The Mismatch - podcast cover

The Mismatch

The Ringer www.theringer.com
Chris Vernon and David Jacoby discuss all the news, trends, and transactions happening in the NBA. They also offer their on-court analysis, and occasionally get into heated debates.
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Episodes

Are the Sixers Back? Plus: The Suns' Turnaround Season, Jalen Johnson’s Rise, and Draymond’s Delusion

Verno and Jacoby return as they briefly recap some of Thursday night’s action, including the Sixers beating the Rockets in OT, the Magic’s disappointing season, and yet another blow to the Warriors in their loss to the Mavs. Next, the guys into their loves and loathes from the previous week. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (03:12) Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid lift Sixers past Rockets in OT (07:05) The disappointing Magic season continues after a blowout loss to the Hornets (09:52) Warriors lose an...

Jan 23, 20261 hr 16 min

Can the Warriors Still Contend Without Jimmy? Plus: Eight Things We Care About.

Verno and Jacoby react to the breaking news from last night that Warriors player Jimmy Butler is out for the season after tearing his ACL in the win against the Heat. They debate what the Warriors can do to try salvage the rest of the season, what they will do with Jonathan Kuminga now that Jimmy is injured, and the franchise’s outlook with Steph Curry. Next, the guys share eight things that they care about, including the Knicks, Anthony Edwards vs. Victor Wembanyama, All-Star starters, and so m...

Jan 20, 20261 hr 19 min

Ja Is Done in Memphis, Concern About the Rockets, SGA Gets Spicy, NBA in Europe, and Is Jayson Tatum Close to Returning?

Verno and Jacoby return as they share the latest on Ja Morant and the Grizzlies before discussing their game against the Magic in Germany. They then go through the rest of the Thursday night slate of action as they discuss whether it's officially time to be concerned about the Rockets; the struggles of watching Karl-Anthony Towns on the Knicks; whether the Warriors will get anything in return for Jonathan Kuminga; the Pistons, who keep on rolling; Klay Thompson passing Damian Lillard on the all-...

Jan 16, 20261 hr 43 min

Biggest Surprises, Biggest Disappointments, and What We Love and Hate From This Season. Plus: Verno Can’t Let Ja Go.

Verno and Jacoby are together in New York, and they discuss the reports that the Grizzlies are open to trading Ja Morant. Verno explains why a trade would be bad for both sides and why he hopes Ja will stay in Memphis. Next, they recap some of the Monday night action, including the Jazz's upset win against the Cavs, the Sixers defeating the Raptors, and Joe Mazzulla blaming illegal screens for the Celtics' loss to the Pacers. Next, with the season nearing the halfway point, the guys share their ...

Jan 13, 20261 hr 13 min

The Fading Cavs, Good Vibe Suns, the LinkedIn Warrior, and What Are the Wizards' Intentions With Trae Young?

Verno and Jacoby return as they discuss the Wolves' victory over the Cavs in which Anthony Edwards became the third-youngest player to reach 10,000 points and explain what could be causing the disappointing season from the Cavs. They then debate whether Anthony Davis is seriously injured, discuss the Pacers ending their 13-game losing streak, and just what the Wizards' plans are with Trae Young. Next, the guys go through their first loves and loathes of the year. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!...

Jan 09, 20261 hr 29 min

Thunder Humbled, Knicks Embarrassed, Edgecombe Madness, and Six Questions to Start 2026

Verno and Jacoby are back with their first pod of 2026 as they look back at Monday’s night action, including blowout losses by the Thunder and Knicks and Kevin Durant beating his old team, and debate whether the Clippers are starting to turn it around. Next, the guys ask three questions each to start the new year. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:22) Thunder lose second straight, get blown out by Hornets (12:38) Kevin Durant hits the game-winning 3 as the Rockets beat Suns (16:20) Depleted N...

Jan 06, 20261 hr 30 min

Will LeBron Retire at the End of the Season? Plus, Trae’s Future, Tanking Teams, and More 2026 Predictions!

Verno and Jacoby return with the last episode of 2025 as they recap the action from Monday night, including Nikola Jokic’s injury ( ESPN’s Shams Charania reported after the recording that Jokic has been diagnosed with a hyperextension in his left knee and will miss at least the next four weeks ), the Raptors getting it done by committee against the Warriors and Magic, the Cavs getting back on track against the Spurs, Deni Avdija’s continued success for the Blazers, and how the Mavs are handling ...

Dec 30, 20251 hr 18 min

Jokic’s Video Game Triple-Double, the Broken Lakers, the Comeback Knicks, and the Spurs Beat the Thunder Yet Again

Verno and Jacoby are back to recap the full Christmas Day slate of games. They break down the incredible performances from Nikola Jokic and Anthony Edwards in the Nuggets' thrilling OT win over the Wolves, how the Spurs remain undefeated against the Thunder, the tale of two halves at Madison Square Garden, JJ Redick’s anger after the Lakers' loss to the Rockets, and how Cooper Flagg stole the show in the Mavs' loss to the Warriors. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:37) Nikola Jokic puts up a ...

Dec 26, 20251 hr 4 min

Thursday Night's Thrillers, Hungover Knicks, and the Giannis-Target Comp

Verno and Jacoby return to break down the wild Thursday-night slate in the NBA that saw multiple one-score games and overtime finishes. After, the guys dive into their loves and loathes from the past week in the league. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (01:48) Nikola Jokic breaks record in win vs. Magic (05:09) Pelicans storm back in OT win vs. Rockets (09:18) Mavs survive Pistons in OT (14:29) The Suns escape with win against the Warriors (18:18) Lamelo Ball, Hornets spoil Trae Young’s return w...

Dec 19, 20251 hr 11 min

Will Vegas Lose the NBA Cup? Plus: Nuggets Outlast Rockets, Spencer Bros., and How the Cup Is Affecting the Giannis Trade Market.

Verno and Jacoby return as they preview the NBA Cup championship between the Knicks and Spurs. They then debate whether the NBA Cup could potentially move away from Las Vegas and what the best options are for the fans to be able to go see the games in person. Next, they go through Monday night’s slate of NBA action. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:40) NBA Cup championship preview (18:16) Will the NBA Cup leave Las Vegas? (24:06) Nuggets win OT thriller vs. Rockets (32:12) Cade Cunningham sh...

Dec 16, 20251 hr 4 min

Jaylen Brown’s Pippen Moment, Beef Stew Hype, Christmas Cards, and Are the Thunder Chasing History?

Verno and Jacoby return as they recap the NBA Cup games from Tuesday and Wednesday night. They discuss the Thunder's continued dominance to start the season after matching the best 25-game start in NBA history, how the Spurs exploited the Lakers' defensive inefficiencies, and why the Knicks have a chance against the Magic. Next, the guys dive into their loves and loathes from the past week in the NBA. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (02:30) Western Conference NBA Cup recap (16:50) Eastern Confe...

Dec 12, 20251 hr 17 min

NBA Cup Special: The Unbeatable Thunder, and Can the Knicks Get Over the Hump? Plus: Do the Spurs Need Giannis?

It’s NBA Cup week! Verno and Jacoby preview the upcoming games, starting with the Eastern Conference. Can the Magic keep it going against the Heat without Franz Wagner? Can the Knicks finally get past the Cup quarterfinals against the Raptors? Next, they dive into the matchups in the Western Conference. Do the Suns stand any chance at defeating the Thunder? Will Victor Wembanyama return to lead the Spurs against Luka, LeBron, and the Lakers? Also, they guys continue to debate whether the Bucks s...

Dec 09, 20251 hr 20 min

LeBron Loses His Streak, Giannis’s Next Steps, Anonymous Assassinations, and Are the Celtics Actually Good?

Hosts Chris Vernon and Dave Jacoby dive into the dramatic NBA week, covering LeBron James' historic streak ending in a win and the breakout performance of Austin Reaves. They analyze the thrilling Sixers-Warriors game, speculate on Giannis Antetokounmpo's future and recent injury, and discuss the contentious departure of Chris Paul from the Clippers. The episode concludes with their "Loves and Loathes," including praise for overlooked players, a critique of game stoppages, and a debate on anonymous media criticism.

Dec 05, 20251 hr 14 min

Could Giannis Leave the Bucks? Plus: Monday Night Surprises, NBA Cup Pairings, and More Observations.

Verno and Jacoby debate Giannis Antetokounmpo’s decision to scrub anything Bucks related from his social media accounts and what this means for Giannis and the Bucks going forward. How much longer will Giannis remain in Milwaukee? They then recap the Monday night slate of NBA action before sharing six observations as we pass the quarter mark of the season. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:30) Giannis has scrubbed his socials; what happens next? (14:00) The Jazz beat the Rockets (17:05) The M...

Dec 02, 20251 hr 18 min

What We Love From the First Month of the Season, Jokic’s Nonchalant Performance, Cade’s Superstar Status, and Are the Wolves in Trouble?

Verno and Jacoby return as they go over the Monday-night slate of basketball, including the Raptors and Pistons' win streaks, Nikola Jokic’s nonchalant impact in the Nuggets' win over the Grizzlies, the Wolves' collapse against the Heat, and more. They also discuss the viral moment between Klay Thompson and Ja Morant over the weekend. Next, the guys share four things they’ve loved about the first month of the NBA season. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:24) We were right about the Raptors (0...

Nov 25, 20251 hr 3 min

The Wemby-less Spurs Impress, Derik Queen and the Young Pels, and What's Going On With LaMelo Ball?

Verno and Jacoby return as they briefly discuss the Grizzlies completely dominating the Kings, Tyrese Maxey’s continued ascension into superstardom, as well as how impressive the Spurs looked without their top players. Next, the guys dive into their loves and loathes from this past week in the NBA. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:35) What’s next for the Kings after getting blown out by the Grizzlies? (08:13) Sixers beat Bucks as Maxey's ascension continues (14:48) Verno and Jacoby’s no. 1 l...

Nov 21, 20251 hr 18 min

Early-Season Surprises: Steph Remains Electric, the Feel-Good Raptors, and the Elderly Clippers

Verno and Jacoby recap the Monday night slate of NBA action before sharing six early surprises from the season so far. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (01:56) Jalen Duren fuels the Pistons' 10th straight win (05:00) Multiple Raptors step up to beat the Hornets for their eighth win in nine games (10:08) The Bulls hold off Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets (14:13) Giannis hurt in the Bucks' loss to the Cavs (16:53) Heat survive, as the Knicks can't complete a comeback (20:05) The Sixers rally behind T...

Nov 18, 20251 hr 6 min

The Zero Hangover Thunder, Steph Leaves Under Armour, and Jokic’s Otherworldly Performances

Verno and Jacoby are back as they dive directly into their loves and loathes from the past week in the NBA. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (03:07) Verno's and Jacoby’s no. 1 loves of the week (16:06) Verno's and Jacoby’s no. 1 loathes of the week (21:38) No. 2 loves of the week (24:19) No. 2 loathes of the week (32:45) No. 3 loves of the week (41:30) No. 3 loathes of the week (43:58) No. 4 loves of the week (53:31) No. 4 loathes of the week (01:05:38) No. 5 loves of the week The Ringer is comm...

Nov 14, 20251 hr 15 min

Best NBA Night Ever? Plus: Mavs Fire Nico Harrison and Six Observations on the NBA Season So Far.

Verno and Jacoby are back as they break down Monday's slate of NBA games and discuss what was one of the most exciting nights of NBA basketball in a long time. They also discuss the Mavs' inevitable decision to fire GM Nico Harrison. Next, the guys share six observations from the NBA season after the first games of the season. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (02:50) Desmond Bane’s buzzer-beater lifts the Magic past the Blazers (04:50) Pistons win again in OT after Cade Cunningham’s career night...

Nov 11, 20251 hr 37 min

Mitchell’s '2K' Motivation, Thompson Twins Thriving, Diverse Offenses, and Wemby Struggles

Verno and Jacoby return to discuss the latest injury update on LeBron James before diving right into their loves and loathes from this past week. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:37) LeBron James injury update (05:44) Verno's and Jacoby’s no. 1 loves of the week (22:45) Verno's and Jacoby’s no. 1 loathes of the week (32:17) Verno's and Jacoby’s no. 2 loves of the week (39:12) Verno's and Jacoby’s no. 2 loathes of the week (43:54) Verno's and Jacoby’s no. 3 loves of the week (53:56) Verno's a...

Nov 07, 20251 hr 27 min

Monday Night Revenge Games, Good-Vibe Lakers, Steve Ballmer Is Being Sued, and Just How Good Are the Bulls?

Verno and Jacoby return to recap what was seemingly revenge night across the league yesterday. They discuss Myles Turner’s return to Indiana, Deandre Ayton taking control for the Lakers with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both out, the latest on Ja Morant, and more. They next ask six questions about the NBA season so far. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (02:00) Myles Turner returns to Indiana, and Giannis beats the buzzer to win 117-115 (10:45) Norman Powell and the Heat edge out the Clippers 12...

Nov 04, 20251 hr 19 min

No Problems Without Giannis for the Bucks, Wemby’s Vengeance Tour, and Despising ‘MJ: Insights to Excellence’

Verno and Jacoby return as they recap the Thursday night slate of games, which included a Bucks win without Giannis, the Spurs and Thunder remaining undefeated, and the Magic finally ending their losing streak. Next, the guys go through their loves and loathes from this week in the NBA. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch (02:43) Thursday night recap (24:25) Verno's and Jacoby’s loves (53:06) Verno's and Jacoby’s loathes Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris ...

Oct 31, 20251 hr 23 min

The Sixers New Window, Cedric Coward Experience, And Possible Overreactions

Verno and Jacoby are back after the first week of the NBA season. They go through Monday’s slate of games, discussing the Sixers' new window with Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe, the abundance of 40- and 50-point games to start the season, Verno’s reaction to watching Cedric Coward, Austin Reaves shining while playing without Luka Doncic, and more. Next, the guys share their possible overreactions from the first week of the season. (0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (0:58)The Sixers stay undefeated...

Oct 28, 20251 hr 24 min

Steph Says Night-Night to the Nuggets, Youth Sport Knicks, Gambling Scandal, and Our Loves and Loathes

Verno and Jacoby return to recap the absolutely amazing start of the NBA season. They also discuss Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and Damon Jones getting arrested as a part of an investigation related to illegal sports betting and rigged poker games. Next, it's the return of Verno and Jacoby’s loves and loathes from the first week of the NBA season. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch (02:29) Thunder 2-0 after back-to-back double OT wins (09:20) Warriors survive OT thriller against Nuggets (20:16) ...

Oct 24, 20251 hr 34 min

2025-26 NBA Season Preview: The Wide-Open East, Can KD make a Difference With Houston, and Are the Warriors Any Good?

The season is finally here! Verno and Jacoby give you their previews for the upcoming season by going through each conference to predict the final standings, awards, Finals matchups, and more! (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch (03:13) NBC announces Michael Jordan’s role for their NBA broadcast (06:00) Eastern Conference Preview: Top six teams (23:10) Eastern Conference Preview: Play-in and bottom teams (42:10) Western Conference Preview: Top six teams (01:01:17) Western Conference Preview: Play-in...

Oct 21, 20251 hr 32 min

Final Preseason Takeaways, Most Likelies, Injury Updates, and Did the Nets Admit to Tanking?

Verno and Jacoby return to discuss Russell Westbrook signing with the Kings, as well as the team extending Keegan Murray. They also discuss Jaden Ivey’s disappointing injury setback, Malcolm Brogdon‘s sudden retirement, and Joe Tsai's unexpected comments about his expectations for the Nets this season. Next, the guys share their preseason takeaways before going through their most likelies before the season begins next week. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:57) Kings sign Russell Westbrook an...

Oct 17, 20251 hr 26 min

LeBron to Miss Season Opener, Preseason Standouts, and Is Giannis Juggling His Future?

Verno and Jacoby are back to discuss the latest news on LeBron James's injury, the Giannis-Knicks rumors, GM survey reactions, preseason standouts, and more questions before the regular season begins. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (01:36) LeBron James to miss multiple weeks with sciatica (09:00) Giannis Antetokounmpo–New York Knicks rumors (16:55) NBA general manager survey reaction (32:36) Preseason standout: Jaylen Brown (36:08) Preseason standout: Ace Bailey (40:39) Preseason standout: Mat...

Oct 10, 20251 hr 19 min

The Warriors Are Finally Complete, the Sixers’ Only Hope, and the Cooper Flagg Hype Meter

With media days underway and preseason basketball ramping up, Verno and Jacoby return to recap the first preseason game, debate the Sixers' championship window, discuss Wemby’s offseason, and more! (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:40) Question 1: How was Knicks-76ers in Abu Dhabi? (12:12) Question 2: How concerned are you with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence for Bucks media day? (19:48) Question 3: Has the 76ers’ window already closed? (24:42) Question 4: Which team/fan base is the most delu...

Oct 03, 20251 hr 10 min

The Wemby Debate, Zion's Revival, Houston’s Hopes, and LeBron’s Leverage

As we inch closer and closer to the regular season, Verno and Jacoby return with 10 questions about the upcoming season and more. (00:00) Welcome to the Mismatch! (02:24) Question 1: Is Victor Wembanyama the fifth-best player in the NBA? (10:34) Question 2: What are your thoughts on LeBron James potentially creating a rival basketball league to compete with the NBA? (18:13) Question 3: Is it time to believe in Zion Williamson again? (25:47) Question 4: How much does Fred VanVleet’s injury change...

Sep 26, 20251 hr 16 min

Adam Silver’s Tough Week, Trae Young Claps Back, and What to Do With Jonathan Kuminga

Verno and Jacoby are back as they continue to discuss the evolving story about Kawhi Leonard, Steve Ballmer, and Aspiration. Also, they detail how commissioner Adam Silver has mishandled the Clippers situation and his backtracking comments after calling the NBA a "highlights-based sport." Next, they discuss the latest with Jonathan Kuminga and debate whether he’ll start the season with the Warriors or somewhere else before shifting their attention to the latest war of words between Patrick Bever...

Sep 19, 20251 hr 6 min
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