Open Strive Podcast

The NBA offseason has delivered no shortage of headlines, and Matt Craig is breaking down all of them on this episode of  Open Strive . Matt reacts to the blockbuster Jaylen Brown trade, congratulates the New York Knicks on winning the NBA Championship, and discusses what LeBron James leaving Los Angeles means for the future of the league. He also dives into Paul George’s move to Boston, Giannis A...

In this episode, I break down the biggest storylines around the league, including the fallout from Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, what the future holds for OKC, and why the NBA’s next generation is already taking over. I also discuss the growing excitement around the Spurs and their future with Wemby, react to the latest developments involving Chip, and preview the NBA Finals with my ful...

Open Strive Podcast  returns with a full breakdown of the NBA playoffs. Matthew is joined by Faiz and KJ to react to the biggest surprises so far, discuss standout performances, and debate which teams are truly built for a championship run. From unexpected outcomes to bold predictions, the crew dives into what’s real—and what’s not—in this year’s postseason.

In this installment of Open Strive, host Matthew Craig teams up again with Xavier McKnight to preview the NFC North for the 2025 NFL season. With the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers all battling for supremacy, the division promises plenty of storylines and surprises. Matthew and Xavier analyze each team’s potential, explore key matchups, and share predictions...

In this episode of Open Strive, host Matthew Craig dives into the AFC West for the 2025 NFL season alongside guest Xavier McKnight. The division featuring the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Denver Broncos always delivers high drama, and this year is no different. Matthew and Xavier break down each team’s strengths, challenges, and outlook for the season, with a bo...

In this episode, I break down the current NBA MVP ladder and debate whether SGA can truly be the face of the league. Who’s a bigger threat in the playoffs — Jokic or SGA? I also make my NBA Playoff and Conference Finals picks, discuss if the Lakers and Warriors can make a late push, and question whether the Phoenix Suns should blow up their current roster. On the NFL side, I dive into the most imp...

In this episode, I dive into the Super Bowl and discuss Jalen Hurts’ trajectory as a top QB. I break down what’s wrong with the NBA All-Star Game and how it can be fixed, plus the big question, who’s the next face of the NBA? I also get into the Cam Ward vs. Shedeur Sanders debate, Kendrick Lamar’s latest takeover, and why Kanye West was way off with his recent Twitter rant. This one’s packed with...

In this episode, I’m joined by Xavier McKnight as we break down the chaos of the NBA trade deadline, including the Jimmy Butler trade and whether Luka would fit in Los Angeles. We also dive into Myles Garrett’s trade request, give our Super Bowl predictions, react to the NFL Awards, and discuss the latest Hall of Fame inductees. Don’t miss this action-packed episode filled with hot takes and bold...

In this episode, we break down the massive trade sending Luka Doncic to a new team and what it means for Anthony Davis and the league. Then, we lock in our Super Bowl predictions, who’s taking home the Lombardi? Plus, we dive into the highs and surprises of the Grammy Awards. Tune in for all the latest in sports and music!

Join us as we unpack the hottest topics in sports right now! First, we break down the NFL Playoffs - key matchups, underdog stories, and our predictions for who's making it to the Super Bowl. Then, we turn to the NBA, where Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat are making waves. How far can they go this season? Finally, we dive into the NBA MVP race, spotlighting the top contenders and what sets them ap...

Open Strive's Matt Craig is back with another great episode for you all! Everyone welcome Faiz back to Open Strive Podcast! Matt and Faiz are breaking down the NBA draft. They will talk about the winners and losers of the draft. Matt explains why the Hornets will regret not drafting Scoot Henderson. Faiz is excited for his Cleveland Cavs and their future. Matt and Faiz pick talk about the top...

Open Strive's Matt Craig is back with another great episode for you all! Matt congratulates the Denver Nuggets on winning the NBA Championship and he crowns Nikola Jokic as the best player in the world. Matt is confused about what direction the Washington Wizards are going in with their recent trade of Bradley Beal. Matt explains to the listeners why Ja Morant's suspension is the perfect n...

Open Strive's Matt Craig is coming for all his naysayers! Matt loves great sports debates but he wants people to keep the same energy. Matt gives his NBA Finals predication and talks about some of his biggest sports heartbreaks. Matt talks about Shannon Sharpe leaving "Undisputed". Lately, Matt wants to know how everyone is doing mentally.

Open Strive's Matt Craig pays homage to Tina Turner and Jim Brown. Matt breaks down the Denver Nuggets beating the Los Angles Lakers and the Nuggets being cry babies. Will the Celtics come back from a 0-3 deficit? Matt explains why the Heat are not like most 8th seeds. Matt loses a piece of his childhood with Carmelo Anthony retiring.

Open Strive’s Matt Craig is BACK AND BETTER!! Matt breaks down the NBA playoffs and much more. Follow Open Strive on IG @openstrive and Twitter @openstrive

Open Strive is back with a brand new episode!! Tap in to hear Matt Craig give his Super Bowl reactions and all the moves happening in the NFL. Matt calls out some of his close friends for bad takes lately and he hold himself accountable. Matt explains what the levels are in the NBA and who certain players should always be on the trade block. Follow Open Strive on IG @openstrive and Twitter @openst...

Open Strive’s Matt Craig is BACK AND BETTER!! Matt breaks down the NFL QB’s who are not looking like themselves. Give his early NFL Predictions. Matt explains why he picked the Eagles to be the best team in the NFC. Matt predicts the NBA Awards and he makes his NBA Finals picks. Follow Open Strive on IG @openstrive and Twitter @openstrive.

Open Strive’s Matt Craig is joined by returning guests Ethan Smith. Matt gives updates on the Brittney Griner case. Ethan explains why Josh Allen is the second best QB in the NFL. Matt and Ethan disagree on the Phoenix Suns championship window. Follow Open Strive on IG @openstrive and Twitter @openstrive.

Open Strive’s Matt Craig is joined by returning guests Faiz Khan, Xavier McKnight and Lawrence Vaughn. THE GANGS FINALLY ALL HERE. The crew breaks down where the best landing spot is for Donovan Mitchell. Faiz believes Steph Curry will be the next face of the NBA. Xavier explains why the New Orleans Pels shouldn’t trade for Kevin Durant. Lawrence breaks down the Summer League. Follow Open Strive o...

Open Strive’s Matt Craig is joined by returning guest Faiz Khan. Faiz explains why Brooklyn is the best landing spot for Kyrie and KD. Matt breaks down the current Summer League games. Matt and Faiz get in a hated discussion about who’s the next face of the NBA. Follow Open Strive on IG @openstrive and Twitter @openstrive.

Open Strive’s Matt Craig is joined by returning guest Xavier McKnight. They break down Day 1 of the NBA Free Agency. Xavier explains what went wrong with the Brooklyn Nets. Matt tells you how everything could’ve been avoided. Follow Open Strive on IG @openstrive and Twitter @openstrive.

Open Strive’s Matt Craig breaks down all the news around the NBA. Gives his input on why Kyrie stayed home. Matt gives updates on the Brittney Griner situation. He explains why he thinks KD is better than Curry and why people need to stop disrespecting KD. Matt wants Draymond to come up with better topics. Follow Open Strive on IG @openstrive and Twitter @openstrive.

Open Strive’s Matt Craig is joined by returning guest Lawrence and Faiz. Matt explains how Sam Presti is running a ponzi scheme. Lawrence and Faiz pick their Way To Early ROTY. Follow Open Strive on IG @openstrive and Twitter @openstrive.

Open Strive’s Matt Craig discuss the Warriors’ going up 3-2 against the Boston Celtics, Steph Brittney Griner being detain in Russia, Jayson Tatum letting you all down, his favorite 10 albums all time and a look ahead to Game 6. Matt knows where Deandre Ayton will be traded too. Follow Open Strive on IG @openstrive and Twitter @openstrive.

Open Strive’s Matt Craig discuss the Warriors’ series-tying win in Boston, Steph Curry’s incredible performance, Jaylen Brown shinning as Jaylon Tatum struggles, and a look ahead to Game 5. Matt defends Curry’s legacy and talks about a new podcast he is listening to. Follow Open Strive on IG @openstrive and Twitter @openstrive.