are hitting a little different. After watching the Lakers take on two of the top teams in the East and the Thunder take down the Nuggets over the weekend, Izzy and Amin are turning their attention to the hunt for the Larry O'Brien trophy. Today they're power ranking the top six teams by record-- Cavaliers, Thunder, Celtics, Lakers, Nuggets, and Knicks-- to determine who has the best chance of winning a title this season. Plus, how will LeBron James and Jalen Brunson's injuries affect the title race? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's word of the day is 'change of heart' as in Myles Garrett as in the Browns as in Cleveland as in the NFL. Garrett is staying in Cleveland. Wanted out. Browns said no. Browns paid him record-setting money. What happened to winning? (13:30) Josh Allen is the new highest paid player in NFL history. $250 million guaranteed. Sorry, Watson. (18:45) Gerrit Cole could be done for the season. This is a nightmare for the Yankees. (28:50) The Mets will be without catcher Francisco Alvarez for 8 weeks. Here we ago again! (33:45) Review: Goodrich. (36:10) It's Rays update time. This is a big one. (47:00) The Sacramento Athletics of Las Vegas has a huge announcement. Was it a move? Was it the new stadium? Was it a sale? Nope. It was a new patch. (50:34) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Goalless… We're onto the Champions League knockout stage, a “what if” starting 11, and a crazy injury in Germany. Plus, actor and comedian Jon Glaser joins us to talk about how FIFA made him a wolves fan, World Cup 94, the world's best kits, Detroit City FC and finally, The Diet Mug Root Beer Dana Carvey Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's word of the day is 'working' as in going to work as in Vladdy Jr. as in the Blue Jays as in Juan Soto. What are we talking about? Vladimir Guerrero Jr. said he asked for 14 years but fewer than $600 million. He said he didn't want Juan Soto money, but he did want the years! Is he going to get close to that? (9:45) The Yankees are falling apart before the season begins. Luis Gil is out. DJ LaMeheiu is out. Giancarlo Stanton is out. (14:50) What is the latest on Shohei Ohtani? Did he have a setback? Is he going to pitch this year? (20:20) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me if I ever put a player on an innings limit because I knew he'd be traded later in the season… wow. (31:48) Review: All We Imagine as Light. (34:15) Athletics are back in the news. A new team president. New renderings. A new extension to a young player. So much positivity… but where is the stadium? (46:50) NPPOD. (49:20) Mark Cuban shared his thoughts on the Luka Doncic trade. Oh boy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The show discovers that Jessica's boyfriend Lee has wide feet, Stu's X account was hacked in the stupidest way possible, and Taylor wants to rework Billy's wardrobe despite him being difficult. Later, the crew wonders whatever happened to the "Cuban Pilot" bit and if first class to Hawaii is worth it after finding out Dan Orlovsky flew his whole family to the island paradise in coach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Billy, Mikey A and Fuentes play everyone's favorite game: Headlines! Are we setting up for all the former Seattle players to wind up in Vegas for one more run with Pete Carroll? A game of More Mikely has us questioning Travis Hunter's future in the NFL. What has happened to Hard Knocks that now they can't even get a college team to do it. And Billy asks the all important question: which NFL coach would you least like to be on a plane with? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's Share & Tell, Mina Kimes and Dan Le Batard join us to discuss DOGE cutting — and being shamed into restoring — USAID support for starving children, Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders and his suddenly tumbling draft stock, and the increasingly explicit love affair between a woman and her ChatGPT. Plus: cuckqueans, Deion's Family Playbook, and why you should NEVER. STOP. POSTING. Further content: Trump assault on USAID She Is in Love With ChatGPT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Could Hunter Green win the Cy Young? This week on “Underdogs,” Peter and Jordan are giving you early MLB long shot bets you should put your money on now. Plus, NCAA Men's Basketball dark horses to watch as we head into championship week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's word of the day is 'truth' as in Justin Turner as in Seattle Mariners as in MLB as in owners as in spending. Turner was on the Mariners last season. And he has some things to say about the Mariners offseason spending… or lack of it. (11:35) I have an update or correction on the MASN deal between the Orioles and Nationals. (17:11) WBD prez David Zaslav says the company never needed the NBA. He said they have NASCAR and CFP games and soccer games and more! (32:40) Review: La La Land. (37:00) Saquon Barkley record-setting contract. Maxx Crosby record-setting contract. NFL players are getting paid big money. Markets are getting reset. What does it all mean? (46:05) NPPOD. (47:40) Sportswashing is over. It worked. The Saudis have done it. TKO announced a deal with the Saudis to create a boxing league. Dana White will be the face of it. Congrats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The world is in desperate need of a vibes transfusion. And so we asked Kevin Wildes — co-host of FS1's "First Things First” and professional counterbalance to Nick Wright — for something even bigger than Jordan vs. LeBron. Ol' K.W. has assembled nothing short of a master list of 71 (!) things that are, in fact, cool. And PTFO's official Cool Committee debates the door policy at a club where anyone, in theory, can be a member... whether you have whale bodyguards or not. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Mavericks season from hell added another chapter this week with Kyrie Irving suffering a torn ACL. Kyrie's season is done, putting him at the front of the list of injuries up and down the Mavs' roster-- plus Anthony Davis might be done for the year, and oh yeah, Luka Doncic plays for the Lakers. Amin and Izzy ask if there's any precedent for an implosion of this scale, and see if they can find a reason for optimism in the Mavericks future. Also, Amin and Izzy do a blind ranker with some of these new nicknames that are popping up everywhere, and Prop-a-Slot is back! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's word of the day is 'grasping' as in ESPN as in MLB as in TV rights as in leaks. What is going on? MLB will have to find a new network for its broadcasts with ESPN opting out. Is ESPN going to find a way to still get games? Did MLB leak the reported offer that ESPN gave them that was a slap in the face? (13:03) It's time to talk about the Athletics again. Now the team will begin to take deposits for season tickets in Vegas. How fun! Well, where is the stadium? (22:45) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me why teams still get public financing. (34:20) Review: Paradise. (37:50) NPPOD (40:10) The Dallas Mavericks are down bad. No Luka. Everyone hates Nico. Anthony Davis hurt. Increased ticket prices. And now Kyrie Irving is out for the season. (48:00) UNC and Belichick are no longer doing Hard Knocks. Why? The NFL is mad. And his girlfriend is reportedly too involved. Hmm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Durant's time with the Phoenix Suns may be coming to an end, as reports suggest the team could trade him this offseason if they don't make a deep playoff run. We break down potential trade destinations, including the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies. Plus, the Philadelphia 76ers suffer a major blow with Joel Embiid being sidelined for the season—what does this mean for Daryl Morey's future in Philly? We also dive into the red-hot Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James' historic play at age 40, and the Raptors-Knicks lawsuit that could change NBA team relations. To wrap up, we spotlight this week's must-watch games, including Lakers vs. Celtics and Thunder vs. Nuggets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's word of the day is '50,000' as in points as in basketball as in LeBron James as in Lakers as in Cavaliers as in Heat. That's right, LeBron James is about to have 50,000 career points. No one else is close. He is 40. Unreal. (11:40) Another PR nightmare for the Mavericks. Here we go again. This time its ticket price increases! (21:02) NPPOD. (22:25) MSG Network is in some trouble. Bankruptcy could be on the horizon. Why is this happening and what could it mean? (34:30) Review: The Gorge. (38:00) The MASN fight is over! Orioles and Nationals have reached a settlement. Never thought the day would come! (45:30) The Houston Dynamo did something so pathetic it hurts. It offered fans a complimentary ticket because Messi didn't play. What? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The best documentary filmmaker in America spent nearly five years of his life making a nine-hour masterpiece for Netflix. Which has now, officially, been cancelled. In his first sit-down interview about "The Book of Prince," director Ezra Edelman seeks catharsis — if not closure — in the battle for the truth and control over the life story of one of the biggest control freaks ever. Prince was a shape-shifter who lived and died as a mystery. So why won't his estate lift the veil? And when it comes to celebrities, what does "public interest" really mean? Previously on PTFO: Pablo and Wesley Morris Watched the Prince Doc You're Not Allowed to See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qi6x3QF-v8 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony Edwards made waves by dismissing the idea of being the NBA's next face, instead pointing to Victor Wembanyama. Amin and Izzy break down LeBron James' response and what it truly means to carry that responsibility. With Edwards leading the league in technical fouls, is he actually shaping up to be the NBA's next great heel, following in the footsteps of Charles Barkley and Allen Iverson? Plus, the duo plays Hot Streak before wrapping up with the O(ddball)scars, handing out awards for the best (and worst) performances in the NBA's never-ending drama. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's word of the day is 'fat, lazy ass' as in baseball as in Pete Rose as in Donald Trump as in Rob Manfred. That's right, President Trump is going to pardon Pete Rose. Okay? For? Who knows! But he wants Rose to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Sure? What is happening here? (13:12) Spring Training updates! We are two weeks away from the first regular season games! Ohtani homered. (19:00) What a weekend I had. I spent some time with Saquon Barkley over the weekend and he's one of the nicest athletes of all time! We spoke about the Deebo Samuel trade to the Commanders! Go all-in with a rookie QB! (28:50) Oscars recap time! (37:18) Hard Knocks is headed to college! Bill Belichick and North Carolina are the new targets because no NFL team wants to do it! (42:40) Matthew Stafford is going back to the Rams. He's not a Raider. He's not a Giant. So now who are the Giants going to after? Aaron Rodgers!? (47:00) NPPOD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the Oscars Postgame Reaction Show with David Samson and Adnan Virk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's word of the day is 'Ides of March' as in March as in Spring Training as in MLB as in baseball as in here we go. Injuries? Debuts? Caution? Precautions? What is the front office looking at? New arm angles and new batting stances! (13:50) We have a bunch of players trying out new positions. Jasson Dominguez. Alex Bregman. Jose Altuve. When does a team nix that change? (19:50) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about PENN Entertainment and ESPN Bet and Draftkings and FanDuel. What do they want to know? (29:09) NPPOD. (34:28) Review: Oscar Ballot. (39:23) Travis Kelce is back. Year 13. Everyone thought the Chiefs would win the Super Bowl and he'd ride off into the sunset. Didn't win. Didn't happen. (43:21) We have some rule changes coming to the NFL. Good bye, chain gang! We've got technology! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Billy, Mikey A and Fuentes discuss the NFLPA report cards that came out this week and why they make Billy want to strive for the Dolphins to be worse. How do some teams rate so bad in certain categories. Billy and Mikey have conversation about names and how we wind up stuck with the ones are given. Billy has major FOMO because of one story in the football world. Plus, a quick edition of More Mikely. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Cote tries to figure out a way to sell his wife's feet pictures on Only Fans without having to promote it. The crew discusses the horrors of moving and what a pain furniture delivery can be. And Mike Fuentes shares his meet up with pop star Becky G and if telling someone they smell good is a compliment that could land in a weird spot with a stranger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It is the greatest individual performance in basketball history: Sixty-three years ago this weekend, a larger-than-life superhero conjured the supernatural. Why do so many people — including a player on the court — now think it was fake news? Our quest for irrefutable proof (and poetry) unpacks boxes that you won't find in the Hall of Fame: The recordings from author Gary Pomerantz, who spoke to 56 people in attendance and on the court. The tapes, which we unearthed from a rare-book library, a basement closet and a vault in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Plus: the last Warrior left standing to check the facts — and shake a fist at the naysayers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander really a "free throw merchant," or is he just great at drawing contact? We dive into the debate around SGA, James Harden, Joel Embiid, Jalen Brunson, and other NBA stars who thrive at the line. Amin and Izzy break down what makes a player a foul merchant, why some fans hate it, and whether it's actually a skill. Plus, Amin and Izzy close the show by filling in a "Player Grid," ranking great, mid, and bad players based on how much we love and hate to watch them play.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sorry for the delay! Hope you enjoy today's episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Major League Baseball just opted out of its $550 million contract with the Worldwide Leader. But are we still underestimating the fundamental value of the game? Why would a network sign a broadcast-rights deal in the first place, if you can just put crap on TV? And is Kyle Kuzma actually more popular than Aaron Judge? Plus: Netflix, Victor Wemminyamma, David Samson in union-boss mode, John Skipper's Chocolate-Chip Cookie Theory — and the fan of this show who is consuming it on mushrooms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will Duke be able to overcome their lack of experience? Does Houston have what it takes to make a deep run? Jordan and Peter are joined by ESPN's Jay Bilas to break down all their early picks for March Madness – from the heavy-hitters (Auburn, Alabama) to the sleepers (we're looking at you, Iowa State and Texas Tech).  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Luka Doncic emerged victorious from his first matchup against his former team, with a little help from LeBron James. Even after watching Luka go head to head with Kyrie Irving and the Mavericks, we still can't believe the trade actually happened. Is it possible for Nico Harrison to ever be redeemed? Plus, our picks for game of the week were both hits! Amen Thompson is developing a reputation, and the Grizzlies took advantage of the setting Suns. On this week's edition of Prop-a-Slot: IT'S YOU, PAUL GEORGE! YOU'RE THE ONE YOU'RE LOOKING FOR! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's word of the day is 'humans' as in robots as in umpires as in pitchers as in baseball as in MLB. What am I talking about? The new automated balls-strikes system in baseball is here in Spring Training. And Max Scherzer hates it. (11:00) FOX did the anti-ESPN this week. FOX announced its plan for 2025. And it's packed with big games and big moments. (15:45) Spring Training is here and some legends have returned. Sammy Sosa is with the Cubs! (34:30) Review: The Seed of the Sacred Fig. (37:20) Today is my birthday! (43:40) NPPOD. (46:40) The GM for the Browns still says that Myles Garrett is not being traded. Not taking calls. Not moving him. Hmm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the NBA season hits the home stretch, we're breaking down what top contenders need to prove before the playoffs. The New York Knicks continue to struggle against elite competition—can they fix their defensive issues? Are the Boston Celtics primed for another easy path to the Finals? Plus, we dive into the Cleveland Cavaliers' legitimacy, the surging Golden State Warriors, and whether the Oklahoma City Thunder are truly ready for a deep playoff run. Also, what do Nikola Jokić and Ja Morant need to show to be considered true Western Conference threats?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's word of the day is 'Spring Pain-ing' as in Spring Training as in pain as in injuries as in the Mets as in the Yankees as in every team. This is the time of year. Players show up. Players get hurt. Teams scramble. Lovely! (10:00) Giancarlo Stanton is dealing with a double elbow problem. WOOF! But on the bright side they are now allowing beards! Yay! (22:10) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about Tony Clark's comments to Rob Manfred about a lockout in baseball. Hmmmmm. (36:50) Review: Nickel Boys. (38:30) Is it the end of the Tush Push? The talk is back. The Packers want it gone. The Eagles run it to great success. (44:40) NPPOD. (45:45) The Sixers are falling apart again. Joel Embiid might be done. His knees are cooked. The Sixers keep losing. The Big 3 didn't work. (50:00) Suns owner Mat Ishbia's brother, Justin, has moved on from the Minnesota Twins. Uh oh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It is a far-fetched innovation floated by American hoops heads for years: the four-point shot. But as our far-flung correspondent Rafe Bartholomew reports, there is a real-life pilot program afoot — half a world away, in a galaxy-brained league with a half-century's worth of swag: the Philippine Basketball Association. And it's working. We meet the new king of long distance; watch film with a Filipino coaching legend; and then heat-check this cultural exchange with the NBA's preeminent philosopher of the four-pointer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Luka Dončić responded to JJ Redick's challenge with a dominant performance, while the Lakers found a way to slow down Nikola Jokić. Did Redick crack the Nuggets' code, or was it just a one-off? And are the Lakers legitimate title contenders? Plus, Amin and Izzy react to the news that Joel Embiid's season may be over and discuss how Kevin Garnett's potential front-office role could shape the Timberwolves' future. And on Hot Streak, Amin and Izzy reveal their pick for Luka's first game against his former team as the Lakers take on the Mavericks Tuesday night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's word of the day is 'prudent' as in ESPN as in MLB as in Rob Manfred as in TV as in broadcast rights as in $550 million. Here we go. It looks like ESPN and MLB are headed for a divorce and we've got issues. Where will MLB games be? Will they get more money from somewhere else? Is this the end of baseball on cable? IS this going to impact player salaries? (17:20) Our dear friend Scott Boras is back. He is on a mission to make MLB ownership mad. He called teams out for poor spending. He called the league out for TV rights deals. (32:20) Review: SAG Awards. (35:40) Mets owner Steve Cohen gave a warning about his spending. Said it isn't going to happen for long. He can do it, but he's losing money. Most owners are! (43:31) The NHL had a hit with the 4 Nations Cup. Canada got the win. The NHL got a win. But, what now? (52:45) NPPOD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's been a busy month of travels at the Meadowlark Media offices. Billy recaps his trip to the Daytona 500 to track down Pitbull and ends up at a surprise Demi Lovato concert, Izzy recaps his experience with an A-List rapper in the Bay Area, and Ethan sits in to give his recap on the Mike Ryan organized boys trip to the 4 Nations Face Off in Montreal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome in Fredi Gonzalez! Former Marlins and Braves manager! An all-around great baseball mind! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stugotz, Billy and Mikey A try and figure out how to cash in all of Stu's good relationships in the NFL to get him the Jacksonville Jaguars GM job. Can you just apply for that online? Stugotz debuts a new game called "Hall of Hypotheticals". More Mikely makes it's offseason return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Victor Wembanyama's season is likely over—what does his absence mean for the NBA? Plus, Amin and Izzy react to the controversy surrounding the Lakers after failing Mark Williams' physical and LeBron James' returns to action after skipping All-Star Weekend. To close the show, Amin fires back at PK Subban's NBA vs. NHL culture comparison. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices