The Daily Thunder Podcast

Host John Napier is joined by Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar for a summer offseason check-in as they ask the big question: after a busy NBA offseason, did the Thunder stay ahead of the competition—or did the rest of the Western Conference close the gap? The two break down Oklahoma City's roster moves, including the departures of Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Hartenstein's...

Ryan, Brandon, and Cray discuss the Thunder wheeling and dealing that has happened so far, and all the business yet to come. The Isaiah Hartenstein deal Updated impressions of OKC's draft picks Wiggins and Joe memories Cason Wallace's extension talks The Dort question Taxes, aprons, and the cap crunch - what really matters? And much more on all things Thunder offseason.

Ryan and Cray take a deep breath...then let out all their frustrations. OKC's underwhelming return from the mega-hyped 2026 first round of the draft Brandon jumps in between radio duties to give us a splash of sunshine on Aday Mara 's value at #12 and Bennett Stirtz 's ability at #16 Stuck at 12? Why the rumored Mavs trade seems farfetched in retrospect Not overreacting to what this me...

Ryan and Cray are joined by first time guest Wes Hill to air out their reactions and predictions for the Playoffs, the Presti presser, and plans for the Thunder future. Ranking offseason priorities: How will Cason Wallace’s long-term spot determinethe Thunder’s priorities for Isaiah Hartenstein and Lu Dort? Can OKC work with Dort and iHart to find therole, salary, and/or Eastern Conference destina...

Well, the Thunder suffered a heartbreaking defeat in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, and it didn't take long for the hot takes and overreactions to start flooding the internet. On this week's pod, host John Napier gets Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar to blindly rank some of the worst overreactions. In addition, the pair break down Game 7, Brandon grades OKC's season,...

We're joined by Austin from All Things Thunder to recap another disappointing road Game 6 for Shai and OKC. Shai's poor shooting and muted impact JDub's return Spurs outmuscling the Thunder The third quarter from hell Chet Rorschach test Who will start Game 7? And all the rest from the Western Conference Finals.

In this episode, Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar and host John Napier break down what went wrong in the Thunder’s Game 4 blowout loss, how OKC responded with a huge Game 5 win to retake control of the series, and the growing impact of Jared McCain and the Thunder role players. They also preview a pivotal Game 6 in San Antonio and make a few predictions that definitely won’t come back to h...

Special guest Ezra joins Ryan and Cray to exult in everything about the Thunder's huge win against the Spurs to go up 2-1 in the Western Conference Finals.

Brandon and Cray break down OKC’s Game 2 win, JDub injury anxiety, and the playoff coping mechanisms needed when the free throw take wars get stupid. Ranking the biggest series factors so far: coaching adjustments, player performance, and injuries What Jalen Williams' injury means for his playoffs and for the Thunder future Games 3 & 4 picks And all the rest before the Western Conference F...

We recap the thrilling, heartbreaking classic that was Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. The rotation, the pitiful shotmaking from Shai and company, the wasted Caruso performance, the uncomfortable Wemby/Chet reality, and much more from the Thunder's first loss of the playoffs.

Host John Napier and Brandon Rahbar recap the Thunder’s second straight playoff sweep and all the good vibes that came with it. The pair discuss Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s brilliant Game 4 performance, Chet Holmgren’s strong play, Ajay Mitchell’s statement showing, and much more as Oklahoma City advances to the Western Conference Finals.

Game 1 is in the books, and the Thunder made a pretty clear opening statement. Host John Napier is joined by Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar and EIC Cray Allred to break down OKC’s win over the Los Angeles Lakers. They get into the real takeaway from a sloppy-but-comfortable Thunder performance, Chet Holmgren’s impact, whether LA actually has a path in this series, and, of course, free th...

The Oklahoma City Thunder capped a sweep of the overmatched Phoenix Suns, and on this week's podcast, host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar give their takeaways on the first round, offer an early preview of a potential second round matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers, and dig into Scott Van Pelt's comments on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The Thunder got the dub, but another hamstring injury got JDub. We break down the team and player performances from a C+ win that put OKC up 2-0, and brace for an extended postseason stretch without Jalen Williams.

The playoffs are here, and host John Napier, Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar, and Daily Thunder contributor Ryan Woods chop it up to get you ready for the first round. On this week's show, the crew dive into: Who is more important to a repeat, JDub or Chet? Who wins in a 7-game series, this year's team or last year's team? Previewing Thunder-Suns Other first round matchups we&...

Cray and Ryan brace for the good, bad, and ugly of playoff basketball soon to return for Thunder fans. Which Thunder players are still getting better? How this OKC teams compares with former magical playoff squads. Who do we want to see win the 8th seed and face OKC in Round 1? Who does Shai want to see? Plus a discussion on Ryan's other favorite sport. How does golfing under pressure and obse...

The pod boys put a bow on another historic season for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, before running through the possible playoff matchups and lottery picks that are yet to be determined for OKC. Plus, an update on Brandon's free agency pitch to the league's most aggressive tanker.

It's the narrative that won't die--OKC and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander benefiting from the whistle. On this week's episode, host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar throw water on this tired trope, analyze the SGA vs Wemby MVP race, discuss whether it's actually okay if the Thunder get the #2 seed, and break down the proposed anti-tanking proposals.

After reviewing OKC's recent play, the challenging final stretch of the season, and who could challenge the Thunder in the playoffs, Brandon and Cray celebrate Shai while trying not to gripe about those who refuse to appreciate his greatness.

Ryan and Cray break down a rambunctious game in Washington.

On this week's episode of pod, host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar dish on SGA's excellence and the Thunder's 10-game win streak, as well as: Why do people love to hate SGA and OKC? Did the refs get the call right when Alex Caruso used his shoe? Is Jared McCain a playoff rotation player? Is Chet Holmgren playing his best basketball of the season? Who would Bra...

Ryan and Cray break down Oklahoma City's relaxing 121-92 win in Brooklyn.

On this week's show, host John Napier and Daily Thunder beat writer state the obvious: SGA is the best player in the league and is barreling toward a repeat as the NBA's Most Valuable Player. Plus, the duo discuss: Jaylin Williams's breakout season Is Ajay Mitchell one of OKC's 5 best players? Is Denver still a threat in the west? East contenders and a measuring stick game against...

Ryan and Brandon break down the Thunder winning a nail biter in Madison Square Garden, injury updates, roster developments, and buzz out of Oklahoma City.  New York's failure to bottle up SGA  Mike Brown's misplaced complaints over Shai's free throws Chet's scoring explosion J-Will's growth Ajay's return?  And more!

After some very encouraging play from the Thunder of late, Brandon Rahbar and Ryan Woods join Cray Allred to compare vibes before a tough road trip ahead. Should Oklahoma City worry more about health or home court advantage as the postseason draws near? Shai's looming return The big bad Spurs Jared McCain nirvana With all this depth, who gets playoff minutes? And more!