Yahoo Sports NBA

Latest Episodes:

How 13 preseason post-ups could make Wembanyama NBA MVP + Russell Westbrook signs with Sacramento | The Big Number Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

This week on The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine make the case for their top five 2025-26 NBA MVP candidates. Can Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio win enough games in the Western Conference this year to propel him into the MVP conversation? Can Jokić earn a fourth league MVP boosted by an improved Nuggets roster? The duo also discusses the MVP arguments for SGA, Giannis & Steph Curry.

Plus, Russell Westbrook signed a deal with the Sacramento Kings and is expected to join the team later this week. But where exactly does Westbrook make sense on this Kings roster?

(1:20) The Big Number: Victor Wembanyama MVP case
(21:40) Little Numbers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander MVP case
(24:37) Little Numbers: Nikola Jokić MVP case
(29:13) Little Numbers: Giannis Antetokounmpo MVP case
(32:55) Little Numbers: Steph Curry MVP case
(38:44) Russell Westbrook signs deal with Sacramento Kings

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

Previewing the Southwest Division featuring Cooper Flagg & Kevin Durant + Aces win third title in four years Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

Nekias Duncan & Steve Jones dive into the Tuesday podcast by taking a look at a Southwest Division stacked with talent, starting with the Houston Rockets, who feature a potentially strong combo of Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson causing havoc for opposing teams.

Later in the show, Nekias & Steve share their thoughts on the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs, with Ja Morant and Victor Wembanyama returning and looking to make an impact for their squads after last season was largely a lost one for both. They then discuss how the addition of Cooper Flagg to the Mavericks could potentially be a game-changer for the division and help elevate the Mavs to a higher level.

The guys wrap the episode by talking about the possible impact of having a fully healthy Zion Williamson for the New Orleans Pelicans, as well as naming their X-factors for the team this season. Finally, Nekias & Steve examine the Las Vegas Aces’ sweep of the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Finals, securing their third title in four years.

1:41 – Houston Rockets preview

24:46 – Memphis Grizzlies preview

40:28 – Dallas Mavericks preview

57:20 – San Antonio Spurs preview

1:14:54 – New Orleans Pelicans preview

1:25:03 – Aces win WNBA title

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

Aces look to sweep Mercury, Southeast division preview & Lakers without LeBron in October | The Dunker Spot Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

Nekias Duncan & Steve Jones kick off this Friday podcast reacting to the Las Vegas Aces' 90-88 last second win over the Phoenix Mercury to go up 3-0 in a WNBA Finals series that may end tonight in Arizona. The guys break down A'ja Wilson's impressive 34 point performance and what the Mercury can do to avoid a sweep on Friday night. They also break down the recently announced WNBA All-Defensive Teams which A’ja Wilson, Alanna Smith, Alyssa Thomas, Napheesa Collier & Gabby Williams nominated to the first team.

Later in the show, Nekias & Steve break down the NBA's Southeast division heading into the 2025-2026 season. Will the Orlando Magic take advantage of a wounded Eastern Conference and elevate deeper into the playoffs with Desmond Bane joining Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and company? Are the Miami Heat able to get out of the muddled middle or will they be a trade deadline seller?

Finally, the guys break down some injury news affecting both conferences. First and foremost, LeBron James will miss at least the first 2-3 weeks of the season with a right sciatica. For the first time ever, LeBron will miss a season opener, which will just feel strange all around. How will Lakers fans and the league as a whole react?

Also, the hits just keep on coming for the Indiana Pacers as T.J. McConnell will also miss at least 4 weeks to start the season with a right hamstring injury. With Tyrese Haliburton already out with an Achilles injury suffered in last June's Finals Game 7, can the Pacers backcourt catch a break?

(0:00) - Aces take Finals Game 3, what will happen in Game 4?

(23:45) - Orlando Magic season preview

(39:05) - Atlanta Hawks season preview

(50:40) - Miami Heat season preview

(1:03:00) - Charlotte Hornets season preview

(1:11:10) - Washington Wizards season preview

(1:18:50) - LeBron James to miss opening 2-3 weeks of season

(1:23:10) - Indiana Pacers injuries keep stacking up

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties -- they're free, and easy to sign up for -- you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

KOC Mailbag: Giannis trade scenarios, Mavs variance, Ace Bailey's debut & more | The Kevin O'Connor Show Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

Kevin O’Connor answers fans' biggest questions ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season, starting with questions about if Giannis will still be in Milwaukee at the end of the season what with all the trade rumors surrounding him. What teams could actually put together appealing trade packages for Giannis?

KOC weighs in on the Dallas Mavericks’ low floor and high ceiling, and reveals his favorite sleeper rookie prospects. Plus, hear KOC’s optimistic takes on breakout teams like the Utah Jazz, how the Philadelphia 76ers could surprise us all and the evolving future of the Indiana Pacers.

(0:30) Which team has best Giannis trade package?
(9:08) Mavs could contend, or TANK
(12:06) Rookie sleeper picks
(14:41) Is KOC wrong about Kuminga's fit with Golden State?
(16:39) Can Utah & Ace Bailey take the next step?
(20:06) Will the 76ers be this season's surprise team?
(24:58) Can Luka win MVP this season?
(27:56) The Wemby-Kornet connection in San Antonio

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

How Milwaukee’s offseason set up Giannis’ possible exit & Grizzlies injury nightmare now includes Ja Morant | The Big Number Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive into the stats to determine if the Milwaukee Bucks should trade Giannis Antetokounmpo after he revealed that the trade rumors surrounding him this summer were not only true, but that he has a preferred destination in mind: the New York Knicks. Is now the right time for the Bucks to consider moving Giannis in order to set themselves up for success in a future without him? And if so, how can the Knicks realistically make a move for Giannis when they only have one first round pick to offer?

Plus, the duo reacts to Ja Morant's 'week-to-week' sprained ankle injury and how it will impact the Memphis Grizzlies starting lineup just days away from opening night.

(1:56) The Big Number: Should Bucks trade Giannis?

(18:12) Little Numbers: Wins Above Replacement Bucks lost this offseason

(22:57) Little Numbers: When will Bucks control their own 1st round pick?

(29:24) Little Numbers: Knicks tradable 1st round draft picks

(33:56) Little Numbers: OG Anunoby & Mikal Bridges trade offers

(38:06) Ja Morant week-to-week with ankle sprain

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

2025 WNBA Finals Game 1 & 2 Review + Northwest Division Preview | The Dunker Spot Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Dunker Spot, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones examine how the Las Vegas Aces have taken a 2-0 lead over the Phoenix Mercury, and discuss potential adjustments ahead of Game 3 and beyond.

On the NBA side, the guys begin their NBA season preview series with the Northwest division. They discuss what they're excited about, key questions, potential breakout candidates, and the lineups that intrigue them the most.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

(:47) Introduction

(1:04) WNBA Finals Game 2 recap

(11:06) Did the Aces find something with A’ja Wilson’s pick and roll?

(19:06) Mercury in a must-win situation

(22:39) Thunder season preview

(38:18) Nuggets season preview

(50:30) Timberwolves season preview

(101:09) Trail Blazers season preview

(1:10:29) Jazz season preview

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

2025 WNBA Finals Preview + Preseason Takeaways | The Dunker Spot Oct 03, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Dunker Spot, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones preview this year's WNBA Finals between the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury, discussing key matchups, schemes, lineups, X-Factors and more.

On the NBA side, the guys give their opening preseason takeaways for the New York Knicks under Mike Brown, 76ers and Pelicans — with some Melbourne United love sprinkled in. Then, they discuss the supposed end of the Jonathan Kuminga saga, the Warriors filling out their roster, and the recent deals of Nikola Jovic with the Heat and Quentin Grimes with the Sixers.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

(:32) Introduction

(1:04) WNBA Finals Preview

(14:34) Most interesting matchups between Aces and Mercury

(27:35) WNBA Finals X-Factors

(44:05) NBA Preseason: Knicks vs. Sixers

(57:23) NBA Preseason: Pelicans vs. Melbourne United

(106:46) Restricted Free Agency signings

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

NBA Atlantic Division preview with Nekias Duncan + NFL Week 4 reaction/Week 5 preview with Joel Smyth | The Kevin O'Connor Show Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

KOC & Nekias Duncan react to Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors finally agreeing to a contract--but will this deal really last? Or have the Warriors just kicked the can down the road for now as they wait to trade Kuminga for a star? The pair then preview the Atlantic Division with analysis on the Knicks, Celtics, Raptors, Sixers and Nets. Check out their takes on prospects like VJ Edgecombe, Collin Murray-Boyles and a look at Boston’s retooled rotation without Jayson Tatum and the Knicks long-term identity with coach Mike Brown.
Later, Joel Smyth joins KOC to recap Week 4 of the NFL season and give his biggest fantasy football takeaways, from Lamar Jackson’s injury impact to buy-low trade targets--whether your team is 0-4 or 4-0.
(0:58) Kuminga finally signs contract with Warriors
(11:52) New York Knicks preview
(20:23) Philadelphia 76ers preview
(31:05) Boston Celtics preview
(41:58) Toronto Raptors preview
(50:01) Brooklyn Nets preview
(59:53) NFL 6 Points with Joel Smyth

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

Clippers have ZERO evidence of innocence, Kuminga contract conclusion & more from NBA media day | The Big Number Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine react to the biggest stories from NBA Media Days around the league including how little clarity came from Kawhi Leonard and Clippers president Lawrence Frank concerning the salary cap circumvention allegations against them during their press conference. The pair also unpack Giannis Antetokounmpo commenting how he wants to compete for another championship, it just might not be in Milwaukee. Plus, is LeBron James really going to be willing to share the ball more with Luka? And did the Warriors and Kuminga only kick the can down the road with his contract or will he finally find his fit on the Golden State roster?

(1:52) The Big Number: Clippers have no evidence to prove their innocence

(20:20) Little Numbers: Giannis wants 2nd championship

(25:12) Little Numbers: Will LeBron really share the ball more with Luka?

(31:40) Little Numbers: Denver's plus/minus without Jokic

(37:01) Little Numbers: Cleveland's new starting 5

(42:35) Kuminga finally agrees to contract with Warriors

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

Sunshine & Rainbows | The Dunker Spot Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of The Dunker Spot, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones discuss the upcoming Game 5 between the Aces and Fever, put a bow on an awesome Mercury-Lynx series, then react to the All-Rookie team.

On the NBA side, the guys break down the quotes and updates that intrigue them the most from this year's Media Days.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties -- they're free, and easy to sign up for -- you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

(:43) Introduction

(2:22) WNBA Playoffs: Aces vs. Fever Game 5

(15:10) Mercury defeat Lynx to advance to WNBA Finals

(27:10) Lynx season shouldn’t be forgotten

(30:51) WNBA All-Rookie Team

(40:27) NBA Media Day headlines

(43:03) Excitement for the Atlanta Hawks

(46:54) Will the Thompson twins take another leap?

(102:31) Anthony Edward’s offseason improvements

(106:06) Victor Wembanyama primed for a big season

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!