

The Mismatch
The Ringer
Chris Vernon and David Jacoby discuss all the news, trends, and transactions happening in the NBA. They also offer their on-court analysis, and occasionally get into heated debates.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 27, 2026 • 1h 21min
Loves and Loathes, Victor Wembanyama’s Case for MVP, and Who Is the Real Iceman?
They debate Victor Wembanyama’s push for MVP and whether his presence justifies the buzz. They clash over Draymond’s critique and personal biases. They unpack surprising team narratives from the Celtics to the Hawks and Hornets’ defense. They riff on Jokic’s historic season, Zion’s availability, and a playful fight over who truly deserves the “Iceman” nickname.

5 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 1h 12min
10 Things With 10 Games Left, and the Lakers' Streak Ends at Nine
They break down Detroit ending the Lakers' nine-game run and what that means for late-season momentum. Ten key storylines for the final stretch get a rapid-fire rundown. Standings drama in both conferences, Luka and LeBron narratives, and Kevin Durant climbing the all-time scoring list are highlighted. A chaotic Thunder-Wizards brawl and a college tournament update add extra spice.

14 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 1h 13min
Luka Drops 60 on Historic Night, Wemby Silences Jacoby, and Loves and Loathes
Live reactions to Luka’s 60-point explosion and how it reshapes the Lakers’ momentum. Victor Wembanyama’s game-winner that silenced the Suns and sparked debate. A deep take on Cade Cunningham’s injury and the Pistons’ test. Quick hits on surprising team surges, trade-deadline ripple effects, memorable tomahawk posters, and a heated astrology debate tied to NBA decision-making.

Mar 17, 2026 • 1h 2min
Six Questions Before the Homestretch, Hawks' Streak Hits 10, and Introducing the Prospector
They react to Atlanta’s 10-game win streak and Jalen Johnson’s rise. A wild Suns-Celtics finish and Jaylen Brown’s 41 headline late-game drama. Defense-heavy Lakers-Rockets talk and Durant concerns. A rapid-fire six-question segment on playoff matchups, expansion chatter, and which first-round foes teams prefer. Introducing the Prospector with favorite prospects, bust calls, and undrafted sleepers to watch.

9 snips
Mar 13, 2026 • 1h 12min
SGA MVP Week Continues, Kawhi Shines. Plus, Loves and Loathes
They recap a Thunder win and Shai’s scoring streak alongside Luka’s effortless 50-point night. Plenty of praise for Kawhi’s hot March and Jalen Johnson’s breakout run. Discussion of Jokic-Murray chemistry and Orlando’s surprising surge. Rants cover a controversial ejection, online backlash to big scoring nights, Dwight Howard’s retirement timing, and LA traffic annoyances.

Mar 10, 2026 • 1h 23min
SGA’s MVP Moment. Plus, Major, Minor, or Meh?
A recap of the Thunder–Nuggets showdown and a star-making scoring streak by SGA. A breakdown of Jokic vs SGA and how the crowd and officiating shaped the finish. Quick reactions revising a Lu Dort take and plenty of sportsboard debate. Rapid-fire “major, minor, or meh” verdicts on the Pistons, Rockets, Sixers, Tatum’s return, Hornets, and West drama.

Mar 6, 2026 • 1h 9min
Jayson Tatum’s Season Debut, SGA’s Coat, and Loves and Loathes
They preview Jayson Tatum’s long-awaited return and debate his minutes and role. Trae Young’s first game with the Wizards and its energy get attention. They argue over physical play in the league and critique a few controversial on-court moments. Fashion and arena vibes come up with a discussion of SGA’s fur coat. They highlight rising teams, two-way success stories, and quirky NBA anecdotes.

9 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 1h 7min
The Haters Ball! Plus, Trae, Giannis, and Garland Return.
Two hosts rage through the NBA’s post-All-Star slog and gripe about an overstuffed schedule. They fume over Lou Dort and debate Victor Wembanyama’s media polish. They react to Trae, Giannis, and Darius Garland returning from injury. They argue whether Jalen Brunson can carry a title team and lament the decline of the small guard.

4 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 1h 15min
SGA Returns, Spurs Make It 11 and Loves and Loathes
They break down Suns’ bounce-back win over the Lakers and the Spurs’ 11-game surge. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s return and its playoff implications get attention. Conversations hit rookie 3-point records, Matt Ishbia’s $1M dunk idea, and a retro NBC Spurs-Sixers broadcast. There are lively loves and loathes about injuries, team trust, and late-season momentum.

22 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 1h 16min
Spurs on the Rise, the NBA’s New Moneyball, and Is This LeBron’s Final Season with the Lakers?
They break down the Spurs’ surge and how Wembanyama’s defense opens up role shooters. A long Kings losing streak finally ends and arena vibes get roasted. A debate rages over whether this should be LeBron’s last Lakers season. They spar about the 65-game rule, whether play-in games are necessary, and argue that playing hard might be the NBA’s new moneyball.


