The Atlantic Files

Latest Episodes:

#326: Sushi Buffets, Jalen Duren, and Power Rankings Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

Episode 326 of The Atlantic Files is here, and Alex & Dennis are diving into another wild week around the NBA—plus somehow ending up in a heated debate about all-you-can-eat sushi buffets and Brazilian steakhouses. Look, the Atlantic Division gave us plenty to talk about in Week 4, but we promise the food takes are just as spicy as the Boston Celtics' offense. We kick things off with a full Atlantic Division Week 4 review, breaking down how the Celtics, Knicks, 76ers, Nets, and Raptors are trending as we settle into the season. Which teams are rising? Which teams look like they need a hug? Which team is still pretending their rebuild is going according to plan? (Brooklyn, blink twice if you need help.) Then it's time for our NBA Top 10 Power Rankings through 4 weeks, where we reveal who's actually good, who's accidentally good, and who's just tricking all of us. If your favorite team didn't make the list, blame Dennis—he said he's fine with taking the heat. And of course… Nico Harrison, formerly of the Dallas Mavericks. We have questions. Many questions. Mostly: How did it take this long? Alex explains why the writing was basically spray-painted on the wall two seasons ago, and Dennis shares the exact moment he knew Harrison was cooked. Finally, we detour into the most important conversation of the episode: Are all-you-can-eat sushi places a trap? And do Brazilian steakhouses count as a sport if the meat keeps coming until you tap out? It's basketball-adjacent. Trust us. Whether you're here for the NBA analysis, the power rankings, or the food arguments, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Make sure to subscribe, like the video, and drop your power ranking hot takes in the comments! Timecodes 00:00 Intro 03:20 All-You-Can-Eat Sushi vs. Brazilian Steakhouses 09:09 NBA Top 10 Power Rankings (4 Weeks In) 31:17 Atlantic Division Week 4 Review 51:53 Why Nico Harrison's Firing Took So Long 55:40 Outro

#325: Watford Masterclass, Nico Harrison Disasterclass Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 325 of The Atlantic Files, host Alex Fischbein is back to break down another exciting week in the NBA! The guys dive deep into Week 3 of the Atlantic Division — covering all the biggest storylines from the Celtics, Knicks, 76ers, Nets, and Raptors. They discuss Karl-Anthony Towns' insane stat line combining rebounding dominance with elite free throw efficiency, and Trendon Watford's first career triple-double that shocked the NBA world. Then, they shift gears to ask a big question — what exactly are the Brooklyn Nets doing with their rebuild? Finally, they talk about the reports that Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison's job might be in serious jeopardy, with “when” being the real question, not “if.” If you're an NBA fan who loves analysis, hot takes, and breakdowns of the Atlantic Division and league-wide storylines, this episode has everything you need! Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 01:56 Atlantic Division Week 3 recap 02:47 Knicks and KAT's crazy stat 08:09 Sixers rough week, Trendon Watford's Triple Dub 18:39 Brandon Ingram unlocking the Raptors 22:20 Celtics week in review 27:04 Why aren't the Nets rookies playing? 31:51 Nico Harrison's terrible resume 37:47 Final thoughts

#324: Ja Morant Losing Joy and Zion Williamson Hurt Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 324 of The Atlantic Files, host Alex Fischbein returns with another deep dive into the latest storylines around the NBA and especially the Atlantic Division. They kick things off with a check-in on how the Atlantic Division teams have been performing from Sunday night through Tuesday night — breaking down standout performances, team trends, and early-season surprises. The conversation then shifts to two of the league's most talked-about stars: Ja Morant and Zion Williamson. With reports surfacing that Ja may be losing his joy for basketball, Alex discusses whether a trade might be the best option for both him and the Memphis Grizzlies. Meanwhile, Zion is hurt once again, raising major questions about his long-term future and whether the New Orleans Pelicans need to consider a full rebuild around a new core. Tune in for all of that and more NBA analysis, reactions, and hot takes on this week's episode of The Atlantic Files — your home for everything happening in the Atlantic Division and across the league! Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 01:20 Atlantic Standings and check-in 14:14 Ja Morant losing his joy 22:34 Zion Williamson hurt, Pelicans tanking? 30:36 Final thoughts

#323: MVP Tyrese Maxey, Mavericks Sinking Fast Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 323 of The Atlantic Files, hosts Alex Fischbein and Dennis Clausen break down another exciting week in the NBA! The guys take a closer look at how each Atlantic Division team performed over the past week and discuss which teams are trending up or down early in the season. Then, they reveal their Week 2 Top 10 NBA Power Rankings — which teams are making a statement, and which ones are starting to slide? The conversation heats up as Alex and Dennis debate whether the Chicago Bulls are actually for real this season, if Tyrese Maxey could shock the world and win MVP, and whether the Dallas Mavericks are already in trouble despite their star power. From the latest Atlantic Division updates to league-wide storylines, this episode has everything NBA fans need to stay caught up and entertained! Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 02:23 Week 2 NBA power rankings 18:32 Are the Chicago Bulls for real? 24:09 Atlantic division week in review 34:16 Can Tyrese Maxey win MVP? 43:02 Are the Mavericks in trouble? 52:32 Outro

#322: Nets Tanking Efforts, Magic Panic Time? Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to The Atlantic Files, your go-to podcast for all things NBA and the Atlantic Division! In episode 322, we're checking in on the Monday night slate of NBA games and breaking down how the Atlantic Division teams are performing so far. Mike dives deep into the Brooklyn Nets rebuild, analyzing their young core and this year's intriguing rookie class. Are the Nets quietly building something special, or are they still stuck in the mud? We also talk about the Orlando Magic's rough start — is it time for fans to panic, or is this just early-season turbulence for a young, talented team? Then, we ask the big question everyone's been debating: Is Victor Wembanyama already the best player in the NBA? From highlight blocks to jaw-dropping scoring performances, Wemby's dominance is becoming impossible to ignore. Plus, we spotlight the most surprising NBA teams so far this season, whether they're overachieving or struggling to meet expectations. And to wrap things up, we predict which players are primed to take the biggest leap this year — from future All-Stars to breakout role players. Tune in, drop a comment with your takes, and don't forget to subscribe for weekly NBA insights and Atlantic Division coverage! Topics Covered: 03:38 Atlantic Division Monday Night NBA game recaps 04:37 Brooklyn Nets rebuild and rookie analysis 13:29 Orlando Magic's early season struggles 20:55 Victor Wembanyama's rise to NBA superstardom 26:44 Most surprising NBA teams this season 32:50 Players most likely to take the next leap

#321: Gambling Arrests and VJ Edgecombe Szn Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

The Atlantic Files is back with another jam-packed episode diving into early-season chaos across the NBA! We're breaking down our Top 10 NBA Power Rankings after Week 1 and taking a close look at every team in the Atlantic Division — from the New York Knicks' 2-1 start to the Boston Celtics' shocking 0-3 record. Are the Celtics just having a “gap year,” or is something deeper going on in Boston? Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers are 2-0 and look like they might finally be “back for real.” Is this the version of Philly fans have been waiting for? Over in Brooklyn, the Nets are 0-3 and the rebuild is officially in motion, while the Toronto Raptors at 1-2 are looking sneaky good early in the season. We cover every team's outlook, rotations, and early trends heading into Week 2 of the 2025-26 NBA season. But it's not just basketball on this episode — we also dive into a wild off-court story shaking the NBA world. Former players and coaches Chauncey Billups, Damon Jones, and Terry Rozier were reportedly involved in illegal gambling and poker ring arrests, with even rumors of Mafia connections surfacing. How deep does this story go, and what could it mean for the league? Join us as we react to all the biggest storylines from Week 1, hand out some early-season praise (and criticism), and give our unfiltered takes on which teams are trending up or down. Whether you're a Knicks, Celtics, Sixers, Nets, or Raptors fan, we've got you covered! Topics Covered: 03:43 Top 10 NBA Power Rankings 10:58 Knicks' hot start and team chemistry 16:29 Sixers looking like contenders again 24:20 Raptors showing promise early 28:58 Nets' rebuild and future outlook 32:46 Celtics' 0-3 start and what's gone wrong 36:03 Massive NBA gambling scandal involving former players and coaches

#320: Atlantic Division Preview, We're Back! Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

The Atlantic Files Podcast is back with a brand new season and schedule! In Episode 320, we're diving deep into the 2025-26 NBA Atlantic Division Preview, breaking down every team and predicting how the division will shake out this season. From the New York Knicks' reloaded roster to the Boston Celtics' title aspirations, and from Joel Embiid leading the Philadelphia 76ers to the Brooklyn Nets' rebuild and the Toronto Raptors' next phase — we cover it all! We're also announcing our new recording schedule and what to expect from The Atlantic Files moving forward. Get ready for another season of basketball talk, laughs, and debates about the best division in the NBA! Topics Covered: 00:00 New recording schedule for The Atlantic Files 04:17 New York Knicks 2025-26 Preview 11:30 Boston Celtics 2025-26 Preview 20:37 Philadelphia 76ers 2025-26 Preview 29:47 Brooklyn Nets 2025-26 Preview 36:37 Toronto Raptors 2025-26 Preview 40:36 Atlantic Division predictions for the 2025-26 NBA season

#319: Eastern Conference Preview, 2024-25 NBA Predictions Oct 23, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to episode 319 of The Atlantic Files! We're back with a full court of NBA goodness, just in time for the 2024-25 season to tip off. This week, we're breaking down three divisions, giving our early predictions for the season's biggest awards, and discussing all the latest from week one of NBA action. If you're ready to get hyped for hoops, you've come to the right place. Let's jump into it! 2024-25 NBA Atlantic Division Preview: Battle for the East We kick things off with a preview of the Atlantic Division, where rivalries are brewing, and every team has something to prove. The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are once again expected to be the big dogs, but don't sleep on the New York Knicks or the Brooklyn Nets, who could both make some noise. Plus, the Toronto Raptors are looking to bounce back with a new head coach and fresh energy. We break down each team's strengths, weaknesses, and what it'll take for them to emerge as the division champs. Southeast Division Breakdown: Can the Heat Stay Hot? Next, we shift our focus to the Southeast Division, where the Miami Heat are looking to keep their fire burning after a deep playoff run. But they're not the only ones with high hopes; the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic both have young stars ready to make a leap. The Washington Wizards, meanwhile, are still figuring things out post-Bradley Beal, while the Charlotte Hornets hope that their offseason changes can finally lead to some consistency. We dive into all the teams and assess who could be this season's sleeper. Central Division Preview: Who's the King of the Midwest? The Central Division is stacked with intriguing storylines, from the Milwaukee Bucks' new-look lineup to the Cleveland Cavaliers' ongoing rise. The Chicago Bulls are hoping to make noise with their star power, while the Indiana Pacers continue to build around their young talent. And then there are the Detroit Pistons, aiming to take a significant step forward with Cade Cunningham leading the charge. We break down each squad's potential and predict how this division might shake out. 2024-25 NBA Awards and Playoff Predictions: Who's Taking Home the Hardware? It wouldn't be the start of an NBA season without some bold predictions! We share our picks for the MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and more. Plus, we take a stab at predicting which teams will make the playoffs and who could be in for a deep run. Are we riding the hype train for Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, or do we see a seasoned veteran reclaiming the MVP throne? Tune in to find out! News and Notes from Week 1: Early Surprises and What to Watch The first week of the NBA season always brings some surprises, and this year is no different. We cover the top stories from week one, including standout performances, unexpected struggles, and key injuries. Which teams look like they're hitting their stride early, and who's already showing signs of trouble? We've got the insights you need to keep up with all the action. Timecodes: 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:56 Southeast Division Preview 00:28:23 Central Division Preview 00:40:47 Atlantic Division Preview 00:56:28 NBA Awards and Playoffs Predictions 01:12:44 Outro

#318: Pacific/Southwest Previews, and Joel Embiid's Health Oct 17, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to The Atlantic Files, where we're diving headfirst into everything you need to know about the upcoming NBA season. This week, we're all about breaking down the Southwest and Pacific Divisions, giving our thoughts on Joel Embiid's rest strategy, and reacting to the most exciting and eyebrow-raising moments from the preseason. Buckle up as we get you ready for the start of the 2024-25 season with the hottest takes and insider insights! 2024-25 NBA Southwest Division Preview: Can the Mavs Bounce Back? We kick things off with a deep dive into the Southwest Division, where Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks will try to shake off last season's NBA Finals struggles and make a statement. Can they get back to the promised land, or will it be another year of "what ifs"? We also break down the Grizzlies' hopes with everyone healthy again, the Pelicans' potential with a (hopefully) healthy Zion Williamson, the young Spurs' outlook with Victor Wembanyama in the fold, and the Rockets' young core improving. Pacific Division Breakdown: The Land of Big Names and High Expectations Moving on to the Pacific Division, where superstars and drama are always in abundance. Will the Golden State Warriors' "big two" keep defying Father Time, or will the Clippers finally stay healthy and make some noise? And let's not forget about the Lakers, who seem to have found the fountain of youth for LeBron James. We analyze all the teams, including the Suns' championship aspirations with their newly-formed super team and the Kings looking to build on last season's playoff run. Get ready for some bold predictions and potentially hot takes! Joel Embiid to Skip Back-to-Back Games: Smart Move? Joel Embiid recently announced his plan to sit out some back-to-back games this season, raising questions and a few eyebrows. Is it smart load management for a guy with a history of injuries, or does it set a tone that might frustrate fans? We discuss the impact this decision could have on the Sixers' regular-season success, as well as what it means for Embiid's MVP aspirations and the team's overall strategy. Plus, we touch on the broader implications for the NBA's ongoing load management debate. Preseason Reactions: Who's Impressing and Who's Concerning? The preseason may not count, but it sure does matter for evaluating the state of the league. We break down the biggest takeaways, from standout rookie performances to some early-season chemistry issues. Which teams are looking ready to hit the ground running, and which ones might still be finding their rhythm? Spoiler alert: Some big names have been underwhelming, while a few lesser-known players are turning heads. Players and Teams to Watch as the Regular Season Approaches With the regular season just around the corner, we highlight some of the players and teams you should keep an eye on. From dark horse MVP candidates to squads that could surprise—or disappoint—we've got you covered on who's primed to make waves. Whether it's a young star set to break out or a team quietly building momentum, find out who's worth your attention when the games start to count for real. Timecodes: 00:00:00 intro 00:03:20 Joel Embiid not playing back to backs 00:09:24 NBA News and notes 00:21:55 Karl-Anthony Towns trade analysis 00:47:06 2024-25 Pacific Division Preview 01:03:21 2024-25 Southwest Division Preview 01:11:36 Outro

#316: Team USA Wins Gold, NBA Offseason Recap, And Our Return! Aug 22, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to episode 316 of The Atlantic Files! We're back with a jam-packed episode covering everything from international basketball to NBA offseason moves, along with a quick catch-up on what we've been up to since our last show. We start with a recap of USA Men's Basketball's journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics, then dive into a detailed breakdown of the offseason moves for all five teams in the Atlantic Division. Finally, we wrap things up with some personal updates, including our fantasy football league. Let's get into it! Recap of USA Men's Basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics: The USA Men's Basketball team had another eventful run at the 2024 Paris Olympics. We break down the highs and lows of their performance, including standout players, key games, and the final outcome. Whether they dominated the competition or faced unexpected challenges, we analyze what this Olympic experience means for the future of USA Basketball and the global basketball landscape. NBA Offseason Recap for the Atlantic Division: Next, we shift our focus to the NBA offseason, specifically for the five teams in the Atlantic Division: the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Toronto Raptors. Each team made moves that could shake up the division standings next season. We review trades, free-agent signings, and roster changes, highlighting which teams improved and which may have missed the mark. How will these changes impact the division's competitiveness, and who stands out as the early favorite for the 2024-25 season? Catching Up on Life and Fantasy Football: It's been a minute since our last episode, so we're taking a moment to catch up on life. From personal stories to the start of the fantasy football season, we share what's been going on behind the scenes. Our fantasy league is heating up, and we discuss our draft strategies, standout picks, and early predictions for the season. Plus, we reflect on how the offseason in the NFL has impacted our fantasy outlook and what we're looking forward to as the season progresses. Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 02:56 Catch up and fantasy football 11:04 2024 Olympics recap for USA Basketball 21:33 NBA Atlantic Division offseason recap 52:03 outro

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected