The Big Number

This week on The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine make the case for their top five 2025-26 NBA MVP candidates. Can Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio win enough games in the Western Conference this year to propel him into the MVP conversation? Can Jokić earn a fourth league MVP boosted by an improved Nuggets roster? The duo also discusses the MVP arguments for SGA, Giannis & Steph Curry.Plus, Russell Westbrook signed a deal with the Sacramento Kings and is expected to join the team later this week. But where exactly does Westbrook make sense on this Kings roster?(1:20) The Big Number: Victor Wembanyama MVP case(21:40) Little Numbers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander MVP case(24:37) Little Numbers: Nikola Jokić MVP case(29:13) Little Numbers: Giannis Antetokounmpo MVP case(32:55) Little Numbers: Steph Curry MVP case(38:44) Russell Westbrook signs deal with Sacramento Kings Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive into the stats to determine if the Milwaukee Bucks should trade Giannis Antetokounmpo after he revealed that the trade rumors surrounding him this summer were not only true, but that he has a preferred destination in mind: the New York Knicks. Is now the right time for the Bucks to consider moving Giannis in order to set themselves up for success in a future without him? And if so, how can the Knicks realistically make a move for Giannis when they only have one first round pick to offer?Plus, the duo reacts to Ja Morant's 'week-to-week' sprained ankle injury and how it will impact the Memphis Grizzlies starting lineup just days away from opening night.(1:56) The Big Number: Should Bucks trade Giannis?(18:12) Little Numbers: Wins Above Replacement Bucks lost this offseason(22:57) Little Numbers: When will Bucks control their own 1st round pick?(29:24) Little Numbers: Knicks tradable 1st round draft picks(33:56) Little Numbers: OG Anunoby & Mikal Bridges trade offers(38:06) Ja Morant week-to-week with ankle sprain Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine react to the biggest stories from NBA Media Days around the league including how little clarity came from Kawhi Leonard and Clippers president Lawrence Frank concerning the salary cap circumvention allegations against them during their press conference. The pair also unpack Giannis Antetokounmpo commenting how he wants to compete for another championship, it just might not be in Milwaukee. Plus, is LeBron James really going to be willing to share the ball more with Luka? And did the Warriors and Kuminga only kick the can down the road with his contract or will he finally find his fit on the Golden State roster?(1:52) The Big Number: Clippers have no evidence to prove their innocence(20:20) Little Numbers: Giannis wants 2nd championship(25:12) Little Numbers: Will LeBron really share the ball more with Luka?(31:40) Little Numbers: Denver's plus/minus without Jokic(37:01) Little Numbers: Cleveland's new starting 5(42:35) Kuminga finally agrees to contract with Warriors Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the Houston Rockets’ outlook after Fred VanVleet's devastating ACL injury and reveal just how big a blow it is to Houston’s contender status. Can Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard fill that void or does losing VanVleet put the brakes on their title chase, even with KD on the team? Plus, Dan shares insights from Knicks Media Day with fresh details on Jalen Brunson & Karl-Anthony Towns.(2:35) The Big Number: Fred VanVleet's injury(15:37) Little Numbers: Amen Thompson Net Rating(22:08) Little Numbers: Reed Sheppard 3PT shooting(26:30) Little Numbers: Rockets $1,255,588 under first apron(32:07) Little Numbers: Rockets future first round picks(39:11) New York Knicks media day recap Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the latest in the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga restricted free agency standoff. Has Kumingа played his final game for the Warriors? If so, Tom & Dan weigh the pros and cons of the Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, Sacramento Kings, Brooklyn Nets and others as potential fits. Later, the duo reacts to Adam Silver’s shifting public stance on the Kawhi Leonard and LA Clippers salary cap circumvention allegations.(1:51) The Big Number: Jonathan Kuminga contract stalemate(19:02) Little Numbers: Chicago Bulls free throw attempt rate(24:22) Little Numbers: Kuminga points scored rolling after setting a screen(32:01) Little Numbers: Washington Wizards individual 20-point performances(37:02) Little Numbers: Brooklyn Nets top-10 picks(42:51) Adam Silver comments on Kawhi controversy  Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine deep dive on the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame class: who's a lock, and who deserves more consideration than they're getting? The duo start with Andre Iguodala, who has one big number going his way that could make him a lock. Next, Dan breaks down the chances of Marques Johnson, Blake Griffin, Shawn Marion and Lamarcus Aldridge based on their career numbers and advanced stats.Tom & Dan finish things off with the news that the Chicago Bulls re-signed Josh Giddey to a multi-year contract. The hosts look back on their free agency predictions (2 for 2 so far!) and discuss whether Cam Thomas made the right move taking his $6M qualifying offer.(1:45) - Is Andre Iguodala a Hall of Fame lock?(16:45) - Does Shawn Marion have the stats to make it in?(22:35) - Lamarcus Aldridge's Hall of Fame chances(28:10) - Marques Johnson's scoring average deserves consideration(31:40) - Is Blake Griffin being overrated as a HOF prospect?(39:40) - Josh Giddey, Cam Thomas & other free agency news Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine deep dive into this offseason’s free agency moves—or rather the lack thereof. What’s changed in the NBA that’s keeping All-Star level players with their current teams or moving via trade rather than making moves during free agency? The pair also assess the Clippers’ alleged cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard and a $28 million endorsement deal, unpacking what punishments the NBA may dole out if the claims are proven true.(2:27) The Big Number: All-Stars in free agency(15:54) Little Numbers: Orlando Magic pull-up 3s(21:03) Little Numbers: Atlanta Hawks 3-pointers(25:26) Little Numbers: Cam Johnson offensive EPM(28:49) Little Numbers: Clippers defense without Zubac(34:17) Kawhi Leonard earns $28M for ‘no show’ job Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

This week, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive into De’Aaron Fox getting big money with an extension from the San Antonio Spurs to play alongside Victor Wembanyama.Can Fox be the ideal running mate with Wemby and will it end with a playoff appearance? We break down all the reasons this could, or could not, be the perfect longterm marriage.Plus, Luka Doncic and Mikal Bridges get their extensions with the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks and George Niang’s homecoming gets rerouted to Utah.(1:33) The Big Number: 5 games with Fox + Wemby(15:45) Little Numbers: Fox shooting averages(20:01) Little Numbers: De’Aaron drives to the basket(23:08) Little Numbers: Fox 3PT shooting(27:24) Little Numbers: Spurs playoff drought(33:23) Luka signs extension with Lakers(37:22) Bridges re-signs with Knicks(41:21) Celtics trade Niang to Jazz Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

This week, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive into Men’s Health Luka — the shock heard 'round the NBA. Is this the season Luka Doncic finally cashes in on all that MVP hype? We break down the jaw-dropping 1.4 expected MVPs stat, why his shredded transformation could change everything and whether the Lakers' roster chaos might hold him back. Plus: RFA contract predictions, why 40-point games don’t always equal big paydays, and the very real possibility that Cam Thomas is better than Tim Duncan (kidding).(1:20) - Is Luka 2.0 ready for an MVP run?(15:55) - Can Lakers win enough games for Luka to win MVP?(19:30) - Lakers' defensive concerns(23:30) - Can Lakers offense be good enough to support Luka MVP bid?(27:20) - Can Luka stay healthy enough to win MVP? Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine crunched the numbers after the CP3 news became official: the 2025-26 LA Clippers are now, officially, the oldest team in NBA history. With an average age of 33.2 years old (!), the Clippers have surpassed the previous record held by the Stockton-and-Malone Utah Jazz. Could this actually work out in LA's favor? Tom and Dan think the Clippers' depth and versatility could propel them to the top of the West if things break their way. Don't miss this episode of The Big Number, which deep dives on Brook Lopez, Bradley Beal, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Chris Paul and the rest of the seasoned vets that have their eyes on the prize after an interesting offseason.(1:45) - Clippers have the oldest roster in history(16:05) - Little Numbers: Are Clippers built to succeed in 2025 despite their age?(33:40) - Marcus Smart joins the Lakers + our favorite offseason additions Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

On this episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine react to Paul George's latest injury. Do the Philadelphia 76ers have serious reason for concern here, especially after the disaster that was PG13's debut season with the team? And the guys wonder if the team is better off trading both George AND Joel Embiid -- should Morey embrace the youth movement and move forward with the core of Maxey and Edgecombe? Would Philly fans riot if Embiid was moved?? PLUS -- Tom broke the internet on Tuesday with his in-depth reporting on the Malik Beasley investigation. Don't miss his further sleuthing on that insane story involving "Moose NBA." Lastly, before the buzzer Tom weighs in on the news that Bradley Beal was finally bought out by the Phoenix Suns and is now a member of the LA Clippers. What is their ceiling now with Beal? It's all ahead.(2:09) The Big Number: 15 Sixers big three games played together(19:15) Little Numbers: Jared McCain shooting(25:06) Little Numbers: Quentin Grimes impact(30:11) Little Numbers: VJ Edgecombe potential(35:16) Little Numbers: Joel Embiid plus-minus(40:50) Malik Beasley gambling allegations(57:26) Bradley Beal agrees to buyout with Suns Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

It's no secret the NBA's Western Conference has been better than its Eastern Conference for some time now, but how big is that imbalance? Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine kick off this week's Big Number with a shocking stat: the East could win their next 1,318 consecutive games vs. Western Conference teams and STILL not be .500 vs. the their opponents in their head-to-head record since 2000.Tom argues that the East vs. West power imbalance is greater than ever and that it might send one LeBron James seeking a trade or some sort of move back to his hometown in Cleveland to put the final chapter on his Hall of Fame career. Tom even brings a crazy four-team trade to the table that would make it all work!Later in the show, Dan shares some little numbers around the Chicago Bulls without Lonzo Ball (which they should get used to now that he's on Cleveland), the Knicks starters' minutes per game vs. the Western Conference, the Orlando Magic's offensive rating against the West and the Atlanta Hawks defensive efficiency in the Trae Young era.Also, Mike Brown will be reportedly the next coach of the New York Knicks. The guys react to the news live & share a touching get well soon message for the one and only Red Panda.(1:30) - 1,318: West's head-to-head advantage over the East since 2000(5:40) - Why East vs. West talent disadvantage could send LeBron back to CLE(17:25) - Why Chicago will struggle more without Lonzo Ball(23:35) - Knicks roster minutes per game vs. West(29:10) - Breaking: Mike Brown to New York Knicks(35:40) - Orlando's offensive rating vs. West(39:30) - Atlanta's defensive efficiency in the Trae Young era(45:30) - Get well soon to Red Panda & Jaren Jackson Jr.(48:30) - Unpacking Milwaukee's move from Lillard to Turner🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTubeCheck out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine unearth the data that proves the Oklahoma City Thunder dynasty could reign supreme for a long while, starting with going back-to-back next season. But contenders do exist — the 5 teams that could stifle OKC's plans, and why. Plus, Tom & Dan analyze Jrue Holiday's fit with the Portland Trail Blazers. All ahead on this episode of The Big Number.(1:10) - Thunder are favorites to win 2026 Finals(12:35) - How much does KD help Houston Rockets' Finals chances?(18:10) - Can Cleveland Cavaliers take advantage of chaotic East?(23:15) - Where's the Golden State Warriors' ceiling with Jimmy Butler?(29:25) - Should New York Knicks be a Finals sleeper even without a head coach?(33:10) - Are the LA Lakers Finals odds too low?(40:05) - Trail Blazers acquire Jrue Holiday Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine break down the electric 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers by spotlighting the record-setting intensity measured by 38.4 miles run in each game this series. They dive into why this series marks a HUGE shift in playing styles, Pascal Siakam’s transformative two-way play for Indiana and Jalen Williams’ historic 40-point game at just 24 years old. Plus, the pair debates whether Desmond Bane is the missing piece Orlando needs to become true contenders in the Eastern Conference.(1:27) The Big Number: 38.4 miles per game(21:07) Little Numbers: Thunder open shots in NBA Finals(24:36) Little Numbers: OKC & IND 3-point shooting(29:29) Little Numbers: Siakam’s impressive averages(33:25) Little Numbers: points scored in transition(39:02) Grizzlies trade Desmond Bane to the Magic Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine are back with this week's big number: 1 million dollars. That's how much Jay-Z allegedly wagered and then lost, when he placed a milly on OKC to win the Finals in 5 games. Indy won Game 3, which rendered that bet moot -- and Indy added another victim to its pool of people that doubted them. Don't miss the guys break down the stats that prove Indy may very well be the better team, both offensively and defensively. Plus later in the show, Tom wonders if Kevin Durant could return to Oklahoma City — especially if the Thunder get packed up in 5 games!(1:10) The Big Number: $1,000,000 wager on OKC in 5(18:14) Little Numbers: Pacers record in first 25 games(23:50) Little Numbers: Indiana’s MPH(29:15) Little Numbers: Pacers passes per game(32:41) Little Numbers: Indiana’s defensive rating(37:14) Best landing spots for KD in trade Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine are well aware that the Oklahoma City Thunder are LIKELY to win this year's NBA title. But what is Indiana's path to a championship, and just how viable is it? The Big Number has unearthed the key stats that prove how the Pacers could walk away with the Larry O, as improbable as it may seem. It would have to start with Tyrese Haliburton becoming ultra aggressive, which will be easier said than done against his #1 kryptonite: Lu Dort.(1:23) The Big Number: Haliburton scoring vs. OKC(11:59) Little Numbers: Pascal Siakam points produced in postseason(16:21) Little Numbers: Thunder corner 3’s(19:41) Little Numbers: What happened last time OKC lost a series?(23:50) Little Numbers: Thunder vs. zone defense(28:54) Knicks fire Tom Thibodeau(38:50) Suns hire Ott as head coach Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Dan Devine and Tom Haberstroh break down the historic matchup between the Indiana Pacers & Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals. With only a 1% chance of this pairing at the start of the season, the hosts dissect why both teams surged to the top, challenging long-held NBA assumptions about youth, roster continuity, and midseason trades. The conversation spotlights star performances from Tyrese Haliburton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, plus the impact of strategic additions like Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso. The episode explores why these Finals are one of the most improbable in recent memory, what sets each team apart, and what this means for the future of team-building in the NBA.Don’t miss the discussion on what’s next for the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks, and the unique blend of clutch play, defense, and team chemistry fueling this unlikely Finals.(1:10) - Pacers & Thunder defy all odds to face off in the NBA Finals(20:40) - Why Thunder excel at avoiding turnovers(26:15) - Caruso & Hartenstein fuel OKC's defensive engine(31:50) - Pacers: clutchest team in the NBA?(34:50) - Pacers & Thunder have both dominated in 2025(43:20) - What's next for the Timberwolves?(50:00) - What's next for the Knicks? Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine have uncovered the jaw-dropping truth: the Oklahoma City Thunder now possess "the best defense in Playoff history." The guys explain what OKC is doing to make things so uncomfortable for their opponents, and how the juggernaut defense likely won't be solved any time soon.(1:05) - Is the Thunder defense best in postseason history?(10:05) - Numbers behind Thunder's suffocating defense(15:20) - Live-ball turnovers forced by Thunder defense(19:10) - How Thunder stifled Anthony Edwards(22:40) - Thunder shut down Wolves' corner threes(28:10) - How will SGA's MVP win be remembered? Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine have unearthed the data that shows Indiana is NOT to be messed with. The Big Number guys explain how the Pacers laid waste to the #1-seed Cleveland Cavaliers, and likely won't be stopped anytime soon. Plus the guys ask the question, would Nico Harrison ever, shockingly, consider trading the #1 overall pick? What caliber of superstar would need to be offered to the Mavs' GM for him to come off of Cooper Flagg?!? The guys think Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks may convince Nico to do the unthinkable (again)! Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

On this episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine answer the question "do the Warriors have a chance WITHOUT Steph Curry?" The answer may surprise you. Plus, are the Indiana Pacers starting to show they're a team of destiny? Tyrese Haliburton's numbers in the clutch will leave you stunned. But not as stunned as Cleveland Cavaliers fans... yikes! The insanity of the NBA Playoffs is peaking and Tom and Dan are here to break it all down on this installment of The Big Number.(1:20) The Big Number: 0(20:29) Little Numbers: Warriors possessions in the bonus(24:47) Little Numbers: Anthony Edwards Game 1(29:02) Little Numbers: Draymond Green contested shots(30:45) Little Numbers: Warriors offensive rebounding(36:30) Pacers stun Cavaliers AGAIN Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv