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.

Episodes

Don’t Overlook the Grizzlies, Who Gets the Blame for Phoenix, and Instant Reactions to Playoff Matchups

Verno and Jacoby break down tonight’s play-in games, starting with the Hawks-Magic matchup (01:44) and the Grizzlies-Warriors matchup (07:14). They then discuss tomorrow’s play-in matchups before debating the best possible scenarios that could come out of the play-in (16:32). Next, they get into the news of David Griffin’s firing in New Orleans (30:15) and Mike Budenholzer’s firing in Phoenix (36:37). With Joe Dumars expected to take over Griffin's role with the Pelicans, what will they do with ...

Apr 15, 20251 hr 11 min

Dissecting Why Malone Was Fired and Gearing Up for a Wild End to the Regular Season

Verno and Jacoby discuss the scorching-hot Timberwolves, who beat the Grizzlies last night 141-125 after scoring a league season-high 52 points in the third quarter and 44 points from Anthony Edwards (01:08). They also discuss the goofiness around Ja Morant’s new celebration. Next, they detail why they think the Nuggets cleaned house and fired head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth (18:42). Are the Nuggets the biggest wild card in the playoffs now? The guys then discuss why last night's K...

Apr 11, 20251 hr 14 min

Have We Discovered the Lakers’ Ceiling? Plus: The Rockets’ Identity, Murray’s Injury, and Predicting Entertaining Playoff Series.

(RECORDED BEFORE THE NEWS OF MICHAEL MALONE AND CALVIN BOOTH’S FIRING) Verno and Jacoby congratulate Florida on beating Houston in the NCAA basketball championship (01:10). Will fans remember this game or the Duke collapse more? Next, the guys discuss the Lakers’ impressive win against the Thunder and why they showcased their true ceiling in this huge win (07:25). They also discuss the Rockets’ win over the Thunder from Friday night and why they are poised to be a tough out in the playoffs (14:5...

Apr 08, 20251 hr 15 min

League Office Hypocrites, Role Player Importance, and Our Love and Loathes

Verno and Jacoby go through last night’s Warriors win over the Lakers and discuss the takeaways from both teams' perspectives (01:25). They highlight the importance of the role players for each team and why the performances of those role players are key for any kind of deep run. They then discuss the Grizzles' much-needed win against the Heat before focusing their attention on the hypocrisy from the NBA regarding players using the finger-guns gesture after hitting 3-point shots (15:10). Why has ...

Apr 04, 20251 hr 22 min

Grizzlies Aftermath and Six Players to Watch During the Playoff Stretch

Jacoby is back as he and Verno discuss the fallout from the Taylor Jenkins firing in Memphis and how the Grizzlies have responded in the two games since Jenkins dismissal (05:14). Did Ja Morant know or have any influence in the decision to let Jenkins go? Next, the guys discuss how the Clippers’ strong defense will be troublesome for any team that faces them in the playoffs, as well as their disappointment in Ime Udoka’s decision to bench Jalen Green toward the end of the game in a loss against ...

Apr 01, 20251 hr 12 min

Giddey the Leader, Biggest Issue in the League, and Eight Questions With Kirk Goldsberry

(NOTE: SHOW WAS RECORDED BEFORE THE NEWS OF TAYLOR JENKINS'S FIRING) Verno and Kirk Goldsberry (who’s in for Jacoby) break down Josh Giddey’s half-court game-winning shot against the Lakers and why this will be the turning point for Giddey and the Bulls (02:59). They also discuss the struggling Grizzlies after another loss to the Thunder and why the Clippers and Warriors have a chance to steal a top seed (12:35). Next, Verno prepares eight questions for Kirk (30:21). They discuss everything from...

Mar 28, 20251 hr 4 min

Is Kawhi Back? Plus, the Celtics Sell for $6.1 Billion, the Knicks' Tough Week, and More Loves and Loathes.

Verno and Jacoby discuss last night's game between the Warriors and Raptors, which Golden State survived after Steph Curry went down with an injury and Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green turned in subpar performances (0:45). They next discuss the recent sale of the Boston Celtics to a group led by Bill Chisholm, who is a managing partner at Symphony Technology Group (10:11). They break down why keeping co-owner Wyc Grousbeck around for another few years is the smart business move and ensures succes...

Mar 21, 20251 hr 19 min

Are Tanking and Resting Ruining the Game? Plus: Finals Odds, Whether the Clippers Can Pull Off a Playoff Upset, and Zion the Superstar.

Verno and Jacoby go through last night’s games, especially looking at teams that are either resting or full-on tanking (1:06). The guys debate how long the league will allow this to continue and what needs to change to prevent teams from tanking and resting starters who are healthy. They also discuss Tony Allen's jersey retirement ceremony over the weekend, the nonexistent Heat Culture, and the standings in both conferences (25:45). Next, the guys debut a new segment on the show called How Does ...

Mar 18, 20251 hr 29 min

Will Anyone Ever Break Steph’s 3-Point Record? Plus: Standings Watch, the Importance of Size, and Our Loves and Loathes.

Verno and Jacoby go through the Bucks' blowout win against the injury-riddled Lakers and talk about why size is still important when facing certain teams (0:53). They then discuss some of the positive takeaways from the Thunder’s win against the Celtics on Wednesday night before congratulating Steph Curry for hitting 4k 3-point shots(12:30). The guys debate whether anyone could catch up to Steph's 3-point record and how much the Warriors could climb in the West (16:52). As we inch closer to the ...

Mar 14, 20252 hr 30 min

Western Conference Health Check, Jokic’s MVP Chances, and Random NBA Questions

Verno and Jacoby go through last night’s slate of NBA action starting off with Nikola Jokic’s otherworldly performance against the Thunder and the chances of Jokic surpassing SGA to win his fourth MVP (0:35). They then discuss Ja Morant's improved performance during the Grizzlies’ three-game win streak (16:25). After LeBron’s groin injury, the guys discuss the health of players on the teams in the West and how it could shape the playoff matchups (27:40). Next, the guys share three random NBA que...

Mar 11, 20251 hr 12 min

Lakers Defense Smothers Knicks, Steph the Rock Star, and Beware of the Bucks

Verno and Jacoby discuss the Lakers' thrilling OT win over the Knicks and how their defense was the true highlight of the game, not Luka and LeBron's performance (00:31). They also discuss the importance of Jimmy Butler’s impact for the Warriors outside the stat sheet and why Steve Kerr’s comparison to Andre Iguodala is valid (16:25). Next, the guys dive into their loves and loathes from the week that was (27:13). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to lea...

Mar 07, 20251 hr 25 min

Kyrie Tears His ACL, Historic Bad-Luck Grizzlies, and Why Doesn’t KD Take More Blame?

Verno and Jacoby go through a string of bad luck for the Grizzlies, who’ve lost their past three games at home in the final seconds and are now without Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr (01:11). They then discuss Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who dropped 51 points against the Rockets; the reports coming out of Phoenix that the Suns could potentially move on from Kevin Durant in the summer; and the drama between Devin Booker and Mike Budenholzer (12:19). Next, they discuss the impact of Kyrie Irving' ACL...

Mar 04, 20251 hr 23 min

Time to Reconsider the Warriors and Lakers? Plus: Hookah Luka, NBA Centel, and More Loves and Loathes.

Verno and Jacoby discuss Steph Curry’s historic night after he dropped 56 points in Orlando and also talk about the Lakers' win against the Wolves despite an off night from Luka Doncic, who's continued to struggle with his shot since arriving in L.A. Despite the struggles, the Lakers have looked strong with Luka, and the Warriors are 6-1 with Jimmy Butler and are currently on a five-game win streak heading into the weekend. Now that they have Jimmy and Luka, is it time to seriously consider the ...

Feb 28, 20251 hr

The Wolves’ Thrilling Comeback, Early Playoff Expectations, and Is Cade a Superstar?

Verno and Jacoby go through some of Monday’s NBA action, starting off with the Wolves' encouraging comeback win against the Thunder in OKC. They then discuss the hot Pistons, who are riding a seven-game win streak; the Sixers, who got blown out by the Bulls; and the Nuggets' bounce-back win against the Pacers. Next, from Cade Cunningham’s superstar status to Lu Dort’s Defensive Player of the Year chances, the guys share things that they believe will soon become true around the league. The Ringer...

Feb 25, 20251 hr 15 min

Wemby Done for the Year, Hot Nuggets, the Broken Suns, and What Is Going on With Ja Morant?

Verno and Jacoby are back as they discuss where the Spurs go from here after it was announced that Victor Wembanyama’s season is ending due to injury, in addition to the continuous struggles from the Suns (04:51). Then, they discuss if there is any way for the Lakers to hide Luka Doncic on defense, why Shams is absolutely right when it comes to Giannis’s situation with the Bucks, and the Grizzlies' worrisome loss to the Pacers (21:46). Next, they discuss the Nuggets’ nine-game winning streak, as...

Feb 21, 20251 hr 4 min

All-Star Weekend Hype and Second-Half Predictions

Verno and Jacoby share their low-key excitement for this year's NBA All-Star Weekend festivities (01:41). They discuss how the new format could bring more competitiveness, and their disappointment that Steph Curry isn’t involved in more All-Star events in his home city. From playoff positioning to impactful rookies, the guys next share four predictions for after the All-Star break (21:54). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resourc...

Feb 14, 20251 hr 2 min

Luka’s Laker Debut, Mavs Karma, Depressing Magic Free Fall, and Better Off Without Mark Williams?

Verno and Jacoby recap Luka Doncic’s Laker debut and explain how Luka and LeBron can successfully coexist (00:46). Mark Williams is headed back to the Hornets after the Lakers failed his physical, but the guys debate whether the failed deal could actually be beneficial to the Lakers (08:10). They then discuss the massive amount of bad luck that Mavs have gotten since trading away Luka (22:53), and how Jimmy Butler has impacted Steph Curry and the Warriors since his arrival in the Bay Area (31:17...

Feb 11, 20251 hr 14 min

Trade Deadline Reactions: Jimmy Joins Steph, the Lakers Get Their Center, and Can the Suns Regain KD’s Trust?

Verno and Jacoby go through all the trades that went down before the deadline, from Jimmy Butler finally escaping Miami to the Grizzlies dumping Marcus Smart. They start off by briefly revisiting the De’Aaron Fox deal before moving on to the Bucks trading Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma and De'Andre Hunter’s potential impact with the Cavs (08:07). They then discuss why Smart was moved, what kind of impact Butler will make with the Warriors, and why everyone needs to slow down a bit on the newest ...

Feb 07, 20251 hr 8 min

Was Nico Harrison Overconfident in Trading Luka? Plus, a New Duo in San Antonio, the Warriors' Desperation, and Expectations for a Wild Trade Deadline.

Verno and Jacboy continue to discuss the wild trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers and try to determine just what Mavs GM Nico Harrison’s mindset was that led him to trade Luka away (01:33). They also debate whether Nico’s time around Kobe Bryant influenced his decision to make the trade. Next, they dive into the other big trade of the weekend, which saw the Spurs acquire De’Aaron Fox from the Kings in a three-team deal also involving the Bulls, who sent Zach LaVine to the Kings (22:17). Af...

Feb 04, 20251 hr 12 min

Early Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis Trade Theories and Rationale

Verno and Jacoby both woke up to the absolute bombshell of a trade that now has Luka Doncic with the Lakers and Anthony Davis with the Mavericks and decided to fire up the mics. The guys try to piece together how exactly the biggest trade in NBA history came together and offer their own theories of why the powers that be in Dallas and Los Angeles decided to go through with the deal at this point of the season. They close the show talking through the Luka-LeBron pairing and how the two of them an...

Feb 02, 202548 min

Grizzlies Survive Ref’s Mistake, All-Star Reserves Controversy, and Our Love and Loathes

Verno and Jacoby recap the thrilling game between the Grizzlies and Rockets, as well as the chaotic ending that nearly cost Memphis the game (01:52). They then discuss the announcement of the All-Star reserves and who got snubbed (11:02). Did James Harden really deserve to be a part of the West reserves over someone like Domantas Sabonis? Next, the fellas dive into this week’s teams (23:54), players (46:09), and things (01:05:56) they love and loath from the week that was. The Ringer is committe...

Jan 31, 20251 hr 22 min

Knicks Annihilate Grizzlies, Rockets' Playoff Formula, and When Will the Jimmy Saga End?

Verno and Jacoby are together in New York to recap their experience going to Madison Square Garden to watch the Knicks-Grizzlies game, and Verno talks through the disappointment of having to watch his team get blown out by over 40 points (01:01). They also discuss Amen Thompson’s game-winner in the Rockets' thrilling victory over the Celtics (13:39). After the Heat indefinitely suspended Jimmy Butler, the guys discuss how this whole situation reflects on "Heat Culture" as well as the consequence...

Jan 28, 20251 hr 16 min

The Lakers' Statement Win, Resurging Bucks, Cade’s Growth, and More We Love and Loathe

Verno and Jacoby go through last night’s action, starting with the Lakers' impressive blowout win over the Celtics and the Thunder's surprising loss to the Mavs (01:39). They then discuss Nikola Jokic’s historic performance in the Nuggets' win over the Kings, the Bulls' future, and their reaction to the All-Star starters (11:29). Next, the guys share the teams, players, and things they loved and loathed from this week in the NBA (26:19). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visi...

Jan 24, 20251 hr 23 min

Will Embiid Ever Be the Same? Plus, MLK Day Highlights and Things We Believe in the Most.

Verno and Jacoby discuss the action-packed MLK Day slate of games yesterday, including the Grizzlies edging out the Timberwolves, the Celtics demolishing the Warriors, Cade Cunningham’s stellar season, and the low-key good Knicks win over the Hawks (04:00). They then debate if Joel Embiid will play Tuesday night against the Nuggets and the growing concerns about his health (27:00). Next, as we inch closer to the halfway point of the season, the guys each share three things that they believe in t...

Jan 21, 20251 hr 16 min

A Disappointing Rematch, Kevin Love’s IG, Jalen Green’s Emergence, and the Bucks' Inconsistent Season

Verno and Jacoby go over a pair of last night’s games, beginning with the Thunder’s blowout win against the Cavs (01:01) and the exciting matchup between the Rockets and Kings (06:51). They then debate whether Kevin Love’s Instagram is a reliable source to determine if Jimmy Butler will start tonight for the Heat (15:16). Next, the guys dive into their loves and loathes from the week that was (27:36).The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about ...

Jan 17, 20251 hr 25 min

Young Players Emerging, Zion’s Future, and a Bad Rookie Class, Plus, Where do the Warriors Go From Here?

Vernon and Jacoby break down what happened in the Knicks' and Grizzlies' losses Monday night, while also highlighting the excellent play from Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green this season (00:58). Then, they analyze Draymond Green’s comments about the Warriors not mortgaging their future to win now and why the Lakers’ loss to the Spurs really doesn’t mean anything (15:11). Next, the guys share a few things worth mentioning from the NBA since the start of 2025 (29:59). They discuss everything from ...

Jan 14, 20251 hr 22 min

The Ethical Cavs, Why Beal Was Really Benched, Paolo's Return, and Kessler’s Wingman

Verno and Jacoby discuss Anthony Edwards’s aggressiveness during the Wolves' three-game winning streak, Paolo Banchero’s return to the Magic, as well as the dirty secret behind Bradley Beal’s benching, and Jared McCain’s season-ending injury (04:35). They then dive into this week’s teams (25:45), players (51:00), and things (01:06:07) they loved and loathed from the week that was.The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and hel...

Jan 10, 20251 hr 23 min

The Warriors’ Uncertain Future, Dunking on Wemby, the Streaking Thunder and Razzamatazz Magic

Vernon and Jacoby briefly go through last night's games, including Anthony Edwards’s clutch performance versus the Clippers, Malik Monk’s shot at Mike Brown, and how the Thunder have turned it around since losing to the Bucks in the NBA Cup (01:01). They then discuss how the trade deadline could completely reshape the Western Conference, as well as the importance of veterans and the contribution of role players in the playoffs (25:11). Next, they debate whether Steph Curry is destined to finish ...

Jan 07, 20251 hr 21 min

Chuck Calls Out JJ, Finding Jimmy’s Joy, and the Loves and Loathes of the Week

Verno is back as he and Jacoby discuss Thursday night’s NBA action, beginning with Jimmy Butler’s comments after the Heat’s loss to the Pacers (01:03). They then discuss Anthony Edward’s performance in the Wolves' narrow loss to the Celtics before moving on to the Warriors' blowout win against the Sixers (16:59). Next, they discuss Charles Barkley calling out JJ Redick for his comments on NBA media a few weeks ago (33:20). Was JJ actually talking about the ‘Inside the NBA’ crew with his comments...

Jan 03, 20251 hr 22 min

The Mid Warriors, LeBron’s Future, and Embiid’s Recovery. Plus: What’s Going On With the Celtics?

With Verno out, Big Wos joins Jacoby on today’s episode as they go through last night’s NBA games, starting off with the Warriors' loss to the Cavs, which saw Steph Curry call his team "average" (01:36). They then move on to the Sixers' win and debate whether Joel Embiid is finally finding his stride and also why Nikola Jokic has been key for Russell Westbrook’s resurgence in Denver (10:10). After debating Jimmy Butler’s future with the Heat, the guys share why the Amen Thompson–Tyler Herro scuf...

Dec 31, 20241 hr 13 min