The Mismatch

Latest Episodes:

Bucks and Warriors Moving On, Doc Close to Blowing It Again, and Which Teams Left Will Advance Apr 28, 2022

Show notes

With the Bucks and Warriors moving on to the second round, Verno and KOC recap the first-round series for both teams. They preview the Bucks' matchup with the Celtics (02:00) before taking a look back at the Bulls' season and debating what their next moves are (14:13). Are we overrating the Warriors' new Death Lineup (22:10)? With the Raptors winning two straight, is Doc Rivers on the verge of blowing another playoff series (32:35)? Nate McMillan is on the hot seat in Atlanta after the Hawks' disappointing season (42:54). They next debate which of the teams left in the West will advance and which series will go to a full seven games (52:50).

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Producer: Jessie Lopez

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So Much for Those Nets, Raptors Not Done Yet, and the Real Mavs Are Starting to Show Up Apr 26, 2022

Show notes

Verno and KOC discuss the Celtics' surprising first-round sweep of the Nets and explain why Boston winning is ultimately good for the league (01:30). They debate whether Kyrie Irving is the right fit for Kevin Durant to win a title (09:44). The Raptors have clawed themselves back into their series against the 76ers, and the guys debate whether they can turn it all around and beat the Sixers (29:34). KOC was at the Jazz-Mavs game and shares his experience being inside American Airlines Center (40:50). Is it time for the Suns to focus all their defense on stopping Brandon Ingram (50:09)? They last go through the night’s slate of playoff action (54:08).

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Producer: Jessie Lopez

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Recapping a Wildly Entertaining Night of Playoff Basketball Apr 21, 2022

Show notes

Verno and KOC begin the show by recapping the Celtics-Nets game as they talk about the C’s defense against Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, and Ben Simmons’s impact if he does indeed return for this series (02:52). They next go through the Raptors-76ers game and discuss Joel Embiid’s game-winner, Doc Rivers's effect on the team, and Fred VanVleet’s inconsistent play (29:32). With Khris Middleton out, the Bulls took Game 2 against Milwaukee and now have a chance to turn the momentum with the series going back to Chicago (43:48). They also debate what the Suns can do now that Devin Booker is out with an injury before previewing tonight's playoff action (53:30).

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Producer: Jessie Lopez

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The Pelicans Upset, the Grizzlies Bounce Back, and Butler Dominates With Rohan Nadkarni | The Void Apr 20, 2022

Show notes

Hey, it’s Kevin, thanks for listening to 'The Void.' Today’s guest is Rohan Nadkarni, an NBA writer for Sports Illustrated. He joins the show to recap Tuesday’s slate of playoff games and discuss his latest article, which details Deandre Ayton’s growth since last season’s Finals loss. Here are today’s time stamps:

(02:03) - The Pelicans' chances vs. the Suns without Devin Booker

(09:31) - Deandre Ayton’s role if Booker is out

(17:39) - On Grizzlies-Timberwolves

(24:20) - Do the Mavs have enough to keep up with the Warriors' three-guard lineup?

(29:43) - On Heat-Hawks

(34:29) - Any concerns with the Heat’s offense?

(42:51) - What do the Hawks need moving forward?

Host: Kevin O'Connor

Guest: Rohan Nadkarni

Producer: Jessie Lopez

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The Emergence of Jordan Poole, Same Old Tune for the Jazz, and Previewing Tonight’s Matchups Apr 19, 2022

Show notes

Verno and KOC begin the show recapping the Warriors-Nuggets game from last night, and one thing is certain: The Warriors are back (01:55). They discuss Jordan Poole's growth and development (11:00). With Luka Doncic still out, the guys debate whether the Mavs can win the series against the Jazz without him (21:58) before talking about Rudy Gobert’s overall value. Also, they briefly recap the 76ers' dominant win over the Raptors (39:51). Plus, they preview tonight’s slate of playoff action before looking ahead to the rest of the week's schedule (47:00).

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Producer: Jessie Lopez

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Trae Loves to Put on a Show, and NBA Playoff Weekend Preview. Plus: What Is Zion Doing? Apr 15, 2022

Show notes

In looking at the Cavs-Nets game, Verno and KOC both agree that, besides the first quarter, the Cavs looked good (02:15). They also blast the Hornets' efforts on defense against the Hawks (12:20) before exploring the Hawks' matchup against the Cavs (18:21). If apex Brandon Ingram shows up, the Clippers don’t stand any chance against the Pelicans (26:54). If Zion Williamson is good enough to do 360 dunks, then why isn't he playing (36:12)? They last go through the weekend slate of playoff basketball, (42:16) and KOC breaks the news about Paul George (01:04:26).

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Producer: Jessie Lopez

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State of the Knicks With CP "The Fanchise" | The Void Apr 13, 2022

Show notes

Hey it’s Kevin, thanks for listening to 'The Void.' Today’s guest is Casey Powell, or as he is better known: CP "The Fanchise." CP is die-hard Knicks fan and creator of the Knicks Fan TV, which covers the team with live shows streaming online. Here are today's time stamps:

(04:43) - RJ Barrett’s progress

(10:54) - What happened with Julius Randle?

(14:10) - Getting called out by Randle’s wife

(20:26) - Any optimism that a star could join the Knicks soon?

(22:59) - On the Knicks young core

(35:01) - On Leon Rose getting more aggressive

(39:43) - Is James Dolan as bad as people make him out to be?

(42:43) - On the Knicks future

Host: Kevin O'Connor

Guest: Casey Powell, a.k.a. CP "The Fanchise"

Producer: Jessie Lopez

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Regular Season Wrapped, Play-In Preview, and Who’s Your MVP? Apr 11, 2022

Show notes

Verno and KOC go over the final NBA regular-season standings and gear up for the play-in tournament. The Celtics finished the year as the 2-seed, but now face the toughest possible route to the Finals (08:47). The Clippers have remained competitive all season despite being without their best players and now are in position to make some noise (16:32). The guys also discuss the timing of Woj’s tweet, in which he reported Frank Vogel’s firing just minutes after the Lakers' last game (36:09). Lastly, KOC shares his ballots and Verno gives his predictions for MVP, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, and the rest of the regular-season awards (44:52).

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Producer: Jessie Lopez

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The Heat Clinch, Bottom of the Bracket Teams, and Key Players Returning for the Playoff Run Apr 08, 2022

Show notes

Verno and KOC discuss the latest news going into the last weekend of the NBA season beginning with the Heat, who clinched the top overall seed in the East (01:49). As the seeding becomes finalized, the guys take a look at the teams at the bottom of the bracket (13:57). The Lakers were officially eliminated from playoff contention, so Verno and KOC discuss their dreadful season (21:22). After weeks of speculation, there are signs that point to Kawhi Leonard’s potential return for the Clippers' playoff run (32:37). The Nuggets are also gearing up for the possible returns of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. (39:04).

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Producer: Jessie Lopez

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NBA Playoffs Update, State of the Jazz, and Bye Bye Lakers With Nate Jones | The Void Apr 06, 2022

Show notes

Hey it's Kevin, thanks for listening to The Void. Today’s guest is Nate Jones, who is a marketer and agent for Goodwin Sports, a sports agency that represents NBA players like Damian Lillard and Matisse Thybulle. Nate is never afraid to go against the grain or ask tough questions on social media, so he’s long been one of my favorite NBA personalities. But this is actually the first conversation we’ve ever had and I thought it went great. I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did. Here are today's timestamps:

(05:40) - Reality hit hard for the Cavs

(13:47) - Would you be worried about James Harden as a Sixers fan?

(25:56) - On Rudy Gobert and Utah Jazz

(32:53) - Imagining Rudy Gobert on the Celtics

(41:26) - The rise of the 2 bigs lineup

(50:33) - On Jabari Smith Jr

(59:20) - Is this years draft class worth tanking for?

(01:09:20) - On Lakers missing playoffs / LeBron's legacy

(01:17:20) - Who's the better rapper, Damian Lillard or Miles Bridges?

Host: Kevin O'Connor

Guest: Nate Jones

Producer: Jessie Lopez