
The Athletic NBA Daily
byThe Athletic
ComedyNewsSportsBasketball
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes(40 episodes)
The NBA Contender Pie | Morning Shoot Around
Andrew Schlecht and Dave DuFour discuss who has the biggest slice of pie in the contender pie chart. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Published: Mar 25, 2026Duration: 56m 19s
Nobody likes the 65-game rule
Dave DuFour and Zena Keita react to the NBA Player's Association complaints about the Bucks shutting down Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Player Participation Policy's 65-game rule. Then, Carter Rodriguez from the Chasedown Podcast joins Dave to dive deep into the Cavs post-deadline success, the James Harden experience, and why Donovan Mitchell may be a target in the playoffs.Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2Host: Dave DuFourWith: Zena Keita and Carter RodriguezExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted...
Published: Mar 25, 2026Duration: 30m 5s
J Dub returns for OKC + Are the Lakers title contenders?
Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the return of Jalen Williams for the Thunder, the Victor Wembanyama problem, and the Rockets wasting a 40-point night from Kevin Durant. Then, Dan Woike joins the show to discuss the Lakers improvement since the break and Luka's MVP case.Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni and Dan WoikeExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Published: Mar 24, 2026Duration: 27m 13s
KD passes MJ + Post All-Star Glow-ups
Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and Zena Keita react to Kevin Durant passing Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list, his chances of passing Kareem, and the Thunder getting healthy. Then, the gang takes a look at the Lakers winning streak, the Hawks rise to the 6 seed, and Boston’s dominance with Jayson Tatum.Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2Host: Dave DuFourWith: Zena Keita and Es BaraheniExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr...
Published: Mar 23, 2026Duration: 28m 27s
Nuggets Toast? + Which Tanking Team Deserves the first pick? | Slam N Jam
Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers are back for another episode of the Saturday Slam N Jam. They discuss the week of basketball plus their Good, Bad, and What in which they talk about the Nuggets nose diving, the tanking teams that deserve the number one pick, and a weirdly cold stretch for 2 players. In part 2, Stephen Pridgeon-Garner of PHNX joins to discuss the Suns and how they have been this successful this season, potential offseason moves, and what could happen if they make the Playoffs. Then they finish with a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat.<...
Published: Mar 21, 2026Duration: 1h 3m 9s
March Madness, Cade Cunningham out + Boston winning the East?
Dave DuFour and Brian Geissinger react to some of the fun moments from the NCAA tournament, discuss Cade Cunningham's season ending injury, and the fall out from the NBA's 65-game rule. Then, the guys discuss the Hornets win over the Magic, the top half of the East, and why Boston is the team to beat.Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2Host: Dave DuFourWith: Brian GeisingerExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See...
Published: Mar 20, 2026Duration: 29m 20s
Luka magic for the Lakers, again
Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and Will Guillory react to the Lakers back-to-back wins over the Rockets, the Luka and LeBron duo putting on a show, and the Rockets continuing fourth quarter woes. Then, the gang takes a look at the West playoff race and how it might shake out.Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni and Will GuilloryExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.<...
Published: Mar 19, 2026Duration: 28m 44s
NBA EXPANSION DRAFT | Morning Shoot Around
Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni and Andrew Schlecht do an NBA Expansion Draft. Host: Andrew SchlechtWith: Dave DuFour and Es BaraheniProducer: Andrew Schlecht Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Published: Mar 18, 2026Duration: 57m 27s
Thunder clinch playoffs + Drafting tanking teams
Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the Thunder clinching a playoff berth and the Wolves handling business against the Suns without Anthony Edwards. Then, the guys take a look at the tanking teams and decide which teams have the best shot at contention.Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es BaraheniExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Published: Mar 18, 2026Duration: 27m 5s
Should the NBA expand to Seattle and Las Vegas?
Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the Hawks extending their win streak to 10 games with a win over the Magic, the upcoming NBA expansion vote, and whether Seattle and Las Vegas are the best choices for new teams. Then, Dan Woike joins the show after the Lakers beat the Rockets in a playoff showdown to discuss Luka's MVP chances, LA's win streak, and LeBron James as a role player.Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni and Dan Woike<...
Published: Mar 17, 2026Duration: 30m 50s
Lakers on the rise + Playoff positioning
Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni react to the Lakers thrilling win over the Nuggets, the Thunder handling business against the Wolves, and how the West playoffs have been affected. Then, the gang takes a look at the winning streaks of the Hawks and Magic, the Raptors best win of the season over Detroit, and the race for the 5th seed in the East.Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni and Zena KeitaExecutive Producer: Andrew...
Published: Mar 16, 2026Duration: 26m 54s
The Most and Least Clutch NBA Players + HEAT WEEK | Slam N Jam
Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers are back for another episode of the Saturday Slam N Jam. They discuss the week of basketball plus their Good, Bad, and why Shai’s case for the clutch player of the year, Isolation basketball, Wilt’s records and more. In part 2, Wes Goldberg joins to discuss the Bam 83 point game, how the Heat have improved lately, Pelle Larson’s improvements, and who the Heat could potentially beat in the Playoffs. Then they finish with a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat.Hosts: Andrew Schlecht, Alex SpeersWith: Wes Go...
Published: Mar 14, 2026Duration: 1h 3m 40s
SGA passes Wilt + Adebayo's 83 asterisk?
Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the Thunder win over the Celtics, Shai's scoring record, and Jamal Murray's big night for the Nuggets. Then, Sam Amick joins the gang to discuss the league-wide chatter about Bam Adebayo's 83-point game, the MVP race, and his favorite to win the title.Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni and Sam AmickExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast...
Published: Mar 13, 2026Duration: 30m 0s
Is this Kawhi Leonard's best season?
Dave DuFour and Zena Keita react to Kawhi Leonard's 45-point night in a blowout win over the Timberwolves and the Nuggets starting five finally coming together for a win. Then, Josh Robbins joins the show to discuss the Magic's recent success, Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane leading, and their playoff concerns.Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2Host: Dave DuFourWith: Zena Keita and Josh RobbinsExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See...
Published: Mar 12, 2026Duration: 31m 12s
NBA Dark Horse Rankings | Morning Shoot Around
Andrew Schlecht, Zena Kieta, Es Baraheni and Dave DuFour discuss and rank the NBA's dark horse candidates in the NBA, discuss Bam's 83 point night, and predict who will be the next to beat Bam's record.Host: Andrew SchlechtWith: Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, Es BaraheniProducer: Andrew Schlecht Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Published: Mar 11, 2026Duration: 53m 54s
Bam Adebayo scores 83 points, passes Kobe Bryant
Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to Bam Adebayo’s historic 83-point performance and the Lakers movement up the Western Conference standings. Then, Jay King joins the show to after the Celtics loss to the Spurs to discuss Jaylen Brown’s ejection, Jayson Tatum’s return so far, and how much longer the league can hold off Victor Wembanyama.Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni and Jay KingExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Producer: Alex O...
Published: Mar 11, 2026Duration: 28m 42s
Best game of the season: Thunder vs. Nuggets
Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Andrew Schlecht react to the heroics of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to lead the Thunder to a 129-126 win over the Nuggets. Did SGA wrap up the MVP? What team worries Oklahoma City the most?Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2Host: Dave DuFourWith: Zena Keita and Andrew SchlechtExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Published: Mar 10, 2026Duration: 23m 25s
Tatum's return + Wemby's ascension
Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Es Baraheni react to Jayson Tatum's return and what it means for the Celtics and Victor Wembanyama's growth this season. Then, the gang takes a look at the causes for the Pistons' losing streak, the Nuggets losing Jamal Murray as they get healthy, and the Lakers success without LeBron James.Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni and Zena KeitaExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted...
Published: Mar 9, 2026Duration: 28m 16s
76ers in Trouble? + Hot Hornets and Westbrook Drama | Slam N Jam
Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers are back for another episode of the Saturday Slam N Jam. They discuss the week of basketball plus their Good, Bad, and What including the Hornets insane lineup, Westbrook drama, Reed Sheppard, and the 76ers in the play in? In part 2, Trill Bro Dude of the You Know Ball podcast joins to discuss the 76ers, how they are doing with Embiid, if Maxey can be a number 1 guy and why Sixers fans boo’d Morey in New Orleans. Then they finish with a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat.Hosts: An...
Published: Mar 7, 2026Duration: 1h 15m 17s
Wemby Destroys The Pistons + West Playoff Race
Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the big night in the Western Conference playoff race with the Wolves and Nuggets heading up and the Rockets and Lakers moving down. Then, Hunter Patterson joins the show after the Pistons were dominated by Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs to discuss their level of contention and how they adjust when Cade Cunningham is ineffective.Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni and Hunter PattersonExecutive Producer: Andrew Schlecht...
Published: Mar 6, 2026Duration: 29m 16s