Podcast appearances and mentions of Jarrett Allen

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima analyze a frustrating Guardians loss and debate whether manager Steven Vogt or the lineup deserves the blame. They react to Brian Windhorst's insights on LeBron James' future and evaluate a hypothetical blockbuster trade involving Jarrett Allen and Anthony Davis. The conversation also covers Gavin Williams' immaculate inning and Myles Garrett's recent home listing. 02:45 - Debating the Guardians Loss 06:30 - Bunting and Analytics Debate 10:47 - Brian Windhorst on LeBron 14:50 - Exhausted by LeBron Watch 22:11 - Anthony Davis Trade Scenario 27:00 - Jarrett Allen Versus AD 34:45 - Gavin Williams Immaculate Inning 38:24 - Myles Garrett Selling House

Ken and Anthony dig into the backlash Ken got for saying he'd be all-in on trading Jarrett Allen (and even Donovan Mitchell-adjacent pieces) if it meant landing Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving as part of a LeBron package deal. They argue the Cavs' contention window is tied to Mitchell right now, so bold roster gambles are worth the risk even if Davis's injury history and Draymond Green's public playoff criticisms of Allen complicate the case. Ken pushes back on fans who complain the Cavs can't compete but then balk at the kind of aggressive move it would actually take to get there, while both hosts stress they respect Allen's game and aren't trying to talk him down just to justify a trade.

Danny Cunningham of Locked On Cavs joins Ken and Lima still without a LeBron decision three weeks into the wait, and argues the Cavs' offseason has gone from "LeBron would be nice" to "LeBron is now a necessity" given the team's lack of other moves. He pegs Miami as the only real threat to Cleveland, ruling out teams like the Warriors or Sixers since he thinks LeBron cares about legacy and won't wear a new jersey late in his career. Cunningham also breaks down how James Harden's actual salary depends on where LeBron lands, floats a Jarrett Allen trade as the Cavs' most realistic path to real roster change, and pushes back on the narrative that Cleveland stood still while the rest of the East improved. He closes by predicting LeBron plays two more seasons wherever he signs, likely on a one-year deal for cap reasons.

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Ken and Anthony continue the Draymond Green debate, arguing his defensive IQ and toughness could unlock Evan Mobley in a way Jarrett Allen never has, especially with LeBron there to keep him in line. Caller Kool Ray flatly rejects the idea, insisting Draymond is all talk in the NBA and that Jarrett Allen already provides the toughness the Cavs need. Caller Deshawn disagrees, saying he'd have made a straight Allen-for-Draymond swap even without LeBron in the mix, pointing to Draymond's basketball IQ and leadership on both ends. The hosts also note the Eastern Conference may be getting weaker, with Kawhi Leonard and Toronto's situation giving them extra reason for optimism about a LeBron return.

Ken and Anthony debate whether the Cavs should pursue Draymond Green if it helps land LeBron James, arguing his toughness and edge could fix the "soft" label that's dogged Cleveland for years. They point out Draymond's durability and leadership despite his history of cheap shots and technical fouls, suggesting LeBron could keep him in line. The hosts dig into the money problem, noting Draymond turned down $27 million and would need to be made whole, likely meaning Jarrett Allen gets moved in a sign-and-trade to clear space. They close by asking listeners if they'd accept Draymond's baggage for a shot at contending with LeBron back in the fold.

Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin's discussion analyzes rumors surrounding LeBron James and Draymond Green golfing together, suggesting it could signal a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. They evaluate the potential cost of acquiring Green, including a possible trade involving Jarrett Allen, and why the team should remain patient for a final decision. 01:32 - LeBron and Draymond Rumors 03:23 - Trading for Draymond Green 06:20 - Draymond's Fit and Personality 07:52 - Waiting on LeBron's Decision

Just hours after Donovan Mitchell signed his extension, national NBA media already started calling it a bad contract, exactly as Anthony predicted weeks earlier. Ken pushes back hard, arguing that almost every max contract for a non top-five player gets labeled bad in today's NBA and that the Cavs had no real alternative given what the Jarrett Allen and Jalen Brown trades suggest they'd get in return. Anthony and Ken agree the new CBA is forcing every team into this same bind, but they maintain Mitchell remains a top-tier player whose playoff heroics get unfairly compared to LeBron and Kyrie's career-best moments rather than a fair baseline. They close by teasing Jason Lloyd's take on where LeBron might land next and whether that's the same answer as where he legacy-wise should go.

Ken and Anthony poke fun at insider Daryl Ruiter, whose prediction that Donovan Mitchell wouldn't sign an extension broke just minutes before Mitchell actually signed. The hosts then debate whether Mitchell's long-term commitment strengthens the Cavs' pitch to LeBron, with Ken arguing fans should thank Jalen Brunson's Knicks stardom for keeping New York from ever seriously pursuing Mitchell. Callers float the idea of trading Jarrett Allen and Max Strus for an injury-prone Anthony Davis, with Ken comparing AD to Joe Burrow, a player with a sky-high ceiling but a health record that makes the move risky. The segment closes with Ken laying out how Mitchell's extension, Mobley's presumed long-term future, and a potential Harden agreement could all click into place to make a LeBron return, and even an AD trade, more palatable for fans.

Ken and Anthony poke fun at insider Daryl Ruiter, whose prediction that Donovan Mitchell wouldn't sign an extension broke just minutes before Mitchell actually signed. The hosts then debate whether Mitchell's long-term commitment strengthens the Cavs' pitch to LeBron, with Ken arguing fans should thank Jalen Brunson's Knicks stardom for keeping New York from ever seriously pursuing Mitchell. Callers float the idea of trading Jarrett Allen and Max Strus for an injury-prone Anthony Davis, with Ken comparing AD to Joe Burrow, a player with a sky-high ceiling but a health record that makes the move risky. The segment closes with Ken laying out how Mitchell's extension, Mobley's presumed long-term future, and a potential Harden agreement could all click into place to make a LeBron return, and even an AD trade, more palatable for fans.

Ken and Anthony debate a wild scenario floated on Kevin O'Connor's show: that Draymond Green could follow LeBron wherever he signs, forcing Cavs fans to decide whether they'd welcome a longtime villain who they believe cost Cleveland a championship. Despite Draymond being a shell of his offensive self, the hosts argue his toughness, edge, and willingness to get in teammates' faces could be exactly what a Cavs team widely viewed as "soft" needs, with rapid-fire caller polling confirming most fans agree. They weigh whether Jarrett Allen, not Draymond, would actually be the odd man out given his defensive limitations, and whether adding Draymond could ironically improve floor spacing for Harden, Mitchell, Mobley and LeBron. The segment closes with Ken and Lima agreeing they'd have never predicted Draymond as a real Cavaliers possibility but are now open to it if it means bringing LeBron home.

As rumors heat up about LeBron James making a dramatic return to Cleveland, we push back against the national media critics to break down how the King would actually fit with the current roster. From potential offseason trades involving Jarrett Allen to Kenny Atkinson's coaching fit, we examine exactly what it would take to bring another championship to the Land.

As rumors heat up about LeBron James making a dramatic return to Cleveland, we push back against the national media critics to break down how the King would actually fit with the current roster. From potential offseason trades involving Jarrett Allen to Kenny Atkinson's coaching fit, we examine exactly what it would take to bring another championship to the Land.

As rumors heat up about LeBron James making a dramatic return to Cleveland, we push back against the national media critics to break down how the King would actually fit with the current roster. From potential offseason trades involving Jarrett Allen to Kenny Atkinson's coaching fit, we examine exactly what it would take to bring another championship to the Land.

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima discuss the increasing rumors of LeBron James returning to the Cavaliers after seeing social media clues in Akron. They speak with Danny Cunningham about potential roster moves involving Jarrett Allen and how a star-studded lineup would function under head coach Kenny Atkinson. 01:45 - World Cup Interest Debate 08:50 - LeBron Return Rumors 14:41 - Danny Cunningham Interview 20:53 - Cavaliers Roster Adjustments 26:21 - Coaching Fit For LeBron 32:49 - Kenny Atkinson Analysis

Ken and Anthony argue that NBA media's obsession with LeBron's "fit" in Cleveland is hollow, pointing out the league has had eight different champions in eight years playing wildly different styles of basketball, so no one really knows what a "good fit" even means anymore. They contend coastal media members are biased against cold-weather, Midwest cities like Cleveland, Detroit, and Chicago, and would be raving about the same roster if LeBron were from a sunnier market. Anthony brings up Danny Cunningham's earlier point that Jarrett Allen could be traded to better space the floor around a Mitchell-Harden-LeBron-Mobley core, since two non-shooting bigs create structural problems in the modern game. Both hosts admit they're rooting for LeBron's return and increasingly optimistic given his recent sightings back in Akron.

Ken and Anthony play a clip of The Athletic's Joe Vardon making the case that Cleveland is a strong LeBron fit not just for the roster, but because James Harden and Donovan Mitchell are true contemporaries he already has real relationships with, unlike younger stars on other contending teams. That leads into a debate over whether the Cavs' refusal to trade Evan Mobley is justified, with Ken and Anthony noting both Boston and Oklahoma City reportedly coveted him, and agreeing LeBron would likely want to play alongside Mobley given his two-way upside. A caller pushes for Mobley and Jarrett Allen to anchor the paint while moving Harden to a bench role. The segment closes with a lengthy World Cup tangent about Folarin Balogun's eligibility to play against Belgium after a red card controversy, with Ken again admitting his limited soccer knowledge while Anthony presses him on his contradictory level of engagement with the tournament.

Locked on Cavs host Danny Cunningham tells Ken and Anthony he believes LeBron James will end up back with the Cavs, though he stresses nothing is finalized and points to a critical window this week before things could start to feel uneasy. Cunningham pushes back on national takes calling the fit bad, arguing LeBron's playmaking, James Harden's adaptability, and Evan Mobley's defense would all mesh well, and predicts Jarrett Allen gets traded for more shooting and perimeter defense if LeBron signs. He also defends the Cavs' refusal to include Mobley in trade talks, comparing his value to what Jaylen Brown fetched, and says Kenny Atkinson's varied coaching experience gives him a real chance to handle a LeBron-led roster. The conversation closes with a broader discussion on how analytics have reshaped the NBA, with Cunningham noting the best teams use the data as a tool rather than a rigid rulebook.

Jonathan Peterlin and Jake Vulinec analyze how LeBron James would fit into a veteran role with the Cleveland Cavaliers, potentially acting as a facilitator for Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell. The discussion shifts to his lasting legacy and the likelihood of him playing into his mid-forties, drawing parallels to Tom Brady's career trajectory. Finally, they address caller concerns regarding roster construction, specifically the defensive chemistry between Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. 02:09 - LeBron's Role With Cavaliers 05:15 - LeBron's Longevity And Legacy 09:01 - Cavaliers Roster Trade Speculation

Ken argues Cleveland fans have grown too quick to throw Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley into trade talks because LeBron James, still playing at a high level, remains the unfair standard everyone gets measured against. He and Lima also speculate Koby Altman may be quietly shopping Jarrett Allen rather than Mobley, since the two bigs can't effectively space the floor together in the playoffs, and toss around long-shot names like Zion Williamson and Anthony Davis as potential targets. Both hosts note that if LeBron ultimately signs elsewhere, the fallout and blame will unfairly land on Mitchell rather than the front office.

Ken and Lima talk through whether the Cavs should trade Evan Mobley to land both LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, building on Brian Windhorst's report that James Harden opting out and LeBron's willingness to take a discount could set up a bigger roster shakeup. After weighing the defensive tradeoffs and shaky fit between Mobley and Jarrett Allen, Ken lands on yes, arguing a Donovan Mitchell, Jaylen Brown, LeBron, Jarrett Allen, Harden lineup gives the Cavs a better shot at a title right now than staying the course with Mobley. Lima pushes back throughout, worried about closing the championship window and replacing what Mobley provides on defense, while Ken counters that the current core, as good as it's been, still hasn't gotten them a ring. They close by fantasizing about LeBron's kids potentially joining the mix down the road as a bonus to the move.

The Chicago Bulls still have major offseason flexibility, and Haize breaks down how the team can use its remaining cap space to improve the roster, absorb contracts, and potentially add draft capital. After the Nic Claxton trade, Chicago may still have roughly $30 million in cap room, giving the Bulls a chance to become a trade-absorption team instead of relying only on free agency.On today's episode of Chicago Bulls Central, Haize looks at realistic Bulls trade targets who could help on the floor, including Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, Wendell Carter Jr., Jarrett Allen, Jonathan Isaac, Isaiah Hartenstein, Jalen Suggs, Dejounte Murray, and Cam Johnson. The Bulls need shooting, defense, physicality, and roster balance around Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, and Nic Claxton.Haize also breaks down contract-dump targets Chicago could take on for draft compensation, including DeMar DeRozan and Jakob Poeltl, and why the Bulls should ask one key question in those talks: what draft capital is attached?The episode also dives into the Bulls' rotation crunch heading into the 2026-27 season. With Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain joining the roster, players like Leonard Miller, Patrick Williams, Noa Essengue, Rob Dillingham, Tre Jones, Kam Jones, Jalen Smith, and Isaac Okoro could all face real pressure for consistent minutes.Plus, Haize reacts to Bryson Graham defending the Bulls' second-round draft trades, including the Braden Smith move to Indiana for Kam Jones, cash considerations, and future draft value. Was Chicago smart to preserve roster flexibility, or did the Bulls sell a pick too cheaply?

Ken and Jason Lloyd continue wrestling with the Evan Mobley for Jalen Brown scenario, with Ken gradually talking himself into accepting that this may be the only realistic upgrade available, even as he worries it just creates a lineup of three guards and Jarrett Allen. Jason makes the most compelling argument of the segment: if Ken doesn't believe Mobley can lead this team to a championship, and there's no other realistic trade partner, then saying no to Brown is essentially saying no to every Mobley trade forever. The Donovan Mitchell contract situation hangs over everything, with Jason noting the window is likely two years regardless, and Ken revealing he's been hearing whispers about Miami and Donovan's affection for Bam Adebayo as a potential landing spot if Mitchell doesn't re-sign. Ken closes with the James Harden analogy that keeps nagging at him: that move sped the clock up like cutting the wrong wire on a bomb, and whatever comes next has to be the right call.

Ken Carman and Jason Lloyd evaluate the rumors of LeBron James returning to Cleveland and the high trade value of Jarrett Allen. They then shift to a heated debate regarding the NFL Draft prospects of Shedeur Sanders and Brendan Sorsby, weighing talent against off-field gambling concerns. 01:02 - LeBron's Potential Cavs Return 01:36 - Jarrett Allen Trade Value 04:48 - Shedeur Sanders vs Sorsby 10:39 - NFL Gambling Policy Discussion 17:39 - Guardians Beat White Sox

A report from Brandon Scoop B Robinson adds fuel to the LeBron fire, claiming a return to Cleveland is genuinely on the table and would require James Harden to restructure his deal, LeBron taking less than max money, and a sign-and-trade with the Lakers that could involve moving Jarrett Allen or others. The David Griffin angle gets tossed into the mix as a fun subplot, with Ken admitting he'd love to see Griff back in Cleveland before Jason quickly pours cold water on the idea that LeBron would base any decision on who the GM is. Ken's central hang-up remains the same: coming back to Cleveland feels like a retirement tour admission, and he's not convinced LeBron is emotionally ready to make that concession while he's still physically capable of special things at 41. Jason pushes back gently, arguing LeBron has nothing left to prove and would be fine walking away on his own terms, championship window or not.

Live from the Bike Shed Moto Co at the Arts District, We play audio from ESPN Cleveland when Brian Windhorst went on and talked about the possibility of the LeBron going to the Cavs. Could we see Jarrett Allen on the move? How can the Lakers get a starting caliber big man? STRAIGHT UP WITH MIKE TRUDELL. SHOP TALK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Per NBC Sports Boston's Chris Mannix, the Celtics' real trade target isn't Donovan Mitchell, it's Evan Mobley for Jaylen Brown, and Anthony surprises Ken by saying he'd actually pull the trigger on it. Ken pushes back hard, arguing Mobley's talent is too tantalizing to give up and that the move solves a wing problem while creating a new one on the interior, leaving Dean Wade as the team's primary frontcourt defender. They pivot into an argument over whether Jarrett Allen, not Mobley, should be the one on the trade block given how much he's outperformed his bargain contract and helped win multiple Game 7s. The segment ends in chaos when a caller named Will claims the Knicks are overrated two weeks after winning the championship, and the guys roast him for one of the worst calls they've ever taken.

Brian Geltzeiler joins to weigh in on a possible Evan Mobley for Jaylen Brown swap and says he'd make the deal as Boston but isn't convinced as Cleveland, arguing Mobley's offensive ceiling has been capped by usage rather than talent. The segment derails into a heated argument when Anthony pushes back on Geltzeiler calling James Harden's Eastern Conference Finals performance "humiliating," comparing it unfavorably to Victor Wembanyama, and Geltzeiler abruptly threatens to hang up over the disrespect before the call actually drops. After patching things up, Geltzeiler argues the Cavs have a roster structure problem, with Mobley miscast next to Jarrett Allen instead of playing center outright, and says running the same group back next year guarantees the same result. He closes things out on a lighter note, confirming AJ Dybantsa was the right pick at number one in last night's draft.

Danny Cunningham joins Ken and Anthony and shoots down trading Donovan Mitchell, arguing a top-10 player who actually wants to be in Cleveland is too rare to give up, and he's skeptical Jaylen Brown is even the right target if Evan Mobley were on the table. He flags Jarrett Allen, not Mobley or Mitchell, as the most realistic trade chip given his rising value, and warns that mid-season shakeups like trading for a new starter rarely produce a title that same year. Danny also pours cold water on a midseason fix-it strategy, pointing out the rest of the East is improving too, so simply running it back and being "better" may not be enough to get past Boston, New York, or Indiana. He closes by laying out the case for LeBron's return hinging entirely on whether LeBron prioritizes winning over comfort or money.

Nick and Daryl get into what it would take for LeBron James to return to the Cavs this summer. Then, they're joined by former Cleveland pitcher Cody Allen, and they talk about their panic level for the Guardians.

Nick Wilson and Daryl Ruiter's discussion focuses on the trade rumors involving a potential LeBron James return to Cleveland in exchange for Jarrett Allen. They debate the merits of trading young assets for an aging superstar and reflect on the Cleveland Cavaliers' need to restructure their roster after consecutive playoff struggles. 01:00 - LeBron Trade Rumors 03:25 - Fiscal Responsibility Argument 08:22 - Reshaping Cavaliers Roster

BOMBSHELL Update Says the Los Angeles Lakers Are Open to Trading LeBron James for Jarrett Allen, While Shannon Sharpe and Chris Broussard Push LeBron to Join Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat Ready to transform your customer support? Go to decagon.ai/DREAMERSPRO to get a personalized demo and see what Decagon can do for your team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ken and Anthony dig deeper into the Jaylen Brown trade talk, weighing whether dealing Evan Mobley actually fixes the Cavs' two-big problem with Mobley and Jarrett Allen or just creates a new one on the interior. A caller pushes back with his own proposal, floating Donovan Mitchell and James Harden in a package for Brown, which Ken quickly shoots down. The conversation circles back to Darius Garland's trade value and whether the Cavs are now stuck in no man's land, good enough to be good but not good enough to win it all.

Anthony rolls through some options further down the list as well as some draft prospects the Lakers could land if their primary targets aren't available.

Jeff Phelps and Dan Menningen discuss why the Cleveland Cavaliers deserve more credit for their playoff success. They evaluate potential roster adjustments involving James Harden and Jarrett Allen while taking calls on the team's culture and coaching under Kenny Atkinson. 01:24 - Cavs Playoff Credit 04:43 - James Harden Critique 11:20 - Trade Speculation Debate

Nick and JP discuss if the Cavs should explore trading Jarrett Allen for Lebron James.

Ken and Nick bring in Danny Cunningham to break down the Cavaliers' offseason options, and the conversation covers everything from a potential Jared Allen trade to the very real possibility of LeBron James returning to Cleveland for a third run. Danny explains how James Harden opting out and Dean Wade likely walking could get the Cavs out from under the second apron, which would unlock roster building tools that matter way more than the dollar savings. But the moment that will stick with Browns fans comes at the end, when Ken puts Danny on the spot with a 30 second Myles Garrett question and Danny does not hesitate for a second, saying trade him, get three first rounders and a good young player, and start building toward the future because this Browns team is not winning at a high level while Garrett is in his prime.

The conversation explores the Cleveland Cavaliers' offseason options, including whether to run it back or trade key players like Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. They debate hypothetical trades involving LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and New Orleans Pelicans' wing Trey Murphy III. 01:39 - Cavs Offseason Outlook 03:21 - Jarrett Allen Trade Value 05:49 - Mobley Trade Scenarios 08:17 - Pelicans Trade Options 10:14 - Morning Show Drama

Ken Carmen and Anthony Lima analyze the Cleveland Cavaliers' struggles after falling behind 0-2 to the New York Knicks. They discuss the team's offensive process and react to Jarrett Allen's candid comments regarding the stress of the postseason.

Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin evaluate the Cleveland Cavaliers' situation after falling into an 0-2 series hole, expressing a surprising amount of confidence in the team's ability to bounce back. They specifically highlight Evan Mobley's aggressive play and Jarrett Allen's impact while addressing fan frustrations and potential roster moves. 01:01 - Processing The Playoff Deficit 05:33 - Cavs Earning Fans Trust 08:24 - Evan Mobley Offensive Growth 11:36 - Trading Mobley For Giannis 13:15 - Guard And Big Synergy

Munaf Manji and Dave Essler talk betting for Thursday. Munaf Manji and Uncle Diamond Dave Essler are back on the Straight Outta Vegas AM feed for a loaded Thursday edition of Cash That Ticket, coming off a perfect 2-and-0 best bet day and ready to attack one of the biggest nights on the spring sports calendar. The guys open with a full breakdown of Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals, where the New York Knicks host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden as six-and-a-half-point home favorites with a total of 216.5. Cleveland blew a 20-plus-point fourth-quarter lead in Game 1, shot just 40% from the field, got beaten 60-38 in the paint, and watched Donovan Mitchell disappear in overtime, and Uncle Dave makes a compelling case that the sharpest angle in this game is fading the Cavs team total rather than picking a side outright. The Knicks shot a combined 31% from three in Game 1 with every perimeter player ice cold, and positive regression to the mean makes the New York team total over an equally compelling play. Uncle Dave targets Karl-Anthony Towns PRA over 35 as his player prop, pointing to Jarrett Allen's inability to contain Towns and the near-certain shooting efficiency improvement from a 6-for-14 Game 1 outing. Munaf takes Donovan Mitchell over 27.5 points at minus-114 on DraftKings, citing Mitchell's hometown pride at MSG and his overtime disappearance as the motivational fuel for a bounceback performance. Both hosts like the Knicks side for the full game and first half. On the baseball side, Uncle Dave and Munaf work through all four evening games, hitting the Braves and Marlins total with Sandy Alcántara against Spencer Strider in Miami, the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium with Braydon Fisher as opener against a shaky Carlos Rodón, the Sacramento Athletics against José Soriano and the Angels in a high-pitch-count over environment, and Eduardo Rodríguez versus Zach Agnos in the desert with a big Arizona money line neither host wants to lay. Best bets close the show: Uncle Dave locks the Braves-Marlins over 7.5 on the strength of both teams' recent scoring history in this series and beyond, while Munaf pounds the Blue Jays team total over 3.5 at minus-120 on DraftKings against a Rodón who has walked eight batters in just eight innings this season. Use promo code PLAYOFFS20 at pregame.com for 20% off everything through May 31, and grab Munaf's three-star best bet on Knicks-Cavs Game 2 for just one dollar at pregame.com tonight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin analyze the Cleveland Cavaliers' recent playoff performance and discuss the adjustments needed for their upcoming matchup against the New York Knicks. The conversation focuses on James Harden's defensive consistency, Jarrett Allen's interior presence, and critiques of Kenny Atkinson's coaching decisions during Game 1. 01:00 - Cavaliers Vs Knicks Preview 04:11 - James Harden's Playoff Role 09:13 - Jarrett Allen Analysis 11:36 - Atkinson Rotation Criticism

Jared and Mo discuss the Knicks' 22-point comeback win over the Cavaliers, the Spurs' epic Game 1 win over the Thunder, the Mavericks firing Jason Kidd, and the Pelicans hiring Jamahl Mosley. 00:00 Intro 2:55 Knicks-Cavaliers 25:13 Spurs-Thunder 55:34 Jason Kidd and Jamahl Mosley Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Knicks enter Game 1 against Cleveland with rest, momentum, and a chance to seize control at Madison Square Garden. Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber break down why the extra time off should help more than hurt, how urgency matters for this Knicks team, and why Cleveland's playoff reputation still feels unproven. The conversation digs into Jalen Brunson's matchup with the Cavaliers' tired legs, Jarrett Allen's past comments about the playoff lights, and why James Harden remains the obvious villain for Knicks fans. Evan and Tiki also debate Donovan Mitchell's reception at the Garden and whether losing to Harden would be the ultimate insult for New York.

92.3 The Fan presents a collection of discussions previewing the highly anticipated Cavaliers-Knicks playoff series from The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima, Baskin & Phelps, and Afternoon Drive with Nick Wilson and Jonathan Peterlin. The guys dive into how Sam Merrill's hot shooting opens up the floor for Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, and discuss whether the Cavs can handle New York's physicality. Plus, a look at Donovan Mitchell's recent shooting numbers and what success really looks like this season. That and more on this week's Best Of Cavs on 92.3 The Fan!

Munaf Manji and Dave Essler talk betting for Tuesday. Tuesday, May 19, 2026 brings one of the biggest nights of the sports calendar, and Munaf Manji and Uncle Diamond Dave Essler are locked in on everything that matters on Cash That Ticket, airing on the Straight Outta Vegas AM feed. The Eastern Conference Finals open tonight at Madison Square Garden as the New York Knicks host the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1, and the hosts spend the first half of the pod breaking down every layer of this matchup — from the series price, with New York installed as a minus-265 favorite and Cleveland available at plus-215, to the specific game-one angles that offer the most value on a Tuesday tip-off. OG Anunoby is listed as probable and expected to play after missing the final two games of the Philadelphia series with a hamstring strain, and Dave makes the case that his return is the single most important development heading into this series for New York — a player who was shooting over 60 percent on two-point attempts and playing elite defense across multiple positions before the injury. Cleveland arrives with just one day of rest after grinding through back-to-back Game 7s against Toronto and Detroit, and while Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen were exceptional in the series clincher against the Pistons, Dave challenges the narrative around that scoring output, noting that 44 free throws and a desperate Detroit pace created a performance that the Knicks will not allow to repeat. His key play is the Cavaliers team total under 105.5. Munaf leans first-half under and highlights the historical trend of Game 7 teams struggling in quick-turnaround games. Both hosts dig into the Jalen Brunson three-point prop at essentially even money — Brunson is shooting 41 percent from deep in these playoffs, nearly 47 percent at home, and has cleared three makes in seven of his last ten home playoff games while averaging double-digit attempts against Cleveland in the regular season. From the NBA, the pod transitions into a deep and well-sourced MLB breakdown, opening with the Braves-Marlins early game, where Dave isolates Atlanta in the first five innings against Braxton Garrett with Martin Perez creating an interesting matchup for Miami. The Reds and Phillies serve up one of the best pitch mismatches of the week with Chase Burns at his absolute best and Jesús Luzardo carrying an ERA above five — both hosts agree the play is Cincinnati through five innings and nowhere near their bullpen. The Mets and Nationals get a nuanced treatment with Nolan McLean squaring off against Foster Griffin in Washington, with live-game over opportunities discussed alongside a Nationals team total angle. The Yankees and Blue Jays game two offers a favorable run environment through weather and bullpen fatigue, and Munaf and Dave both lean over while leaning toward Toronto as a value side. At Wrigley Field, Jacob Misiorowski and Ben Brown set up one of the easiest first-five under reads on the board, and both hosts refuse to overthink what is clearly a pitcher's showcase through five innings. The Dodgers and Padres conclude the NL breakdown with Dave raising the early-inning Dodgers team total as the cleaner way to attack Griffin Canning's command disasters without committing to a full-game side. Munaf officially closes his best bet on Ranger Suarez and the Red Sox moneyline at minus-128 on BetOnline, with Suarez having not allowed a run in over 19 consecutive innings while Bailey Falter and a Kansas City bullpen game await. Dave closes with two official best bets: Jalen Brunson three-plus threes at minus-102 and the Angels-Athletics over nine, driven by Jacob Lopez's alarming home run and walk rates. Head to pregame.com and use promo code PICK25 for all-access picks through May 31. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ken and Lima react to the Cleveland Cavaliers' dominant Game 7 victory over the Pistons to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. They break down the Herculean efforts of Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen while discussing the strategic role of James Harden in the playoffs. The discussion also shifts to Kenny Atkinson's leadership and his anecdote about a pre-game dinner with owner Dan Gilbert.

The NBA's two-minute report vindicated the officials in Game 5, ruling the controversial late-game non-call on Jarrett Allen a legal play — and Ken and Lima used it to torch JB Bickerstaff and the Pistons for their post-game whining. The irony wasn't lost on anyone that Detroit, a franchise built entirely on the identity of being the toughest, most physical team in basketball history, was the one crying foul over incidental contact while the Cavs were busy out-muscling them all series long. With common sense prevailing and the report backing up Tony Brothers, the bigger story became how badly the Pistons' complaints exposed their own identity crisis heading into a must-win Game 6 situation on the road in Cleveland.

"I got six legs for ya. AYE. YOOOOOO." JuJu is feeling good off another win for Thursday Thunder and takes a big swing, before weighing in on the Jarrett Allen no-call from last night, handing out some show awards, and recapping the polls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jared and Mo discuss the Spurs' big win over the Timberwolves, Donovan Mitchell's explosion vs. the Pistons, the Thunder ousting the Lakers from the playoffs, the tragic deaths of Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins, Daryl Morey's firing, and the NBA Draft lottery.  00:00 Intro 3:13 Spurs-Timberwolves 22:26 Pistons-Cavaliers 35:02 Thunder-Lakers 45:28 Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins 48:48 Daryl Morey's firing 56:05 Bucks open for Giannis business 57:19 Draft Lottery Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.