The Athletic NBA Daily

The Athletic

A complete guide the the NBA

  • 27 minutes 48 seconds
    Western Conference playoff race + Most Improved Player award

    With 6 days remaining the NBA regular season, the 2 through 8 seeds are all still up for grabs. Dave DuFour and RealGM’s Wes Goldberg breakdown the western conference playoff seeding race, discuss the field, and why the Clippers need to avoid the play-in. Then, Dave and Wes breakdown the defensive player of the year race, discuss Amen Thompson’s case, and why Tyler Herro should win most improved.


    Host: Dave DuFour

    With: Wes Goldberg

    Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

    Audio Producer: Grayson Moody

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    8 April 2025, 10:00 am
  • 28 minutes 43 seconds
    Why the Lakers are a nightmare for the Thunder + MVPs in purgatory

    Luka Doncic scored 30 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 27-point blowout win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dave DuFour and RealGM’s John Wilmes breakdown the Lakers win, discuss JJ Redick’s coaching, and the OKC’s nightmare scenario. Then, Dave and John discuss the MVP level performances from Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo and what it means if they fail in the playoffs.


    Host: Dave DuFour

    With: John Wilmes

    Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

    Audio Producer: Grayson Moody

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    7 April 2025, 7:36 pm
  • 1 hour 20 minutes
    Ja Morant and Westbrook Blunders + Nets Need Lottery Luck | Slam N Jam

    Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, the most improved player, and our players, stats and quotes of the week. Then they are joined by Mike Smeltz to discuss the Brooklyn Nets and what prospects are worth building with, coach Jordi Fernandez and his potential, which players they should target in the draft, and more. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against a beat writer.


    Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers

    With: Mike Smeltz

    Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

    Audio/Video Editor: Jake Kleinberg

    FILL OUT OUR SURVEY PLEASE

    The athletic.com/athletic/survey25

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    5 April 2025, 6:25 pm
  • 35 minutes 51 seconds
    Luka’s worst game as a Laker + Draymond’s defensive mind

    Stephen Curry scored 37 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 123-116 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Dave DuFour and Jovan Buha breakdown the Warriors defense against the Lakers, Luka’s worst game in LA, and Austin Reaves’ playoff role. Then, the Athletic’s Marcus Thompson stops by to discuss his film breakdown with Draymond Green, Kevin Garnett, and the Defensive Player of the Year award.


    Host: Dave DuFour

    With: Jovan Buha & Marcus Thompson

    Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

    Audio Producer: Grayson Moody


    Read Marcus Thompson on Draymond: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6248565/2025/04/03/draymond-green-golden-state-warriors-nba-defense/

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    4 April 2025, 10:00 am
  • 30 minutes 26 seconds
    Can OKC get to 70 wins? + Anthony Davis’ big night

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 33 points on the Detroit Pistons as the OKC Thunder pick up their 11th straight win. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Thunder’s chances at 70 wins, the bad loss for the Kings, and Anthony Davis’ game winner. Then, the Athletic’s James Edwards stops by to talk about the Knicks’ loss to Cleveland, OG Anunoby’s scoring surge, and Jalen Brunson’s return.


    Host: Dave DuFour

    With: Es Baraheni & James Edwards

    Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

    Audio Producer: Grayson Moody


    Read James Edwards on OG: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6248667/2025/04/02/knicks-og-anunoby-new-york/

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    3 April 2025, 9:53 am
  • 30 minutes 54 seconds
    Jokić and Curry make history + Ja Morant on the move?

    Nikola Jokić recorded the first ever 61 point triple double in a double overtime loss to Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni and Anthony Slater react to the Jokić’s night, Steph Curry’s 52 point night, and the playoff implications for the Timberwolves, Grizzlies, and Warriors. Then, the Athletic’s Sam Amick stops by to discuss the ongoing saga in Memphis, new Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo, and Ja Morant’s future.


    Host: Dave DuFour

    With: Es Baraheni & Anthony Slater

    Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

    Audio Producer: Grayson Moody

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    2 April 2025, 10:07 am
  • 32 minutes 44 seconds
    Are the Thunder the best regular season team ever?

    The Oklahoma City Thunder move to a 28-1 record against the eastern conference with a 28-point win over the Chicago Bulls. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the Lakers win over the Rockets, the Celtics’ dominant March, and the Pacers status as sneaky contenders. Then, the Athletic’s Anthony Slater stops by to discuss the historic season for the Thunder, Lu Dort vs. Draymond Green for DPOY, and the Warriors playoff chances.


    Host: Dave DuFour

    With: Es Baraheni & Anthony Slater

    Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

    Audio Producer: Grayson Moody

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    1 April 2025, 10:07 am
  • 28 minutes 37 seconds
    Playoff Pressure Meter + Weekend Update

    The NBA season is winding down and the NBA Daily crew discusses which West playoff teams under the most pressure. Dave, Es and Zena discuss the weekend of basketball, a brawl between the Pistons and Wolves, and the games of the week.


    Host: Dave DuFour

    With: Es Baraheni and Zena Keita

    Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

    Audio Producer: Grayson Moody

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    31 March 2025, 9:47 am
  • 1 hour 18 minutes
    Why the Grizzlies fired Taylor Jenkins + DPOY Madness | Slam N Jam

    Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball Defensive Player of the year, and our players, stats and quotes of the week. Then they are joined by Keith Parish of the Athletic to discuss the Memphis Grizzlies and why they fired Taylor Jenkins, Ja Morant’s season, the value of Brandon Clarke, and more. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against a beat writer.


    Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers

    With: Keith Parish

    Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

    Audio/Video Editor: Jake Kleinberg

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    29 March 2025, 4:36 pm
  • 30 minutes 7 seconds
    Giddey Game Winner + March Badness

    Josh Giddey hits a prayer of a half court shot to send the Lakers packing. Zena Keita and Law Murray break down the night of basketball including the Bulls win against the Lakers, the Cavs squeaking by the Spurs, OKC’s avalanche on the Grizzlies and more. Then Zena is joined by Eric Koreen to discuss his article on the NBA in March and if there is anything the league can do to fix tanking.


    Host: Zena Keita

    With: Law Murray and Eric Koreen

    Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

    Audio Producer: Grayson Moody


    https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/nba/


    FILL OUT OUR SURVEY PLEASE

    The athletic.com/athletic/survey25

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    29 March 2025, 12:37 am
  • 30 minutes 7 seconds
    LeBron Game Winner + Rookie Check In

    LeBron James tips in a game winner to beat the Pacers in the game of the night. Es Baraheni and Alex Hoops discuss the night of NBA basketball including the Lakers beating the Pacers, Jokic’s return, and more. Then the guys discuss the rookie class including who has been the best rookie this season, who deserves more ROY buzz, and which player will be the best in 5 seasons?


    Host: Es Baraheni

    With: Alex Hoops

    Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

    Audio Producer: Grayson Moody


    https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/nba/

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    27 March 2025, 10:09 am
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