The Ringer NBA Show

Kawhi Leonard put on a show in Denver on Monday night to even up the series against the Denver Nuggets. Logan and Raja open up the pod by discussing the greatness that was displayed (1:39). What adjustments can the Nuggets make to get out of the first round? The Pistons took Game 2 in Madison Square Garden thanks to Cade Cunningham, who poured in 33 points and got 12 rebounds. After very close matchups at home, how concerned should Knicks fans be before their road games against Detroit (22:36)? The Lakers lost the series opener to the Timberwolves on Saturday, which essentially puts them in a must-win Game 2 situation. What should their approach be to even up the series (45:33)? Should LeBron defer less to Luka and just attack? The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer/Audio: Clifford Augustin Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Social: Keith Fujimoto Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are here right after the first set of game 1s with their immediate reactions. They start by discussing Denver's game 1 win in overtime against the Clippers (3:15). Then they talk about the Timberwolves impressive road win over the Lakers (23:55). Then the Knicks comeback victory at home over the Pistons (33:50) before wrapping up with the Pacers comfortable win over the Bucks (54:41). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Marcelino Ortiz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA playoffs will begin Saturday after Friday's play-in games wrap up. Logan, Howard, and Raja give their thoughts and predictions for what will happen in the opening round. What does Nikola Jokic have to do to overcome a scorching hot Clippers team to avoid a first-round exit (2:46)? Are the Lakers true title contenders? Can Anthony Edwards take over the series and stop LeBron and Luka (19:12)? Will Steph and Jimmy be able to stifle a young and hungry Rockets team without home-court advantage (42:38)? The guys then shift their focus to the east. Can the Bucks win the series without Dame, and could Detroit possibly upset the Knicks (46:02)? Plus, as always, the mailbag! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producer/Audio: Clifford Augustin Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Additional Production Support: John Richter and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are here to give their instant reactions to the Bulls-Heat and Kings-Mavs play-in games. Then, they preview the rest of the playoffs with another edition of the Verrierables (21:40). They take a look at some of the biggest storylines from each conference and give predictions for each first-round series. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Cameron Dinwiddie, and Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the regular season and now enter the playoffs as one of the favorites to win the West thanks to MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. For nearly two decades, the Thunder have been one of the unlikeliest success stories in NBA history. In the win-now-at-all-costs superteam era, the Thunder have prioritized building for the future. In the era of superstars dictating their own moves to major media markets, the Thunder have thrived in one of the smallest markets in pro sports.  In Blood and Thunder, a special feature from the Ringer Podcast Network, Brian Phillips is joined by his fellow Oklahoma native Tyler Parker to talk about where the Thunder have been and where they're going, why this year's team is so fun to watch, and what the franchise means to Oklahoma. We're also joined by Jordan Ritter Conn, the host of the podcast Sonic Boom: How Seattle Lost Its Team, to talk about the legacy of the team's move from Seattle and whether a new Sonics franchise could help put the ghosts of the past to rest. Host: Brian Phillips Guests: Tyler Parker and Jordan Ritter Conn Producers: Mike Wargon, Isaac Levy-Rubinett and Vikram Patel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja open the pod with the mess that is the Phoenix Suns (1:50). What led to coach Mike Budenholzer's firing, and where will Kevin Durant end up this offseason? The Pelicans fired head of basketball ops David Griffin after another injury-ridden, disappointing season (25:22). Should he be at fault for Zion Williamson's shortcomings as a franchise player? The Grizzlies and the Warriors will face off in Tuesday's play-in game to determine who'll play the Rockets in the first round (41:16). Just how important is this year's playoff for the current construction of the Warriors' roster? The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer/Audio: Clifford Augustin Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are here with an action-packed show starting with some of the news around the NBA, including the Suns firing Mike Budenholzer and the Pelicans firing David Griffin. Then, they talk about playoff matchups and preview the play-in games for both conferences. After that, Rob and Wos are tasked with figuring out whether certain names are NBA players who played in Game 82, or names that Justin made up. Lastly, it's the first annual Chatties. The guys present nominees and producer Isaiah picks the winners for a handful of awards, including Best Moment, the Malevvy Leons Award, the All-Hard Hat Team, and much more. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following the shocking firing of Nuggets head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, Logan Murdock and Howard Beck try to make sense of it all. How long has the tension been building between Malone, Booth, and the Nuggets brass (1:20)? What happened since the championship run the Nuggets had just two years ago to now that caused all of this friction and dysfunction (11:55)? Have the Minnesota Timberwolves underachieved or overachieved based off of the Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle trade (25:28)? Logan has one question for each Western Conference team as we head into the final weekend of the NBA regular season (36:31). Plus, the mailbag! Could a team comprised of foreign stars beat an all-USA team? The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock and Howard Beck Producer/Audio: Clifford Augustin Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are back to hand out individual awards. But first, Rob was in Dallas for the Lakers-Mavs game, so they get his thoughts on Luka's impressive return to Dallas and what that environment was like. Then the guys reveal their ballots for MVP (15:15), Defensive Player of the Year (43:55), Coach of the Year (53:50), Most Improved Player (1:00:58), Sixth Man of the Year (1:1315), and Rookie of the Year (1:15:55). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In another surprising firing, with roughly a week to go before the playoffs begin, the Denver Nuggets have relieved both head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth of their duties. Logan, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell react to the news and the timing of the firings (1:22). Does firing Malone now give the Nuggets an advantage heading into the playoffs? Logan and Raja are joined by ESPN NBA reporter Tim MacMahon, who just wrote a new book about Luka Doncic and the Mavericks franchise called ‘The Wonder Boy: Luka Doncic and the Curse of Greatness' (30:44). Tim details what went wrong with the Mavs and Luka and why they ultimately traded him to the Lakers. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Guest: Tim MacMahon Producer/Audio: Clifford Augustin Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob and Wos are here to usher in awards season, starting with the team awards. The guys make their selections for the All-NBA (5:40), All-Defensive (54:30), and All-Rookie teams (1:07:30). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ronak Nair Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Warriors defeated the Lakers Thursday night thanks to Steph Curry dropping 37 and Brandin Podziemski hitting eight 3s. Logan and Raja discuss what this means for both teams and whether they are championship contenders (5:30). Ja Morant was fined $75k for finger gun pointing gestures.—how will his reputation affect his career and image (19:04)? Russell Westbrook had a couple blunders late in the game Wednesday night when the Nuggets fell to the Timberwolves in double OT. Has the criticism for Russ been fair or foul (35:40)? The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer/Audio: Clifford Augustin Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are here to talk about their team of the season, the Cleveland Cavaliers! They dive deep into the five reasons why this team was such a success. Then they discuss how the team got made, what-ifs, and any trends the Cavs showed that teams will try to replicate. Finally, they hand out some superlatives, including team MVP, best moment of the season, and more. Then they are joined by the Cavs' All-Star center, Jarrett Allen, and he explains what the key to their improvement this season has been, what it's been like to have Kenny Atkinson as a coach again, and some of his interests outside of basketball as well. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Guest: Jarrett Allen Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan, Raja, and Howard mf'in Beck are back with another Real Ones, and they start the pod off with the Pistons-Wolves scuffle that broke out over the weekend. Was the fight something to be concerned about, or was it overblown (01:48)? Will the suspensions of Isaiah Stewart, Ron Holland II, and Marcus Sasser affect the Pistons' playoff seeding? What's the fallout for the Grizzlies following the firing of head coach Taylor Jenkins? What is the reasoning behind Jenkins's firing, and why did they do this just before the playoffs? Howard makes sense of it all (20:42). Plus, the mailbag! (58:16)  Should there be new stipulations on the draft lottery to prevent tanking? The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producer/Audio: Clifford Augustin Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are back to discuss the Grizzlies firing Taylor Jenkins. Then they discuss some March trends and decide whether the trends are real or a March mirage. They talk about the Bulls (27:27), Austin Reaves and the Lakers (45:15), and the Timberwolves' resurgence (53:40). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Social: Kiera Givens The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NBA champion and Philly hoops legend Rasheed Wallace returns to Real Ones to discuss Detroit Basketball finally playing competitively again (5:05). The Memphis Grizzlies shockingly parted ways with Taylor Jenkins on Friday. Rasheed and Raja react to Jenkins getting fired so close to the playoffs (25:29). Is Nikola Jokic having the same impact on the league that Shaq did (45:02)? Plus, Rasheed reveals his top five trash-talkers, best players out of Philly, and what he thinks of the Sixers' current situation. Seerat Sohi then joins Logan to discuss the current state of the women's tourney with Juju out and how women's basketball can keep capitalizing on the current crop of talented players (1:09). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Guests: Rasheed Wallace and Seerat Sohi Producer/Audio: Clifford Augustin Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No Wos today, so Justin and Rob are here to give their thoughts on the bottom of the Western Conference in their annual exercise of finding one nice thing to say about the worst teams in the West: Suns (8:25) Mavs (18:51) Trail Blazers (32:55) Spurs (50:32) Pelicans (58:56) Jazz (1:08:23) Hosts: Justin Verrier and Rob Mahoney Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Howard mf'in Beck are joined by Sam Amick of The Athletic to discuss the Mavericks' recent decisions and the Kings' continuing spiral. Anthony Davis returned for the Mavericks' game against the Nets Monday night in Brooklyn, but should they have just kept him out due to the plethora of other injuries on the team and their standing in the West (4:08)? The Kings are another team clawing for a play-in spot, but the organization has been in disarray for a long time. What steps can they take to finally right the ship (16:20)? Plus, the latest on the MVP race and the mailbag! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock and Howard Beck Guest: Sam Amick Producer/Audio: Clifford Augustin and Victoria Valencia Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Social: Keith Fujimoto Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin and Wos are joined by Michael Pina, who just wrote about this final stretch of the NBA season, to discuss the close playoff and play-in races, mostly in the Western Conference. They also talk a little bit about the fourth- to sixth-place race in the Eastern Conference. Hosts: Justin Verrier and Wosny Lambre Guest: Michael Pina Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Howard bring the Friday vibes, starting with Bill Chisholm buying the Boston Celtics. They discuss Howard's piece about the sale and what are the best- and worst-case scenarios for the Celtics moving forward (2:00). Then they discuss the Cavs' struggles on this West Coast trip and whether it means anything or not (25:25). Lastly, they discuss March basketball and the amount of guys sitting out to either tank or rest up for the playoffs (36:15) before talking about their Real Ones of the Week (44:44). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag! Realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock and Howard Beck Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Victoria Valencia Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob and Wos are back to talk about the bottom the Eastern Conference in their annual exercise of finding one nice thing to say about worst five teams in the East: Wizards: (5:20) Hornets: (16:36) Sixers: (25:10) Nets: (35:24) Raptors: (45:35) Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, Wosny Lambre Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray sat out the Nuggets' victory over the Warriors Monday night, but is the reason for the stars sitting out plausible (1:14)? Speaking of Jokic, is he in the lead over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the MVP (19:42)? Who's down bad?! Should the Suns look to trade Devin Booker in the offseason (25:40)? Is there any hope for the Sixers after the latest news that Paul George will be sidelined for the remainder of the season (37:25)? Do the Mavericks have the bleakest future of them all after the Luka trade and Kyrie's injury (41:38)? Plus, the highly anticipated mailbag (49:36)! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer/Audio: Clifford Augustin Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Social: Keith Fujimoto Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No Justin this week, so Rob and Wos are joined by J. Kyle Mann. Kyle walks the guys through some of the best NBA prospects in March Madness, what to make of Rutgers's star duo, and much more. Hosts: Rob Mahoney and Wosny Lambre Guest: J. Kyle Mann Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Warriors G Steph Curry hit 4,000 career 3s on Thursday night. Logan and Raja reflect on his career milestone (1:58). How dangerous are the Warriors? They've been hot since acquiring Jimmy Butler (6:49). Are the Thunder far and away better than the other teams in the West (22:20)? What would give you pause about the Boston Celtics (27:20)? The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer/Audio: Clifford Augustin Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are back together to discuss the potential NBA Finals preview between the Thunder and the Celtics on Wednesday night. They discuss their takeaways even though both teams missed key contributors, who they'd pick if Boston and OKC meet in the Finals, and more. They then move on to discussing what the swing factors are for the top contenders. Lastly, it's Take Forgiveness Day. Each of the guys bring an old take that they are holding themselves accountable for. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Movie star and filmmaker Ben Stiller joined Logan, Howard, and Raja to discuss all things Knicks and his decorated film career. How does Ben feel about the Knicks season thus far, and how far will the team go in the playoffs (2:49)? Has he ever gotten into it with opposing team players from the sidelines (19:44)? Where did Ben's Knicks fandom come from (25:32)? The guys also get into 'Severance' conspiracy theories (35:50), Ben tells a great story about working with and getting to know Robert De Niro (51:05), and he also stays for the mailbag! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producer/Audio: Clifford Augustin Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz and John Richter Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin and Wos are joined by producer Isaiah Blakely, who is filling in for Rob this week, for the second edition of the White American Draft. This time, each person is allowed two European players. The guys fill out a 10-man rotation and discuss each pick. Hosts: Justin Verrier and Wosny Lambre Guest: Isaiah Blakely Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this Friday edition of ‘Real Ones,' Logan and Raja open the pod by discussing LeBron's confrontation with Stephen A. Smith after the Lakers defeated the Knicks in OT on Thursday night (1:07). Was LeBron in the wrong for walking up to Stephen A. in defense of Bronny? The confrontation overshadowed what was a great basketball game. Has the Knicks' offense been exposed to being Brunson or bust (15:28)? Logan and Raja then play a game in which they explore what they're seeing from specific teams and whether those teams are peaking too early (31:46). How do Steph and Jimmy balance their coexistence on the court, as it has been helping them win? mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producer/Audio: Clifford Augustin Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Additional Production Support: Keith Fujimoto Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos follow up their No-Power Rankings pod with the Future Power Rankings discussion. This time, they're ranking the best situations in the NBA from this point onward, excluding the Thunder, Celtics, and Cavs. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto This episode is sponsored by State Farm®. A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Michael Pina and Howard Beck sit down to give their thoughts on the new nine-part documentary series, 'Celtics City,' on HBO. They discuss how their perspectives were shaped after the documentary, what Celtics season they would've liked to have covered, whether their opinion on anyone changed, and much more. Then, Wosny Lambre sits down with the director of 'Celtics City,' Lauren Stowell, to discuss how Lauren got involved with the project, interviewing legends like Larry Bird and Kevin Garnett, handling the perception of the city of Boston, and more. Hosts: Michael Pina, Howard Beck, and Wosny Lambre Guest: Lauren Stowell Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell start the pod with the unfortunate season-ending injury news for All-Star guard Kyrie Irving (0:21). Irving's injury adds to the long list of Mavs players that have been sidelined throughout the season, including Anthony Davis (who was traded for Luka Doncic). Just how catastrophic has this season been for the Mavs? On the flip side, the Lakers have been rolling and are 16-4 in their last 20 games. LeBron and Luka seem to fit perfectly together and Howard believes this still isn't the best version of Luka. How terrified should the Western Conference teams be (23:18)? Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producer/Audio: Clifford Augustin Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Social: Keith Fujimoto  Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell start the pod with the unfortunate season-ending injury news for All-Star guard Kyrie Irving (1:07). Irving's injury adds to the long list of Mavs players that have been sidelined throughout the season, including Anthony Davis (who was traded for Luka Doncic). Just how catastrophic has this season been for the Mavs? On the flip side, the Lakers have been rolling and are 16-4 in their last 20 games. LeBron and Luka seem to fit perfectly together and Howard believes this still isn't the best version of Luka. How terrified should the Western Conference teams be (25:45)? The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producer: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Video: Victoria Valencia Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos kick off the week discussing what's next for the Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid after the latter's season was ended due to a knee injury (2:31), and talk out whether or not the Sixers should enter full tank mode. Then, the guys go through their latest edition of the No-Power Rankings and figure out which teams currently have the worst situations for the foreseeable future in the NBA (18:12). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney and Wosny Lambre Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony Edwards received his 16th technical foul and was ejected during the Timberwolves' matchup against the Lakers Thursday night. Ant will now serve the mandatory one-game suspension for receiving his 16th tech. Former teammate Austin Rivers joins Logan and Raja to discuss how receiving so many technicals can affect his image and what steps Ant-Man should take to boost his stardom (3:37). Plus, Paul George has decided to halt his podcast to focus on the Sixers, getting healthy, and trying to win a championship. What's the real reason George put the mic down, and can active player podcasts affect results on the court (38:42)? The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Guest: Austin Rivers Producer: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Video: Victoria Valencia Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos go through the past five years of the NBA draft and reselect the top five picks! 2020 (03:37) 2021 (18:32) 2022 (47:35) 2023 (65:40) 2024 (79:34) Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck discuss the Knicks falling to the Cavs and the Celtics in embarrassing fashion over the weekend (7:08). Can the Knicks realistically compete with top-notch competition, or should they be content with possibly reaching another 50-win season? The Sixers have been a complete dumpster fire since the start of the season, and Joel Embiid is facing lingering injury problems. Should the Sixers shut him down for the rest of the season and enter the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes (31:06)? The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producer: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Video: Victoria Valencia Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos kick off the week by looking to answer five big questions heading into the NBA season's stretch run: What's the Lakers' ceiling this season? (2:44) Can Jimmy Butler's face-melting dark arts work in the Western Conference? (20:41) Are we sure the Knicks are the third-best team in the East? (35:40) With Wemby now ineligible, who are the five first-team All-NBA guys? (45:16) Who has it worse from this point on: Phoenix or Philly? (1:02:44) Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, Wosny Lambre Producer: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan, Raja, and Howard start off with the news that Victor Wembanyama will be ruled out for the remainder of the season (01:16). Then, Howard goes on a legendary rant about aggregators (09:07), their personal experience at All-Star Weekend (25:11), and their thoughts on the new format as well as the event as a whole (32:39). After, they discuss Luka's underused role with the Lakers so far (48:59), before getting into whether or not expansion is really the best idea for the NBA (54:37). Hit the mailbag!: realonesmailbag@gmail.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are joined by J. Kyle Mann and start with the news that broke right before the show: Victor Wembanyama will be out for the season (5:00). Later, with Expansion Week happening at The Ringer, the guys decide to do an NBA Expansion Draft (10:38). Justin and Kyle are the GMs of the first expansion team in Seattle, while Rob and Wos are the GMs of the second expansion team in Vegas. Each team picks nine players, then they walk us through who's eligible for the draft and their reasoning behind each pick. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, Wosny Lambre Guest: J. Kyle Mann Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard M'fin Beck are live from the Punchline is San Francisco during all-star weekend presented by State Farm! The guys discuss who are the true contenders from both the Western and Eastern Conference. Will this All-Star weekend be successful with the new ASG format? Plus, Raja dissects if AAU is affecting the NBA product and who were the top 5 overrated/underrated players he had to defend. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag!: realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producer: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Video: Victoria Valencia Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With no Justin for this episode, Rob and Wos open up the listener mailbag! They start by giving their thoughts on the Brandon Ingram extension (5:41) before answering your questions about the Warriors (15:25), the Sixers' disastrous season (26:07), Russell Westbrook for Most Improved Player (37:51), who makes first-team All-NBA in 2030 (43:55), and much more. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Rob Mahoney and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan, Raja, and Howard get right into Luka Doncic's debut as a Laker. How will the new-look Lakers pan out with Luka and LeBron, and how far can they go in the Western Conference (01:42)? Whose team is it between LeBron and Luka, and how can the team balance satisfying both stars' needs (16:49)? Jimmy Butler has looked solid in his first two games with the Warriors. Can they make a playoff push and avoid the play-in with Jimmy (39:43)? Logan is also joined by Joel Anderson and Bryan Curtis to discuss the state of the NBA and where the league and its players stand on social issues (1:18:04). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag!: realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Guests: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Producer: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices