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The Athletic NBA Daily

The Athletictheathletic.com
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.

Episodes

Rockets & Warriors deliver thriller | Trae Young rolls dice in New York

The NBA Cup semifinals are set. The Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets will join the Thunder and Bucks in Las Vegas. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni are joined by the Athletic’s James Edwards III and Marcus Thompson II to recap the Hawks and Rockets victories, what plagued the Knicks and Warriors, and where these teams are going from here. Then, Es and Dave issue a few early season retractions in the mailbag segment. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni, James Edwards, Marcus Thompson Executive Produc...

Dec 12, 202430 min

Bucks & Thunder advance in NBA Cup | The Athletic’s Front Office Rankings

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 39 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder eliminated the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. The Milwaukee Bucks knock out the Orlando Magic thanks to 37 points from Giannis Antetokounmpo. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita are joined by the Athletic’s Eric Nehm and Andrew Schlecht to breakdown the Bucks and Thunder victories and their paths to success in Las Vegas. Then, Zena and Dave take a look at some of the teams that were not included in the Athletic’s front ...

Dec 11, 202433 min

NBA Cup Preview | Who are the real Warriors?

With eight teams remaining, as the NBA Cup enters the knockout stages, Stephen Curry and the Warriors look to book their ticket to Las Vegas. Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and Anthony Slater take a look at the Western conference and discuss who guards Shai and Luka, whether the Warriors care, and why the Cup means more to the Rockets. Then, Es and Dave look at the Bucks chances of NBA Cup redemption and Trae Young’s heel work in Madison Square Garden. In the mailbag, the gang take a look at injuries...

Dec 10, 202432 min

Are the Grizzlies contenders? | Nikola Jokić’s MVP weekend

Nikola Jokić followed up his 56 point performance in a loss to the Washington Wizards with 48 points in a win over the Atlanta Hawks. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni catch up on Nikola Jokić and his 104-point weekend, look into the Bucks recent success, and discuss the Grizzlies status as contenders. Finally, Es, Zena, and Dave look ahead to the NBA Cup semifinal matchups. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Zena Keita Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody ...

Dec 09, 202432 min

John Hollinger + Slammie Awards

Saturday Slam N Jam Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers hand out their quarterly Slammie Awards including: League Pass Team of the 1st Quarter, Say What? Stat of the 1st Quarter, They did what now? Award, "Now THIS is gonna be fun" award, and many more. Then in Part 2 John Hollinger of the Athletic joins the show to discuss some of his observations a quarter way through the season and discuss his new book the Basketball 100. Then the guys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. The Beat. Host: Andrew Schle...

Dec 07, 20241 hr 29 min

Cavs roll in spite of Jokić | Thinking Basketball with Ben Taylor

Nikola Jokić passed Magic Johnson on the NBA’s all time triple doubles list, but it wasn’t enough as the Nuggets were handily beaten by the league best Cleveland Cavaliers. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss Jokić night and season thus far, revisit the “Jamal Murray or Donovan Mitchell” debate, and Ja Morant’s ejection against the Kings. Then, Ben Taylor, from “Thinking Basketball”, joins the show to talk about the contenders that pass his sniff test. Finally, Es and Dave take a look at some ey...

Dec 06, 202433 min

LeBron & Lakers “embarrassed” | Pacers struggles continue

Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach J.J. Redick said he was “embarrassed” following a 41 point loss to the Miami Heat. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni are joined by the Athletic’s Jovan Buha to discuss the aftermath of the loss, the recent play of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and where the Lakers go from here. Then, Caitlin Cooper, from “Basketball, She Wrote”, joins the show to talk about the Pacers recent struggles and what is bothering Tyrese Haliburton. Finally, Es and Dave check in on presumptive ...

Dec 05, 202434 min

Jokić outduels Curry to beat the Warriors | Bucks; Thunder lead NBA Cup Knockout Round

Nikola Jokić was a game high +23 as the Denver Nuggets beat the Golden State Warriors on the final night of NBA Cup group play. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita breakdown Jokić’s night, Giannis and the Bucks recent surge, and take a look at the NBA Cup Knockout stage matchups. Then, the Athletic’s Marcus Thompson, joins the show to talk about the Warriors recent slide and their need for a number two option. In the listener question segment, Zena and Dave give their thoughts on the conference finals fr...

Dec 04, 202433 min

Lakers Taking Ls | Hawks on the Rise?

The Timberwolves crush LeBron James and the Lakers on their Monday night contest and Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni break down what went wrong for the Lakers, and if things are turning around for the Timberwolves. In part 2 Dave and Es are joined by Lauren Williams of the Atlanta Journal Constitution to discuss the Atlanta Hawks, what their ceiling is this season, and how the vibes are different for the Hawks this year. In the final segment the breakfast club answers a listener question about when ...

Dec 03, 202433 min

Cavs and Rockets Contenders? | All Weekend Team

Donovan Mitchell leads the Cavs past the Celtics and Fred VanVleet leads the Rockets past the Thunder in a wild Sunday night of NBA basketball. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita and Es Baraheni are your guides for all the NBA action from the weekend, including these 2 games. The breakfast club then discuss the best players from the weekend and form their All Weekend Teams. Finally the crew discuss their picks for the week and give an update on the NBA Cup. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita, Es Baraheni E...

Dec 02, 202429 min

Anthony Edwards says the Wolves are soft | Who is Tyrese Martin?

Anthony Edwards and the Wolves lose to the sputtering Kings and are searching for an identity, and Dave DuFour and Andrew Schlecht discuss the problems that plague them. The Rockets continue to win on the back of Sengun in overtime, plus who is Tyrese Martin and how many points did he score against the Suns? James Edwards III joins the breakfast club to discuss the Knicks loss to the Mavs, what’s wrong with Mikal Bridges, and why did the Pistons give away Quinten Grimes? To end the show the guys...

Nov 28, 202435 min

Durant & Beal return to crush Lakers | What is wrong with the Timberwolves?

Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal return from injury to blowout the Los Angeles Lakers in NBA Cup group play. The Milwaukee Bucks continue their steady stretch, in spite of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence, with a win over the Miami Heat. The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski joins Dave DuFour and Zena Keita react to the Timberwolves loss to the Houston Rockets and the bad vibes in Minnesota. Then, the gang discusses a potential pivot for the Pelicans and action movies. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita, J...

Nov 27, 202429 min

Kristaps Porzingis; Ja Morant return | Knicks demolish low effort Nuggets

Kristaps Porzingis made his season debut for the Boston Celtics last night in their blowout victory over Los Angeles Clippers. The Athletic’s Law Murray joins Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni to react to the Porzingis’ debut and discuss what went wrong for the Clippers. Also, Es and Dave discuss Kevin Durant’s impending return for the Suns, Ja Morant’s first game back for the Grizzlies, and the Nuggets' embarrassing effort against the offensive powerhouse Knicks. Then, the gang gives their takes on s...

Nov 26, 202431 min

Giannis headlines All Weekend Team + Embiid & Zion Update

Giannis Antetokounmpo headlines our “All Weekend Team” that Dave DuFour, Zena Keita and Es Baraheni outline as the first block of the show. In part 2, the breakfast club hits the news discussing Zion and Embiid not returning, Fred Van Vleet’s tirade, and more. Then the crew wraps up the show telling you which NBA Cup games matter the most this week, as they make their weekly picks. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita, Es Baraheni Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody L...

Nov 25, 202430 min

True Title Contenders + Are the Sixers Cooked?

Slam N Jam Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the headlines of the NBA, Rookie of the Year odds, and who the true contenders are in the NBA. Then Trill Bro Dude of the You Know Ball Podcast joins the show to have a lengthy discussion on the horrific start to the season, Joel Embiid's future, PG's podcasts and more. Then the guys draft the players that if removed from their team, instantly make them unwatchable. And finally... Andrew and Trill face off in a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat...

Nov 23, 20241 hr 28 min

Magic make Lakers streak disappear | Are the Timberwolves in trouble?

The Los Angeles Lakers winning streak stops at six games with a loss to the Orlando Magic. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita react to the Timberwolves loss to the Raptors and the potential changes to the All Star game format. Then, the Athletic’s Jovan Buha joins the show to discuss the Lakers late game troubles, LeBron James’ shooting, and the emergence of rookie Dalton Knecht. In the mailbag segment, Zena and Dave discuss the future of the San Antonio Spurs and their favorite Thanksgiving side-dish. ...

Nov 22, 202431 min

Sixers Big 3 debut in loss | Hartenstein returns in Thunder win

The Philadelphia 76ers season could not be off to a worse start. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the Sixers loss to the Grizzlies and the return of Isaiah Hartenstein for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Then, The Athletic’s Sam Amick joins the show with more from behind the scenes in Philadelphia and the Brooklyn Nets trade buzz. In the mailbag segment, Es and Dave discuss possible Jakob Poeltl trades and their favorite chocolate bars. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni, Sam Amick Executive Pro...

Nov 21, 202431 min

Celtics End Cavs Streak + Shake Up Trades?

Dave DuFour and Zena Keita react to the NBA Cup group play games so far. Then, The Athletic’s Jared Weiss joins the show to discuss Boston’s victory over the previously undefeated Cavaliers and the locker room intrigue in Philadelphia. In the mailbag segment, Zena and Dave take a look at a trade that would shake up the entire NBA and decide which day of the week needs to be eliminated. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Learn more...

Nov 20, 202432 min

76ers & Embiid implode to 2-11 | Lillard bails out Bucks

Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni sound the panic alarm over Joel Embiid and the Sixers and discuss the controversial game-ending steal in Sacramento. Then, The Athletic’s Kelly Iko joins the show after the Rocket's loss in Milwaukee. Finally, the guys look at some disturbing numbers for Tyrese Haliburton. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 19, 202428 min

Undefeated Cavs win 15th straight game

Dave DuFour, Zena Keita and Es Baraheni discuss Cleveland’s undefeated start to the season, De’Aaron Fox’s 60-point game, and the weekend’s buzzer beaters. Then, the gang takes a look at some trends and wonder if they are ‘Something, Nothing, or Everything’ and pick the big NBA Cup games of the week. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & Es Baraheni Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 18, 202429 min

Worried about the Mavs? + How bad is the East?

Saturday Slam and Jam Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers break down the top stories of the week including Chet's injury, Wemby and Giannis' big nights, and the red hot Cavs. Then the guys break down their favorite things of the week including quotes from Chauncey Billups, the play of the Pistons, how bad the East is, and more. In Part 2 Tim Cato of the All City Network joins to discuss the very strange start from the Dallas Mavericks. What is killing them in crunch time? What is with the defensive ...

Nov 16, 20241 hr 17 min

Were we wrong about the Nuggets? | Chasing down the Cavs

Dave DuFour and Zena Keita are joined by Senior National NBA Writer Sam Amick to catch up on the latest with the struggling Bucks and resurgent Nuggets. Then, Carter Rodriguez, from the Cavaliers-focused ‘Chasedown’ podcast stops by to explain how Cleveland has started so well. Finally, Dave and Zena compare some small sample statistics to the eye test. Check us out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0zhrjxLhG6s Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita, Sam Amick, & Carter Rodriguez Executive Producer: Andr...

Nov 15, 202430 min

Victor Wembanyama makes history

Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni break down the night of NBA basketball and the absurd performances by Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Then the guys talk about the Wolves' sad visit to Portland, the Knicks' defensive issues, and impact rookies. Check us out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/u4tvILVikvI Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 14, 202429 min

Warriors Spoil Klay’s Return to the Bay

Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni are joined by Trey Kerby of No Dunks to discuss Klay Thompson’s return to the Bay for the Mavs/Warriors matchup. They discuss the atmosphere in the arena, and how the Warriors won the game. After a break, Dave and Es discuss Joel Embiid’s return to the Sixers lineup and the woeful Wolves losing to the Blazers. Then in the final segment, the guys play a game of “Who Am I?” Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Bareheni and Trey Kerby Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Prod...

Nov 13, 202429 min

Cavs stay undefeated | NBA Cup Preview

Dave DuFour and Zena Keita take a look at the undefeated Cavaliers after their latest win and discuss the injury situation around the league as NBA Cup group play begins. Then the breakfast club is joined by The NBA Daily's Andrew Schlecht to catch up on Shai's big night and the fallout from Chet Holmgren's injury. In the final segment, Dave and Zena dig into the mailbag and discuss Victor Wembanyama's three-pointer obsession. Check us out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rcW_-xUq6B0 Host: Dave DuFo...

Nov 12, 202428 min

Why are the Bucks struggling? | Chet Holmgren's injury

Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni run you through the games from the weekend including the Thunder vs Warriors, Chet Holmgren’s injury, the sputtering Bucks, and much more. After a break, they walk you through their favorite things from the weekend and give their Bet MGM picks of the week. Check us out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_Ai7C2BRJd4 Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita and Es Baraheni Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Learn more about your ad choice...

Nov 11, 202427 min

Lakers Chaos Zone + Refurbished Warriors

Saturday Slam N Jam Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, the Most Improved Player odds, and more of their favorite things from the week. Then Zena Keita joins to discuss the Warriors and their surprising rise in the Western Conference. In part 2, Trevor Lane of the Lakers Nation podcast joins to discuss the wild week of the Lakers including his moment in the press conference with JJ Redick, covering 39 year old LeBron, the Lakers defense and more. Then the guys fin...

Nov 09, 20241 hr 22 min

Why the Clippers didn’t want Paul George | Celtics potential sale

Dave DuFour and Zena Keita break down the night of NBA basketball and the Tyrese Maxey injury for the Sixers. Then the breakfast club is joined by Senior writer at the Athletic Sam Amick to discuss the Clippers' new arena, Paul George’s return, and how the Clippers would rather have nothing than Paul George. In the final segment, Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic stops by to discuss the potential sale of the Celtics and how the new TV deal could affect NBA fans. Check us out on YouTube: https://yout...

Nov 08, 202427 min

Tensions within Redick’s Lakers | Warriors back to their old best?

Host Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss a night filled with animosity in the NBA as Paul George returns to the Clippers and JJ Redick calls out his Lakers squad. The duo are then joined by Warriors beat writer for The Athletic, Anthony Slater, to discuss their big win over the Celtics and the Cavs comeback to extend their record to 9-0. Check us out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LJUVpODUzeo Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni and Anthony Slater Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Video/Audio Pro...

Nov 07, 202429 min

Joel Embiid Suspended | Kevin Durant strikes back at critics

Dave DuFour and Andrew Schlecht react to Joel Embiids's suspension, Aaron Gordon's injury news, and Cooper Flagg's debut. Then, Doug Haller, Arizona beat writer for the Athletic, stops by to discuss Kevin Durant's leadership and the Suns' hot start. Check us out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7fe0oOsayNs Host: Dave DuFour With: Andrew Schlecht & Doug Haller Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 06, 202428 min