Podcasts about defensive rating

Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers talk NBA betting for Saturday. The guys also give out best bets.

Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers talk NBA betting for Saturday. The guys also give out best bets.

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“Welcome back to the show! The Knicks are heating up in December, with a 6-2 record fueled by improved defense and dominant wins over teams like the Pelicans, Magic, and Timberwolves. OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges have anchored an evolving defense that now ranks 15th in Defensive Rating, with the team excelling in areas like defensive rebounding and limiting second-chance points. We'll break down their impact, key team stats, and what this means for the Knicks' playoff hopes. Let's dive in http://snyk-pod.printify.mehttps://open.substack.com/pub/snykpodcastttps://www.reddit.com/u/stateofthenyk/s/yoKynjgKb5https://open.spotify.com/show/4eLLwluGex6NOlCxc0FhVk?si=O7NVaAMWSheD9LPqs1i2Og&pi=u-EfVCFKyFRs2f

Frankie Cartoscelli and Brenden Nunes joined Stiles & Watkins Wednesday afternoon to discuss the Sacramento Kings' recent inconsistent play, their 28th-ranked defense post-All-Star break, their long-term projection, and more.

The Celtics lost to the Thunder 127-123 in a game they fell down by as many as 18pts. This game looked like it was over and the Celtics put on a show in the 4th quarter mounting an excellent comeback that fell just short. This Thunder team is not the same team as years past. They currently rank 6th in Offensive Rating and 5th in Defensive Rating and have been a very fun team to watch. With that being said, the Celtics did a lot of things really well in this game despite a horrible shooting night from JB. We shredded a couple of zones the Thunder threw our way and moved the ball really well. The issue tonight was the turnovers and the defense that was played through most of the game besides the 4th quarter. We put Porzingis on Giddey in that Timelord free safety roll that worked out so well last year but Giddey made us pay with 23pts. It's a tough loss against a good team but the Celtics remain 2 games up on the Bucks in first place so far. If you're looking to buy or sell a home in the near future meet Deb Burke, your trusted realtor at Compass Real Estate, serving MA and NH. With a passion for finding dream homes, Deb is committed to making your real estate journey a breeze. Whether you're buying or selling, Deb's got your back. Reach out today at 978-930-4621 or email deb.burke@compass.com to start your next chapter. Let's turn your real estate dreams into reality! Are you tired of insurance options that leave you feeling lost in the dark? Look no further than Joe Lyman of Brightway Insurance! Joe goes above and beyond to find the perfect coverage for you. So whether it's homeowners, renters, car, commercial or even pet insurance, Joe will make sure you're protected where and when it matters most. Contact Joe at Joe.Lyman@brightwayinsurance.com today and let him brighten your path to peace of mind. So whether you're driving, working out, or just relaxing, make sure to check out Joe Lyman at Brightway Insurance. Brightway Insurance, your beacon in the world of insurance. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/guy-deplacido/support

The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Celtics the other day in OT in one of the most entertaining games of this early season. So far, the Cavs have a top 10 Offensive and Defensive Rating, and look like one of the most formidable teams in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics slide to 4-3, but their losses have been close against good teams, so there is not much worry yet. There is some worry over in Golden State, where the Warriors lose 3 of their last 4 to drop to 3-6. Their defense has been awful, and it seems unlikely that Wiseman is a productive force this year. This episode has a recap of some of the more entertaining games of the past few days, as well as some predictions for tonights game slate. Enjoy! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Nella puntata di oggi tornano le bold prediction, le previsioni azzardate per la stagione 2022-23Timing:(00:55): Le previsioni della scorsa stagione(3:30): Shai All Star(6:17): Thunder in top 5 per rimbalzi e OREB(9:39): Tre Mann MIP(12:20): Jalen Williams All Rookie First Team(14:10): Thunder in top 15 per Defensive Rating(15:40): Thunder con 29 vittorie(18:10): Lu Dort perderà il posto da titolare entro fine stagione(18:52): Dort scambiato entro l'inizio della prossima stagione(23:30): JRE si confermerà sopra il 35% dall'arco(24:45): Darius Bazley rinnova con un triennale(26:45): Drake vedrò almeno 2 partite dei Thunder al Paycom Center(27:30): Considerazioni su Poku e sulla squadra in generale

DK DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800- GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL/IN/LA/MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), visit OPGR.org (OR), call/text TN REDLINE 1- 800-889-9789 (TN), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/LA(select parishes)/MI/NH/NJ/ NY/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. $200 in Free bets: New customers only. Min. $5 deposit. Min $5 bet. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 free bets. Bet must win. Ends 10/17/22 @ 8pm. Stepped Up SGP: 1 Token issued per eligible game. Opt in req. Min $1 bet. Max bet limits apply. Min. 3-leg. Each leg min. -300 odds, total bet +100 odds or longer. Ends 1/8/23 @ 8pm. See eligibility & terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/footballterms

In the latest episode of the Celtics PRIDE Podcast, Adam, Josh and Mike prepare for tonight's game vs Atlanta by taking a look at the past 3 games, including notes on Cade Cunningham, and how Al Horford's absence vs the Pacers is just the latest reminder of why not to misperceive his Horford's value.   Then the Pride Guys take a deeper dive into the advanced statistics they've found most intriguing of late: Offensive Rating, Defensive Rating, and Net Rating, and their impacts on the Celtics chances in the playoffs. Specifically, they bring up how those three stats have impacted likelihood of making the conference finals over the past ten years, quoting Andrew Schlecht and Alex Spears recently on The Athletic NBA Show. Mike looks closer at our offense and how the numbers have been trending since December 31, and since February 1st, and then Josh wonders what other contributing factors would impact our success in these categories? Would the jump in age from Brad Stevens' recent personnel moves be involved? And more specifically are these metrics for real? Mike and Josh then end the pod by gushing over the upcoming schedule, including notes on the recent play of Ja Morant, who the Celtics face on Thursday. The next three home games host some of the most dynamic point guards in the NBA with Trae Young, Morant, and then Kyrie Irving all being welcomed to Boston. Tune in for your latest Celtics fix. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe to the Celticsblog podcast feed (“Celtics PRIDE”) and follow us on Twitter @celticspridepod, a @celticsblog podcast.  Hosts: Adam Motenko, Josh Motenko @coachmotenko and Mike Minkoff, @mikeminkoffnba  Email: at celticspridepodcast@gmail.com You can find regular episodes of the CelitcsPod and Celtics PRIDE podcasts on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever else you listen to your podcasts.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

-> #JENPSAKI (White House Press Secretary) seems to have a 99 DEFENSIVE RATING for each briefing. https://youtu.be/z5f7mb0ny8s Please excuse me being out of breath for the first few minutes of the podcast. (Maybe it wasn't smart to record RIGHT after eating some, MCDOWELL'S) COMPREHENSION, COMPREHENSION, COMPREHENSION, PATTERNS, PATTERNS, PATTERNS TEENAGERS, your voice is more powerful than you realize. LIMIT social media. I know I sound

Nick Angstadt (@NickVanExit) and Isaac Harris (@IsaacLHarris) breakdown the Dallas Mavericks first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers. They discuss Key Changes between the Mavs and Clips including how the Mavs are different with Josh Richardson as opposed to Seth Curry last season and how the Clippers are different without Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell.Then they break out some Key Stats for both teams including why the Defensive Rating discrepancy isn't that big, the advantage the Mavs have in Clutch Games, and the numbers when Luka Doncic & Kristaps Porzingis are On/Off the court. The guys then compare the Key Matchups for both teams. Finally, they answer two questions: 'Why will the Clippers win' and 'Why will the Mavs win?'Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Locked On MavericksFollow/Subscribe Anywhere: linktr.ee/LockedOnMavsDownload & Follow NickVanExit on Locker RoomSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! | Offers from our sponsors: lockedonpodcasts.com/offersBuilt Bar — Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you'll get 15% off your next order.BetOnline AG — There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus.Rock Auto — Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you.Indeed — Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nick Angstadt (@NickVanExit) and Isaac Harris (@IsaacLHarris) breakdown the Dallas Mavericks first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers. They discuss Key Changes between the Mavs and Clips including how the Mavs are different with Josh Richardson as opposed to Seth Curry last season and how the Clippers are different without Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell. Then they break out some Key Stats for both teams including why the Defensive Rating discrepancy isn't that big, the advantage the Mavs have in Clutch Games, and the numbers when Luka Doncic & Kristaps Porzingis are On/Off the court. The guys then compare the Key Matchups for both teams. Finally, they answer two questions: 'Why will the Clippers win' and 'Why will the Mavs win?' Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Locked On Mavericks Follow/Subscribe Anywhere: linktr.ee/LockedOnMavs Download & Follow NickVanExit on Locker Room Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! | Offers from our sponsors: lockedonpodcasts.com/offers Built Bar — Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline AG — There is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus. Rock Auto — Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Indeed — Get started RIGHT NOW with a FREE SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLAR SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/locked Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The last 5 games the Magic are 4-1 with the 2nd best Defensive Rating in the league. Should the Magic stay the course, should they make moves at the trade deadline? Jonathan & Luke discuss that & more! Follow Us: TheSixthManShow.com IG & Twitter: @SixthManShow Facebook: facebook.com/TheSixthManShow Twitch: Twitch.tv/SixthManShow @j_osborne21 @lukesylvia96 Music: Prod. by Tantu Beats If you enjoyed the show please leave a rating & a review!

Pacers +3 Ca$H vs the Warriors outright as they win the game let’s gooo!! Needed that. Today’s episode is all about Lamar Jackson vs Josh Allen! NFL Divisional Card breakdown Bills vs Ravens My Pick: Bills Moneyline & UNDER 50.5 Moneyline: BAL: (+116) | BUF: (-136) Spread: BAL: +2.5 (-105) | BUF: -2.5 (-115) Total: 50.5 – Over: (-105) | Under: (-115) Ravens are 2nd in points against  Bills are 16th in points against 2nd in bills points vs 7th in ravens points Baltimore Road Record: 7-2 SU, 6-3 ATS, 3-6 O/U Buffalo Home Record: 8-1 SU, 6-3 ATS, 6-3 O/U - Baltimore is 7-0 against the spread (ATS) in its last seven games. - Buffalo is 8-1 ATS in its last nine games. *Harbaugh just 2-3 in road divisional playoff games vs being 5-1 in Ravens Wild Card Games! Reasons I like the UNDER: Baltimore is surrendering 18.6 PPG this season (T-No. 1 in the NFL) The total for this matchup is 50.0 points, 10.5 fewer than the combined scoring average of the two teams These teams allow a combined 42.3 points per game, 7.7 fewer points than this matchup’s over/under Baltimore has allowed the second-fewest points in NFL play this season, while Buffalo has given up the 16th-fewest *Bills held Lamar to 3.6 YPC in their matchup last year NBA WEDNESDAY PICK: Grizzlies / Minnesota Timberwolves UNDER 219.5 *Betting Trend Via Vegas insider: The Timberwolves are 0-10 ATS (-13.70 ppg) as a home favorite with rest. While Memphis ranks 27th in Offensive Rating, according to NBA Advanced Stats & Memphis is 106.8 Defensive Rating ranked sixth in the NBA entering play on Tuesday night. Minnesota entered Tuesday ranked 25th in Offensive In those six games without Ja Morant, the Grizzlies have held their opponent to 94 or fewer points four times.  @MoneylineMonaco for more content!

Lee Branscome goes solo to talk about the Charlotte Hornets 3 game recap. Good Hornets stats vs Bad Hornets stats, Offensive and Defensive Rating conversation, and 3 big observations including a LaMelo Ball update. 

As the Denver Nuggets approach the midway point, statistical projections have begun to appear less like conjecture and more like fact. The Nuggets, ranked 7th in Offensive Rating and 13th in Defensive Rating, are taking shape as one of the main powers in the Western Conference to match LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and the supposed juggernaut teams in Los Angeles. To begin, I shared five statistical tidbits that help the Nuggets even the playing field with these other teams, including winning percentages, Michael Porter Jr.'s growth, and more. Then, I delved into the weeds of lineup ratings, first starting with Denver's best units overall and working my way toward Denver's best units offensively. How does Denver score with Nikola Jokic off the floor? Where does Jerami Grant fit in? Can Michael Porter Jr. really play down the stretch? All that and more in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Start your free trial at The Athletic by going to theathletic.com/wethe6. Right now, our listeners get 40% off an annual subscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Neste episódio, analisamos a troca que enviou Russell Westbrook para o Houston Rockets, levando em conta o seu desempenho na carreira e como ele pode encaixar no esquema da equipe. *Adendo: ao contrário do que foi afirmado no episódio, a temporada 2011-12 da NBA teve 66 partidas, não 60. Links com explicações para as estatísticas avançadas mencionadas no episódio (em inglês): Effective Field Goal Percentage: https://www.sportingcharts.com/dictionary/nba/effective-field-goal-percentage-efg.aspx Offensive Rating e Defensive Rating: https://www.basketball-reference.com/about/ratings.html Player Efficiency Rating: https://www.basketball-reference.com/about/per.html True Shooting Percentage: https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/stats/tsp_calc.html Usage: Percentage: https://www.nbastuffer.com/analytics101/usage-rate/ Win Shares: https://www.basketball-reference.com/about/ws.html VORP: https://www.basketball-reference.com/about/bpm.html Artigo do blog Nunca na história da NBA se tentou tantos arremessos de três – e o Houston Rockets é o maior exemplo disso: https://nasentrelinhasdojogo.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/houston-rockets-historia-nba-arremesso-de-tres-pontos/ Vídeo do canal BBALLBREAKDOWN The PROBLEM With Russell Westbrook, James Harden, And The ROCKETS: https://youtu.be/zjgP8kVUSS4 Confira nossas redes sociais: Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlogNEJ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NasEntrelinhasdoJogo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nasentrelinhasdojogo/ Apresentação: Luís Martinelli (Twitter: https://twitter.com/LG_Martinelli ) Trilhas utilizadas Come Home by Alex (c) copyright 2014 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/AlexBeroza/46603 Ft: spinningmerkaba Pincer Move (Harley Davidson mix) by Di3_Hippi (c) copyright 2013 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/Di3_Hippi/43226 A Whole New Helix by septahelix (c) copyright 2018 Licensed under a Creative Commons Noncommercial Sampling Plus license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/septahelix/58403 Tumblin Down (cdk Mix) by Analog By Nature (c) copyright 2012 Licensed under a Creative Commons Noncommercial Sampling Plus license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/cdk/35847 Ft: Kirkoid 12 String by Skill_Borrower (c) copyright 2013 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/Skill_Borrower/41576 Ft: Karstenholymoly, Javolenus, Donkie Horse Mule, tigabeatz, macroform, RHBeatProductions, DreamSynth, annabloom Escape Clause by Mana Junkie (c) copyright 2019 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/mana_junkie/59350 Ft: SergioDag

Lakers current record, Western Conference standings, Lakers Defensive rating The talk with Walton, Management styles.

Lakers current record, Western Conference standings, Lakers Defensive rating The talk with Walton, Management styles.

The Nuggets got off to a fast start and are the best in the league in Defensive Rating… how did that happen? Is it sustainable? The Grizzlies are winning games in grit and grin fashion. Are they the Grizzlies we all remember? Is there anything new the Warriors are doing? And the Nets have been competitive so far, is winning a realistic goal for this season?All of this and more.Follow Dane on Twitter: @DaneMooreNBAFollow us on Twitter: @willis_glen / @LawtonWillis / @presspodcastLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Pelicans played a different kind of game against the fourth team in Defensive Rating in the Los Angeles Clippers and still managed a victory on a porous shooting night behind the heroics of Anthony Davis, Elfrid Payton and co!! Join Oleh Kosel, Robert Flom and I as we break down all the action and preview the Clippers home matchup on Tuesday, Thank you for listening! And as always, if you like what you're hearing…. Subscribe and rate us today! Follow us @TheBirdWrites Blogtalkradio.com/thebirdcalls Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bird-writes-nba-podcast-for-new-orleans-pelicans/id1254580823?mt=2 Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/preston-ellis/the-bird-writes-nba-podcast-for-new-orleans-pelicans?refid=stpr Tune In: https://tunein.com/radio/The-Bird-Writes-NBA-Podcast-on-New-Orleans-Pelicans-p1012419/ Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ikgqrpz5xjivbhyutvkj5lya3ni?t=The_Bird_Writes_NBA_Podcast_for_New_Orleans_Pelicans

Puntata dedicata alle 16 squadre di Eurolega: per ognuna, dopo aver detto record, Offensive e Defensive Rating e Pace, abbiamo assegnato un voto da 1 a 5 in base alle nostre prime impressioni.

The Dubs' latest thumping came at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder, I would say the Thunder have GSW's number, but most of their problems were in the effort department. Seemingly no one except David West even tried to stay in front of Russell Westbrook, while 25 turnovers—most of them live-ball and many of them plays of insanity—fueled OKC's fast break. Kevin Durant was mostly good but took only 14 shots due to the turnovers and didn't have much backup last night.The difference in Offensive and Defensive Rating numbers on Basketball Reference and NBA.com is the subject of this week's Statistical Deep Dive. Going forward, I will utilize Basketball reference for individual ORtg and DRtg, while utilizing the NBA's stats website for team ORtg and DRtg. The differences in the stats on both websites are broken down in the second segment.In the third segment, I look at the bigger picture for the Warriors, including the chance that they will go into the playoffs without the no. 1 seed. Other topics include Kristaps Porzingis' ACL tear (and who should replace him in the All-Star Game), and Patrick McCaw taking a G-League sabbatical. Kevin Durant hurt his left hand and is questionable for tomorrow's game against the Mavericks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Dubs' latest thumping came at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder, I would say the Thunder have GSW's number, but most of their problems were in the effort department. Seemingly no one except David West even tried to stay in front of Russell Westbrook, while 25 turnovers—most of them live-ball and many of them plays of insanity—fueled OKC's fast break. Kevin Durant was mostly good but took only 14 shots due to the turnovers and didn't have much backup last night. The difference in Offensive and Defensive Rating numbers on Basketball Reference and NBA.com is the subject of this week's Statistical Deep Dive. Going forward, I will utilize Basketball reference for individual ORtg and DRtg, while utilizing the NBA's stats website for team ORtg and DRtg. The differences in the stats on both websites are broken down in the second segment. In the third segment, I look at the bigger picture for the Warriors, including the chance that they will go into the playoffs without the no. 1 seed. Other topics include Kristaps Porzingis' ACL tear (and who should replace him in the All-Star Game), and Patrick McCaw taking a G-League sabbatical. Kevin Durant hurt his left hand and is questionable for tomorrow's game against the Mavericks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our favorite Golden State Warriors guest, Andy Liu of Warriors World, is back for a record fourth episode to discuss his team with us. After a brief stumble during which they lost five of seven games when Kevin Durant went down with injury, the Warriors look like they’ve righted the ship. They're currently on a nine-game win streak, including four convincing wins against teams that will make the playoffs in the Western Conference: the Thunder, Grizzlies, Rockets and Spurs. Andy explains how a team that has by far the best Net Rating in the NBA, the best Offensive Rating and the second-best Defensive Rating, could possibly even be underrated heading into the playoffs. Check out these golden excerpts from the episode:7:22-8:09: Andy explains why he never bought into overreaction that the Warriors were collapsing during the team's recent slump:"Kevin Durant had just gone down, and these guys were really shook up about it, and they had to adjust. In that adjustment period, Steph couldn't hit a shot, the worst slump of his entire career. Klay was going through a slump as well. Draymond Green hadn't shot the ball well all year and still isn't. So they had a lot of issues on that end. They ended up going 2-5, and they played eight games in 13 nights. Since then, they've been great. They've also played a ton of trash teams. And the scheduling is going to get better from here. They've got six of seven at home to end the season…If there was a Finals game today, [Durant] would be playing, but he'll be back in a week and a half or two weeks, so the team is fine again. That's why I was never too worried about it."13:40-14:23: Next, our guest explores how the Warriors feel about resting their players and whether commissioner Adam Silver's memo on rest has any impact on Kerr's coaching decisions:"Him and Popovich are the greatest at [managing minutes]. If you look at the minutes, Steph, Klay and Dray, those guys average about 33, 34 minutes a game only, and this has been going on for the last two and a half years. He really plays 10, 11 guys no matter what, and he doesn't like to overexert his players...Here's the other thing. They also don't like to rest. Kerr, if he had a choice, would love to, but the players would not allow that, and some of the coaching staff also would like these players to remain in rhythm as well."21:10-22:45: From the Warriors perspective, Andy is only really concerned about one potential opponent this postseason. He also highlights which Western Conference upstart the Warriors should probably fear within the next couple seasons."LeBron James, that's about it. Concern. Even though the Cavs aren't playing well right now…Honestly, it would be kind of disappointing to see if it wasn't LeBron [in the Finals]…In terms of matching up with the West teams, that's fun because I think the Jazz are going to be there next year or the year after. I think they're going to be the one that challenges the Warriors, because they replicate the Grizzlies' style the most while adding a little more firepower. The Grizzlies had a 2-1 lead over [the Warriors] a couple years ago. They're able to bang, they're able to hurt the Warriors…You've got the Rockets who want to shoot 3s with the Warriors, which is not happening, so that's an easy win. That's the type of team the Warriors love playing. And then you've got the Clippers, who the Warriors have owned the last couple of years. And then you've got the Spurs, which is obviously the big Bogeyman for the Warriors, who still haven't beaten [the Warriors] in a playoff series."27:00 - 28:47: Finally, our insider asserts that, despite reaching the NBA Finals in consecutive seasons and breaking the single-season wins mark last season,Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

O Canada! Our home and native land! Blake Murphy, who writes about the Raptors for ESPN TrueHoop's Raptors Republic and The Athletic among other sites, joins the podcast to share his knowledge on Raptors topics such as how trade deadline acquisitions Serge Ibaka and P.J. Tucker enhance lineup flexibility and the irony of Jonas Valanciunas' situation in that the better he plays seemingly the less chance he has of sticking around next season. Among other salient team-centric subjects, Murphy addresses how Kyle Lowry could have better handled his controversial wrist injury. Unfortunately, this episode does not come with universal healthcare, but here are some soothing excerpts to help alleviate those pains of yours. Plus, preexisting conditions do not preclude you from enjoying:4:21-5:09 on Serge Ibaka's fit with the Raptors:"He's had a nice positive impact. The 3-point shooting, he's knocking down 40 percent of his shots on 4.5 looks per game. The best thing for the Raptors is that most of them have been above the break. Normally the Raptors get a lot of corner shooting, especially from their power forward position, but as Ibaka has played some center, he's given them a nice pop threat, which is a different wrinkle for guys like DeRozan, and when he's back, Lowry to use. The Raptors defense has been much much better since the trade deadline. They're seventh in the NBA in Defensive Rating over the last 10 games. That's not all owing to Ibaka, but he's been a nice rim-protecting presence…Ibaka's seeing a lot of time at center and in close games they're closing with Ibaka [there]."9:16-10:09 on the injured Kyle Lowry's importance to the team:"Lowry is the engine of the team. Dwane Casey referred to him as the 'queen bee'...you look at the things they do offensively, and even though his usage is 10 percentage points lower than DeRozan's, Kyle Lowry is their best 3-point shooter, so when DeRozan is operating, Lowry is the best floor spacer they have to help DeRozan's game. Look at their 3-point shooting since he's gone out. It's almost all catch-and-shoot. They don't have any pull-up 3-point threats, and Lowry is one of the best, alongside Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard and Kyrie Irving at pulling up, even from 30 feet, and that's an element, especially in the transition game, that opponents have to pay attention to…The Raptors are obviously notorious for not moving the ball particularly well. Well, Lowry's their best playmaker."27:16-28:36 on the Raptors' chances against the Cavaliers in the playoffs:"It's tough. What we saw last year was that, when Toronto is at its best, they can hang with Cleveland. The two games that the Raptors won in that series and the two they won in the regular season, they played a good game. They ground things down a little bit, they made the game physical, and they matched up with Cleveland well that way. But what we also saw that time was, in the four games Cleveland won, they ran Toronto off the floor. And in the regular season meetings this year, Cleveland didn't have a ton of trouble with them. That talent gap is obvious there. The fact that Cleveland can spread the floor across all five positions, and the way they've killed the Raptors this year is posting LeBron up, forcing the Raptors to send help and zone up behind LeBron, and then LeBron pings passes to shooters all over the floor. You add Kyle Korver to that mix, who wasn't there when the Raptors last played them, and that's pretty deadly…The one thing the Raptors are better able to do now is they're a little more flexible lineup-wise…When the Cavs downsize…The Raptors have that option in Serge Ibaka, where last year they tried Bismack Biyombo in that spot.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices