Yahoo Sports

The Big Number

Sports EN ↓ 85 episodes

Each week, Tom Haberstroh pours over the data and digs through the stats to come up with THE BIG NUMBER – the one metric that defines the NBA that week. Tune in as he and Dan Devine put Tom’s big number to the test and explain the one thing from the world of basketball that was hidden in plain sight. Listen to THE BIG NUMBER for a fun conversation filled with jokes, stats that you won’t hear anywhere else and become a smarter NBA fan in the process.

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Yahoo Sports

Category

Sports

Latest episode

Jul 8, 2026

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Episodes

NBA Cup hangover: why winning in Vegas means losing in January + Trae Young trade watch 07.01.2026

On this episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine discuss if what happens in Vegas, truly does stay in Vegas. The numbers show that the NBA Cup champions face a very interesting decline in the Cup’s immediate aftermath, and the New York Knicks are the most recent victims of the NBA Las Vegas hangover, losing 4 straight. They also look into other teams suffering post-NBA Cup, includi...

Nikola Jokic injury implications + should Trae Young be WAIVED? 30.12.2025

In the final Big Number episode of 2025, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine discuss the major implications of the Nikola Jokic knee extension and how it affects both the NBA’s MVP race, as well as the Denver Nuggets’ playoff chances. Then, they take a look at some of the most trade-eligible players for the new year, leading with Anthony Davis, who despite being one of the most effective players while o...

NBA Christmas Day players to watch + should the NBA ditch the Draft? 23.12.2025

Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine break down the NBA’s Christmas Day slate and preview Cooper Flagg’s historic holiday start at just 19 years, 4 days old. Dan then shares four little numbers for the top players to watch in each Christmas Day game: Karl-Anthony Towns’ defensive leap for the Knicks, Stephon Castle’s ascent with the Spurs, LeBron James’ shift away from predominantly creating his own shots...

New York Knicks are NBA Cup champions + how can the NBA solve the injury crisis? 17.12.2025

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the New York Knicks’ first NBA Cup championship run. Following the departure of Tom Thibodeau, has the Knickerbockers’ offensive scheme unlocked a new level? With the defense maintaining its integrity as the offense continues to explode, are the Knicks now a real championship threat? Then, the pair discusses and shares their thoughts on the Knicks' decision...

NBA Cup reactions + are the Knicks the team to beat in the East? 10.12.2025

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the keys to the New York Knicks punching their ticket to Vegas with their victory over the Toronto Raptors, including Jalen Brunson’s impact this year and the Knicks’ elite 3-point shooting game. Are the Knicks now the East favorite?  Next, they discuss the Magic’s victory over the Heat as they advance to the next round of the NBA Cup. They share how Desmon...

No championships, no Finals & now no Chris Paul for Clippers 03.12.2025

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dissect the corpse of the Los Angeles Clippers' franchise! The pair react to the Clippers' 3 AM disposal of Chris Paul and discuss potential new destinations for the 40-year-old veteran guard. They also analyze both the historical and current woes of the Clippers, noting the Herculean offensive efforts from James Harden and horrific team defense. Norman Powell's succe...

NBA fanbases with the most to be grateful for this Thanksgiving 26.11.2025

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine discuss gratitudes in the NBA for this Thanksgiving episode. The pair chat about LA's luck with Luka Dončić—who's on a historic tear, even in Lakerland. They break down Lonzo Ball’s mini-resurgence and offer appreciation for Erik Spoelstra and Jalen Suggs for the Heat & Magic. Tom brainstorms nicknames for Derik Queen, the Raptors and Deni Avdija receive some love, an...

Way-too-early NBA awards & LeBron returns to Lakers lineup 19.11.2025

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine give their way-too-early awards for the NBA season thus far. They debate whether Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or  Nikola Jokić should be the NBA MVP and whether the Rookie of the Year award should be awarded to Cooper Flagg or Cedric Coward. Next, they discuss why it’s a unanimous decision to give Victor Wembyanama the Defensive Player of the Year despite his injury and wh...

Can Mavericks rebuild after firing Nico Harrison? + Anthony Davis trade watch 12.11.2025

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine react to the Dallas Mavericks firing Nico Harrison just ten months after trading Luka Dončić to the Lakers and ask if drafting Cooper Flagg accelerated Nico’s exit timeline. The pair deep dives into Jason Kidd’s future with the Mavs and his role in Nico’s firing. They debate how Dallas can improve its lackluster offense while Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving have been s...

Time for the Grizzlies to move on from Ja Morant? 05.11.2025

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine react to the Grizzlies’ most recent drama with Ja Morant and ask: is it time to move on from him? Or should Memphis ride out the turbulence? With Morant’s dunk numbers slumping and his future in Memphis clouded by tension, Tom & Dan evaluate potential trade destinations including the Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and more. (1:27) T...

Spurs start 4-0, but are Wemby's stats sustainable? + NBA Cup preview 29.10.2025

Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine break down what makes Victor Wembanyama’s 4-0 start with the San Antonio Spurs truly historic, as he does something no other NBA player has EVER done before in a four-game stretch. The episode details how Wemby’s on-court presence reshapes defensive strategy, deters shots at the rim and generates a ripple effect for Spurs teammates. Tom and Dan also dissect the numbers...

NBA's opening night on NBC: Sengun destined for MVP? + Warriors actual title contenders? 22.10.2025

This week on The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine react to the NBA's opening night. They discuss Alperen Sengun's impressive three-point shooting to open the season. What kind of impact could this have on the Houston Rockets' season, and could Sengun be an MVP candidate? The duo also share their takeaways from the Golden State Warriors' win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Are the Warriors titl...

How 13 preseason post-ups could make Wembanyama NBA MVP + Russell Westbrook signs with Sacramento 15.10.2025

This week on The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine make the case for their top five 2025-26 NBA MVP candidates. Can Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio win enough games in the Western Conference this year to propel him into the MVP conversation? Can Jokić earn a fourth league MVP boosted by an improved Nuggets roster? The duo also discusses the MVP arguments for SGA, Giannis & Steph Curry. Plu...

How Milwaukee’s offseason set up Giannis’ possible exit & Grizzlies injury nightmare now includes Ja Morant 08.10.2025

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive into the stats to determine if the Milwaukee Bucks should trade Giannis Antetokounmpo after he revealed that the trade rumors surrounding him this summer were not only true, but that he has a preferred destination in mind: the New York Knicks. Is now the right time for the Bucks to consider moving Giannis in order to set themselves up for success in a future with...

Clippers have ZERO evidence of innocence, Kuminga contract conclusion & more from NBA media day 01.10.2025

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine react to the biggest stories from NBA Media Days around the league including how little clarity came from Kawhi Leonard and Clippers president Lawrence Frank concerning the salary cap circumvention allegations against them during their press conference. The pair also unpack Giannis Antetokounmpo commenting how he wants to compete for another championship, it just migh...

Is Houston's season in jeopardy with Fred VanVleet ACL injury? 24.09.2025

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the Houston Rockets’ outlook after Fred VanVleet's devastating ACL injury and reveal just how big a blow it is to Houston’s contender status. Can Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard fill that void or does losing VanVleet put the brakes on their title chase, even with KD on the team? Plus, Dan shares insights from Knicks Media Day with fresh details on Jalen Bru...

Kuminga contract clash continues for Golden State + Silver responds to Kawhi controversy 17.09.2025

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the latest in the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga restricted free agency standoff. Has Kumingа played his final game for the Warriors? If so, Tom & Dan weigh the pros and cons of the Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, Sacramento Kings, Brooklyn Nets and others as potential fits. Later, the duo reacts to Adam Silver’s shifting public stance on the...

Debating the 2026 Hall of Fame class: Andre Iguodala, Blake Griffin + Bulls PAY UP for Josh Giddey 10.09.2025

Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine deep dive on the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame class: who's a lock, and who deserves more consideration than they're getting? The duo start with Andre Iguodala, who has one big number going his way that could make him a lock. Next, Dan breaks down the chances of Marques Johnson, Blake Griffin, Shawn Marion and Lamarcus Aldridge based on their career numbers and advanced...

Is NBA free agency DEAD? and Kawhi’s ’no show’ job 03.09.2025

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine deep dive into this offseason’s free agency moves—or rather the lack thereof. What’s changed in the NBA that’s keeping All-Star level players with their current teams or moving via trade rather than making moves during free agency? The pair also assess the Clippers’ alleged cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard and a $28 million endorsement deal, unpacking what pu...

Can De'Aaron Fox be the ideal running mate for Victor Wembanyama? 06.08.2025

This week, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive into De’Aaron Fox getting big money with an extension from the San Antonio Spurs to play alongside Victor Wembanyama. Can Fox be the ideal running mate with Wemby and will it end with a playoff appearance? We break down all the reasons this could, or could not, be the perfect longterm marriage. Plus, Luka Doncic and Mikal Bridges get their extensions w...

Luka Dončić 2.0: shredded, motivated… and finally an MVP? 30.07.2025

This week, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive into Men’s Health Luka — the shock heard 'round the NBA. Is this the season Luka Doncic finally cashes in on all that MVP hype? We break down the jaw-dropping 1.4 expected MVPs stat, why his shredded transformation could change everything and whether the Lakers' roster chaos might hold him back. Plus: RFA contract predictions, why 40-point games don’t...

2025-26 LA Clippers = the OLDEST team in NBA History 23.07.2025

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine crunched the numbers after the CP3 news became official: the 2025-26 LA Clippers are now, officially, the oldest team in NBA history. With an average age of 33.2 years old (!), the Clippers have surpassed the previous record held by the Stockton-and-Malone Utah Jazz. Could this actually work out in LA's favor? Tom and Dan think the Clippers' depth and versatility coul...

Should 76ers move on from BOTH Embiid & Paul George? + reacting to Beal joining Clippers & BIZARRE Malik Beasley story 16.07.2025

On this episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine react to Paul George's latest injury. Do the Philadelphia 76ers have serious reason for concern here, especially after the disaster that was PG13's debut season with the team? And the guys wonder if the team is better off trading both George AND Joel Embiid -- should Morey embrace the youth movement and move forward with the core of...

Why the East vs. West talent imbalance may send LeBron James BACK to Cleveland 02.07.2025

It's no secret the NBA's Western Conference has been better than its Eastern Conference for some time now, but how big is that imbalance? Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine kick off this week's Big Number with a shocking stat: the East could win their next 1,318 consecutive games vs. Western Conference teams and STILL not be .500 vs. the their opponents in their head-to-head record since 2000. Tom argu...

The 5 teams that could STUFF the Thunder chances of going back-to-back 24.06.2025

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine unearth the data that proves the Oklahoma City Thunder dynasty could reign supreme for a long while, starting with going back-to-back next season. But contenders do exist — the 5 teams that could stifle OKC's plans, and why. Plus, Tom & Dan analyze Jrue Holiday's fit with the Portland Trail Blazers. All ahead on this episode of The Big Number. (1:10) - Thunder are fav...

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