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

Kawhi’s "Carbon Footprint," Hardest Players to Root For, Offseason Enjoyments, and NFL Takeaways

Verno and Jacoby return with 10 questions about the NBA Hall of Fame, Kawhi Leonard, biggest disappointments, the NFL, and more! (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (01:30) Question 1: Thoughts on the Kawhi Leonard, Steve Ballmer, Aspiration mess (16:00) Question 2: Are you watching EuroBasket? (19:15) Question 3: First thing you think of when mentioning Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard (33:15) Question 4: Which projected contending NBA team do you think will be a disappointment? (40:15) Question ...

Sep 09, 20251 hr 19 min

The Most Exciting Players, All-Star Game Improvements, and the Summer of Strahinja Continues

Verno and Jacoby return with five questions each about the upcoming season. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:52) Most exciting players to watch (14:50) Did last year’s terrible All-Star Game actually save the All-Star Game? (19:40) Who is the NBA’s Tommy Fleetwood? (Player that everyone would love to see win) (26:42) Which team are you not sold on that's expected to be good? (34:03) Which team has the best chance to become this season's Pistons? (38:40) Is it time to do something about the a...

Aug 26, 20251 hr 14 min

Which Superstar Has Played in Their Last Finals? Plus, MPJ’s Erraticness, Labubus, and a Joker Brother Sighting.

Verno and Jacoby briefly go through some of the meaningless news around the league before Verno reads a message from a listener about a special sighting on one of the islands of Hawaii. Next, the guys come up with 10 different scenarios for the upcoming season and debate which would be the more likely outcome. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (01:04) Meaningless news (07:28) Strahinja Jokic sighting in Hawaii (14:57) Which is more likely: LeBron has played in his last NBA Finals, that Steph has,...

Aug 19, 20251 hr 9 min

10 Observations About the 2025-26 NBA Schedule

After dissecting the entire 2025-26 NBA schedule, Verno and Jacoby share 10 observations they have about the national TV breakdown, Michael Jordan's role on NBC, Rivals Week, late games on the East Coast, and more. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (01:05) Observation no. 1: National TV partners and broadcast teams (10:38) Observation no. 2: How will NBC use Michael Jordan? (14:58) Observation no. 3: Teams and players the NBA is getting behind (and the ones they aren’t) (24:57) Observation no. 4:...

Aug 15, 20251 hr 5 min

20 Questions About the Upcoming NBA Season

As we enter the dog days of summer, Verno and Jacoby bring 10 questions each about the upcoming NBA season. They go through everything from the recent string of contract extensions, Daryl Morey’s asterisk comments, LeBron James, Klay Thompson’s relationship with Megan Thee Stallion, Target Guy, and so much more. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (01:18) Q1: Rank the recent extensions: Bridges, Luka, and Fox (09:20) Q2: Which team do you think you will like more than others? (12:30) Q3: Who will b...

Aug 05, 20251 hr 24 min

Post-Summer League Watch List: Teams That Deserve Our Attention (and Those That Don’t)

Verno and Jacoby congratulate the Charlotte Hornets on winning this year’s Summer League and briefly discuss why Nikola Jokic’s brother was still in Las Vegas watching a random game between the Grizzlies and Clippers. Next, the guys each share two teams that they want to see more of and less of after watching all of Summer League. Lastly, they discuss Chris Paul’s possible last run in a return to the Clippers, Marcus Smart signing with the Lakers, and Damian Lillard’s homecoming. (0:00) Welcome ...

Jul 22, 20251 hr 13 min

Impressive Summer League Performances and the Legend of ‘Target Guy’

Verno and Jacoby recap this weekend’s action and buzz around Summer League. Verno shares the slights and sounds of being in Las Vegas for the event, from the vibes around Thomas & Mack Center, to watching Kelly Clarkson, and finding the elusive “Target guy” who predicted Cedric Coward will become the best player in this draft class. Next, the guys each share three players who impressed them over the weekend at Summer League. Then, the guys briefly discuss some of the news around the league i...

Jul 15, 20251 hr 20 min

The Most Disastrous and Perfect Fits of the Offseason

Verno and Jacoby recap the latest string of free agency news, including Paolo Banchero’s contract extension, where Jonas Valanciunas will play, and more. Next, they discuss which offseason moves they think will turn out disastrous and which moves are perfect fits. (0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (0:50) Summer League Takeaways (4:20) Reaction to the Norm Powell-John Collins Trade (8:55) Expect Jonas Valančiūnas to Play for the Nuggets? (13:53) Paolo Banchero Signs Extension with Magic (17:08) Gri...

Jul 08, 20251 hr 19 min

Free Agency Day One: Winners, Bold Moves, and Are the Lakers Going to Trade LeBron?

Free agency is here! Join Verno and Jacoby as they recap the day-one deals and discuss everything from the Rockets refueling for a championship run with Kevin Durant to their hopes for a competitive Hornets team. They also discuss the Hawks' impressive first day, the Nuggets trading away MPJ and signing Bruce Brown Jr., and the Grizzlies' aggressiveness to start free agency. They also debate whether the Lakers would actually trade LeBron James. (0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (0:22) NBA Free Age...

Jul 01, 20251 hr 8 min

Draft Night Winners and Losers. Plus: The Grizzlies Get Their Guy, and Masai Ujiri Out in Toronto.

Verno and Jacoby recap the NBA draft by discussing their biggest winners and losers from the two-day event, as well as Verno’s excitement for the Grizzlies, who drafted Cedric Coward from Washington State; the odd timing of Masai Ujiri’s departure from the Raptors; and their favorite prospect from the second round. (0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (0:28) NBA Draft Recap (2:25) Pick of Destiny: Cedric Coward to the Grizzlies (6:45) Our Draft Winners & Losers (10:45) Masai Ujiri Out As Presiden...

Jun 27, 20251 hr 7 min

Young Thunder Defy History, Haliburton’s Injury, Finals Fallout, and Can KD Lead the Rockets to the Finals?

Verno and Jacoby congratulate the Oklahoma City Thunder on winning Game 7 and defeating the Indiana Pacers, as the guys discuss the sour experience of watching the game after Tyrese Haliburton went down with his injury, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Game 7 performance, lessons learned from these Finals, and what to expect for OKC’s future. They also give kudos to the Pacers for their resilience throughout the playoffs, Rick Carlisle’s influence, expectations for the Pacers next season without Halibu...

Jun 24, 20251 hr 20 min

Pacers Force Game 7, Lakers Sell for $10B, and an NBA Draft Sneak Peek

The Pacers take Game 6 and force a Game 7 back in OKC, so Verno and Jacoby discuss the Pacers' dominant performance and their expectations for the first Game 7 in the Finals since 2016. They discuss the performances by T.J. McConnell, Obi Toppin, and Tyrese Haliburton; the difference a small-market home crowd makes; which Thunder players they trust to perform; and their overall excitement for a decisive Game 7. Next, the guys discuss the impact of the Lakers being sold, the expected extension of...

Jun 20, 20251 hr 18 min

OKC One Win Away After J-Dub Drops 40, Haliburton’s Dud, KD Lingering, and a Memphis Recalibration

The Thunder are just one win away from an NBA championship after an all-time performance by Jalen Williams. Verno and Jacoby break down the Game 5 Thunder win and expectations for Game 6 back in Indianapolis. Will Tyrese Haliburton show up after an awful performance in Game 5? Or will OKC lift the trophy on Indy’s home court? Next, the guys discuss the latest trade rumors around Kevin Durant and debate whether he will warm up to playing in Minnesota or go to one of his preferred destinations. Al...

Jun 17, 20251 hr 11 min

Can the Pacers Repeat Their Defensive Dominance? Plus, KD’s Future and More Knicks Dysfunction.

Verno and Jacoby discuss the exciting Game 3 that saw the Pacers go up 2-1 on the Thunder. They praise Rick Carlisle’s game plan and the defense versus SGA before discussing the near-perfect performances from the entire Pacers roster, expectations for Game 4, and whether fans on either side should be concerned about their team. Next, Jacoby shares his disappointment with how the Knicks' head coach search is going, and the guys debate whether a Kevin Durant trade would really move the needle anym...

Jun 13, 20251 hr 17 min

Game 3 Keys in Indy and a New Kidd in New York? Plus, Tyrese Haliburton: The Low-Usage Superstar.

Verno and Jacoby discuss the expected Game 2 Thunder victory and how Game 2 was the best of the best of the Thunder and the worst of the worst of the Pacers. They discuss how the media is viewing Tyrese Haliburton and why the narrative around him might be misconstrued. They then dive into their expectations for Games 3 and 4 in Indianapolis, as well as the series going forward. Next, the guys examine what the injuries to Zach Edey and Darius Garland could mean for the Grizzlies and Cavs, respect...

Jun 10, 20251 hr 18 min

Pacers Pull Off Another Comeback—Is OKC in Trouble? Plus, the Knicks’ Future Without Thibs.

Verno and Jacoby recap a wild NBA Finals Game 1 that saw the Pacers come back yet again to beat the Thunder and take a 1-0 series lead. They go through all the stats and numbers and try to figure out how the Pacers came back, as well as how they continue to have these impressive wins in the playoffs. Is it time to finally put some respect on the Pacers? What adjustments will OKC make for Game 2? Next, the guys briefly discuss the fallout from the Knicks firing head coach Tom Thibodeau. (0:00) We...

Jun 06, 20251 hr 8 min

The Case for a Pacers Surprise, OKC’s Path to the Finals, and What’s Next for the Knicks

The Pacers beat the Knicks over the weekend to reach the Finals, where they will meet the Oklahoma City Thunder! Before discussing the Finals, Verno questions Jacoby regarding the next steps for the Knicks after a disappointing ending to their season. Is it time for Thibs to go? Does this core stay intact for another year? Next, the guys make the case for a Pacers upset and discuss what it'll take to pull that off, as well as their hope for a competitive series. Lastly, the guys discuss Devin Bo...

Jun 03, 20251 hr 15 min

Can the Knicks Force a Game 7? Plus: the Thunder Are Finals-Bound, and the Missing Playoff Intensity.

Verno and Jacoby react to the Knicks shutting down Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers to survive for at least one more game. Jacoby shares his experience from inside MSG, the Knicks' stingy defense, as well as the hot-and-cold playoff performances from Tyrese Haliburton. Have the Knicks figured out how to contain the Pacers? Next, the guys congratulate the Thunder for beating the Wolves in five games to reach the NBA Finals. They discuss the Thunder’s dominance for most of the series, SGA’s consis...

May 30, 20251 hr 13 min

Ant and Randle Fail to Deliver, Plus Chet’s Growth, and a Knicks Confidence Check

Verno and Jacoby go through the Wolves nearly tying their series against the Thunder in Game 4. They discuss the need for Anthony Edwards to exert himself into the game, the Thunder’s resilience, the Wolves’ bench production, Chet Holmgren’s performance, and more. Next, the guys discuss the Knicks-Pacers series, and Jacoby shares his confidence level with the Knicks heading into Game 4 on Tuesday night. (0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (01:13) Thunder Defeat T-Wolves: 128-126 (OKC 3-1) (08:55) Is...

May 27, 20251 hr 11 min

Have the Thunder Broken the Wolves? Plus: A Must-Win Game 2, and Enjoying the Haliburton Experience.

The Thunder continue their dominance to take a 2-0 series lead over the Timberwolves, as Verno and Jacoby recap Game 2 and debate what it’ll take for the Wolves to try to make this a series. They discuss how the Thunder’s Big Three of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren performed, Julius Randle’s disappearance, Mike Conley’s influence, and how the Thunder exploited the Wolves defense. Next, Jacoby shares his feelings after Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers came back to take...

May 23, 20251 hr 13 min

Thunder-Wolves Preview, Conference Finals X Factors, and Will Haliburton Become the New Knicks Villain?

Verno and Jacoby return to break down the Nuggets' Game 7 loss and preview the start of the Western Conference finals between the Timberwolves and Thunder. They discuss how the Thunder can continue their championship run, debate whether people are still not giving enough credit to the Wolves for making back-to-back conference finals, and talk about who the best player in this series will be. Next, the guys discuss the rapidly growing rivalry between Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers and Jalen Bru...

May 20, 20251 hr 10 min

Nuggets Force Game 7, Celtics-Knicks Preview, and T-Wolves Advance to the WCF

Verno and Jacoby react to the Nuggets taking Game 6 over the Thunder to force Game 7, preview the Celtics-Knicks Game 6, and discuss contract-year Julius Randle leading the T-Wolves past the Warriors and into the Western Conference finals. Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 (0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (1:11) Nuggets Defeat Thunder: 119-107 [TIED 3-3] (21:45) Game 7 Preview: Nuggets vs. Thunder [-8] (23:20) T-Wolves Defeat Warriors: 121-110 [MIN 4-1] (36:05) Pac...

May 16, 20251 hr 6 min

Knicks on the Brink of the ECF, Tatum's Injury, Mavericks Win the Lottery, and Ant's Superstar Performance

Verno and Jacoby react to the Knicks taking a 3-1 series lead over the Celtics, Jayson Tatum's injury, the Mavericks winning the right to draft Cooper Flagg, Anthony Edwards's superstar performance, and more! Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 (0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (1:20) Timberwolves Defeat Warriors: 117-110 (MIN 3-1) (11:55) Knicks Defeat Celtics: 121-113 (NYK 3-1) (33:30) Reaction to the Mavericks Winning the Draft Lottery (43:35) What's Next for Giann...

May 13, 20251 hr 18 min

Timberwolves Take Game 2, Knicks Stun Boston AGAIN, and Cavaliers Collapsing

Verno and Jacoby break down the Timberwolves' win on Thursday night, which ties up their series with the Warriors; the Knicks' incredible second comeback over the Celtics; and the Cavaliers' collapse versus the Pacers. Then they preview Thunder-Nuggets Game 3. Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 (0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (1:13) Timberwolves defeat Warriors: 117-93 (tied 1-1) (18:34) Knicks stun Celtics AGAIN (NYK 2-0) (46:13) Nuggets steal home-court advantage...

May 09, 20251 hr 7 min

WELCOME TO THE SECOND ROUND! The Nuggets and Knicks Upset the Thunder and Celtics in Game 1

Verno and Jacoby break down Monday night's action, with some HUGE upsets. The Nuggets and Knicks took Game 1 over the Thunder and the Celtics, respectively. Plus, reacting to the Warriors' Game 7 win over Houston, previewing their series against the Timberwolves, and analyzing the Pacers' win over the Cavs in their series opener. Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 (0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (1:21) Nuggets Defeat Thunder: 121-119 (DEN 1-0) (24:06) Knicks Defeat...

May 06, 20251 hr 18 min

Clippers Force Game 7, Knicks Advance, and the Lakers Collapse

Verno and Jacoby break down Thursday night's action with the Clippers forcing Game 7 against the Nuggets, the Knicks advancing to play Boston, the Lakers turning Rudy Gobert into Wilt Chamberlain, and previewing the conference semifinals. Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 (0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch (1:25) Clippers Defeat Nuggets: 111-105 (TIED 3-3) (11:00) Knicks Defeat Pistons: 116-113 (NYK 4-2) (22:35) Semifinal Preview: Boston Celtics [-1000] vs. New York K...

May 02, 20251 hr 15 min

Will Giannis Want Out? Plus: The Rockets Need a Star, the Hungry Wolves, and Which 3-1 Series Can Still Go the Full Seven

Verno and Jacoby break down Monday night’s playoff action starting with the Warriors’ thrilling 109-106 win over the Rockets to take a 3-1 series lead (01:18). They then debate how real the Cavs are after a complete beatdown of the Heat as well as their expectations in the next round (16:05). With the news of Damian Lillard’s injury, where do the Bucks go from here? As an older team with aging vets, the guys debate if its time for Giannis to walk away from Milwaukee (21:37). They then discuss th...

Apr 29, 20251 hr 8 min

A Clippers Ass Whooping, Big Game KAT, Ja Goes Down, and the Grizzlies Collapse

Verno and Jacoby get together after the Grizzlies lose both Ja Morant and a 29-point lead to the Thunder, who are in prime position to get the sweep over the weekend (01:35). Verno shares his experience being inside the arena after Ja went out and discusses whether Lu Dort deserves any blame for the injury. Next, the guys go over the Clippers' dominance over the Nuggets and why they should really be up 3-0 in the series (20:31). Also, they discuss KAT’s performance in the Knicks' win over the Pi...

Apr 25, 20251 hr 2 min

The Legend of Playoff Kawhi, History at the Garden, and Game 2 Adjustments

Verno and Jacoby break down the exciting pair of games from Monday night starting off with the unbelievable performance by Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers as they even up their series against the Nuggets (01:25). Next, Jacoby shares his experience watching the Pistons get their first playoff win since 2008 to even up their series against the Knicks from inside Madison Square Garden (18:37). Verno then begrudgingly discusses what it’ll take for the Grizzlies to take a win a game in their series ag...

Apr 22, 20251 hr 10 min
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