Zach is joined by Fred Katz to detail what to expect from the Knicks following their historic title win and what to make of KAT’s contract standoff. Then, they anticipate which teams will make the playoffs in the East and West before welcoming in some surprise guests for Finals predictions.

(0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show!

(1:23) Fred Katz joins the show!

(5:16) Knicks are the clear favorite in the East

(12:27) Is there a number that gets the KAT deal done?

(19:30) Cason Wallace extension

(31:28) Western Conference playoff teams

(43:25) Eastern Conference playoff teams

(55:28) Star players who might get traded

(1:04:50) Finals predictions!

Host: Zach Lowe

Guest: Fred Katz

Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon

Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli

Zach is writing about the NBA again! Sign up for his weekly newsletter, The Lowe Post, at https://zachlowe.substack.com/.

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines.

#ULTRACourtside could get you closer to the game! https://michelobultra.com/courtside MICHELOB ULTRA®️ COURTSIDE ’26 to ’27. No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 21+ Begins on 10/1/26 and ends on 6/30/27. Multiple entry periods. See Official Rules at https://michelobultra.com/courtside for free entry, entry deadlines, prizes, and details.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Stan Van Gundy to answer five big questions to prepare for the season. Plus, they look back on Stan’s time with the Magic and predict this season’s award winners. Then, Dan Woike comes on to reveal what we should expect from this season’s Lakers team.

(0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show!

(1:36) Stan Van Gundy joins the show!

(3:05) Most confusing team in the East and West

(11:55) Which teams are you higher or lower on than consensus?

(25:19) Who will be your biggest crush of the season?

(31:29) Stan’s Orlando team has infiltrated basketball’s highest level

(36:33) Most interesting on-court trends or tactics

(1:01:03) Awards predictions

(1:11:45) Dan Woike joins the show!

(1:18:42) The Lakers should be pretty good this year

(1:31:16) All the pieces finally seem to fit together

(1:45:34) If they lose in the second round again, what will the future of this team be?

Host: Zach Lowe

Guests: Stan Van Gundy and Dan Woike

Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon

Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli

Zach is writing about the NBA again! Sign up for his weekly newsletter, The Lowe Post, at https://zachlowe.substack.com/.

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Rob Mahoney to talk news and notes from around the league, including Brandin Podziemski’s new contract and Kyrie Irving’s return to the court. Then, they draft the most confusing teams in the league for the upcoming season. Plus, Zach is writing about the NBA again! Sign up for his weekly newsletter, The Lowe Post, at https://zachlowe.substack.com/.

(0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show!

(1:36) Rob Mahoney joins the show!

(2:51) Brandin Podziemski gets a new deal

(11:20) Knicks tabling contract-extension talks

(21:20) Five most confusing teams in the NBA

(1:00:26) Other teams we're confused by

(1:08:26) Are the Pistons a lock to be a top-six seed?

(1:15:02) Are we not giving the Mavs enough credit?

Host: Zach Lowe

Guests: Rob Mahoney

Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon

Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines.

#ULTRACourtside could get you closer to the game! https://michelobultra.com/courtside MICHELOB ULTRA®️ COURTSIDE ’26 to ’27. No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 21+ Begins on 10/1/26 and ends on 6/30/27. Multiple entry periods. See Official Rules at https://michelobultra.com/courtside for free entry, entry deadlines, prizes, and details.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach and Nekias Duncan start things off by sharing their biggest takeaways from the preseason so far and revealing the players they find most intriguing. Then, Nick Friedell joins Zach to explain the Warriors' game plan for this season and provide some updates to their extension discussions. Finally, Tyrese Haliburton comes on to recap his recovery and thoughts on the Finals, his rivalry with the New York Knicks, and what he’d like to do in the WWE.

(0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show!

(1:27) Nekias Duncan joins the show!

(9:20) Random preseason observations

(34:10) Rapid-fire thoughts

(37:52) Most intriguing players

(58:35) Nick Friedell joins the show!

(1:07:09) Should we expect a Podziemski extension?

(1:16:38) The Warriors should probably just ride this out

(1:21:22) Tyrese Haliburton joins the show!

(1:24:16) What’s different about you from when you were at your peak?

(1:34:11) On the team's differences at center

(1:40:30) On the Knicks rivalry

(1:42:35) WWE wishlist

(1:45:28) Does this team have a hunger to it?

Host: Zach Lowe

Guests: Nekias Duncan, Nick Friedell, and Tyrese Haliburton

Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon

Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines.

This episode is brought to you by State Farm. Create a Personalized Price Plan® today. https://www.statefarm.com/lp/football/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Steve Nash to discuss LeBron’s latest injury concerns and how Giannis jelled with the Heat in his first action. Then, they answer big questions for the upcoming season, including who to trust in the East and which team in the West could jump into a top-six seed. Then, Sean Fennessey joins for Mets Corner to debate the Mets' chances next season and make the case for Carson Benge as Rookie of the Year.

(0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show!

(1:24) Steve Nash joins the show!

(3:48) Four questions for the Eastern Conference

(27:54) Does OKC still have a "death lineup"?

(31:38) Eastern Conference pick besides the Knicks

(37:50) Best in the West besides OKC and SA

(41:20) Which Western Conference team can jump into the top six?

(47:34) Memories of playing with the Suns

(50:44) Preseason MVP pick

(55:41) How Steve would speed up the game

(59:58) Mets Corner with Sean Fennessey!

(1:06:15) Serious doubts about whether the Mets can win next season

(1:26:04) Are we happy that Andy Green is back?

(1:30:51) Benge's Rookie of the Year chances

Host: Zach Lowe

Guests: Steve Nash and Sean Fennessey

Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon

Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines.

#ULTRACourtside could get you closer to the game! https://michelobultra.com/courtside MICHELOB ULTRA:registered: COURTSIDE ’26 to ’27. No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 21+ Begins on 10/1/26 and ends on 6/30/27. Multiple entry periods. See Official Rules at https://michelobultra.com/courtside for free entry, entry deadlines, prizes, and details.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Kirk Goldsberry to run through the Eastern Conference and share the fatal flaw of each contender. Then, they reveal which team they think is most dangerous to the Knicks and share some awards picks. Finally, Joanna Robinson comes on to discuss The New York Times' list of the top 100 TV shows of the 21st century.

(0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show!

(1:44) Kirk Goldsberry joins the show!

(5:25) Which team is most dangerous to the Knicks?

(17:48) How much will the Knicks miss Mitchell Robinson?

(20:59) Cleveland still has a wing depth issue

(33:09) The Pacers are still a contender

(50:18) Who will be Rookie of the Year?

(53:10) If not Wemby, who can win Defensive Player of the Year?

(1:09:57) NYT's top 100 TV shows of the 21st century with Joanna Robinson

(1:17:38) Underrated shows

(1:31:17) Shows you were surprised didn’t make the list

(1:33:49) Overrated shows

Host: Zach Lowe

Guests: Kirk Goldsberry and Joanna Robinson

Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon

Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Mo Dakhil to cover the latest from NBA media day. Then, they reveal their under-the-radar X factors, share who could be a first-time All-Star, and review Jalen Brunson’s 'SNL' performance. Then, Keith O’Brien comes on to share stories about Larry Bird from his book ‘Heartland.’

(0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show!

(1:30) Mo Dakhil joins the show!

(2:05) Media day news

(30:32) Under-the-radar X factors for this season

(53:35) Who can be a first-time All-Star?

(1:04:11) Jalen Brunson 'SNL' review

(1:10:44) Keith O’Brien joins the show!

(1:21:00) On Bird almost quitting basketball

(1:29:26) Larry Bird got into some fights

Host: Zach Lowe

Guests: Mo Dakhil and Keith O’Brien

Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon

Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli

Learn More at Lincoln.com

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Howard Beck to run through the latest news from around the NBA. They start by discussing the most likely outcomes for Jalen Duren and the Pistons. Then, they share their thoughts on Kawhi Leonard’s contract extension, before previewing what the contracts could look like for the Knicks’ stars. Finally, they close the show with some early award predictions.
(0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show!
(01:34) Howard Beck joins the show!
(03:03) The Jalen Duren contract situation is getting spicy!
(10:55) Duren is only 22 and his trajectory is still pointing up
(21:50) Kawhi Leonard contract extension
(30:03) Steph Curry latest
(37:42) What’s going to happen with KAT?
(48:00) Coach of the Year Award Picks
(56:17) 6th Man of the Year Award Picks
Host: Zach Lowe
Guest: Howard Beck
Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon
Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli
The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Rob Mahoney to go team by team through the Western Conference, and each share one big question they have for each team and cover the latest news and notes along the way.

(0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show!

(1:42) Rob Mahoney joins the show!

(3:01) Utah Jazz

(8:45) Denver Nuggets

(13:36) Minnesota Timberwolves

(18:52) Portland Trailblazers

(23:08) Oklahoma City Thunder

(28:28) Memphis Grizzlies

(33:43) Dallas Mavericks

(37:59) San Antonio Spurs

(42:36) Houston Rockets

(55:39) New Orleans Pelicans

(1:02:26) Golden State Warriors

(1:07:03) Phoenix Suns

(1:11:54) Los Angeles Clippers

(1:15:48) Sacramento Kings

(1:26:06) Los Angeles Lakers

Host: Zach Lowe

Guest: Rob Mahoney

Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon

Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Chris Ryan and Joe House to draft their favorite NBA champions since 2000. Then, Sean Fennessey joins for Mets Corner to discuss how they both feel about Citi Field giving Pete Alonso a curtain call.

(0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show!

(2:33) Drafting favorite NBA champions since 2000

(23:02) Second round

(36:58) Third round

(54:19) Fourth round

(1:11:41) Fifth round

(1:28:05) Teams that weren’t selected

(1:40:38) Mets Corner with Sean Fennessey!

(1:41:21) Should Mets fans have given Pete Alonso a curtain call?

Host: Zach Lowe

Guests: Chris Ryan, Joe House, and Sean Fennessey

Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon

Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Michael Pina to recap Steve Ballmer’s apology letter and put a bow on the entire Clippers saga. Then, they run through every team in the Eastern Conference and ask one big question for each.

(0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show!

(1:28) Michael Pina joins the show!

(2:02) Final thoughts on the Clippers

(9:43) Toronto Raptors

(14:02) Boston Celtics

(17:25) Philadelphia 76ers

(21:09) Brooklyn Nets

(24:37) New York Knicks

(29:24) Miami Heat

(32:51) Atlanta Hawks

(37:01) Washington Wizards

(41:39) Orlando Magic

(46:33) Charlotte Hornets

(51:38) Indiana Pacers

(57:02) Detroit Pistons

(1:03:18) Cleveland Cavaliers

(1:07:47) Chicago Bulls

(1:13:59) Milwaukee Bucks

Host: Zach Lowe

Guest: Michael Pina

Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon

Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices