First Take resumes with a potential playoff rematch! Would the Knicks or Celtics have the edge if these Eastern Conference foes faced off again? (0:00) Then, the Nuggets ride a 10 game win streak into their highly anticipated matchup against the Thunder. Can the Joker carry Denver past the West's best? (15:45) Next, is Wemby unguardable? (25:05) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 10, 2026•47 min
First Take begins with the Knicks "big" win over the Celtics. Should we put any stock into this drubbing since Jaylen Brown sat out? And, did the Knicks find something 80 games into the season with the heroic Brunson/KAT two-man game? (0:00) Then, can LeBron carry the Lakers through the first round sans Doncic and Reaves? (14:30) Next, Joel Embiid underwent successful surgery for appendicitis. How will we look back at the former MVPs career once it's all said and done? (23:10) And, is Travis Hun...
Apr 10, 2026•48 min
First Take resumes with Jayson Tatum's first game back at MSG since his Achilles injury. He's "not thrilled" about going back. What can we expect from the Celtics superstar? (0:00) Then, Kevin Clark thinks the Cowboys are a draft pick away from Super Bowl contention. Should they add to their already stacked offense, or needy defense? (13:50) Next, are we in favor of judging draft picks based on their favorite ice cream flavor? (24:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/ad...
Apr 09, 2026•46 min
First Take begins with Cade's glorious return! The Pistons star point guard dropped 13 pts and 10 ast in his first game back after missing a month with a collapsed lung. Should the rest of the Eastern Conference look at the Pistons as free eats, or tenacious contenders? (0:00) Then, who's more likely to win the West: Thunder or the field? (17:40) Next, the Texans exercised their stars 5th year options and Lamar is participating in offseason workouts. Kevin Clark and Jason McCourty have all your ...
Apr 09, 2026•48 min
First Take resumes with JJ Redick calling out his team! Vando can't make free throws, Ayton can't even catch a ball! It's complete dysfunction In LA with no Luka and Reaves! (0:00) Then, would you rather have KD or Ant in the playoffs? (15:00) Next, Mad Dog is fired up about the Marlins babying their catchers, NBA games during the NCAA Championship game, and valet service on Easter! (25:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Apr 08, 2026•46 min
First Take begins with a sight not seen since Jaylen Brown had hair: Mad Dog and Stephen A. in studio together! They react to a bench clearing brawl in LA, the Celtics steamrolling an upstart Hornets squad, and more egregious tanking! (0:00) Then, Shams takes us inside the fractured relationship between Giannis and the Bucks! (26:00) Next, do you really believe Mike Malone and the Tar Heels can compete with Duke? (43:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Apr 08, 2026•48 min
First Take resumes with Michigan's best basketball team ever...maybe? Is it possible the GOAT UMich team is one that never even won the championship? (0:00) Then, what is Giannis's trade value right now? Is it worse or better off than what it was at the trade deadline? (16:20) Next, Mike Malone looks to lead UNC back to the glory days of Jerry Stackhouse, James Worthy, and Brady Manek! (30:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Apr 07, 2026•46 min
First Take begins with the Victorious Wolverines! A dominant run for the ages capped off with a nail biter against the dynastic Fightin' Danny Hurleys. Stephen A. and Sean Farnham break down how Dusty May's squad got it done in Indy! (0:00) Then, Stephen A. gives Mike Malone some advice as he prepares Chapel Hill for the long road back to Blue Bloodism. (18:00) Next, fresh off of a national championship, and one hour of sleep, Dusty May talks with Shae and Stephen A.!! (27:30) Learn more about y...
Apr 07, 2026•48 min
First Take resumes with the ailing Lakers... How far can LeBron carry a Luka-less and Reaves-less LA squad? (0:00) Next, Troy Aikman discusses his role with the Dolphins, where he feels empowered making personnel decisions. Subtle shot at Jerry Jones? Why is the Cowboys legend not helping Jerry with free agent decisions? (14:00) Then, BREAKING NEWS!!! Angel Reese traded to the Dream??? What??? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Apr 06, 2026•46 min
First Take begins with Steph's Return! 29 points off the bench wasn't enough to take down the streaking Rockets in a pivotal seeding matchup. Are the Warriors good enough for Steph to risk injury in a return? (0:00) Then, Geno and Dawn have beef? Chiney breaks down where the Handshake Fiasco really started... (12:00) Next, what's more important in tonight's title game: coaching or player talent? (28:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Apr 06, 2026•48 min
Hour 2! The crew is discussing both the men's and women's Final Four, will UConn reign supreme in both? Meanwhile, Pirates top prospect Konnor Griffin making his debut today, is it too soon? Hear what Stephen A has to say. Then we talk about who in the NBA can ACTUALLY win a championship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 03, 2026•47 min
A much anticipated battle between the 1 and 3 seeds in the west quickly turned ugly last night, we discuss which team the result said more about. We also have Coach Calipari here to give his thoughts on the Final Four and his 2nd season at Arkansas. Then we discuss if the NBA's 65-game rule will end up devaluing postseason awards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 03, 2026•49 min
The Raiders shake things up by signing Kirk Cousins—but with the No. 1 pick likely bringing in Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza, is this a bridge move or a brewing QB controversy? In Boston, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown put on a show, combining for a huge night as the Celtics erupt for 147 against Miami. And Wemby’s confidence keeps growing—after his latest performance, could “Why not?” turn into an MVP and championship reality? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Apr 02, 2026•46 min
Kirk Cousins heads to the Raiders—but with the No. 1 pick and Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza waiting in the wings, what does it mean for Vegas’ future under center? Wemby keeps asking, “Why not?” After another big night, is an MVP and title run really within reach? And in the East, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown power a dominant Celtics performance—dropping 147 on Miami in a statement win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Apr 02, 2026•48 min
First Take begins with Lebron's uncertain future. Would a deep Lakers playoff run bring him back to The City of Angels for one last hoorah, or does the Kid From Akron already have one foot back in Cleveland? (0:00) Then, which Promised Land is Aaron Glenn referring to when mentioning Geno Smith? Mount 5-12 ? Arch Manning Island? (13:40) Then, Mad Dog is MAD at Carlos Boozer celebrating too early, the NFL for not agreeing to a new deal with their referees and playing an Australia game! (23:40) Fi...
Apr 01, 2026•47 min
First Take begins with two teams headed in opposite directions. The Lakers continued their winning ways with a stomping of Harden's Cavs, and the Knicks fell deeper into the pit of despair after losing a blowout to Amen's Rockets. (0:00) Then, a crossroads for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles. We finally sort out who is to blame in this debacle of a franchise in Philly. Next, Amar'e Stoudemire was officially inducted into the Hall of Fame! As a founding member of the 7 seconds or less Suns, and the pr...
Apr 01, 2026•48 min
First Take resumes with a battle for MVP! Will SGA secure his second, or can Wemby steal it from his cold blooded 55 fg% hands? (0:00) Then, WWE Superstar Trick Williams joins First Take! (15:40) Next, the Bulls waived Jaden Ivey after making homophobic remarks. Stephen A. comments... (26:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 31, 2026•47 min
First Take begins with yet another SGA MVP-esque performance. 47 points on 63% shooting?? Shades of Michael and early Stevie Franchise... Was this a finals preview? (0:00) Then, Cowboys drama is heating up! George Pickens may not report to OTAs if Jerry fails to deliver a long term deal. Can the Cowboys afford to pay him and Ceedee? (24:30) Next, are you more surprised with the Hawks shocking midseason turnaround post Trae trade, or the shorthanded Celtics surviving Jayson Tatum's injury to stic...
Mar 31, 2026•47 min
First Take resumes with a Final Four full of storylines! Can UConn really win it all, or is Arizona-Michigan the real title game? (0:00) Then, The UConn Women made mincemeat of their competition on the way to another Final Four trip. Is anyone stopping this god squad? (12:00) Next, is Jayson Tatum officially back after a 32 point performance against the streaking Hornets? (23:55) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Mar 30, 2026•47 min
First Take begins with Jay Will facing the music! How can a Blue Blood like Duke suffer two of the worst tournament losses in back to back years? With all of those first round draft picks and brand recognition? (0:00) Then, after another loss to a top team, can the Knicks be trusted in the playoffs? (26:20) Next, what statement did Michigan make with a massive win over Tennessee? (40:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Mar 30, 2026•47 min
First Take resumes with Sweet 16 thrillers! Illinois stomped Houston in their hometown, Iowa shocked Nebraska after a brutal coaching blunder from Fred Hoiberg, and Darius Acuff Jr. went out with a bang, losing big to Arizona. Which loss was the most disappointing? Plus, the crew rips on Will Wade's and LSU's lack of loyalty and backbone. (0:00) Then, Shams breaks a few new tanking proposals. Surely these will be the ones that fix it! (15:05) Next, Andraya Carter breaks down the most intriguing ...
Mar 27, 2026•46 min
First Take begins with another early Calipari exit. Darius Acuff Jr. and the Razorbacks felt the wrath of Koa Peat and the Wildcats, losing big in California. Is Coach Cal to blame for the loss? (0:00) Then, the Hornets smoked the Knicks in Charlotte. There's something brewing in Buzz City with the KonMelo duo. More importantly, Stephen A. responds to Josh Hart naming him a "part-time Knicks fan." (22:00) Next, Seth Greenberg is riding with the Johnnies to beat Duke. How can they pull off the up...
Mar 27, 2026•48 min
First Take resumes with Draymond's strong Wemby statement! He is TIRED of the media only caring about one side of the ball! SAS tells us if he has a point... (0:00) Then, Adam Silver once again declared he is ready to stop tanking once and for all! Should we believe him? (12:00) Next, which one seed is on the highest upset alert heading into the Sweet Sixteen? (23:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Mar 26, 2026•47 min
First Take begins with the new SGA! Jaylen Brown used Shai's own foulbaiting tactics against him (two weeks after declaring he never foulbaits). Are we ready to put the Celtics in the Thunder/Spurs tier? (0:00) Then, with AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson going out in the first weekend, is Darius Acuff Jr. the best player left in the NCAA tournament? (27:10) Next, Luka already led one team to the finals. Is he playing well enough to carry ANOTHER past the Spurs and Thunder to reach his second? (39...
Mar 26, 2026•47 min
First Take resumes with a potentially short lived NBA rule. After outcry from Cade Cunningham's agent, the NBA may consider changing the 65 game minimum to win awards. Doggy doesn't wants EVERYONE to quit their whining! Then, Tiger's return to the TGL had us thinking.. would you want to play indoor golf with Stephen A.? Next, Mad Dog is MAD about Joe Burrow playing flag football, late Sweet Sixteen start times, and the MLB taking games away from local networks! Finally, Jess Mendoza's Top 5 team...
Mar 25, 2026•46 min
First Take begins with Hubert Davis being relieved of his duties at UNC. Is Kenny "The Jet" Smith the right fit for UNC, or will his lack of coaching experience hinder his ability to attract five star talent and compete with Duke? Then, Jess Mendoza goes toe to toe with Stephen A. and Doggy on the Dodgers threepeating! Would it be good for baseball? Next, DanO defends his Simpson>Mendoza take. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Mar 25, 2026•48 min
First Take resumes with a battle of NBA superstars! You can have Luka, Wemby or SGA for the rest of the season. Which one is winning you a title? (0:00) Next, Jayson Tatum is shooting a career low 38% from the floor since returning. Combined with Jaylen Brown's subpar play, are they hindering the Celtics from being Eastern Conference Champs? (18:20) Next, what does Tiger Wood's return mean for golf? (28:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Mar 24, 2026•50 min
First Take begins with the next version of LeBron. This time, he brings a defense first mindset to a high powered, offensively driven Lakers team. Is this the best formula for a shot at the title? (0:00) Then, do you agree with Josh Hart? Is criticizing Mikal Bridges unfair? (28:15) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 24, 2026•47 min
First Take resumes with the surging Lakers. Are they on the same level as the Spurs and Thunder? (0:00) Next, with zero mid-majors reaching the Sweet Sixteen, can we officially declare Cinderellas dead? (8:40) Then, WNBPA president Nneka Ogyumike tells all on the WNBA's new CBA! (18:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 23, 2026•36 min
First Take begins with the St John's-Kansas dogfight! Pitino's Johnnies emerged victorious on a Dylan Darling buzzer beating layup. Darryn Peterson's college career came to an end, and his lackluster play throughout the season has Stephen A. and Jay-Will wondering if he should go top 5... (0:00) Next, basketball savant Jay-Will breaks down Iowa's game winner against Florida. (16:30) Then, which blue blood program's future are you most concerned about? (24:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...
Mar 23, 2026•38 min
