The Athletic NBA Daily

Episodes page 1 of 6

1. What’s Next for the Oklahoma City Thunder?

   27 Oct 2026 · 42 min

   On a strange day to live in Oklahoma City, Andrew Schlecht joins Dave DuFour to unpack the latest on Jalen Williams’ fractured fibula and dislocated ankle, Cason Wallaces’ labral tear in his left shoulder, and what…

2. Jalen Williams Suffers Devastating Injury + Miami Slides in Power Rankings

   26 Oct 2026 · 41 min

   Following two brutal lower leg injuries to Jalen Williams and Jalen Suggs, Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni and Law Murray catch up on a damaging first Sunday night of the season. Then we head to Law’s weekly NBA power…

3. Sixers Thrive + Jamal Murray down bad? | Slam N Jam

   25 Oct 2026 · 1 h 01 min

   The NBA Season is HERE. Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers are here to chop it up. Alex gives his classic "Top Stories this Week" monolog and the guys give their Good, Bad and What of the NBA this week. Then Shamit Dua of…

4. The Thunder Are Inevitable + Philly Trusts the Process

   23 Oct 2026 · 39 min

   On the first Thursday night of the regular season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 20-point streak came to an end, in a win, after 141 games; and Philadelphia erased a 29-point Cavaliers lead to finish off a monumental…

5. Wolves Make a Big Statement in Miami + Luka’s Showtime Era Begins

   22 Oct 2026 · 47 min

   Okay, now the NBA season has officially started. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni break down all the major action from the first full slate of action, including: Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball & Giannis Antetokounmpo putting…

6. BIG NBA Questions: Slam N Jam LIVE!

   21 Oct 2026 · 1 h 15 min

   The NBA Season has begun and Alex Speers and Andrew Schlecht are here to break down their biggest questions about the upcoming season. Plus! Derek Parker joins as the boys reveal the Wheel of Tomorrow. To end the show…

7. What we learned from a chaotic NBA Opening Night

   21 Oct 2026 · 55 min

   Opening Night in the NBA! Dave DuFour, Esfandiar Baraheni and Law Murray are live Tuesday night following all the action to unpack a lively tipoff to the 2026-27 NBA season, including: the Pistons completing the…

8. Final Considerations Ahead of NBA Opening Night

   20 Oct 2026 · 44 min

   Real, tangible basketball! We are finally here. As we head into the 2026-27 NBA season, we have a few questions for our opening trio of games: Will Ausar Thompson ascend to Detroit’s second option alongside Cade…

9. Big Preseason Changes + Why Sandro Mamukelashvili signed with the Lakers

   19 Oct 2026 · 45 min

   The NBA preseason can be deceiving. Dave and Es walk you through what’s real and what’s fake, between: the Orlando Magic offense, Denver Nuggets role players, Matisse Thybulle in the Lakers starting lineup and NBA…

10. Who is the NBA Surprise Team? | Slam N Jam

    17 Oct 2026 · 1 h 19 min

    The NBA season is just days away, and every year there is a team that no one expects to win a lot games…..that wins a lot of games. Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers are joined by Trill Bro Dude of the You Know Ball…

11. The Future of the NBA

    16 Oct 2026 · 58 min

    From Cooper Flagg to Cam Boozer, the NBA is loaded with young, generational talent. Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and Andrew Schlecht are here to put players from the last 3 draft classes into tiers and attempt to project…

12. NBA Bold Predictions & League Pass Power Rankings

    15 Oct 2026 · 45 min

    Boston Celtics as the one seed, the Utah Jazz as a top-six seed, and the Washington Wizards as a top-eight seed? Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni are here to share predictions ahead of the 2026-2027 NBA season and give…

13. Why can't SGA win MVP again?

    14 Oct 2026 · 50 min

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has won the last 2 MVP's, why can't he do it again? Dave, Es and Andrew explore that and all the other major NBA awards and make predictions ahead of the beginning of the NBA season. Host: Dave…

14. Western Conference Tiers with Law Murray

    13 Oct 2026 · 1 h 03 min

    The Western Conference is has 2 juggernauts, but who could challenge the Spurs and Thunder? Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and Law Murray are here to put the teams into tiers and answer some big questions heading into the…

15. Eastern Conference Tiers

    12 Oct 2026 · 1 h 06 min

    The Eastern Conference is deeper than its ever been and Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and Law Murray are here to put the teams into tiers and answer some big questions heading into the 2026-2027 NBA Season. Host: Dave…

16. Boston Celtics season preview

    10 Oct 2026 · 41 min

    Es Baraheni is joined by Noa Dalzel, to preview the Boston Celtics season. They discuss the expectations for Jayson Tatum, how the team moves on from Jaylen Brown and how Paul George fits, how their young wings…

17. Los Angeles Lakers season preview

    10 Oct 2026 · 39 min

    Dave DuFour is joined by Dan Woike, to preview the Lakers season. They discuss the expectations for Luka Doncic, how the team will look post LeBron James, how they will integrate Walker Kessler, and more. Host: Dave…

18. Detroit Pistons season preview

    9 Oct 2026 · 27 min

    Dave DuFour is joined by Hunter Patterson, to preview the Detroit Pistons season. They discuss the expectations for Cade Cunningham, how the team will bring back Jalen Duren and the awkwardness of that situation, how…

19. Phoenix Suns season preview

    9 Oct 2026 · 35 min

    Es Baraheni is joined by Doug Haller, to preview the Phoenix Suns season. They discuss the expectations for Devin Booker, if they can repeat their previous season's success, the offseason changes and more. Host: Es…

20. Utah Jazz season preview

    9 Oct 2026 · 41 min

    Es Baraheni is joined by Shreyas Laddha, to preview the Utah Jazz season. They discuss the expectations for Darryn Peterson, how the Jazz could make a leap, the center position and how it could shape the team, who can…

21. Milwaukee Bucks season preview

    8 Oct 2026 · 28 min

    Dave DuFour is joined by Camille Davis, to preview the Milwaukee Bucks season. They discuss how the Bucks move on from Giannis, what to expect from the young players, how they balance the rotation and more. Host: Dave…

22. Dallas Mavericks season preview

    8 Oct 2026 · 35 min

    Es Baraheni is joined by Christian Clark, from the Athletic, to preview the Dallas Mavericks. They discuss Cooper Flagg in year 2, how the overlap of the roster will work, the Mavs new coach, and what the ceiling of…

23. Minnesota Timberwolves season preview

    8 Oct 2026 · 30 min

    Dave DuFour is joined by Jon Krawczynski of the Athletic to discuss the Wolves upcoming season including: Can Anthony Edwards win MVP? How will LaMelo Ball fit in? What is the Wolves identity? Host: Dave DuFour…

24. Denver Nuggets season preview

    7 Oct 2026 · 28 min

    Dave DuFour is joined by Adam Mares, from DNVR, to preview the Denver Nuggets season, discuss Jamal Murray’s impact and importance, and breakdown the MVP chances for Nikola Jokić. Host: Dave DuFour Guest: Adam Mares…

25. Washington Wizards Season Preview

    7 Oct 2026 · 36 min

    Es Baraheni is joined by Josh Robbins from the Athletic to preview the Washington Wizards season, breakdown A.J. Dybantsa’s impact as a rookie, and project their playoff chances. Host: Es Baraheni With: Josh Robbins…

26. Philadelphia 76ers season preview

    7 Oct 2026 · 31 min

    Dave DuFour is joined by Tony Jones from the Athletic to preview the Philadelphia 76ers season, discuss their added star power with Jaylen Brown and LeBron James, and debate who their best player will be this season.…

27. Orlando Magic season preview

    7 Oct 2026 · 28 min

    Es Baraheni is joined by Josh Robbins from the Athletic to preview the Orlando Magic season, discuss their coaching change, and what to look for from Paolo Banchero. Host: Es Baraheni With: Josh Robbins Producer:…

28. Cleveland Cavaliers Season Preview

    6 Oct 2026 · 44 min

    Es Baraheni is joined by Justin Rowan and Carter Rodriguez, the hosts of the Chase Down Podcast, to preview the Cleveland Cavaliers season, breakdown the biggest storylines to watch, and discuss their championship…

29. Los Angeles Clippers Season Preview

    5 Oct 2026 · 32 min

    Dave DuFour is joined by Law Murray from the Athletic to preview the Los Angeles Clippers season, weigh the fallout of their tumultuous offseason, and look at the direction of the franchise without Kawhi Leonard.…

30. Indiana Pacers season preview

    3 Oct 2026 · 36 min

    Indiana Pacers Preview Es Baraheni is joined by Caitlin Cooper to preview the Indiana Pacers season and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest…

31. New Orleans Pelicans season preview

    2 Oct 2026 · 31 min

    Es Baraheni is joined by Shamit Dua to preview the New Orleans Pelicans season and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline 2. What’s…

32. Charlotte Hornets season preview

    1 Oct 2026 · 36 min

    Es Baraheni is joined by Brian Geisinger to preview the Charlotte Hornets season and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline 2. What’s…

33. Miami Heat Season Preview

    30 Sep 2026 · 29 min

    Miami Heat Preview Es Baraheni is joined by Wes Goldberg to preview the Miami Heat season and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline…

34. Portland Trail Blazers season preview

    29 Sep 2026 · 34 min

    Andrew Schlecht is joined by Sean Highkin, from The Rose Garden Report, to preview the Portland Trailblazers season, discuss the addition of Ja Morant to a crowded backcourt, and the impact of the new ownership group.…

35. Brooklyn Nets Season Preview

    28 Sep 2026 · 25 min

    Andrew Schlecht is joined by Erik Slater, from the Locked On Nets podcast, to preview the Brooklyn Nets season, which young players to watch, and their future. Host: Andrew Schlecht With: Erik Slater Producer:…

36. New York Knicks Season Preview

    25 Sep 2026 · 33 min

    Es Baraheni is joined by James Edwards III to preview the New York Knicks season and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline 2. What’s…

37. San Antonio Spurs Season Preview

    23 Sep 2026 · 30 min

    Es Baraheni is joined by Jared Weiss to preview the San Antonio Spurs season and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline 2. What’s the…

38. Toronto Raptors Season Preview

    21 Sep 2026 · 43 min

    Es Baraheni is joined by Samson Folk and Trevon Heath of the Pull Up Tre podcast to discuss the Raptors championship odds, Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes fit, and whether they need to make a trade. Host: Es Baraheni…

39. Atlanta Hawks Season Preview

    18 Sep 2026 · 28 min

    Es Baraheni is joined by Lauren Williams to preview the Atlanta Hawks season and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline 2. What’s the…

40. Golden State Warriors Preview

    16 Sep 2026 · 36 min

    Es Baraheni is joined by Zena Keita to preview the Golden State Warriors season and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline 2. What’s…

41. Game Changers with Marcus Thompson

    14 Sep 2026 · 1 h 03 min

    Dave DuFour is joined by Marcus Thompson II to discuss his new book on basketball game changers, exploring how players and innovations have transformed the sport. He shares insights on legendary figures, evolution of…

42. Sacramento Kings Preview

    11 Sep 2026 · 30 min

    Andrew Schlecht is joined by Deuce Mason and Morgan Ragan to discuss the Sacramento Kings and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline…

43. The New Chicago Bulls

    9 Sep 2026 · 27 min

    Es Baraheni is joined by Joel Lorenzi to discuss the Chicago Bulls and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline 2. What’s the floor and…

44. Sam Amick on the NBA wide impact of the Clippers punishment

    7 Sep 2026 · 45 min

    In this episode, NBA insider Sam Amick discusses the league's recent disciplinary actions against the Los Angeles Clippers, the implications of the Wachtel Lipton report, and the ongoing trade developments involving…

45. Pablo Torre on the Clippers Punitive Punishment

    4 Sep 2026 · 37 min

    Pablo Torre has been on the forefront of the investigation into the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard, and he joins Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni to discuss the findings from the investigation, the punishment from the NBA and…

46. NBA Hammers Clippers, Ballmer in Kawhi Ruling

    2 Sep 2026 · 34 min

    The NBA announced its punishment for the Los Angeles Clippers, Steve Ballmer, and Kawhi Leonard after the nearly year long investigation in their dealings with Aspiration, Inc. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni give their…

47. What you need to know about the Memphis Grizzlies

    2 Sep 2026 · 26 min

    Dave DuFour is joined by Keith Parish to discuss the Memphis Grizzlies and answer the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline 2. What’s the floor…

48. Thunder Season Preview

    31 Aug 2026 · 32 min

    Andrew Schlecht is joined by Rylan Stiles to do a Thunder season preview answering the following questions: 1. What’s the thing most fans are looking forward to with this team? / Biggest Storyline 2. What’s the floor…

49. Top 5 NBA Players

    28 Aug 2026 · 38 min

    Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, Zena Keita and Andrew Schlecht break down their top 5 ranked players for the upcoming NBA Season, PLUS a special message from our own Zena Keita FILL OUT OUR LISTENER SURVEY Host: Dave…

50. NBA Player Ranking 10-6

    27 Aug 2026 · 40 min

    Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, Zena Keita and Andrew Schlecht break down their 10-6 ranked players for the upcoming NBA Season. FILL OUT OUR LISTENER SURVEY: Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni, Andrew Schlecht…