The Athletic

The Athletic NBA Daily

Sports EN ↓ 2203 episodes

Start your day with The Athletic NBA Daily – a fast, entertaining recap of the most important games and stories from the world of professional basketball with new episodes dropping Monday through Friday. Hosted by Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni with regular appearances by The Athletic’s award-winning NBA reporters. Andrew Schlecht and Alex Spears cap the week with the full-length Saturday Slam n’ Jam episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author

The Athletic

Category

Sports

Podcast website

www.nytimes.com

Latest episode

Jul 11, 2026

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Episodes

NBA Awards "The Slammies" + The Blazers Future | Slam N Jam 12.04.2025

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball and bring back the Slammies, the made up NBA Awards we've done the last 4 seasons. Then they are joined by Mike Richman of Locked on Blazers to discuss the Portland Trailblazers and their fun unexpected season, Scoot Henderson's potential, the lottery and much more. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia...

Anthony Edwards’ big game + All NBA Defensive Perimeter Teams 11.04.2025

Anthony Edwards scored 44 points to lead the Timberwolves to an important win over the Grizzlies. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss the Wolves big win, the problem with the Grizzlies’ bigs, and who the Bucks should want to face in the playoffs. Then, the Athletic’s Fred Katz joins the show to discuss his perimeter defense teams, what makes a good defender, and the Thunder defense. Host: Dave DuFo...

Luka’s emotional return to Dallas 10.04.2025

Luka Doncic scored 45 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a win in his first game back in Dallas. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni talk discuss Luka’s big game, Lakers small ball, the Warriors buzzer-beater loss to the Spurs, and the Nuggets first post-Malone game. Then, Christian Clark from the Athletic joins the show to discuss Luka’s return, the emotions in the building, and those “Fire Nico” c...

Michael Malone out in Denver + Thunder get revenge on Lakers 09.04.2025

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 42 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni talk to Andrew Schlecht postgame to discuss the Thunder win, Shai’s big game, and Luka Doncic’s ejection. Then, Adam Mares from DNVR joins the show to discuss Michael Malone’s firing, Jamal Murray’s health, and what comes next for the post-Malone Denver Nugge...

Western Conference playoff race + Most Improved Player award 08.04.2025

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....

Why the Lakers are a nightmare for the Thunder + MVPs in purgatory 07.04.2025

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: Da...

Ja Morant and Westbrook Blunders + Nets Need Lottery Luck | Slam N Jam 05.04.2025

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 B...

Luka’s worst game as a Laker + Draymond’s defensive mind 04.04.2025

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 awar...

Can OKC get to 70 wins? + Anthony Davis’ big night 03.04.2025

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: Da...

Jokić and Curry make history + Ja Morant on the move? 02.04.2025

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 G...

Are the Thunder the best regular season team ever? 01.04.2025

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...

Playoff Pressure Meter + Weekend Update 31.03.2025

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...

Why the Grizzlies fired Taylor Jenkins + DPOY Madness | Slam N Jam 29.03.2025

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...

Giddey Game Winner + March Badness 29.03.2025

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: Z...

LeBron Game Winner + Rookie Check In 27.03.2025

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:...

Jimmy Butler Returns to Miami + Dame OUT 26.03.2025

Jimmy Butler returns to Miami in a game where the Warriors really struggle, is there worry in San Francisco? Es Baraheni and Andrew Schlecht discuss Damian Lillard being out with a blood clot, and how it could affect the Bucks. Then the guys do a “Moments Draft” from the night before including a fun airball, Thunder making history, Keegan Murray and much more. Then in Part 2, Anthony Slater of the...

What is wrong with the Lakers? + Pistons Powering Up 25.03.2025

The Lakers continue to struggle after a loss in Orlando, how can they bounce back? Es Baraheni and Isaac Gutierrez of the Deep 3 Podcast discuss which trends are real, and which are just a product of March in the NBA. Then, the Athletic’s Hunter Patterson joins to discuss the Detroit Pistons and who they’d want to play in the first round + what has led to the turnaround for Detroit. Host: Es Barah...

The Cavs slide + Houston’s Playoff Prep 24.03.2025

The Cavs stop their slide with a win against Utah, but what does it really mean for the Cavs? Es Baraheni and Zena Keita play Something, Nothing or Everything with the Cavs slide, Suns winning 3 in a row, Lakers returning to full strength, the fun Bulls and the Clippers surging. Then, the Athletic’s Kelly Iko joins to discuss the Houston Rockets and the expectations for them in the Playoffs + what...

Who are the True Contenders? + The Spurs Future 22.03.2025

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball NBA Title Odds , and our players, stats and quotes of the week. Then they are joined by Matthew Tynan to discuss the San Antonio Spurs and Wemby's future, Stephon Castles rookie seaosn, and what the expectations look like for the Spurs future. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pi...

Curry injured in Warriors win + New owners for the Boston Celtics 21.03.2025

Stephen Curry scored 17 points before exiting the game with an injury as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Toronto Raptors. Dave DuFour and Marcus Thompson discuss Steph’s injury, the Warriors win, and the problem with the Lakers resting players. Then, the Athletic’s Jared Weiss joins Dave to discuss the sale of the Boston Celtics, how it will affect the team, and what it means for the NBA’s...

Cavaliers lose 3rd straight + When will LeBron return? 20.03.2025

DeMar DeRozan’s 27 points helped the Sacramento Kings defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers, sending them to their third straight loss. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Cavs’ losing streak, debate game winners between Cade Cunningham and Andrew Nemhard, and catch up on the latest in the Western Conference playoff race. Then, the Athletic’s Jovan Buha joins the show with an update on LeBron James a...

Warriors win without Curry + Can NBA referees improve? 19.03.2025

Jimmy Butler connected on all 11 of his free throws to lead the Golden State Warriors to a win over the Milwaukee Bucks in spite Steph Curry’s absence. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss the Warriors win, the Bucks issues scoring, and Kawhi Leonard’s performance in the Clippers win over the Cavaliers. Then, the Athletic’s Shakeia Taylor joins the show to go deep on NBA referees, the sports referee...

Nuggets shock Warriors without Jokić + Knicks surviving without Brunson 18.03.2025

Aaron Gordon had 38 points and Russell Westbrook had a triple double to lead the Denver Nuggets to an improbable, shorthanded win over the Golden State Warriors. Dave DuFour and Law Murray breakdown the overtime finish between the Pacers and Timberwolves, the Rockets scrappy win, and the Warriors loss to the Nuggets without Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. Then, the Athletic’s Fred Katz and Dave dis...

NBA Playoff Brackets + March Madness 17.03.2025

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder dominate the weekend with a pair of wins over the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni breakdown the playoff race in the East. Can the Bucks maintain home court advantage? Are the Pistons a sleeper? Then, the gang looks at the playoffs in the West. Can the Los Angeles Lakers lock down the second seed? Do...

Why Cooper Flagg will change the NBA | Slam N Jam 15.03.2025

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the the upcoming NBA Draft with Sam Vecenie including, why Cooper Flagg is the undisputed number 1 pick, who Sam is looking forward to watching in the NCAA Tournament, who are the best shooters in the class, hand what players are expected to make in impact in year 1 of the NBA. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andr...

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