The Lowe Post

Zach is joined by Ian Begley of SNY to discuss Joel Embiid's contract extension and legacy through this point of his career and they discuss the news that Mitchell Robinson is going to miss the start of the season and what the Knicks plan to do at center. Then, new Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick joins the podcast to discuss his whirlwind summer and the Lakers expectations heading into the season. 0:35- Joel Embiid's contract extension 13:00- Joel Embiid's playoff off/on numbers 21:28- Mitchell Robinson news 24:30- What will the Knicks do to address their center room? 38:35- JJ Redick joins the pod. 40:05- What inspired JJ to go into coaching? 42:50- What are the nerves going in? 49:05- Going through the process of being named Lakers Head Coach. 55:30- What on-court changes are coming in LA? 57:20- Lakers starting 5 1:03:50- When will Bronny play? 1:11:20- Memories from 2009 Finals 1:14:00- Clippers Memories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach reacts to Adrian Wojnarowski leaving ESPN, divides the Eastern conference into tiers, and then brings in Steve Jones Jr. of The Dunker Spot to explain why these 8 teams will be worth watching: the Wizards, Hornets, Bulls, Raptors, Jazz, Blazers, Nets, and Pistons.  :15- Zach's thoughts on Woj's retirement from media 9:30- Tiering out the east 14:00- What to make of Milwaukee 20:00- Things to look forward to in Toronto 27:15- Young pieces for the Wizards 38:45- What does a healthy Hornets team look like? 48:35- Cade Cunnigham's growth around the Pistons offseason acquisitions. 55:50- Is there any joy in watching the Nets? 1:02:10- Can Josh Giddey's fit into Chicago change the Bulls future? 1:09:15- Jazz music playing? 1:21:20- The Blazers underrated depth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach Lowe and Mo Dakhil discuss the biggest question marks surrounding the Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Miami Heat and if any of those teams can upset the top four of the Eastern Conference in a playoff series. Also, they debate if Jayson Tatum gets his proper respect as an NBA Superstar. All that and more! 3:30 Which of the young playoff teams in the East has the brightest future? 17:15 Where does the playmaking come from for the Orlando Magic? 26:35 Can Indiana's defense improve this season? 39:00 Can Cleveland get their pieces to fit together? 46:50 Will Jimmy Butler have a bounce back season? 57:00 Will Jayson Tatum ever win an MVP? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach Lowe and Bobby Marks discuss Jamal Murray signing his contract extension with the Denver Nuggets and what that means for the Nuggets title window, the trade rumors surrounding Julius Randle and Brandon Ingram, and which 4th year rookie scale contract extensions they expect to come through. All that and more! :55- Jamal Murray's contract extension 11:15- Can Christian Braun takeover the KCP role for Denver? 19:35- How do the Nuggets shift their offensive focus with new role players? 21:25- Julius Randle's looming extension 28:20- Trade ideas for Julius Randle 36:30- Will Brandon Ingram and the Pelicans work out an extension? 44:55- Indiana Pacers moves around the margins and what it means for Myles Turner 49:30- Rookie Scale contracts entering their 4th year in search of an extension 49:35 Cam Thomas 52:45- Alperun Sengun and Jalen Green 57:05- Is Jonathan Kuminga a max for the Warriors? 1:03:15- What is Jalen Suggs number? 1:05:30- Josh Giddey's role in Chicago 1:09:20- Joel Embiid's contract situation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach Lowe is joined by Kevin Pelton to discuss the Olympics and all of the late offseason news from around the league, then they discuss the teams they have the most questions for after this summer, and which players they think are the most intriguing heading into the 2024-2025 NBA season. All that and more! 3:45- Recapping Team USA's nerve racking quest for Gold 11:15- Are the Suns in a better position to compete heading into next year? 20:00- How concerning is the Jamal Murray situation in Denver? 22:45- Can the Bucks return to championship contention? 26:00- Can the new look 76ers piece together a contending roster? 32:35- Is Wemby ready to take the Spurs into the next stratosphere? 45:00- Are the Memphis Grizzlies ready to reclaim the West throne? 48:00- Most intriguing 49:30- Can Jaren Jackson Jr. return to DPOY level? 52:00- What will the Jazz do with Walker Kessler? 55:05- Has Tyler Herro reached his ceiling? 1:01:30- Trey Murphy III's continued ascension. 1:05:00- Can Shaedon Sharpe carve a role in Portland? 1:12:15- Keon Ellis' defensive impact 1:13:30 Dyson Daniels fit on the Hawks 1:17:45- Mavericks repeat as Western Conference champs? 1:20:15- What will the Rockets do with their young stars? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach Lowe is joined by Tim MacMahon to discuss the lingering trade rumors surrounding Lauri Markkanen and Brandon Ingram heading into the 2024-25 NBA Season and what they make out of the Phoenix Suns. Then, Adam Mares joins the show to figure out if the Denver Nuggets can find a way back to being a championship level team and finally Jon Krawczynski joins to discuss the moves the Minnesota Timberwolves have made this offseason, and if they are ready to take over the west this season. (1:50) Lauri Markkanen trade rumors (7:00) What is the plan for the Utah Jazz? (13:30) Will Brandon Ingram get moved? (22:15) Can the Phoenix Suns bounce back next season? (35:15) Tim MacMahon's early pick to win the western conference. (42:08) Adam Mares on the Denver Nuggets (51:25) How does Denver improve their offense? (1:03:30) What will Russell Westbrook's impact be for the Denver Nuggets (1:12:30) Jon Krawczynski on the Minnesota Timberwolves (1:18:30) Does Anthony Edwards have another leap in his game? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Fred Katz discuss Team USA winning competitive exhibition games and how they feel about the team heading into the Olympics, then they discuss the most interesting win totals by ESPN Bet and which teams they think will surpass or fail to meet expectations, and if there are any moves left to make for the New York Knicks. All that and more! Team USA's Tough Games against South Sudan and Germany (1:00) What teams are the biggest threat to Team USA (13:45) Kevin Durant's injury severity (18:00) ESPN Bet Win Totals Over/Under (25:30) How competitive will the Spurs be in Year 2 of Wemby? (26:20) The Cavs running it back (32:05) What to make of the Sacramento Kings (43:00) Can the Orlando Magic make another leap (56:45) How good are the Bucks? (1:08:45) Knicks discussion (1:12:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Seth Partnow discuss what the Raptors and Hornets are up to before weighing in on some offseason winners and losers. Then ESPN's Jamal Collier joins for the latest on the Bucks. Plus, Russell Westbrook is reportedly headed to Denver. Raptors (3:01) Banchero vs. Barnes (24:58) Hornets (32:21) Offseason winners and losers (49:45) Collier (1:01:49) Middleton's ankles (1:02:57) The Dame-Giannis pick and roll (1:13:09) Russell Westbrook headed for Denver (1:22:47) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton discuss Jalen Brunson's extension with the Knicks and whether or not it will be a precedent in the apron era, the Warriors' pursuit of Lauri Markkanen, and a look at a few teams that make you wonder about their direction. Brunson's extension (1:04) Will this be a precedent? (12:34) Where do the Knicks stack up in the East? (19:43) Warriors' pursuit of a Markkanen trade (25:16) WTF are these teams draft (39:58) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach looks back on the Paul George-Kawhi Leonard era of the Clippers. Then ESPN's Tim MacMahon joins to take stock of the Warriors, possible Lauri Markkanen trade teams, and the state of the Memphis Grizzlies. The Kawhi-PG era (1:01) Tim MacMahon (19:21) Team USA latest (20:11) Current state of the Warriors (30:34) Markkanen trades (43:58) Don't sleep on the Grizzlies (1:10:01) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Chris Herring react to Paul George's comments about his contract negotiations with the Clippers, discuss the Heat losing Caleb Martin to the Sixers, the Kings trading for DeMar DeRozan, and the Bulls' attempt at a rebuild. Then ESPN's Brian Windhorst joins to preview a loaded Olympic field and Team USA's biggest questions. Paul George on his contract talks with the Clippers (4:26) What are the Clippers now? (18:16) The Heat lose Caleb Martin to the Sixers (24:02) The Kings trading for DeMar DeRozan (37:42) The disaster for the Bulls (54:39) The Magic need a PG (1:07:06) Windhorst (1:09:27) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton discuss the Klay Thompson sign and trade to the Mavericks, the state of the Warriors, potential moves for the Lakers, the Cavs re-signing Donovan Mitchell, and the Top 3 free agency winners. Klay to the Mavs (1:01) Sizing up the Warriors (24:06) The Heat made a move (35:27) Lakers' off-season (37:51) Cavs re-sign Donovan Mitchell (50:26) Lull in the trade market (1:03:45) Celtics are for sale (1:06:43) Kevin Pelton's Free Agency Olympics (1:10:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks discuss the Clippers losing Paul George to the Sixers, Klay Thompson leaving the Warriors, landing spots for Lauri Markkanen, free agent options for the Lakers, the Thunder adding Hartenstein, the Pelicans trading for Dejounte Murray, the Magic getting KCP, the Raptors re-signing Barnes and Quickley, and more. Hartenstein to sign with OKC (2:45) Paul George agrees to max deal with Philly (4:45) Impact of the second apron (19:58) Philly aced the off-season, but it's put up or shut up time for Embiid (27:13) Milwaukee is dropping down the power rankings in the East (37:17) End of an era in Golden State (41:06) Landing spot for Lauri Markkanen (51:36) Lakers' options (59:42) Rapid fire on other deals (1:06:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN NBA Draft Analyst Jonathan Givony discuss the Knicks trading a haul to Brooklyn for Mikal Bridges, the Nets rebuild, Houston acquiring Suns' picks, Minnesota moving up for Rob Dillingham, Dalton Knecht falling to the Lakers, Portland adding Avdija and Clingan, and much more on the draft. Knicks trade for Bridges (2:35) Nets need a nap after last 12 years (13:50) Knicks' draft night (22:39) Houston acquires Suns' picks (25:55) Spurs take Castle at #4 and then trade #8 to Minnesota (32:04) Rapid fire on surprises from the draft (42:20) How the centers shook out- Edey to Memphis, Clingan to Portland (49:17) The case for optimism in Milwaukee (1:02:23) Paul George latest (1:08:25) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach Lowe and ESPN Draft Expert Jonathan Givony discuss the Cavaliers hiring Kenny Atkinson to be their new Head Coach, what that means for Darius Garland and the future of their franchise. Then they preview the top of the NBA Draft and what trades we may expect to see on draft night, breakdown some of their favorite sleeper prospects, and look at the potential landing spots for Paul George. :30- Kenny Atkinson hired by the Cavs 6:45 - Is Darius Garland apart of the Cavs long-term future 12:30- How the Second Apron effects the offseason 21:30 What the Hawks are going to do with the 1st overall pick 24:30- How do the Spurs build around Wemby 34:20-Does Houston take a swing 43:00-Reed Sheppard's intrigue as a prospect 46:25-Will Zach Edey work in the NBA? 53:00- Sleepers for the Draft 56:15- Paul George talk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks talk through all of the angles of the Alex Caruso-Josh Giddey trade, look at landing spots for Paul George, weigh in on the Kings' cap sheet and potential moves, and discuss the state of the Lakers now that they've landed a head coach in JJ Redick. Sam Presti's press release on Giddey trade (1:21) Chicago's rebuilding plan (3:41) Giddey's limitations (12:38) OKC with Caruso (17:01) Paul George buzz (28:02) Fake Paul George opt-in and trade scenarios (34:19) Malik Monk re-signs in Sacramento (44:12) The Lakers hire JJ Redick (50:51) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla joins The Lowe Post to discuss his flashbulb memories after winning the championship, his analytical approach, the challenge of repeating, and the role of luck in the playoffs. Then Jeff Van Gundy joins to discuss his role as an advisor to the Celtics and why he decided to join the Clippers staff as Ty Lue's lead assistant. Plus, the Pistons firing of Monty Williams and the Pacers extension with Pascal Siakam. What was said in the halftime lockerroom of Game 5 (2:34) Flashbulb memories from the postgame blue (4:45) On how he and Zach ran into each other on the court before Game One (7:23) Learning from his personal Mount Rushmore of coaches (12:07) The influence of his father (15:12) How quickly this has all happened for him (22:45) Implementing his style in his first full off-season as the head coach (24:40) The 4th quarter of Game 3 (28:28) The impact of Al Horford (34:14) On the challenge of repeating (35:47) Van Gundy (41:13) On what he did for the Celtics (44:42) On being a part of his first championship team (47:31) Brad Stevens is a ruthless competitor (56:50) On joining the Clippers staff (1:01:44) News and notes from around the league (1:14:14) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Zach Lowe to react live to the Boston Celtics winning the 2024 NBA Finals. The guys are joined by surprise guests including legendary sportswriter Jackie MacMullan, Celtics' legend Cedric Maxwell, ESPN's Tim Bontemps & Tim MacMahon and more to break down what the difference was for Boston, the future potential of this team and way more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton discuss the Mavericks' monster win in Game 4, Luka Doncic's improved defensive effort, Dallas' physicality, how Kristaps Porzingis' absence was felt, and the slim chances the Mavericks have to get the series back to Dallas. Mavericks rout Celtics to stave off elimination (1:35) Luka's defensive effort (6:12) The absence of Porzingis (16:16) Boston's offense coming and going (22:28) How Porzingis can open things up for the Celtics (33:39) Dallas' chances to extend this series (41:11) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Mo Dakhil of The Athletic discuss Luka Doncic fouling out of Game 3, Boston's offensive woes in the 4th quarter, who their Finals MVP is at this point, and the legendary life of Jerry West. Celtics survive late rally from Mavs to take 3-0 lead (1:08) Luka's fouls (5:14) Boston's 4th quarter meltdown (10:21) Why can't Dallas generate more 3s? (20:31) How much did Boston miss Porzingis? (26:20) Holiday trade put Boston over the top (34:50) Trading away Smart was the right move (44:14) Finals MVP so far (48:33) Remembering Jerry West (51:14) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Steve Jones, Jr. of The Dunker Spot react to the news of Kristaps Porzingis' leg injury and what it could mean for the Mavericks and Celtics if he can't play in Game 3. Plus, Boston's commitment to driving the ball, ways for Dallas to crack the Celtics' defense, and Dan Hurley turns down the Lakers job. Entire series summed up in one stat (1:30) Boston's optionality on offense (5:31) Celtics are committed to driving the ball (9:49) Kristaps Porzingis has torn medial retinaculum allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg (22:04) What changes if Porzingis can't play in Game 3? (24:21) Where can Dallas poke holes in Boston's defense? (37:13) More potential consequences if Porzingis can't play (43:14) Dan Hurley turns down Lakers' job (50:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special episode of The Lowe Post x Hoop Collective crossover, Zach Lowe and Brian Windhorst discuss the NBA Finals Game 2 reaction. They break down the Celtics' 105-98 victory over the Mavericks, highlighting how Boston managed to win despite having a lesser game. The hosts delve into Kyrie Irving's struggles and Dallas's costly turnovers, exploring potential options for the Mavericks moving forward. They also address the aftermath of "The Kick" incident and speculate on the adjustments we can expect in the upcoming games. Additionally, Zach and Brian share some travel advice and express their gratitude to the listeners.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim Legler discuss why the Mavericks should be more worried about their defense after Game One, how the Celtics won the math, ways Dallas can spark their offense in Game Two, and the Lakers' head coaching search. Dallas should be more concerned about their defense (1:24) Dallas needs to take and make more 3s (13:21) Ways to get Mavs offense going (19:54) Other adjustments to look for (25:50) Lakers' pursuit of Danny Hurley (33:04) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Lowe Post, Zach welcomes Brian Windhorst of the Hoop Collective to discuss the Celtics' impressive 107-89 Game 1 victory over the Mavericks in the NBA Finals. They examine Porzingis's immediate impact off the bench, the Celtics' stifling defense, and their decision not to double Luka Dončić, leading to his lowest assist numbers in a 35-minute game. The sluggish performance of Kyrie Irving, who scored 12 points on 6-of-19 shooting, is also discussed. The hosts highlight the need for Mavericks' teammates to step up in Game 2, commend the discipline in the Celtics' game plan, and review Boston's even scoring night. Finally, they touch on Sam Hauser's shooting resurgence in Game 1. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim MacMahon look ahead to the chess match on both sides of the ball in the NBA Finals, the differing paths the Celtics and Mavericks took to get here, and how they see the series playing out. Then ESPN's Draft Analyst Jonathan Givony joins for the latest on the top of the draft, how the Spurs plan to build around Victor Wembanyama, and the future of LaMelo Ball. Pressure is squarely on the Celtics (5:51) Boston's recent past and path to the Finals (11:41) Dallas' roller coaster ride from 2011 Finals to now (18:27) Matchups when Dallas has the ball (29:51) Matchups when Boston has the ball (49:25) Predictions (1:02:27) Givony (1:11:16) Spurs' plans to build around Wemby (1:21:23) Future of LaMelo Ball (1:32:27) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton react to Luka Doncic's monster game as the Mavs advance to the Finals, how the Celtics and Mavericks match up on both sides of the ball, Minnesota's looming financial crunch and fake KAT trades. Wolves had no answer for Luka (3:07) Celtics won't have best player in the Finals (15:28) Luka's on pace to wind up in rarefied air statistically (24:31) NBA Finals Preview (28:22) Minnesota's future and fake KAT trades (59:57) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Chris Herring discuss the Western Conference Finals, Minnesota's chances of pulling an historic comeback, the Mavs playoff surge and very early thoughts on their potential Finals matchup with Boston, the state of the Celtics and the pressure on them to win, the Mike Brown situation in Sacramento, and the incomparable Bill Walton. Then Caitlin Cooper of Basketball, She Wrote discusses the future of the Indiana Pacers.  A team will eventually come back from a 3-0 hole (1:41) Taking stock of the Wolves-Mavs series (11:19) The full KAT experience (15:14) The Kyrie trade may age like a fine wine (26:58) Drop vs. blitz debate (31:15) Remembering Bill Walton (35:34) Mike Brown extension talks tabled in Sacramento (42:37) Temperature check on the Celtics heading into the Finals (45:32) Cooper on the future of the Pacers (1:07:14) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim Bontemps discuss Luka Doncic's game-winning 3-pointer to put the Mavs up 2-0 in the Western Conference Finals, the struggling Minnesota offense, the media narratives around Jayson Tatum, and why the Celtics need to win the NBA title. Final sequence (1:33) Are we emotionally prepared for a Celtics vs. Kyrie Irving NBA Finals? (10:52) Last minute blow by blow (12:17) Minnesota's struggling offense (22:50) KAT and ANT need to be better (29:50) Luka's offensive brilliance (34:02) Have the Celtics become Jaylen Brown's team? (41:49) The Celtics need to win the title (1:01:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Kirk Goldsberry discuss the Mavericks win in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, how both Dallas and Minnesota might adjust in Game 2, the All-NBA results, Cleveland firing JB Bickerstaff and what comes next for Donovan Mitchell, quick Pacers-Celtics takes, and Kirk's new book "Hoop Atlas." Dallas grinds out Game 1 in Minnesota (2:17) Kyrie Irving has been amazing for Dallas (15:52) Derrick Lively was a homerun pick by the Mavs (24:10)   All-NBA Teams announced (39:17) JB Bickerstaff out in Cleveland (53:35) Pacers-Celtics (1:00:08) Hoop Atlas (1:10:09) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton react to Game 7 wins for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Indiana Pacers, questions in Denver and New York going forward, Knicks injuries, and more. Plus: Quick thoughts on Mavs-Wolves and Celtics-Pacers in the conference finals, what's next for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and much more.  Nuggets offseason questions (19:47) Mavs-Wolves Western Conference Finals Lookahead (30:34) Offseason in OKC (36:34) Pacers push past Knicks in MSG (43:13) Celtics-Pacers Eastern Conference Finals Lookahead (1:04:11) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic talk all things Wolves-Nuggets and preview Game 7. Then (38:47) Zach discusses the Boston Celtics soft path to the conference finals and the perception Boston isn't playing well enough to win the title -- and whether anything short of that is a failure. Then (54:09) Zach welcomes in ESPN's Tim MacMahon to discuss Mavs-Thunder, how the Mavs trades worked out, whether OKC blew it at the trade deadline, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks discuss the Nuggets showing the heart of a champion to bounce back and even their series against the Wolves, the Knicks running out of gas in Game 4 against the Pacers, and what Indiana's off-season could look like. Then ESPN's NBA Draft Expert Jonathan Givony joins on what the Hawks could do with the #1 pick, how the Spurs will handle two picks in the top 8, and the news that Bronny James has been cleared medically. Denver's defense versus Wolves' offense (15:27) Nuggets' insane run to end 1st half (21:23) Pacers even series with Knicks (27:22) What would a run to the Eastern Conference Finals do for Indiana's off-season? (41:12) Givony on Hawks winning Draft Lottery (51:58) Bronny James cleared (1:16:21) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim Legler discuss the home losses in Game 2 by the Celtics and Thunder, the firing of Frank Vogel in Phoenix, and what to expect in Wolves-Nuggets and Knicks-Pacers. Plus, Mike Singer joins to share the story of his forthcoming book on the rise of Nikola Jokic. Knicks-Pacers (4:30) Cavs rout Celtics in Game 2 (8:46) Mavs win Game 2 in OKC (24:25) Vogel fired in Phoenix (47:09) Singer on his book about Jokic (1:03:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and NBA.com's John Schuhmann discuss the Wolves beatdown of the Denver Nuggets and New York's wild and controversial win over the Pacers -- and what comes next in both series. Then they briefly preview Cavs-Celtics and Mavs-Thunder, make picks, and discuss the fallout from first-round eliminations for the Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, and LA Clippers.  Wolves take both games in Denver (1:45) Knicks eke out controversial Game One against the Pacers (28:51) Celtics-Cavs preview (53:04) Thunder-Mavs preview (58:24) Magic postmortem (1:06:25) Pat Riley's presser (1:09:25) Clippers' off-season (1:14:51) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Howard Beck of The Ringer discuss the epic Knicks-Sixers series, Joel Embiid's play, what's next for the Sixers, Heat, and Bucks after disappointing first-round exits, the Kawhi Leonard-Paul George era in LA, the Darvin Ham noise, Knicks-Pacers early thoughts, and much more. Then Adam Mares of DNVR Sports and Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic join for an in-depth preview of the Nuggets-Wolves showdown.     Knicks-Sixers all-time first-round series (7:32)   Embiid battled (19:49)   Sixers' crucial off-season (32:14)   Bucks' postmortem (39:33)   Heat have an intriguing off-season on the horizon (48:55) Clippers on the brink (57:32) Mares and Krawczynski preview Minnesota-Denver (1:10:57) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks discuss Anthony Edwards' brilliance in Minnesota's sweep of Phoenix, the potential fallout for the Suns, fake Kevin Durant trades, Clippers-Mavericks and Kawhi Leonard's injury, the pressure on Cleveland in Cavs-Magic, the stakes for the Sixers and Bucks behind 3-1, and much more. Then Fred Katz of The Athletic joins for a deep dive on Knicks-Sixers, New York's future plans, Pacers-Bucks, and more.  Phoenix post mortem (11:30) How the Durant trade hamstrung Phoenix (14:11) Fake Durant trade (19:18) Durant's legacy (27:45) Clippers-Mavericks (33:33) Cavs-Magic (44:17) Sixers and Bucks on the brink (51:37) Katz (1:06:36) Game 5 adjustments (1:12:20) Brunson's Game 4 masterpiece (1:16:44) Injury updates (1:27:22) Bucks-Pacers (1:31:42) Knicks' future plans (1:36:41) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach is joined by Mo Dakhil for reactions to Game 3 in Knicks vs. 76ers, Cavaliers vs. Magic, and Nuggets vs. Lakers. They also preview the Game 3's in the Friday slate of games and how they expect the rest of the first round to play out. 2:55 Sixers bounce back against the Knicks 20:35 Lakers vs Nuggets 38:30 Magic vs. Cavs 44:00 Clippers vs. Mavericks 52:09 Wolves vs. Suns 58:15 Miami Heat shocking the Celtics yet again 1:09:53 Pels vs. Thunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton discuss what they've seen from every Game 1 of the first round and what to look for as each series progresses. Knicks-Sixers (2:11) Celtics-Heat (8:03) Cavs-Magic (12:06) Nuggets-Lakers (16:46) Timberwolves-Suns (27:10) Thunder-Pelicans (36:21) Clippers-Mavericks (50:23) Bucks-Pacers (1:02:57) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach discusses the Warriors being eliminated from playoff contention and questions if this is the end of this team as we know them, then he is joined by David Thorpe for their annual 8x8 first round deep dive. 0:00 The Warriors being eliminated by the Kings. 19:10 Injury updates following the play-in. 25:55 Minnesota vs. Phoenix series preview 41:20 Sixers vs. Knicks preview 51:42 Lakers vs. Nuggets preview 1:04:00 Clippers vs. Mavs series preview 1:17:00 Magic vs.Cavs series preview. 1:26:45 Pacers vs. Bucks preview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach is joined by ESPN's Chris Herring to review Sunday's regular-season conclusion, preview the four play-in games and four playoff series that we know so far, and give their final awards picks for the 2024 season. 7:00 Winners and losers from Sunday's regular season conclusion 12:15 Is Orlando actually a good matchup for the Cavs? 18:00- The Phoenix Suns avoiding the Play-In by beating the Wolves 24:30- Can the Bucks beat the Pacers without Giannis? 30:00- The Mavericks-Clippers Trilogy 36:45- Lakers vs. Pelicans Play-In preview 49:54- Philadelphia vs. Miami Play-In preview 1:00:30- Warriors vs. Kings Play-In rematch from last year's playoffs 1:09:45- Hawks vs. Bulls Play-In 1:17:20- Rapid-Fire Awards Picks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach asks injury expert Jeff Stotts about the extent of Giannis Antentokounmpo's injury and his potential recovery timetable. Then The Athletic's Mo Dakhil joins to discuss Knicks-Celtics, playoff seeding, and the MVP race. What will Giannis' recovery look like? (1:27) Dakhil (17:20) Does anything concern you about the Celtics? (21:03) Knicks are a joy to watch (24:26) Jrue Holiday extension (32:01) Bucks make a starting lineup change (36:34) Nuggets move into pole position in the West (45:12) MVP race is not over (51:45) West seeding possibilities (1:01:18) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks weigh in on the pivotal races in the Western Conference. Then ESPN's Tim Bontemps joins to discuss the logjam behind Boston in the East, what's gone wrong in Cleveland, and how their All-Defense and All-NBA ballots are shaping up. The race for 6th in the West (3:21) How the top spot will be determined in the West (20:05) The muddled East from 2 to 8 (33:42) Who's the biggest threat to Boston in the East? (39:55) What's gone wrong in Cleveland? (54:07) All-Defense Teams (1:14:37) All-NBA Teams (1:19:39) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton discuss the Sixers' chances now that Joel Embiid is back in the fold, how seeds 3 through 5 might shake out in the East, the race for the top seed in the West, how dangerous the Lakers can be, and what to make of the Suns and Clippers. Sixers with Embiid (10:31) Are the Heat going to heat up or what? (24:01) Knicks without Randle (27:14) Cavs and Magic (35:26) Race for top seed in the West (44:35) How dangerous can the Lakers be? (49:56) Wolves without KAT (1:00:10) Suns coming together (1:03:09) Can the Clippers find the magic they had earlier in the year? (1:05:59) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim MacMahon discuss Joel Embiid's expected return to the Sixers, the charging Mavericks, and a trio of teams succeeding without an injured star. Plus, TrueHoop's David Thorpe joins to run through the top candidates for Most Improved Player. Impact of Embiid's return (1:04) Mavs currently in 5th in the West (9:42) Hawks without Trae, Wolves without KAT, and Rockets without Sengun (30:57) Thorpe (48:10) Most Improved Player candidates (49:55) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Doris Burke discuss Draymond Green's ejection and the Warriors' push for the play-in before revealing their preseason takes that have since fallen flat. Headlines around the league (15:04) Worst Preseason Takes (22:07) Under on the Thunder (22:27) Hawks to finish in the top 5 (30:56) Lukewarm on the Porzingis trade (33:19) A Mavs swoon that never happened (41:58) D'Angelo Russell's season with the Lakers (47:17) The Suns as a title contender (55:23) Clippers escaped Philly with a win (1:03:05) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and The Dunker Spot's Steve Jones, Jr. discuss what's going on with the Warriors, the races for the 6th seed in the East and West, and the battle for positioning among the 3-4-5 spots in the East. Then ESPN Chalk's David Purdum joins for the latest on the NBA looking into betting irregularities involving Toronto's Jontay Porter. What's going on with the Warriors? (2:27) 6-7-8 spots in the West (9:44) 6-7-8 spots in the East (33:56) 3-4-5 in the East (53:05) Purdum (1:08:34) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim MacMahon discuss how the Celtics and Bucks would match up in a playoff series, forecast the Thunder's chances in the West, and weigh in on Coach of the Year candidates. Then The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski joins to talk all things Anthony Edwards- the dunk and his elevation into superstardom- plus, what success looks like for the Timberwolves this season. Celtics-Bucks matchup (1:50) Forecasting the Thunder (21:20) No one has an answer for Jokic (40:13) Coach of the Year front runners (43:10) The red-hot Rockets (47:50) A basketball dilemma (53:02) Krawczynski (56:29) The Anthony Edwards dunk (58:54) Wolves have more of a backbone this season (1:07:25) Latest on KAT and Reid (1:11:13) Anthony Edwards has taken the leap (1:16:39) What is success for the Wolves this year? (1:33:23) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and The Athletic's Mo Dakhil discuss the latest Laker losses, the charging Mavericks, their concern for the Clippers and Suns, Victor Wembanyama making highlight plays look routine, and candidates for 6th Man of the Year. Lakers-Warriors reaction (4:03) The surging Mavs (15:08) Concerns about the Clippers (30:47) Officiating has been tweaked since the All-Star break (44:28) Suns (50:22) Wembanyama is here (1:02:44) Sixth Man of the Year contenders (1:10:44) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks run through their preliminary list of candidates for All-NBA. Then the NBA's Head of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars and the Senior VP of Referee Training and Development Monte McCutchen join to discuss why scoring has dipped since the All-Star Break, ideas to help defenders, and the unintended consequences of the 65-game rule for awards. Bucks still trying to figure it out (15:48) Brunson is going to make an All-NBA team and state of the Knicks (29:05) Rounding out All-NBA candidates (35:32) Sixers in disarray without Embiid (48:58) Dumars and McCutchen (1:01:27) On scoring being down since the All-Star break (1:04:23) Ideas to help defenders (1:14:45) On how the 65-game rule is working (1:29:43) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Andrew Lopez discuss the red-hot Pelicans, Zion's play, Brandon Ingram's unheralded season, and how the Pelicans stack up against each of the West's elite. Then ESPN's Kevin Pelton joins to pick All-Defensive teams, talk Heat, Suns, Magic and Jamahl Mosley's extension, the recent decline in scoring and free throws, Victor Wembanyama, and much more.  Pels are a mystery box and a sleeping giant (6:26) Zion's improved defense and rebounding (10:57) Herb Jones has a case for All-Defense and Most Improved (13:28) The Pelicans' shooting luck defensively (20:13) Not enough talk about Brandon Ingram (27:08) How the Pels match up against other Western Conference playoff teams (33:30) Pelton (40:15) Middle of the East (57:46) 2nd tier All-Defense guys (1:02:47) Thunder in line for the top seed in the West (1:09:14) Wembanyama's All-Defense case (1:15:27) Scoring is down since the All-Star break (1:30:20) Temperature check on the Suns (1:39:46) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks discuss Denver's win over Boston in a potential Finals preview, whether Boston has crunch-time issues, the game's impact on the MVP race, and much more -- the impact of Karl-Anthony Towns injury on Minnesota's playoff chances and big-picture future, Dallas' win over Miami, ankle issues for Steph Curry, Victor Wembanyama, and LeBron James, Ben Simmons being out for the season, and what to make of Wembanyama wanting to win more soon. Then -- a special guest on all things Cavs and tax season.  Celtics in crunch time (12:57) You can't double-team Jokic (17:01) The Porzingis matchup for Jokic (24:53) Ben Simmons out for the year (34:16) KAT's injury (38:33) Keeping an eye on the Mavs (51:08) Is there another level for the Kings? (55:02) The Magic are making a charge (1:01:55) The noise around Wembanyama is just that (1:06:03) Cavs forward Dean Wade (1:16:31) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices