The Sean Jones NBA Show

Let's discuss the 2025 NBA draft, starting with a brief overview of some historical draft data (1:06). Then, I'll go through each of the lottery picks with a scouting reports, team fits, and will decide if each player will be a Bust, Role Player, or All-Star:1. Cooper Flagg (4:46)2. Dylan Harper (10:21)3. VJ Edgecombe (16:51)4. Kon Knueppel (23:27)5. Ace Bailey (29:58)6. Tre Johnson (37:08)7. Jeremiah Fears (43:29)8. Egor Demin (48:51)9. Collin Murray-Boyles(53:31)10. Khaman Maluach (58:33)+ the Mark Williams Trade (1:05:51)11. Cedric Coward (1:10:38)12. Noa Essengue (1:16:47)13. Derik Queen (1:20:36)+ the Hawks/Pelicans Trade (1:25:33)14. Carter Bryant (1:29:03)Lastly, I will wrap up with a few players outside of the lottery that I am higher on than most (1:32:46) and lower on than most (1:37:17)

It's officially the NBA offseason which means teams are ready to make some deals! Let's discuss Kevin Durant being dealt to the Rockets, including how KD fits in Houston and if this pushes them to contender status (0:58), plus, how did the Suns do in their return for Durant? (...not well) (13:39). Next, the Celtics started their massive sell off to reset their cap sheet while Tatum is out, including shipping Jrue Holiday out to Portland for Anfernee Simons (21:01), plus, does the deal make sense for the Blazers? (27:51). Lastly, the Hawks get aggressive in adding Kristaps Porzingis (31:43), the Celtics get under the second apron (38:22), and the Nets join the party in their effort to hoard assets (41:35).

Let's discuss the Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals in which the Oklahoma City Thunder won their first NBA championship since moving to OKC, as an awesome 2024-25 season finally comes to a close. We'll start with a quick recap of the game (0:55), before diving into Halliburton's devastating Achilles injury early in the game (5:08). Then, the Thunder's keys to victory, including their all-time dominant defense (7:16), SGA's historic season (13:45), the rest of the OKC supporting cast (17:46), a historically great Thunder season (25:46), and if this might be a dynasty in the making (28:26). Lastly, why the Pacers lost (34:42), an appreciation of their unexpected playoff run (41:20), and if they can make it back to the Finals eventually (47:29).

Let's discuss Game 5 of the NBA Finals in which the Thunder win a huge one over the Pacers to go up 3-2 headed back to Indiana. We'll start with a recap of the game (0:55), before diving into THE Jalen Williams game (9:14) and other keys to OKC's victory (15:55). Then, Haliburton is injured (23:03), the Pacers turn it over like crazy (26:01), and Indiana's defense hits a slump at the worst possible time (28:53). And lastly, I'll discuss if the series officially over (32:48).

Let's discuss Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals in which the Thunder took down the Pacers to even the series at 2-2. We'll start with a quick game recap (0:58), before diving into how Indiana blew their golden opportunity at a championship (7:22), how OKC was able to win a weird statistical game for them (11:18), some things for the Pacers to clean up moving forward (20:46), and who has the upper hand headed into Game 5 (26:38). Then, Desmond Bane was traded to the Orlando Magic, so we'll discuss the trade from both the perspective of Orlando (30:56) and Memphis (48:26).

Let's discuss Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals in which the Pacers protected home court and beat the Thunder to take a 2-1 lead in the series. We'll start with a quick game recap (1:02), before diving into how Indiana was able to pull this one out, including Haliburton's increased aggressiveness, Mathurin's big game, Indiana's great defensive performance, attacking SGA defensively, and more (4:58). Then, we'll discuss some potential adjustments for the Thunder to make (26:30), if OKC should be concerned being down 2-1 (35:21), and if the Pacers can really win this series (38:37).

Let's discuss Game 1 of the NBA Finals in which the Pacers' voodoo magic continued as they stole another game to take a 1-0 series lead against the Thunder. We'll start with a quick game recap (0:53), before diving into Indiana and Tyrese Haliburton's all-time great clutch playoff run (5:46), how the Pacers survived their massive turnover numbers (14:04), Nembhard's big game (19:10), Oklahoma City's stagnant, isolation-heavy offense (22:26), the questionable Thunder big man rotation (26:07), some adjustments the Thunder can make in Game 2 (30:00), and if Indiana really has a chance to win the series now (33:32).

Let's give a full preview of the upcoming 2025 NBA Finals matchup between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. First, I will set the stage with summaries on the different paths that Indiana (1:15) and Oklahoma City (6:09) took to reach this year's Finals. Then, I will run through six "swing factors" that could decide the outcome of the series (11:36), starting with the turnover and transition battle (12:05), the Pacers' ability to hit corner 3s (19:28), Tyrese Haliburton's aggressiveness as a scorer (23:52), Rick Carlisle's willingness to shorten/adjust the rotation (27:13), how OKC balances their one-big vs. two-big lineups (32:28), and how often the games find themselves in clutch time (40:38). Then, I will take a look at what a Finals win (44:48) and loss (56:26) would mean for the Pacers and what a win (58:31) and loss (1:15:14) would mean for the Thunder. And lastly, of course, I will give my formal series prediction and justification (1:18:22).

Let's discuss the Pacers and Thunder advancing to the 2025 NBA Finals, starting off with the Pacers' improbable run to the Finals, including Haliburton's ascension, Rick Carlisle's brilliance, and another unbelievable comeback win (1:03). Then, the Knicks' defensive struggles, who is to blame for the loss, and their inherent roster flaws (24:33), followed by where the Knicks go moving forward in a wide open East (41:01). Next, the Thunder win the West, including their historically good defense, their stars showing out, and where this team ranks on the all-time list (47:25). Then, the Wolves getting manhandled by OKC's defense, Ant's disappointing series, and the differences between this series and previous ones for the Wolves (1:09:05), followed by where the Wolves go moving forward with a lot of moving parts this offseason (1:18:38).

Let's discuss the second round of the NBA playoffs wrapping up, starting with the Thunder taking down Jokic and the Nuggets in 7 hard fought games (1:14), the Knicks outlasting the Jayson Tatum-less Celtics in 6 games (21:50), the Pacers shocking the one-seeded Cavs in a quick 5-game route (44:29), and the Wolves taking advantage of Steph Curry's injury by beating Golden State in 5 games (1:02:34). Then, a preview of both conference finals matchups, with Knicks vs. Pacers (1:16:48) and Wolves vs. Thunder (1:26:22), including predictions for both.

Let's discuss all four favorites starting their second round series down 0-1 (and one starting down 0-2). We'll go through each series and see what the level of panic should be for the Cavs against the Pacers (2:08), the Wolves against the Warriors (+Steph's injury) (12:23), the Celtics against the Knicks (24:21), and the Thunder against the Nuggets (34:29).

Let's discuss each first round playoff series and pick a winner, including Thunder vs. Grizzlies or Mavs (1:38), Rockets vs. Warriors (8:16), Lakers vs. Wolves (20:28), Nuggets vs. Clippers (29:24), Cavs vs. Hawks or Heat (37:56), Celtics vs. Magic (42:49), Knicks vs. Pistons (47:22), Pacers vs. Bucks (53:33), and then I make my NBA Finals picks (1:04:14).

Let's discuss the stunning news that the Nuggets have fired both head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, including a deep dive into the recent mismanagement of this franchise and the failure to build a sustained contender around prime Nikola Jokic.

Let's start by discussing Memphis' shocking firing of Taylor Jenkins (1:25), before doing a stock up, stock down exercise on some of the hottest and coldest teams in the NBA right, including stock up on the Pacers (14:07), stock down on the Cavs (21:25), stock up on the Celtics (25:21), stock down on the Nuggets (30:48), stock up on the Wolves (38:32), stock down on the Grizzlies (44:30), stock up on the Warriors (53:04), stock down on the Bucks (1:01:16), stock up on the Clippers (1:07:13), and stock up on the Rockets (1:14:35). Then, we'll get into who I think the MVP should be and the truly historic season that the Thunder are having (1:22:13). Lastly, a quick victory lap on the Josh Giddey trade (1:29:57).

Let's take a step back and discuss the championship contention landscape as a whole by ranking and tiering all 30 teams into groups based on their current likelihood of contending. The tiers are as follows:Tier 8 - Duke Season Ticket Holders (1:52)Tier 7 - To Tank, Or Not To Tank (13:37)Tier 6 - The Ceiling Is The Floor (26:17)Tier 5 - Year From Hell (37:17)Tier 4 - Probably Still A Year Away (52:09)Tier 3 - Flawed, But Can't Rule Out (1:10:28)Tier 2 - Fully In The Mix (1:36:32)Tier 1 - The Favorites (2:02:13)

Sean is joined by Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports to discuss everything surrounding the Phoenix Suns and the disaster season they've had so far, coming from someone that's covered the Suns for many years. Starting with why the Suns have been so much worse this season despite appearing to be better on paper than last year (1:32), some potential adjustments to the rotation that we'd like to see (11:55), if there is any level of optimism for the rest of Phoenix's season (22:02), and what changes the Suns should consider in the offseason, including weighing a potential KD trade (26:20). Then, Victor Wembanyama has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a rare blood clot condition, so Sean will discuss the implications of that (34:10).

Sean is joined by Harrison Faigen of SB Nation to discuss everything surrounding the Lakers and early returns on the Luka Doncic addition coming from someone who has covered the Lakers for many years. Starting with Harrison's initial reaction to the deal (1:58), what we've seen fit-wise out of the small sample of Luka playing next to LeBron (11:46), the Mark Williams trade that was rescinded and has left the Lakers center-less (23:57), if the Lakers can legitimately contend this season as currently constructed and what their ceiling might be (36:09), if it would be a mistake to treat this season as a transition or throwaway year (45:43), and some potential offseason targets to address their hole in the front court (55:35). Then, we discuss our thoughts on the new All-Star game format and throw out some potential ideas on how to fix the product even further (1:09:01).

Let's discuss all the (non-Luka Doncic) moves that happened at this year's NBA trade deadline, including De'Aaron Fox joining forces with Wemby in San Antonio (0:58), Jimmy Butler finally getting moved to the Warriors (15:07), the Lakers adding Mark Williams to round out their rotation (27:42), the Bucks shipping out Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma (37:30), Brandon Ingram to the Raptors (47:11), De'Andre Hunter to the Cavs (54:27), Bogdan Bogdanovic to the Clippers (57:39), and the Suns dumping Nurkic and shopping--but keeping--Kevin Durant (1:03:44).

Let's discuss maybe the most shocking trade in NBA history, with Luka Doncic being dealt unprompted to the Lakers in the prime of his career for Anthony Davis. Starting off with the Mavs side of things and trying to understand why they would make this move and what their short- and long-term outlook is now in a post-Luka world (0:48). Then, moving to the Lakers side to understand how adding Luka changes both their current team and their future, including what moves might follow this one in order to round out their roster (21:39).

Let's discuss the Phoenix Suns flipping their unprotected 2031 first round pick for three additional firsts, in what could be a precursor deal for a bigger move... cough Jimmy Butler cough (1:09). Then, Sean goes through the Eastern Conference to pick his All-Star starters (10:48) and reserves (21:40), as well as his Western Conference starters (48:14) and reserves (56:00).

Sean is joined by Nick Walas—from Words With Walas—to discuss the contender picture in the East, including if the Celtics are still the favorites despite their recent semi-struggles, if the Cavs' regular season dominance can translate to the postseason, and which teams can really win the East (1:35). Then, we move out West to discuss the group of teams tightly compacted behind OKC, including which teams we view as the biggest threats to the Thunder, if the Rockets and Grizzlies are legit, and which playoff-hopeful teams are in danger of missing the play-in altogether (37:32). Then, we talk through the Nick Richards to Phoenix deal (1:03:42), before wrapping up with a few potential trades we'd like to see (or not see) ahead of the deadline in a few weeks (1:15:43).

Let's discuss the recent news of Jimmy Butler formally asking for a trade, including how we got to this point with him and Miami and which side is more at fault for the ugly breakup (1:16), then we'll look at every possible Jimmy destination and what a deal with each team might look like (13:51). Next, with the Suns plummeting, they've decide to shake up their lineup by benching Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic. I'll discuss what's led to their struggles, if this adjustment was the right move, and if Phoenix should consider blowing it up (40:22).

Let's discuss the Bucks' dominant win over the Thunder en route to winning the 2024 NBA Cup (1:21), the Bucks' turning their season around (3:36), the Thunder's flaws exposed (19:09), the Hawks' (27:56) and Rockets' (36:30) impressive runs to the semi-Finals, and overall thoughts on the successes and failures of the NBA Cup as a concept (41:31). Then, Dennis Schroder is dealt to the Warriors (47:58) and the Jimmy Butler rumors (52:29) with reported interest in Golden State (54:32), Dallas (56:43), Houston (58:23), and Phoenix (1:00:40).

Let's play another edition of my annual game called Sample Size Roulette, where I answer whether or not the sample size is big enough to say that... the 76ers' season is already over (0:54), the Knicks resoundingly won the Towns trade (10:47), the Cavaliers can actually make the NBA Finals (19:15), Tyrese Haliburton is just bad now (31:13), the Warriors are legitimate contending threats in the West (37:12), the Rockets are locks to make the playoffs in the West (45:38), both Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are taking the leap in the same season (52:43), the Suns have a serious problem at the center position (59:22), the Clippers are... kinda good? And maybe could be in the mix once Kawhi is back (1:05:07), and the league should consider abolishing conferences due to their lopsidedness (1:11:09).

Only 4-to-5 games into the season, let's play a little game of 'This or That', where I pose a question and decide between two teams to answer it. Including, which struggling team is in bigger trouble to start the season, the Nuggets or Bucks? (0:51) Which young team is a more serious threat to contend in the East, the Magic or Cavs? (19:10). Which head coach has had a greater impact on their new team, JJ Redick or Mike Budenholzer? (33:29) Which team has created greater separate in their respective conference, the Thunder or Celtics? (52:03) Which aging roster has been the bigger pleasant surprise, the Clippers or Warriors? (1:04:35) And which West playoff contender more desperately needs to make a move, the Pelicans or Rockets? (1:07:31)

Let's discuss 10 semi-bold predictions for the upcoming NBA season, including:-The Clippers will be a bottom-3 team in the West (1:32)-The Hawks will make the postseason (7:51)-The Celtics will lose in the second round (14:44)-The Pelicans will trade Brandon Ingram midseason for a starting center (21:28)-The Bucks will make the NBA Finals (26:53)-Reed Sheppard will replace Jalen Green in the Rockets' starting lineup (35:22)-The Suns will be a top-3 seed in the West (40:34)-The Mavericks will lose in the first round (48:39)-The Hornets will make the play-in (53:49)-The Heat will miss the playoffs and it will be Jimmy Butler's last season in Miami (57:40)Then, some quick hitting predictions including regression for a young team, some first time All-NBA players, a contender who will finish lower than expected, an unsuspecting winner for MIP, and public perception changing on one of the major offseason trades (1:01:16). Finally, I will wrap up with my formal predictions for how the standings will shake out and reveal my pick to win the NBA Finals (1:08:09).

Let's wrap up the preseason contender tiers. In part 2, I'll cover the following tiers:Tier 4 - NON-SERIOUS PLAYOFF TEAMS (0:53)15) Orlando Magic (3:06)14) New Orleans Pelicans (10:13)13) Los Angeles Lakers (19:41)12) Cleveland Cavaliers (27:22)11) Indiana Pacers (34:44)10) Memphis Grizzlies (42:16)Tier 3 - SLEEPING GIANT (50:14)9) Phoenix Suns (51:16)Tier 2 - IF THE BALL BOUNCES OUR WAY (1:00:52)8) Minnesota Timberwolves (1:02:02)7) Dallas Mavericks (1:10:07)6) Philadelphia 76ers (1:21:19)5) New York Knicks (1:29:50)4) Milwaukee Bucks (1:38:08)3) Denver Nuggets (1:46:58)Tier 1 - THE FAVORITES (1:55:49)2) Oklahoma City Thunder (1:56:27)1) Boston Celtics (2:06:18)

Let's start the 2024-25 NBA season preview--kicking off with some preseason contender tiers. In part 1, I'll cover the following tiers:Tier 8 - HAVE TANKATHON BOOKMARKED (1:21)30) Brooklyn Nets (2:17)29) Washington Wizards (4:59)28) Portland Trail Blazers (8:16)27) Detroit Pistons (11:40)26)Utah Jazz (15:05)Tier 7 - GEOGRAPHICAL BENEFICIARIES (18:08)25) Toronto Raptors (19:18)24) Chicago Bulls (23:21)23) Charlotte Hornets (27:31)22) Atlanta Hawks (30:16)Tier 6 - I MIGHT REGRET THIS (35:27)21) San Antonio Spurs (36:00)20) Houston Rockets (39:56)Tier 5 - FURTHER THAN YOU THINK (46:03)19) Los Angeles Clippers (46:50)18) Golden State Warriors (51:46)17) Miami Heat (56:51)16) Sacramento Kings (1:01:47)To hear tiers 1-4, check out part 2!

Let's discuss the blockbuster deal between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the New York Knicks involving Karl-Anthony Towns and Julius Randle, starting with the trade parameters (0:58), then discussing the Knicks' side of the deal (2:58), and then looking at the Wolves' perspective (22:44).

Let's discuss the recent transaction frenzy with all the biggest free agent signing and trades. First, Paul George signs with the 76ers, what that means for Philadelphia as a contender, and Daryl Morey's patience winning once again (0:55). Then, what PG's departure means for the Clippers moving forward in the short and long term (14:56). Next, Mikal Bridges joins his former Villanova teammates in New York in a intra-city blockbuster, looking at this trade both in a vacuum and within context, and where the Knicks now stack up in the East (22:17). Then, how this trade grades out for Brooklyn, including the deal they made with Houston to get their own pick back (40:20). Next, the Pelicans acquire Dejounte Murray from Atlanta and if his addition moves the needle for New Orleans in the West (45:33). Then, if the Hawks made the right decision dealing Murray and building around Trae Young (53:14). Next, the Thunder make two medium-sized splashes by adding Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso and what those additions do for their title hopes (56:47). Then, the Magic add Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (1:05:22) and what his loss means for Denver as they lose their second key piece in two years (1:08:06). Next, the Mavs add Klay Thompson via sign-and-trade (1:14:09) and what the Warriors do in a post-Klay Thompson world (1:20:10). Lastly, Wemby finally gets the point guard he lacked last season with point god himself, Chris Paul (1:25:14).

Let's discuss the 2024 NBA draft, starting with a quick discussion on the weak 2024 class overall (0:55). Then, I'll go through each of the projected lottery picks with a scouting reports, player comps, and will decide if each player will be a bust, role player, or all-star:1. Zaccharie Risacher (9:07)2. Alexandre Sarr (15:57)3. Reed Sheppard (23:10)4. Donovan Clingan (30:06)5. Matas Buzelis (34:52)6. Stephon Castle (40:16)7. Cody Williams (45:48)8. Dalton Knecht (50:23)9. Devin Carter (55:29)10. Ron Holland II (1:01:52)11. Rob Dillingham (1:10:14)12. Tidjane Salaun (1:14:13)13. Nikola Topic (1:19:28)14. Zach Edey (1:26:02)Lastly, I will wrap up with a few players outside of the lottery that I am higher on than most (1:34:54).

Let's discuss the Celtics defeating the Mavericks in game 5 to officially win the 2023-24 championship, starting with a quick game 5 recap (1:00). Then, the biggest keys to Boston's victory and the impressive performance of the entire team throughout their run (6:38), a Finals MVP discussion (36:05), a rundown of the all-time great and truly historic season that the Celtics put together (42:45), and if Boston could turn into a dynasty, or at the very least, a repeat (50:02). Then, the biggest shortcomings of the Mavs and why they fell short (56:48), why this season was still a resounding success for Dallas (1:08:30), and how close the Mavs are to actually winning it all and what options they have to get there (1:15:29).

Let's discuss the Mavericks blowing out Boston to extend the NBA Finals and make it a 3-1 lead for the Celtics, starting with a quick game recap (1:02). Then, Luka's improved defensive effort that allowed Dallas to excel on that end (7:13), the Kyrie adjustment that has gotten him back on track (15:26), the Dallas role players finally stepping up (18:42), and some lineup tweaks for Jason Kidd to consider (26:00). Next, the Celtics noticeably missing Porzingis (28:58), their stagnant perimeter-oriented offense (34:34), Tatum officially having a bad series (37:13), and Boston's lackluster effort across the board (40:42). Lastly, why Boston's panic meter should still be as low as it gets (43:43).

Let's discuss the Celtics winning game 3 in Dallas to take a 3-0 lead in the 2024 NBA Finals, starting with a quick game recap (1:10). Then, the Celtics continued strong play led by the improvement and evolution of Jaylen Brown in this postseason (9:51) and Boston's all-time dominant clutch time play in these playoffs (19:54). Next, the wildly disappointing effort from Luka Doncic in all aspects of the game (23:14) and a not so great Jason Kidd game and why there just might not be any adjustments for Dallas in this matchup (31:03). Lastly, revisiting the bizarre media and fan narrative surrounding this series (41:24) and how this Celtics playoff run and this Finals might compare all-time if Boston completes the sweep (45:16).

Let's discuss the Celtics taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the 2024 NBA Finals, starting with a quick game recap (1:11). Then, why losing this game was absolutely killer for Dallas (5:57), the 'Jrue Holiday Game' and how he's found the perfect role in Boston (8:46), the shot quality discrepancy (14:12), Luka's struggles defensively and usage concerns (17:18), and Kyrie and the role players not hold up their end of the bargain (23:38). Next, I will talk about four key adjustments that Dallas should consider making if they want to get back into the series (29:43). Finally, I will wrap up with a discussion on Jayson Tatum's offensive struggles in the Finals and how him and this team will be remembered if his play continues (45:07).

Let's discuss the dominate Boston win in game one led by a beautifully executed game plan and total team win, including Porzinigis' immediate impact, Brown's defensive excellence, Kyrie's struggles, Dallas' lack of ball movement, Luka's defensive mess, and more!

Let's give a full preview of the upcoming NBA Finals matchup between the Celtics and the Mavericks. First, I will set the stage with summaries on the very different paths that Dallas (1:11) and Boston (6:13) took to reach this year's Finals. Then, I will run through six key things to watch for that could decide the outcome of the series, starting with Kristaps Porzingis' health and effectiveness (8:09), who wins the battle between number two options with Kyrie and Brown (16:15), how the Celtics guards Luka and who guards Luka (24:47), Boston's late game execution and clutch time performance (31:34), if Dallas' swing guys can continue to perform at a high level (36:57), and the head coaching battle (41:40). Then, of course, I will give my formal series prediction and justification (46:41). Lastly, I will take a look at what a Finals win (53:35) and loss (1:05:21) would mean for the Mavs and what a win (1:06:40) and loss (1:15:44) would mean for the Celtics.

Let's discuss the Celtics and Mavericks winning their respective conferences and earning spots in the 2024 NBA Finals. Starting off in the East, with Boston and their sweep over Indiana, led by the strong play of Brown, Tatum, and Holiday (0:55) and why the Celtics' easy path to the Finals does not matter and won't be remembered if they win it all (12:23). Then switching to the Pacers to discuss their strong effort and wildly successful season despite being undermanned (20:01). In the West, I breakdown Luka's true domination (31:03), Kyrie, the Gafford/Lively pairing, and the rest of the role players' impact (38:17), and the brilliant moves by Nico Harrison that led to the Mavs' ascension (46:20). Lastly, the Timberwolves' embarrassing showing in Game 5 and series-long offensive woes (49:38), Ant's struggles and where this leaves him in the NBA superstar pecking order (54:21), Gobert and the role players' shortcomings (59:02), and if Towns' dreadful showing means the Wolves should considering trading him for an upgrade (1:02:06).

Let's discuss the Wolves winning game 7 over the defending champs and Jokic (0:58), Denver's flaws this season compared to last (17:44), the pressure on Denver to make additions (24:42), Indiana's historic game 7 shooting performance (29:22), New York's gas tank finally hitting empty (34:47), if the Knicks need to make a move or should run it back (41:32), Dallas and Luka advancing over the Thunder (46:16), OKC's youth getting exposed (1:01:23), if the Thunder should preach patience or go for it now (1:09:26), and picks for the Eastern Conference Finals (1:12:43) and Western Conference Finals (1:15:37).

Let's discuss where each second round series sits after four games. Starting with Denver coming back to tie things up with Minnesota, what's changed for Denver, and how the Wolves have begun to lean back into their bad habits (0:57), then the Thunder steal a game from the Mavs to tie it up 2-2, an SGA legacy game, OKC growing up in real-time, and Luka not doing his part for Dallas (25:03), then the Pacers demolish the Knicks to even the series, Haliburton starting to look more like himself, Indiana winning with pace and depth, and New York running on fumes (50:15), then the Celtics righting the ship versus Cleveland, the Mitchell-less Cavs showing some fight, and Jayson Tatum's underwhelming postseason (1:06:33).

Let's discuss the Cavaliers winning game 7 over the Magic, led by a big Donovan Mitchell performance (1:02), the Magic's successful season despite their roster limitations (3:48), why the Cavs shouldn't be fooled by their series win (13:25), if Cleveland has any chance versus Boston (21:30), the Clippers falling short due to injuries once again (25:21), the Mavs continuing their strong play (33:16), a Dallas and OKC series preview (37:03), and Anthony Edwards and the Wolves stealing game 1 in Denver (45:36).

Let's discuss the dogfight matchup between the Knicks and Sixers (1:11), if the one-man Brunson show is sustainable (10:06), elevating the Embiid-era and if the Sixers can ever get over the hump (16:50), the Bucks' season from hell coming to a close (29:08), the resounding successful Indiana Pacers season (37:24), previewing the Pacers vs. Knicks round two matchup (41:02), what the Kristaps Porzingis injury means for Boston (44:54), previewing the exciting Denver vs. Minnesota second round matchup (52:43), who wins the remaining two first round series in Mavs vs. Clippers (1:05:22) and Cavs vs. Magic (1:10:01), and Darvin Ham is fired by the Lakers (1:12:53).

Let's discuss the Timberwolves sweeping the Suns in convincing fashion, starting with a quick review of Phoenix's inconsistent season (0:54), how the Wolves pulled this off and what their ceiling is (5:09), the inherent flaws of Phoenix's roster and on-court performance (18:04), and where the Suns go moving forward (30:37).

Let's discuss where each first round series stands a few games into matchups.Suns vs. Wolves (0:47)Lakers vs. Nuggets (12:36)Pelicans vs. Thunder (25:19)Mavericks vs. Clippers (31:40)76ers vs. Knicks (38:29)Heat vs. Celtics (49:30)Pacers vs. Bucks (53:27)Magic vs. Cavaliers (1:00:21)

Let's discuss each first round series in the Eastern Conference Playoffs, including series previews and formal predictions for each matchup. Bucks vs. Pacers (0:44), Knicks vs. 76ers (11:50), Cavs vs. Magic (21:16), Celtics vs. either Heat, Bulls, or Hawks (30:37). **Note: This was recorded before news of Jimmy Butler's potential MCL injury.

Let's discuss each first round series in the Western Conference Playoffs, including series previews and formal predictions for each matchup. Clippers vs. Mavs (1:18), Wolves vs. Suns (16:10), Nuggets vs. Lakers (32:20), Thunder vs. either Kings or Pelicans (44:15).

Let's discuss the news that Julius Randle will miss the remainder of the season and what that means for the Knicks' postseason hopes (1:02), Joel Embiid's return to play and how that impacts the 76ers (9:28), the reign of mediocrity and inconsistency across the Eastern Conference playoff picture - most notably the Bucks, Knicks, Cavs, and Pacers (16:57), and then we will dive deep into the most intriguing and inevitable first round matchup between the red-hot Mavericks and inconsistent Clippers (28:17).

Let's discuss the recent news of the NBA investigating Jontay Porter for a potential gambling scandal (0:49), Jalen Green and the Rockets' hot streak putting pressure on the Warriors for the 10 seed (11:25), the race to avoid the play-in between the Mavs, Suns, Kings, and Lakers (23:36), the race for the 1 seed between the Nuggets, Wolves, and Thunder (36:20), and the potential 4/5 matchup between the Clippers and Pelicans (40:47). Then I move to the East to discuss the seed jockeying for the 2 thru 5 seeds between the Bucks, Knicks, Cavs, and Magic (47:42), and the Pacers, Heat, and 76ers looking to avoid the play-in (58:23).

Let's discuss LeBron James hitting the 40,000 career points scored milestone and how unbreakable of a record it truly is (1:07), the Boston Celtics' historical run and their all-time great season (14:27), the Bucks and Doc Rivers finally figuring it out defensively and looking like contenders (30:54), Wemby's absurd recent stretch, if he should win the DPOY, and why the pressure is on the Spurs to improve ASAP (40:27), and how injuries across the league have impacted a number of playoff contenders recently - most notably, the Sixers, Suns, Knicks, Pacers, and Cavs (52:06).

Let's discuss where each team stands as a contender and tier them off into post-all-star break contender tiers, including:HAVE TANKATHON.COM BOOKMARKED (2:20)BAD BUT FRISKY (6:10)DIRECTIONLESS TEAMS (11:22)NON-SERIOUS PLAYOFF TEAMS (17:02)FIRST ROUND NIGHTMARE (26:19)REGULAR SEASON DARLINGS (34:35)PUNCHER'S CHANCE (54:25)FLAWED THREATS (1:05:27)THE FAVORITES (1:15:30)

Let's discuss all things trade deadline, including a look at this year's moves versus last year's (0:50), the Knicks loading up with Bojan Bogdanovic (3:28), the Thunder adding Gordon Hayward (14:22), Buddy Hield to the 76ers (21:16), the Mavs emptying their draft cupboard for a pair of role players (25:15), the Wolves (35:11), Celtics (37:03), Suns (38:45), and Bucks (42:09) adding key bench pieces, and then two head-scratching trades by the Raptors (43:29). Lastly, we'll wrap up with teams who decided to stand pat like the Lakers (50:00), Bulls (54:07), Hawks (56:09), Nuggets (58:13), and Warriors (1:02:04).