DiscoverThe Athletic NBA Daily
The Athletic NBA Daily
Claim Ownership

The Athletic NBA Daily

Author: The Athletic

Subscribed: 2,703Played: 380,685
Share

Description

Start your day with The Athletic NBA Daily – a fast, entertaining recap of the most important games and stories from the world of professional basketball with new episodes dropping Monday through Friday. Hosted by Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni with regular appearances by The Athletic’s award-winning NBA reporters. Andrew Schlecht and Alex Spears cap the week with the full-length Saturday Slam n’ Jam episode.

1735 Episodes
Reverse
The Houston Rockets handed the Cleveland Cavaliers their 7th loss of the season thanks to two late by Alperen Sengun. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the chaotic finish in Houston, the Pistons climb up the standings, and Jimmy Butler’s suspension. Then, the Athletic’s Fred Katz joins the show to talk about his interview with OG Anunoby, the Pistons (again), and whether Jimmy Butler moves the needle for the Suns. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Fred Katz Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Submit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Phoenix Suns traded their 2031 first round pick to the Utah Jazz for three future first rounders. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss the Suns trade, what it means for Jimmy Butler, and the season Nikola Jokic is having. Then, the Athletic’s Marcus Thompson joins the show to discuss the idea of Rivals Week, how Cam Johnson can swing the championship, and why the Thunder have title pressure this season. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & Marcus Thompson Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Submit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jaren Jackson scored 15 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Memphis Grizzlies over Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves for the second time in ten days. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Wolves lineup issues with Donte DiVincenzo out indefinitely, the Julius Randle problem, and the Pistons success in 2025. Then, the Athletic’s Jay King joins the show from the Bay Area to discuss the woeful Warriors, Boston’s status in the Eastern Conference, and what’s next for the Celtics. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Jay King Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Submit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Slam N Jam Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the 2025 NBA Draft with Sam Vecenie of the Athletic. They deep dive on Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper and which player is most likely to go number 3? How many tier 1 players are in this draft and a lengthy discussion on the depth of the draft. They then transition to a discussion about the 2024 rookie class and hand out awards as a way to talk about 9 rookies who are standing out above (or below) the rest. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against a beat writer, this time a trivia show based on the 2024 class. Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers With: Sam Vecenie Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Editor: Jake Kleinberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points in the first 3 quarters en route to a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in a matchup between the league’s two best teams. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita breakdown the Thunder win, Shai’s MVP performance, and discuss the new Unrivaled basketball league and the potential ramifications for the NBA. Then, the Athletic’s Joe Vardon joins the show from Oklahoma City with the Cavs’ perspective on their loss, why they struggle against perimeter size, and who they are targeting on the trade market. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & Joe Vardon Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Submit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Phoenix Suns acquired Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets for Josh Okogie and three second round picks. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita breakdown the trade and the Suns’ next steps, discuss Boston’s loss to the tanking Raptors, and the Wolves dropping another game they need to win. Then, the Athletic’s Sam Amick joins the show to empty his notebook and tell us what he’s hearing on the Milwaukee Bucks’ potential pursuit of Jimmy Butler, the Suns’ prospects on a trade with Miami, and whatever the Chicago Bulls are doing. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Sam Amick Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Submit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Donovan Mitchell poured in 35 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 127-117 win over the Indiana Pacers. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita breakdown Mitchell and the Cavs’ bounce back performance, Jamal Murray’s night in Dallas, and the weird vibe around the Golden State Warriors. Then, The Athletic’s Eric Nehm joins the show to discuss the Milwaukee Bucks’ identity, their up and down season, and their trade deadline prospects. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & Eric Nehm Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Submit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Houston Rockets beat the Memphis Grizzlies thanks to 42 points from Jalen Green. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Rockets big win and their place in the West, the Warriors abysmal lost to the tanking Raptors, and the Knicks side of their loss to Detroit. Then, the Athletic’s Hunter Patterson joins the show to breakdown the Pistons path to success, Cade Cunningham’s growth, and Detroit’s trade deadline plans. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Hunter Patterson Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Submit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Indiana Pacers stopped the Cleveland Cavaliers win streak at 12 games with a 108-93 win. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni discuss the Pacers big win and their recent success, the Kings winning ways under Doug Christie, and Jalen Brunson’s 44-point game against the Bucks. Then, the gang talks about the returns of Paolo Banchero and Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets place in the West, and their sicko games of the week. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Zena Keita Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Submit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Slam N Jam Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, Who will win the Most Improved Player, the insane Cavs/Thunder game, Mazzula quotes, best and worst catch and shoot players, Pistons success and more. Then they are joined by Will Guillory of the Athletic to discuss the New Orleans Pelicans and if it’s possible to turn the team around this season, what Zion’s return means, and what kind of player they would want in the draft. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against a beat writer. Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers With: New Orleans Pelicans Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Editor: Jake Kleinberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies battled it out for second place in the West. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Jared McCain injury news, the Cavs 12th straight win, and debate Bradley Beal vs. Zach LaVine as trade candidates. The Athletic’s Kelly Iko joins the show to talk about the Rockets win over the Grizzlies, Reed Shepherd in the G League, Jimmy Butler’s fit in Memphis, and who matches up with the Thunder in the West. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Kelly Iko Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Submit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a game of the year candidate as the two best teams in the NBA met for the first time. Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and Andrew Schlecht discuss Cleveland’s gameplan, what went wrong for the Thunder, and who has the clearest path to the Finals. Then, Es and Dave take a look at how Giannis manhandled Victor Wembanyama, the Bucks lineup change, and Paolo Banchero’s upcoming return. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Andrew Schlecht Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Submit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans thanks to Anthony Edwards’s 32 point performance. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss the Edwards’ game, Zion’s return from injury, and the Suns’ terrible loss to Charlotte. Then, the Athletic’s Joe Vardon joins the show to discuss the huge showdown between the Cavaliers and Thunder, Cleveland’s path to success, and why this is the last regular season test for the Cavs. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & Joe Vardon Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Submit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Minnesota Timberwolves overcame a 19-point deficit as Anthony Edwards poured in 37 points en route to a 108-106 victory of the Los Angeles Clippers. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Wolves big lineup change, Edwards’ night, and Kyrie Irving’s injury. Then, Sam Cooper, from the Timeline Podcast about the Phoenix Suns, stops by to discuss the Suns’ win over Philadelphia, Bradley Beal coming off the bench, and if a trade can save Phoenix’s season. Then, Es and Dave throw a party for the Pistons as they make it to 18-18 and wonder if Cade Cunningham is going to make All-NBA. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni & Sam Cooper Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Submit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Oklahoma City Thunder won their 15th straight game while holding the Boston Celtics to 27 2nd half points. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni discuss the Thunder as the best team in basketball, their recent stretch of games, and their upcoming showdown with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Then, the gang discusses Kawhi Leonard’s comeback, Victor Wembanyama vs Nikola Jokić, the Bucks woes, and their favorite landing spots for Jimmy Butler. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita, Es Baraheni Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Submit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Slam N Jam Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, Who will win the Pacific Division, the dominance of the Cavs and Thunder, Jimmy Butler Trade destinations and more. Then they are joined by Brian Geisinger to discuss the Charlotte Hornets and if their recent play is a sign of things to come. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against a beat writer. Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers With: Brian Geisinger Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Editor: Jake Kleinberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Stephen Curry was perfect in 8 attempts from behind the three-point line as the Golden State Warriors cruised to a blowout win over Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. Dave DuFour and Zena discuss all of the action from Thursday night including Tyrese Haliburton’s big game, Jimmy Butler’s postgame comments, and the Celtics big win over the Timberwolves. Then, the Athletic’s Marcus Thompson joins the show to breakdown Steph Curry and Joel Embiid’s matchup, Jonathan Kuminga as the number two option, and Paul George’s fit in Philadelphia. Then, Zena and Dave take a look at the first results in All-Star game fan voting and what stands out. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita, Marcus Thompson Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Submit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Cleveland Cavaliers hot start continued with a blowout win over the struggling Golden State Warriors. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni breakdown the win for the Cavs, the Warriors problems, and Joel Embiid’s best game of the season. Then, the Athletic’s Sam Amick joins the show to give some behind the scenes insight on Mike Brown’s firing in Sacramento, a potential De’Aaron Fox trade, and the latest on Jimmy Butler. Then, Es digs into the numbers to celebrate LeBron James’ birthday. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni, Sam Amick Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Submit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Los Angeles Lakers land Dorian Finney-Smith in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni breakdown the move for the Lakers, react to Mike Brown’s firing in Sacramento, and Pat Riley’s stance on trading Jimmy Butler. Then, the gang go through some “NBA New Year’s Resolutions” and reveal the new leader in the MVP award race. Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita & Es Baraheni Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Submit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni and Zena Keita are joined by a plethora of guests like James Edwards, Jared Weiss and Anthony Slater to preview the Christmas Day NBA games we have in store featuring Knicks v Spurs, Celtics v Sixers and Warriors v Lakers. Our Slam ‘n’ Jam hosts Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers close out the show with their Christmas wishes for the NBA. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni, Zena Keita, James Edwards, Jared Weiss, Anthony Slater, Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio Producer: Grayson Moody Submit your questions to The Athletic NBA Daily mailbag: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5939460/2024/11/25/nba-podcast-mailbag-athletic-daily/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
loading
Comments (17)

Izak Jeremić

unfortunately all the great names of the athletic are gone along with the awesome shows they made (and they made daily ding along all of that great content). this is now just a bad version of daily ding

Dec 10th
Reply

W M (Wayway29)

Finally, some Trae Young love and appreciation. Most hated , slept on, overlooked, scrutinized 25.5 - 9.5 career avg player in history.

Oct 15th
Reply

Kameron Rush

no one wants to hear karl malone

Feb 19th
Reply

Trevor Chinembiri

Zach impersonation 0:15

Nov 6th
Reply

Trevor Chinembiri

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss conference finals candidates (3:40) and what the past decade tells us, questions surrounding the Phoenix Suns (14:50), and then Matt Moore of the Action Network joins the podcast to discuss the Nuggets (31:00) and play a rousing game of Andrew vs. the Beat (44:40).

Feb 28th
Reply

William MWestcott

Couldn’t give any shits less about what hairstylists or nightclub promoters are a part of nba culture. You’re welcome.

Feb 7th
Reply

Trevor Chinembiri

Mike Smeltz to discuss the Brooklyn Nets (28:37) and play a rousing version of Andrew vs. The Beat (51:03)

Jan 26th
Reply

William MWestcott

Am I the only one who couldn’t give a single shit less about these fashion people?

Jan 9th
Reply

Trevor Chinembiri

Draft review with draft guru Sam Vecenie (26:27). Andrew vs. the beat (53:05).

Dec 5th
Reply

Trevor Chinembiri

Raptors wheel of fandom with Tas Melas of No Dunks (30:35). Scottie Barnes talk (32:05). Andrew vs the beat (1:00:15).

Nov 27th
Reply

mark9a9@comcast.net

The annoying background music made this podcast impossible to enjoy. What is the producer trying to do? I just turned it off after a few minutes. I'm sure I wasn't the only one. Terrible!!

Jul 29th
Reply

Zach Vobornik

All of the sound effects, audio hiccups and song inserts make this a painful listen. It's too bad we can't just listen to the experts and information that we tuned in to hear.

Jul 28th
Reply

Trevor Chinembiri

1:22

Jul 16th
Reply

Hans mateo Morantes maldonado

Could you stop putting those other sounds and songs behind the voices of the guests? Nice podcast

Jul 15th
Reply

Trevor Chinembiri

The trade 1:35 Denver vs GSW offense – Wos 5:00 Assets for big market vs small market – Wos 15:10 Jury still out on KD - Seth 16:35 Harden role 17:45 Importance of defense – Wos 19:45 Draft capital 23:05

Jul 8th
Reply

Jones Nex

:/

Mar 21st
Reply

es

Love the insights. Feel free to get even deeper into the weeds.

Dec 18th
Reply