Stay ConnectedStart 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.
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Kawhi Leonard and James Harden combined for 72 points as the Clippers defeated Steph Curry and the Warriors to clinch a playoff spot. Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni and Zena Keita discuss the Clippers big win, Jonathan Kuminga’s benching, and the Warriors issues. Then, the gang recaps the final day of the regular season, discusses Chris Paul’s future, and the big takeaways from the year.
Host: Dave DuFour
With: Zena Keita, Es Baraheni, Law Murray
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
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Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball and bring back the Slammies, the made up NBA Awards we've done the last 4 seasons. Then they are joined by Mike Richman of Locked on Blazers to discuss the Portland Trailblazers and their fun unexpected season, Scoot Henderson's potential, the lottery and much more. 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: Mike Richman
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio/Video Editor: Jake Kleinberg
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Anthony Edwards scored 44 points to lead the Timberwolves to an important win over the Grizzlies. Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss the Wolves big win, the problem with the Grizzlies’ bigs, and who the Bucks should want to face in the playoffs. Then, the Athletic’s Fred Katz joins the show to discuss his perimeter defense teams, what makes a good defender, and the Thunder defense.
Host: Dave DuFour
With: Zena Keita & Fred Katz
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
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Luka Doncic scored 45 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a win in his first game back in Dallas. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni talk discuss Luka’s big game, Lakers small ball, the Warriors buzzer-beater loss to the Spurs, and the Nuggets first post-Malone game. Then, Christian Clark from the Athletic joins the show to discuss Luka’s return, the emotions in the building, and those “Fire Nico” chants.
Host: Dave DuFour
With: Es Baraheni & Christian Clark
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 42 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni talk to Andrew Schlecht postgame to discuss the Thunder win, Shai’s big game, and Luka Doncic’s ejection. Then, Adam Mares from DNVR joins the show to discuss Michael Malone’s firing, Jamal Murray’s health, and what comes next for the post-Malone Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokić.
Host: Dave DuFour
With: Es Baraheni, Andrew Schlecht, & Adam Mares
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
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With 6 days remaining the NBA regular season, the 2 through 8 seeds are all still up for grabs. Dave DuFour and RealGM’s Wes Goldberg breakdown the western conference playoff seeding race, discuss the field, and why the Clippers need to avoid the play-in. Then, Dave and Wes breakdown the defensive player of the year race, discuss Amen Thompson’s case, and why Tyler Herro should win most improved.
Host: Dave DuFour
With: Wes Goldberg
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
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Luka Doncic scored 30 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 27-point blowout win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dave DuFour and RealGM’s John Wilmes breakdown the Lakers win, discuss JJ Redick’s coaching, and the OKC’s nightmare scenario. Then, Dave and John discuss the MVP level performances from Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo and what it means if they fail in the playoffs.
Host: Dave DuFour
With: John Wilmes
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
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Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, the most improved player, and our players, stats and quotes of the week. Then they are joined by Mike Smeltz to discuss the Brooklyn Nets and what prospects are worth building with, coach Jordi Fernandez and his potential, which players they should target in the draft, and more. 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: Mike Smeltz
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio/Video Editor: Jake Kleinberg
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Stephen Curry scored 37 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 123-116 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Dave DuFour and Jovan Buha breakdown the Warriors defense against the Lakers, Luka’s worst game in LA, and Austin Reaves’ playoff role. Then, the Athletic’s Marcus Thompson stops by to discuss his film breakdown with Draymond Green, Kevin Garnett, and the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Host: Dave DuFour
With: Jovan Buha & Marcus Thompson
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
Read Marcus Thompson on Draymond: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6248565/2025/04/03/draymond-green-golden-state-warriors-nba-defense/
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 33 points on the Detroit Pistons as the OKC Thunder pick up their 11th straight win. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Thunder’s chances at 70 wins, the bad loss for the Kings, and Anthony Davis’ game winner. Then, the Athletic’s James Edwards stops by to talk about the Knicks’ loss to Cleveland, OG Anunoby’s scoring surge, and Jalen Brunson’s return.
Host: Dave DuFour
With: Es Baraheni & James Edwards
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
Read James Edwards on OG: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6248667/2025/04/02/knicks-og-anunoby-new-york/
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