Best NLSC Podcasts (2025)

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NLSC Podcast #612: Hoops Gifts for the Holidays 38:07

Play Pause

3h ago38:07

38:07

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #612 of the NLSC Podcast! Another year is almost in the books! And so, as 2025 draws to a close, this week we’re joining the community in discussing the basketball and basketball gaming gifts that we gave and received during this holiday season. From shoes, shirts, and collectibles, to video game…

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NLSC Podcast #611: NBA Comebacks We Would’ve Loved to See 56:48

1d ago56:48

56:48

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #611 of the NLSC Podcast! What Ifs are always an intriguing topic in basketball discussions, especially when they involve comebacks that could’ve been, and comebacks that could potentially still occur. To that end, this week we’re reflecting on a handful of historical comeback rumours, as well as…

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NLSC Podcast #610: Revisiting NBA Live 19 52:06

11d ago52:06

52:06

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #610 of the NLSC Podcast! With the NBA Live 19 servers shutting down next January, a recent kick has inspired us to take another look back at the final release in the NBA Live series…at least for now. From new perspectives on the last official patch and the gameplay experience, to thoughts on Ult…

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NLSC Podcast #609: Stan Van Gundy Disrespects NBA History 1:00:39

17d ago1:00:39

1:00:39

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #609 of the NLSC Podcast! During a recent podcast appearance, former NBA coach turned analyst Stan Van Gundy made some eyebrow-raising claims: specifically, that Nikola Jokic is the GOAT, Luka Doncic is the best offensive player of all-time, and that the best 20 players in NBA history have all pl…

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NLSC Podcast #608: Ranking This Generation’s NBA 2Ks 1:03:11

27d ago1:03:11

1:03:11

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #608 of the NLSC Podcast! With the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S very likely to be superseded by new consoles within the next few years, what are our thoughts on the most recent generation of NBA 2K games? This week, we’re ranking NBA 2K21 through NBA 2K26 from best to worst, with a few membe…

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NLSC Podcast #607: New to Basketball? These Are The Players To Study 44:52

1M ago44:52

44:52

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #607 of the NLSC Podcast! If you wanted to introduce someone to basketball, which players do you think stand the best chance of making them fall in love with the sport? This week, we’re joining the community in naming our picks for both past and present players that we believe would get a new fan…

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NLSC Podcast #606: The Steam Machine – Talking Specs & Predicting Cost 1:03:38

1M ago1:03:38

1:03:38

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #606 of the NLSC Podcast! Earlier this month, Valve announced the return of the Steam Machine – their console-like gaming PC – which is slated for release in early 2026. This week, we’re joining the community in reacting to the news, including giving our thoughts on the announced specifications, …

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NLSC Podcast #605: How Much Should Video Games Cost? 1:06:21

2M ago1:06:21

1:06:21

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #605 of the NLSC Podcast! The price of video games – basketball and otherwise – remains a hot topic in 2025. Many people opine that they’re too expensive, but plenty of others actually defend the current costs, and indeed suggest that video games should be even more expensive than they already ar…

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NLSC Podcast #604: NBA The Run Coming in 2026 1:16:52

2M ago1:16:52

1:16:52

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #604 of the NLSC Podcast! Big news last week as Play by Play Studios announced that they have acquired the NBA license. As such, their planned 3v3 online PvP arcade basketball video game The Run: Got Next is now titled NBA The Run, and is slated for release some time in 2026. To that end, this we…

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NLSC Podcast #603: Gambling, Flopping & Other NBA Blues 1:03:56

2M ago1:03:56

1:03:56

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #603 of the NLSC Podcast! A week into the 2026 NBA season, the league has been rocked by a gambling scandal. Not only that, but many fans – us included – have been irritated by the amount of flopping and free throws on display. This week, we join the community in discussing the gambling scandal a…

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NLSC Podcast #602: That’s No Way To Treat A Customer 51:05

2M ago51:05

51:05

Customer service, value for money, and quality products are topics that are on our minds this week. This comes in the wake of an eBay purchase that unfortunately became a deeply unpleasant transaction, as well as the first big patch for NBA 2K26 failing to make the game better (and indeed, arguably making it worse). On a lighter note, we also recap…

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NLSC Podcast #601: Electronic Arts Acquired in Massive Deal 34:06

3M ago34:06

34:06

Electronic Arts has recently been acquired in one of the biggest deals in the history of video games. This week, we share our thoughts on the news and what it might mean for the future of basketball gaming. We also note some of the reactions to the deal that we've seen from the wider gaming community on social media. Needless to say, it's proving t…

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NLSC Podcast #600: Two Friends Talking Basketball Video Games 49:32

3M ago49:32

49:32

It's the 600th episode of the NLSC Podcast! A huge shout out to our listeners and the NLSC community at large for continuing to support all of our content! To mark the milestone, this week we're simply getting on the mics to chat about basketball gaming. We share our latest thoughts on NBA 2K26, and reflect on other games that we're currently playi…

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NLSC Podcast #599: The Best & Worst Music in Basketball Video Games 58:21

3M ago58:21

58:21

Music is a vital part of the atmosphere in basketball video games, and as such, is often connected to our nostalgia for them. This week, we join the community in reflecting on basketball video game music, from our all-time favourite soundtracks and standout songs to the tunes that just didn't seem to be a good fit for the virtual hardwood. The post…

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NLSC Podcast #598: Why We Still Play Basketball Games 51:34

3M ago51:34

51:34

Why do we still play basketball video games? This week, we discuss the factors that keep us hooked on the virtual hardwood, from a love of competition and shared experiences to the way it allows us to feel connected to and indeed more informed about our favourite sport. We also reflect on the lingering stigma surrounding gaming as an adult, and pus…

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NLSC Podcast #597: NBA 2K26 Tips & How We Play 1:07:05

3M ago1:07:05

1:07:05

Need help mastering NBA 2K26? This week's show provides some detailed tips, from what to do on the sticks to suggestions for gameplay sliders and camera settings! We also join the community in discussing how we're playing NBA 2K26, along with the other basketball games that are currently in our rotations. Speaking of which, our NBA 2K9 Bulls Associ…

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NLSC Podcast #596: EA Drops Out, 2K Going Back to School 1:08:37

4M ago1:08:37

1:08:37

In a shocking and rather unfortunate development, EA Sports rescinded their proposal for a college basketball game in light of Take-Two reaching agreements with several schools to develop their own "college basketball experience". This week, we join the community in reacting to the news and speculating on what we can expect from 2K. We also follow …

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NLSC Podcast #595: NBA 2K26 First Impressions 1:10:12

4M ago1:10:12

1:10:12

NBA 2K26 is already in gamers' hands thanks to the early access pre-order bonus provided by the Superstar and Leave No Doubt editions. As such, this week we join the community in sharing our first impressions of this year's release! From gameplay to the Eras rosters, this episode is a comprehensive breakdown of the pros and cons that we've observed…

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NLSC Podcast #594: Early NBA 2K26 Gameplay, Influencers & Iconic Nicknames 53:29

4M ago53:29

53:29

With NBA 2K26 right around the corner, a community event has given us a detailed look at the game in action. We share our thoughts on what we've seen so far, as well as what the influencers who attended the event are saying. In particular, we note how valid criticism is once again being shot down ahead of the game's release. We also cover some of t…

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NLSC Podcast #593: WNBA Coming to NBA 2K26 MyTEAM 58:05

4M ago58:05

58:05

As the NBA 2K26 preview season rolls on, the big news revealed last week was that the WNBA has now been integrated into MyTEAM. The announcement drew some mixed reactions, so this week we're providing our take on the situation, and also reading out some thoughts from our listeners. We also react to some of the other key points in the NBA 2K26 MyTEA…

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NLSC Podcast #592: Will the Presentation in NBA 2K26 Wow Us? 55:38

5M ago55:38

55:38

Next up in the NBA 2K26 preview season is a look at the presentation in this year's game! This week we break down the Presentation Courtside Report, which provided insights into everything from the player models and team arenas to commentary and other authentic details. In addition to our thoughts, we also share feedback from the community, and dis…

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NLSC Podcast #591: NBA 2K26 Gameplay Trailer & Blog Reactions 1:13:14

5M ago1:13:14

1:13:14

Thanks to the NBA 2K26 Gameplay Trailer and developer blog, we have our first look at and insight into the on-court experience in this year's game. We react to the trailer - which had a very interesting song choice! - and break down the gameplay blog point-by-point as we join the community in sharing our thoughts and expectations following the firs…

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NLSC Podcast #590: Running With the Bulls in NBA 2K9 1:12:04

5M ago1:12:04

1:12:04

By NLSC

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NLSC Podcast #589: 2K’s Insulting College Game Proposal 54:36

5M ago54:36

54:36

Take-Two is reportedly planning to develop their own college basketball game after making a rather insulting initial proposal to the Collegiate Licensing Company; a pitch that's become public thanks to a broken NDA. This week, we join the community in reacting to the possibility of a new college hoops title based on the NBA 2K engine, share our tho…

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NLSC Podcast #588: NBA 2K26 Covers & Early News 49:59

6M ago49:59

49:59

The preview season for NBA 2K26 is officially underway, and so this week, we join the community in reacting to the cover players and designs for every edition of NBA 2K26. We also give our thoughts on the preliminary features list and First Look screenshots, and discuss the seven-year extension of Take-Two's licensing agreement with the NBA that wa…

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NLSC Podcast #587: The Return of EA Sports College Basketball 1:00:21

6M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

Not long after we finished recording last week's show, EA Sports announced that they will be returning to the virtual hardwood with a new college basketball game, coming in 2028 at the earliest! This week, we join the community in reacting to the news, from rating our excitement level to discussing the things that we want and need to see in a new h…

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NLSC Podcast #586: The Dunkers, A New Indie Hoops Game 47:37

6M ago47:37

47:37

There's untapped potential for the virtual hardwood and blacktop in the indie gaming space. To that end, this week we discuss The Dunkers, a 2D indie basketball title that's currently available in Early Access on Steam. We also once again touch on the possibility of a new basketball game from EA Sports, unaware that a big announcement was in fact o…

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NLSC Podcast #585: Our NBA 2K26 Wishlist 1:17:12

6M ago1:17:12

1:17:12

With the preview season for NBA 2K26 now looming on the horizon, what are we hoping to see in the next sim basketball game from 2K Sports? This week, we join the community in discussing our Wishlists for NBA 2K26, from improvements to the gameplay, mechanics, and controls, to additions and enhancements to the modes, content, presentation, and other…

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NLSC Podcast #584: Is the NBA Rigged? 1:01:20

6M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

Controversy is overshadowing the 2025 NBA Finals following Game 4, which leads us to ask: is the NBA rigged? This week, we join the community in discussing our thoughts on the matter, and to what extent the league may manipulate results, both today and in the past. We also discuss how talking heads - particularly Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perki…

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NLSC Podcast #583: Our Thoughts on the 2025 NBA Season 55:41

7M ago55:41

55:41

With only a few games left before the Larry O'Brien trophy is hoisted once more, we're inclined to share some thoughts on the year that was in the NBA! This week, we join the community in discussing our level of interest in the 2025 NBA Finals, and how we'd rate the 2025 season overall. We also touch on whether or not parity is a good thing for the…

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NLSC Podcast #582: Summer Gaming Plans 42:30

7M ago42:30

42:30

With the 2025 NBA season rapidly drawing to a close, how will we be spending our Summer (or Winter) on the virtual hardwood? This week, we join the community in discussing the basketball video games that we plan to play and mod in the coming months, if and how the offseason impacts our basketball gaming habits, and some of the other titles that wil…

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NLSC Podcast #581: Let’s Talk About Our Favourite Highlights from Basketball History 46:15

7M ago46:15

46:15

What are some of the most memorable plays that we've seen in all of our years watching basketball? This week, we join the community in reminiscing about a few of our all-time favourite highlights. Given our favourite teams, players, and eras, some of our choices might just surprise you! We also discuss which game should be featured in the next NLSC…

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NLSC Podcast #580: Our All-Time Favourite Teams 58:58

8M ago58:58

58:58

Which teams have we enjoyed watching and indeed putting on the virtual hardwood throughout all our years of basketball fandom? This week, we join the community in naming our favourite teams from our favourite franchises, our favourite teams from franchises that aren't our chosen clubs, and our favourite bad teams; bad being a relative term in some …

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NLSC Podcast #579: Fantasy Drafts in NBA 2K25 34:44

8M ago34:44

34:44

What are the best lineups that we can assemble using modern NBA players? This week, we fire up NBA 2K25 and run fantasy drafts in MyNBA Eras to craft teams that we believe would be both successful and a lot of fun to play with on the virtual hardwood. We also recap our recent sessions with NBA Live 2000 and NBA 2K13, reflecting on a couple of all-t…

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NLSC Podcast #578: All Things Basketball with Stildo33 1:12:55

8M ago1:12:55

1:12:55

This week, we have community member Ken (aka Stildo33) back on the show! We chat to Ken about his new business venture bringing competitive gaming to kids, his thoughts on NBA 2K25, roster modding techniques and his work on the retro season mods for NBA 2K19, memories of Ultimate Basketball for NES and other old school favourites, how he stays conn…

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NLSC Podcast #577: Other Games in Our Rotations 1:22:30

8M ago1:22:30

1:22:30

We're taking a quick timeout from the virtual hardwood this week as we join the community in listing and discussing some of the other video games that are currently in our rotations. This includes reflecting on the aspects of those games that are keeping us hooked, while also noting some of the similarities to our basketball gaming habits. We also …

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NLSC Podcast #576: Favourite Unlicensed Basketball Games 53:42

9M ago53:42

53:42

Although we mostly play NBA and NCAA licensed basketball video games, there have been some classic releases that lack their high profile branding, as well as real teams and players. This week, we join the community in naming some of our all-time favourite unlicensed basketball video games, as well as a handful of titles that only licensed one or tw…

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NLSC Podcast #575: NBA 2K9 vs. NBA Live 09 55:13

9M ago55:13

55:13

We recently played NBA 2K9 and NBA Live 09, with a view to starting a co-op season in one or both of them. In addition to recapping those sessions, this week we're comparing and contrasting the 2009 season releases from EA Sports and Visual Concepts, reflecting on how they were both improvements over their predecessors, and discussing the teams we'…

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NLSC Podcast #574: Q&A With Andrew and Derek 58:45

9M ago58:45

58:45

The community has some questions, and we've got some answers! This week, it's a Q&A in which we discuss our all-time favourite video games of other genres, preferred strategies on the virtual hardwood, Tom Chambers' Hall of Fame credentials, favourite foods, experiences meeting NBA players, and several other topics that our listeners were keen to g…

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NLSC Podcast #573: Best & Worst Alley-Oop Mechanics 58:37

9M ago58:37

58:37

The alley-oop is one of the most exciting plays in basketball, and to that point, it's vital that we can expertly throw lobs on the virtual hardwood. This week, we join the community in recalling the best and worst alley-oop mechanics that we've experienced in basketball video games. We also recap our recent co-op sessions with NBA 2K7, NBA Live 95…

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NLSC Podcast #572: Ranking NBA 2K6 Through NBA 2K13 1:01:30

10M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

The seventh generation saw NBA 2K pull ahead of NBA Live - and for good reason - but which 2K titles stand out as the best releases during that run? This week, we join the community in ranking NBA 2K6 through NBA 2K13, discussing the key strengths and weaknesses of each game while sharing some of our personal memories and experiences with them, and…

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NLSC Podcast #571: Biggest What Ifs in NBA History 59:57

10M ago59:57

59:57

What are some of the biggest What Ifs in NBA history? This week, we join the community in reflecting on what might have been, from the tragedy of Len Bias to the injuries, trades, and Draft picks that shaped the fortunes of teams and players alike. We also discuss potential Finals matchups and outcomes, a couple of other interesting notes about the…

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NLSC Podcast #570: Is Nostalgia Ruining the NBA? 55:30

10M ago55:30

55:30

Is nostalgia ruining the NBA? Channing Frye and other talking heads seem to think so, but we have other ideas! This week, we join the community in providing an impassioned rebuttal to yet another asinine talking point that's blatantly intended to dump on the league's history, and the many great players of the past. We also reflect on why so many fa…

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NLSC Podcast #569: Fixing All-Star Weekend 1:09:46

10M ago1:09:46

1:09:46

In the wake of another disappointing All-Star Weekend that saw more advertising and extracurricular events than actual basketball, this week we join the community in discussing ways that the NBA can possibly fix their midseason classic. From potential format changes to methods of incentivising players to try harder, we brainstorm different ideas to…

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NLSC Podcast #568: Dunk Contest Woes & Frustrating Average Joes 59:57

10M ago59:57

59:57

This week, we're reacting to the 2025 Slam Dunk Contest and the suggestion that threepeat champion Mac McClung is the greatest dunker of all-time. Given our disdain for boosts, props, and gimmicks in the contest, we're inclined to disagree! We also join the community in discussing the most frustrating types of players to play with and against in or…

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NLSC Podcast #567: Where Do We See NBA 2K in Five Years? 36:46

11M ago36:46

36:46

This week, we're breaking out the proverbial crystal ball to gaze into the future and discuss what we think NBA 2K - and video games in general - will be like in five years. This includes innovations in gameplay, graphics, and modes, as well as fairness to gamers and the possibility of competition in the space. We also touch on the prospect of a st…

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NLSC Podcast #566: Doncic Traded For Davis & Criminally Underrated Players 1:44:52

11M ago1:44:52

1:44:52

The basketball world was shocked by the trade of Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis. Naturally, we have a few thoughts on the deal, and what it means for both teams! Criminally underrated players of the past are also on our minds, so this week, we join the community in naming the ballers who should be talked about more often. Finally, we recap an excell…

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NLSC Podcast #565: Love What You Play & Make Time For It 1:09:20

11M ago1:09:20

1:09:20

How many hours per week are we spending on the virtual hardwood these days, and which modes are holding our attention? This week, we join the community in crunching the numbers and sharing our preferred ways to play, while encouraging everyone to stick to what's the most fun for them! We also discuss which era in NBA history was the deepest in term…

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NLSC Podcast #564: Best of the Best 1:06:04

11M ago1:06:04

1:06:04

Who are the best of the best when it comes to dunking, shooting, shot blocking, stealing the ball, and going one-on-one, both in real life and on the virtual hardwood? This week, we join the community in sharing our picks. We also recap a fun session using a work-in-progress Kobe Era roster for NBA 2K25 PC, and discuss some of the aspects of basket…

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NLSC Podcast #563: Who We Want To See Make A New College Basketball Game 56:17

12M ago56:17

56:17

With rumours that both EA Sports and Visual Concepts are considering bringing back their college basketball games, which series would we prefer to see return? Our answer may surprise you...or perhaps not! We also join the community in naming the players from NBA history and today that we most wish we could play like, and then wrap up with a recap a…