The Athletic NBA Daily
The Athletic
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
Mentioned books
Feb 21, 2026 • 1h 23min
Can the Thunder Repeat? + Post All Star Break Leap Team | Slam N Jam
Rylan Stiles, Thunder podcast host and producer, breaks down Oklahoma City’s season and player development. He discusses Cason Wallace’s shooting progress, Isaiah Joe’s expanded role, Chet Holmgren’s offensive limits, and how a healthy rotation with Shea and J-Dub could change OKC’s spacing. Plus a lively Thunder trivia showdown sprinkled through the conversation.
Feb 20, 2026 • 26min
Is Cade Cunningham the MVP?
James Edwards, NBA reporter and columnist, breaks down the Knicks’ defensive woes and Karl-Anthony Towns’ awkward fit in Mike Brown’s system. He also evaluates Cade Cunningham’s MVP case and why Detroit’s core still earns praise. Short, sharp takes on roster moves, matchup problems, and what would cement an MVP run.
Feb 19, 2026 • 23min
Can the Wolves win the title?
Jon Krawczynski, veteran NBA reporter, breaks down the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards, and playoff strategy. They discuss Edwards’ All-Star MVP spark and what might translate to regular-season intensity. Conversation covers Minnesota’s defensive consistency, Mike Conley’s calming return, rotation depth and buyout market impacts. They evaluate title viability and the key player growth needed for a championship run.
Feb 18, 2026 • 1h 21min
NBA Expansion Draft Protections | Morning Shoot Around
A panel runs mock expansion draft protections for every NBA franchise, debating which stars and role players teams would shield. They explain the format and two new-team plan, then walk team-by-team through tough protection choices and contract dilemmas. They close by arguing expansion-team build philosophies and how draft assets versus win-now pieces shape decisions.
Feb 18, 2026 • 26min
Kon Knueppel and the Charlotte Hornets
Mirin Fader, a long-form feature writer for The Athletic, discusses her profile of Kon Knueppel and the Charlotte Hornets. She explores Kon’s quiet off-court demeanor versus his fierce on-court persona. Conversations cover his leadership, rapid team chemistry with LaMelo and Miller, Coach Lee’s empowering approach, and Kon’s resilience and family influence.
Feb 17, 2026 • 31min
How Harden has changed the Cavs
Justin Rowan, Cleveland Cavaliers reporter and co-host of the Chase Down podcast, breaks down how James Harden has altered Cleveland’s offense. Short takes on Harden and Jared Allen’s early chemistry. Quick notes on spacing, Mobley’s role, playoff usage for Donovan Mitchell, defensive concerns, and whether the Cavs’ roster changes make them true title contenders.
Feb 16, 2026 • 30min
Is the All Star Game Back??
Panelists break down the new All Star format and whether the tournament-style quarters can stick. They recap the three-point and slam dunk contests and argue how Saturday night could be tightened. Conversation turns to Adam Silver’s words on tanking and what draft reform might look like. The show closes with players and storylines to watch after a charged weekend in LA.
9 snips
Feb 14, 2026 • 1h 12min
Clippers Perpetual Chaos + Tanking is Good | Slam N Jam
Law Murray, NBA reporter for The Athletic, gives a concise look into the Clippers' on- and off-court chaos. They break down recent trades, Kawhi’s impact, and rookie development. The conversation also touches on league drama, tanking debates, and All-Star weekend build-up.
Feb 13, 2026 • 32min
Suns Rising with Sam Amick + Trade Deadline Leftovers
Sam Amick, veteran NBA reporter for The Athletic, shares inside reporting on how Suns owner Mat Ishbia reshaped the front office and key roster moves behind the team’s resurgence. Conversations cover culture changes, fan-first initiatives, and how the Suns avoided tanking. They also debate the broader harm of tanking, league-level fixes, trade deadline leftovers, and under-the-radar summer targets.
Feb 12, 2026 • 22min
Kawhi’s Game Winner + Knicks rock Sixers
James Edwards, NBA reporter and commentator, breaks down the Knicks’ blowout of the 76ers and Jose Alvarado’s big night. He discusses what the Knicks must fix on defense and Mitchell Robinson’s changing role. Conversation also touches on Kawhi’s late-game heroics and All-Star Weekend intrigue in short, punchy takes.
