Hardwood Knocks: An NBA Podcast

Dan and Grant put NBA play-in and playoff teams into tiers based on how much pressure they are up against entering the postseason. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO4:46 - Pressure Index Tiers7:51 - Los Angeles Lakers15:32 - Charlotte Hornets 20:39 - Houston Rockets26:12 - Golden State Warriors34:57 - Atlanta Hawks38:07 - Los Angeles Clippers41:36 - Cleveland Cavaliers46:43 - Phoenix Suns49:06 - Philadelphia 76ers52:35 - Boston Celtics59:15 - Denver Nuggets1:07:12 - Portland Trail Blazers1:10:25 - Orlando Magic1:15:36 - Oklahoma City Thunder1:21:40 - Toronto Raptors 1:25:55 - Miami Heat1:28:39 - San Antonio Spurs 1:34:35 - Detroit Pistons1:40? - New York Knicks1:48:42 - Minnesota Timberwolves1:54:52 - FINAL RESULTS1:59:05 - STAT PADDINGSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Mort Jensen of the 'The NBA Podcast' discuss the latest Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee Bucks rumors, the direction of the Chicago Bulls, how NBA teams will rebuild in the revamped draft-lottery era and the impact of the Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves injuries on the Lakers. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO1:27 - Giannis and the Bucks40:03 - Where do the Chicago Bulls go from here1:05:05 - Rebuilding in the NBA from scratch 1:27:45 - Lakers injuriesSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Grant take drop their highly anticipated 2025-26 NBA Awards ballots. Let us know your picks in the DISCORD! TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO5:42 - MVP30:15 - All-NBA37:43 - Defensive Player of the Year42:38 - All-Defense52:41 - Rookie of the Year58:36 - All-Rookie1:09:37 - Most Improved Player1:20:27 - Sixth Man of the Year1:25:18 - Clutch Player of the Year1:31:36 - Coach of the Year1:38:14 - Executive of the Year1:44:06 - STAT-PADDING AWARDSSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Mort Jensen of the 'The NBA Podcast' talk about some of the NBA's non-contenders and wrap up by deciding who they consider the most dangerous in each conference. After that, it's time for...MORE TANKING TALK! TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO3:18 - Toronto Raptors 9:07 - Atlanta Hawks19:56 - Charlotte Hornets27:55 - Philadelphia 76ers37:13 - Orlando Magic 43:35 - Los Angeles Clippers53:10 - The NBA’s most dangerousness underdog is…56:52 - More potential tanking solutions????SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Grant take a look at which teams overachieved and underachieved the most relative to their preseason win predictions! TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO2:48 - Indiana Pacers8:11 - Charlotte Hornets 12:39 - San Antonio Spurs 17:47 - Sacramento Kings 20:57 - Dallas Mavericks 24:07 - Phoenix Suns30:46 - Boston Celtics 36:05 - Detroit Pistons38:54 - Memphis Grizzlies41:34 - Milwaukee Bucks44:05 - Golden State Warriors46:37 - Final Thoughts49:35 - NBPA speaks out against 65-game rule 1:04:03 - Reacting to tanking solutionsSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Mort Jensen of the 'The NBA Podcast' spotlight the 2026 NBA rookie extension candidates from the Eastern Conference that they find most fascinating. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO1:43 - Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets9:51 - Anthony Black, Orlando Magic25:21 - Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons35:21 - Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards41:12 - Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami HeatSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Mort Jensen of the 'The NBA Podcast' discuss a bunch of different reasons why you should still watch and pay attention to each of the NBA's 10 worst teams. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO4:12 - Washington Wizards 11:43 - Brooklyn Nets16:22 - Chicago Bulls21:22 - Indiana Pacers25:56 - Milwaukee Bucks30:51 - Utah Jazz42:24 - Sacramento Kings47:47 - Dallas Mavericks53:20 - Memphis Grizzlies59:50 - New Orleans PelicansSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Grant cover the latest news about Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the Milwaukee Bucks, the impact of Cade Cunningham's injury on the Detroit Pistons and NBA expansion. Then, it's...MAIL TIME. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO3:25 - Giannis and the Bucks23:52 - Can the Pistons survive without Cade Cunningham?35:32 - NBA expansion thoughts 41:14 - What is your greatest “What if?” in NBA history?50:03 - Stephon Castle or Amen Thompson?52:50 - Challenges of building around limited shooters59:33 - Is Scoot Henderson going to be a franchise point guard?1:06:42 - Will the Cavs make the Eastern Conference Finals?1:11:24 - What’s the biggest non-tanking problem?1:29:59 - Who is the next Derrick White?1:39:03 - How many minutes do the Knicks need Mitchell Robinson to play?1:42:21 - Do the Spurs have an historical comp?1:47:50 - Better matchup for the Clippers: Spurs or Thunder?1:51:52 - How does Jayson Tatum look?1:55:22 - Favorite advanced metrics1:58:34 - Which stats would you get rid of?2:02:49 - Name the NBA player’s superpowerSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Mort Jensen of the 'The NBA Podcast' shine the spotlight on a handful of players they believe will be recurring All-NBA candidates and selections in the NEAR future. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO4:58 - Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks11:43 - Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets21:16 - Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks27:32 - Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic43:44 - Kel'el Ware, Miami Heat50:24 - Stephon Castle, San Antonio56:42 - Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets1:01:07 - Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs1:01:49 - Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers1:04:47 - Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets1:08:13 - Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards1:13:56 - Honorable MentionsSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Mort Jensen of the 'The NBA Podcast' to talk about the NBA plans for expansion. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - EXPANSION NEWS!1:50 - How expansion impacts the tanking discussion3:45 - Will the NBA owners approve expansion?5:38 - Which NBA team should go to the East?14:02 - Does expansion impact potential relocation?18:17 - What will the expansion draft look like?23:11 - Best player who will left unprotected in an expansion draft24:58 - WELCOME BACK TO THE SEATTLE SUPERSONICS28:04 - Will Kevin Durant sign with the Sonics?29:45 - What will the Las Vegas NBA team be named?SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Grant play a rousing round of 'Fact or Fiction?!' a bunch of topical and big-picture NBA topics. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO1:54 - Bam Adebayo’s 83-point game was unethical 15:15 - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the NBA’s best player29:06 - Nerds ruined the NBA42:25 - Paolo Banchero is underrated 53:16 - The Lakers are a bigger than people realize59:29 - The Boston Celtics are the real favorites in the East1:06:17 - The Golden State Warriors should tank the play-in1:10:40 - The Charlotte Hornets are the East’s fifth-best team 1:14:06 - The Phoenix Suns are the NBA’s most dangerous non-contender1:17:56 - The San Antonio Spurs are the West’s second-best team 1:23:45 - Draft lottery reform will have wins count toward odds1:27:54 - STAD PADDINGSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Grant take turns picking NBA teams that they believe are already guaranteed to define the offseason before seeing how the playoffs/rest of the year unfold. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO1:14 - Our approach2:30 - Milwaukee Bucks10:48 - Los Angeles Lakers17:21  - Oklahoma City Thunder 22:38 - Brooklyn Nets25:45 - Atlanta Hawks29:29 - Golden State Warriors 32:25 - Orlando Magic35:18 - Charlotte HornetsSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Grant discuss their biggest concern for every top NBA contender and then assess how worried we should all be on a scale of 1 to 10. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO1:58 - MINI RANT5:28 - Our approach 7:50 - San Antonio Spurs 16:37 - Detroit Pistons24:03 - Houston Rockets 32:49 - Cleveland Cavaliers41:11 - Boston Celtics49:27 - Denver Nuggets58:38 - Oklahoma City Thunder 1:06:05 - New York Knicks1:18:14 - Minnesota TimberwolvesSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Grant talking about the NBA's focus on tanking, its selective enforcement of rules and whether they can actually fix the issue moving forward.  TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO0:57- Has the NBA gone too far?18:53 - Reviewing proposed tanking solutions 39:02 - OUR OWN TANKING SOLUTION49:54 - Is tanking possible to solve?SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Grant take turns selecting who they believe are the NBA's biggest x-factors for the rest of this season...AND BEYOND. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO3:26 - Criteria6:16 - Julian Champagnie9:29 - Stephon Castle15:15 - Scoot Henderson24:53 - Aaron Gordon29:31  - Anthony Black36:06 - Jayson Tatum’s Achilles43:44 - Reed Sheppard 48:51 - Amen Thompson53:57 - Jalen Williams56:17 - Cason Wallace1:01:08 - Jalen Green1:07:32 - Mitchell Robinson1:14:30 - Darius Garland1:18:36 - Kristaps Porzingis 1:23:38 - Jonathan Kuminga1:24:17 - Charles Lee1:28:07 - Jake LaRavia1:32:18 - Kasparas Jakucionis1:36:57 - Donte DiVincenzo1:43:11 - Jaylon TysonSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan is joined by Bryant Toporek (@btoporek) from Bleacher Report, Forbes, OnSI and Liberty Ballers to discuss the biggest Eastern Conference threats to the Detroit Pistons making the NBA Finals. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO1:12 - The Pistons are the East favorites, right?6:57 - Cleveland Cavaliers19:19 - Boston Celtics28:12 - New York Knicks 39:12 - Charlotte Hornets 46:53 - Philadelphia 76ers58:41 - Toronto RaptorsSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

While Dan is still attempting to shovel himself out of the TUNDRA, please enjoy this STAT-PADDING palate cleanser of NBA who said it: Joe Mazzulla or Batman?0:00 - INTRO2:55 - Joe Mazzulla or Batman?!12:49 - Great job, Grant!SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Which team DESERVES to win the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery the most? You better believe Dan and Grant came up with a totally scientific, not-at-all-arbitrary way of figuring it out. Introducing: KARMA. You're welcome. Or, we're sorry. Timestamps⤵️0:00 - INTRO2:16 - KARMA, explained 12:32 - Dallas Mavericks16:19 - San Antonio Spurs20:40 - Oklahoma City Thunder 24:23 - Atlanta Hawks29:32 - Golden State Warriors35:06 - Memphis Grizzlies 39:39 - Sacramento Kings43:11 - Utah Jazz48:23 - Miami Heat52:35 - Chicago Bulls56:42 - Portland Trail Blazers1:01:11 - Washington Wizards 1:09:13 - Brooklyn Nets 1:14:24 - Indiana Pacers1:20:37 - Charlotte HornetsSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Grant were asked by Bleacher Report to build Every NBA Team's Mt. Rushmore since 2000. So, they recorded a podcast about it! ⤵️0:00 - INTRO/OUR APPROACH3:53 - Atlanta Hawks5:36 - Boston Celtics8:14 - Brooklyn Nets10:53 - Charlotte Hornets13:30 - Chicago Bulls15:35 - Cleveland Cavaliers18:23 - Dallas Mavericks21:47 - Denver Nuggets23:53 - Detroit Pistons26:00 - Golden State Warriors27:46 - Houston Rockets32:26 - Indiana Pacers36:39 - Los Angeles Clippers39:31 - Los Angeles Lakers44:18 - Memphis Grizzlies47:36 - Miami Heat51:21 - Milwaukee Bucks53:46 - Minnesota Timberwolves58:00 - New Orleans Pelicans1:01:53 - New York Knicks1:05:05 - Oklahoma City Thunder1:07:50 - Orlando Magic1:10:54 - Philadelphia 76ers1:14:20 - Phoenix Suns1:16:04 - Portland Trail Blazers1:20:12 - Sacramento Kings1:24:06 - San Antonio Spurs1:26:50 - Toronto Raptors1:31:26 - Utah Jazz1:35:14 - Washington Wizards1:38:35 - Closing thoughtsSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Grant go through some of the most urgent questions they have once the NBA comes out of the All-Star break. After that, it's STAT PADDING. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO2:36 - Which Eastern Conference team has the most at stake?13:51 - Which Eastern Conference player has the most at stake?27:26 - Which Western Conference team has the most at stake?41:37 - Which Western Conference player has the most at stake?56:53 - Will the Milwaukee Bucks shut down Giannis Antetokounmpo?1:01:59 - Which contender will regret not making a bigger trade?1:12:20 - Is this LeBron James’ last season with the Lakers?1:16:53 - How many first-time All-NBA players do we get?1:22:21 - Which NBA contender will disappoint us?1:29:57 - Which NBA team could shock us in the playoffs?1:35:00 - What happens with the Aspiration investigation?1:47:42 - STAT PADDINGSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com