The Athletic NBA Daily

In this week's Point of Contention, Marcus Thompson and Ethan Strauss debate! Hosted by Zach Harper.Take 1: In a time when fans are pretty much waiting for the playoffs to start the NBA has delivered! Russell Westbrook has delivered as well breaking the longstanding NBA record in the Wizards' 146-143 loss to the San Antonio Spurs: Wilt Chamberlain's record for triple-doubles in a single month, which has stood since 1968. Wilt had 11, Russ now has 12. Take 2: Cavaliers forward Kevin Love apologized for his on-court brain-fart Monday night, saying his behavior was out of character. "That wasn't me." he said. Wait. It wasn’t you? Well then who the hell was it? Take 3: This week, NBA legend Julius Irving aka Dr. J on 'Posted Up' with Chris Haynes did not include LeBron James, arguably one of the Top 3 players to play the game in his Top 2 All Time teams.Take 4: After the game Steve Kerr said "They came out like it was a playoff game. We came out like it was an exhibition." Is now the time to tank?Take 5: Is Julius Randle the Real MVP? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wizards reporter Fred Katz drops by to talk with David and Wos about the red-hot Wizards. What's going on? Even Fred is mystified. The defense has been key. Russell Westbrook has returned to form and much more. Plus, we answer your non-stupid questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Amick, Fred Katz, and Anthony Slater are joined by the Athletic's own Jason Quick to discuss the Blazers and the struggle they've been through this season. Can Terry Stotts survive another season? Will they finally look to trade CJ McCollum? Will Damian Lillard want to stick around?They also discuss the race for the Play In Tournament in the East and West including the hot play of the Warriors and Wizards, the Hornets, Mavs, Heat, Grizzlies and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Basketball Buds, Zach Harper, Jay King, Tray Edwards, Dave DuFour and James Edwards III. First up, Julius Randle 1st Team All-NBA lock? Hard to deny unless your name is Jay King, but the Knicks are rolling. Then, looking back at the Derrick Rose trade. — AD and KD back, LeBron next week. The Curse of the Power Rankings. Play-In Tournament scenarios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week that was in the NBA, the NBA Sophomores and who would make a hypothetical All Sophomore Team, who will make the Play In/Playoffs in the Eastern Conference. Then they bring on Rich Hofmann of the Athletic to discuss the Philadelphia 76ers, Embiid's MVP candidacy, Ben Simmons' offensive stagnation, young 76ers and more. Plus a 76ers trivia game in another edition of Andrew vs. The Beat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave is back from vacation, refreshed and ready. "How nice." said Mo. Seth asks, "Who's the Harden in this equation?" Do we believe in the Suns title chances? Worst first round matchups for contenders. Building around Zion. Is the G League the best development league? Then...NBA Circle of Life: Orlando and OKC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Point of Contention, Marcus Thompson and Ethan Strauss debate! Hosted by Zach Harper.Take 1 - Five years after he revolutionized the game of basketball, the baby faced assassin, Steph Curry is back-back, playing the best basketball of his career.Take 2 - Fellas it is April 21 and the Phoenix Suns are now 41-6 sitting in second in the West beyond the JazzTake 3 - TV Ratings Coverup?Take 4 - Wait a minute what’s this? Wow!!! I just found $500 bucks right here sitting on my desk. My lord, what a day.Take 5 - LeBron, Giannis, LaMelo, A.D., K.D. Harden, Jamal Murray. What’s going on??? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NBC Sports' Monte Poole drops by to talk about the Warriors, Steph's crazy run going on, Draymond, Klay and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Amick, Fred Katz and Anthony Slater discuss hot take topics from around the NBA1. Jokic should be the MVP2. This is the best Steph has been3. The Play In Tournament is a bad idea4. Phoenix is a good regular season team, but won’t have another gear in the playoffs5. Philly should get more consideration as the East favorite because of health and continuity6. Boston is a dark horse for the ECF7. Miami was a fluke in the bubble8. The Knicks should be taken seriously Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Basketball Buds: Dave Harper, Jay King, Tray Edwards and James Edwards. The rundown: Steph’s run has been incredible..."the NBA needs a best player award" said James, and what can they do if they get in the playoffs? Fred Fan Vleet's comments on the league prioritizing money over the game. The Celtics are back? Maybe, but they are playing better...why? Are the Wizards... good? And MaMarcus Aldridge retirement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.