Best Jonathan Cavaliere Podcasts (2025)

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The Warriors Are Finally Complete, the Sixers’ Only Hope, and the Cooper Flagg Hype Meter 1:10:10

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1d ago1:10:10

1:10:10

With media days underway and preseason basketball ramping up, Verno and Jacoby return to recap the first preseason game, debate the Sixers' championship window, discuss Wemby’s offseason, and more! (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:40) Question 1: How was Knicks-76ers in Abu Dhabi? (12:12) Question 2: How concerned are you with Giannis Antetokou…

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The Wemby Debate, Zion's Revival, Houston’s Hopes, and LeBron’s Leverage 1:16:00

4d ago1:16:00

1:16:00

As we inch closer and closer to the regular season, Verno and Jacoby return with 10 questions about the upcoming season and more. (00:00) Welcome to the Mismatch! (02:24) Question 1: Is Victor Wembanyama the fifth-best player in the NBA? (10:34) Question 2: What are your thoughts on LeBron James potentially creating a rival basketball league to com…

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Adam Silver’s Tough Week, Trae Young Claps Back, and What to Do With Jonathan Kuminga 1:06:27

16d ago1:06:27

1:06:27

Verno and Jacoby are back as they continue to discuss the evolving story about Kawhi Leonard, Steve Ballmer, and Aspiration. Also, they detail how commissioner Adam Silver has mishandled the Clippers situation and his backtracking comments after calling the NBA a "highlights-based sport." Next, they discuss the latest with Jonathan Kuminga and deba…

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Kawhi’s "Carbon Footprint," Hardest Players to Root For, Offseason Enjoyments, and NFL Takeaways 1:19:14

25d ago1:19:14

1:19:14

Verno and Jacoby return with 10 questions about the NBA Hall of Fame, Kawhi Leonard, biggest disappointments, the NFL, and more! (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (01:30) Question 1: Thoughts on the Kawhi Leonard, Steve Ballmer, Aspiration mess (16:00) Question 2: Are you watching EuroBasket? (19:15) Question 3: First thing you think of when mention…

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The Most Exciting Players, All-Star Game Improvements, and the Summer of Strahinja Continues 1:13:49

1M ago1:13:49

1:13:49

Verno and Jacoby return with five questions each about the upcoming season. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:52) Most exciting players to watch (14:50) Did last year’s terrible All-Star Game actually save the All-Star Game? (19:40) Who is the NBA’s Tommy Fleetwood? (Player that everyone would love to see win) (26:42) Which team are you not sold…

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Which Superstar Has Played in Their Last Finals? Plus, MPJ’s Erraticness, Labubus, and a Joker Brother Sighting. 1:09:27

2M ago1:09:27

1:09:27

Verno and Jacoby briefly go through some of the meaningless news around the league before Verno reads a message from a listener about a special sighting on one of the islands of Hawaii. Next, the guys come up with 10 different scenarios for the upcoming season and debate which would be the more likely outcome. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (01:0…

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10 Observations About the 2025-26 NBA Schedule 1:04:55

2M ago1:04:55

1:04:55

After dissecting the entire 2025-26 NBA schedule, Verno and Jacoby share 10 observations they have about the national TV breakdown, Michael Jordan's role on NBC, Rivals Week, late games on the East Coast, and more. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (01:05) Observation no. 1: National TV partners and broadcast teams (10:38) Observation no. 2: How wil…

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20 Questions About the Upcoming NBA Season 1:24:14

2M ago1:24:14

1:24:14

As we enter the dog days of summer, Verno and Jacoby bring 10 questions each about the upcoming NBA season. They go through everything from the recent string of contract extensions, Daryl Morey’s asterisk comments, LeBron James, Klay Thompson’s relationship with Megan Thee Stallion, Target Guy, and so much more. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (01…

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NBA Summer Storylines: A Motivated Luka, Ja’s Joy, and Is LeBron Really Planning for 2026? 1:28:01

2M ago1:28:01

1:28:01

Verno and Jacoby discuss the new-look Luka Doncic that is featured in the latest edition of Men’s Health magazine. They debate what kind of impact a healthier Luka will make on the Lakers, the topics were not discussed in the article, as well as his surprise appearance at a Yankees game. Next, they take a deep dive on Nikola Jokic’s agent's cryptic…

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Post-Summer League Watch List: Teams That Deserve Our Attention (and Those That Don’t) 1:13:14

2M ago1:13:14

1:13:14

Verno and Jacoby congratulate the Charlotte Hornets on winning this year’s Summer League and briefly discuss why Nikola Jokic’s brother was still in Las Vegas watching a random game between the Grizzlies and Clippers. Next, the guys each share two teams that they want to see more of and less of after watching all of Summer League. Lastly, they disc…

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Impressive Summer League Performances and the Legend of ‘Target Guy’ 1:19:38

3M ago1:19:38

1:19:38

Verno and Jacoby recap this weekend’s action and buzz around Summer League. Verno shares the slights and sounds of being in Las Vegas for the event, from the vibes around Thomas & Mack Center, to watching Kelly Clarkson, and finding the elusive “Target guy” who predicted Cedric Coward will become the best player in this draft class. Next, the guys …

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The Most Disastrous and Perfect Fits of the Offseason 1:18:36

3M ago1:18:36

1:18:36

Verno and Jacoby recap the latest string of free agency news, including Paolo Banchero’s contract extension, where Jonas Valanciunas will play, and more. Next, they discuss which offseason moves they think will turn out disastrous and which moves are perfect fits. (0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (0:50) Summer League Takeaways (4:20) Reaction to the…

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Free Agency Day One: Winners, Bold Moves, and Are the Lakers Going to Trade LeBron? 1:08:22

3M ago1:08:22

1:08:22

Free agency is here! Join Verno and Jacoby as they recap the day-one deals and discuss everything from the Rockets refueling for a championship run with Kevin Durant to their hopes for a competitive Hornets team. They also discuss the Hawks' impressive first day, the Nuggets trading away MPJ and signing Bruce Brown Jr., and the Grizzlies' aggressiv…

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Draft Night Winners and Losers. Plus: The Grizzlies Get Their Guy, and Masai Ujiri Out in Toronto. 1:06:41

3M ago1:06:41

1:06:41

Verno and Jacoby recap the NBA draft by discussing their biggest winners and losers from the two-day event, as well as Verno’s excitement for the Grizzlies, who drafted Cedric Coward from Washington State; the odd timing of Masai Ujiri’s departure from the Raptors; and their favorite prospect from the second round. (0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (…

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Young Thunder Defy History, Haliburton’s Injury, Finals Fallout, and Can KD Lead the Rockets to the Finals? 1:19:32

3M ago1:19:32

1:19:32

Verno and Jacoby congratulate the Oklahoma City Thunder on winning Game 7 and defeating the Indiana Pacers, as the guys discuss the sour experience of watching the game after Tyrese Haliburton went down with his injury, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Game 7 performance, lessons learned from these Finals, and what to expect for OKC’s future. They also gi…

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Pacers Force Game 7, Lakers Sell for $10B, and an NBA Draft Sneak Peek 1:17:37

3M ago1:17:37

1:17:37

The Pacers take Game 6 and force a Game 7 back in OKC, so Verno and Jacoby discuss the Pacers' dominant performance and their expectations for the first Game 7 in the Finals since 2016. They discuss the performances by T.J. McConnell, Obi Toppin, and Tyrese Haliburton; the difference a small-market home crowd makes; which Thunder players they trust…

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OKC One Win Away After J-Dub Drops 40, Haliburton’s Dud, KD Lingering, and a Memphis Recalibration 1:10:37

4M ago1:10:37

1:10:37

The Thunder are just one win away from an NBA championship after an all-time performance by Jalen Williams. Verno and Jacoby break down the Game 5 Thunder win and expectations for Game 6 back in Indianapolis. Will Tyrese Haliburton show up after an awful performance in Game 5? Or will OKC lift the trophy on Indy’s home court? Next, the guys discuss…

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Can the Pacers Repeat Their Defensive Dominance? Plus, KD’s Future and More Knicks Dysfunction. 1:17:14

4M ago1:17:14

1:17:14

Verno and Jacoby discuss the exciting Game 3 that saw the Pacers go up 2-1 on the Thunder. They praise Rick Carlisle’s game plan and the defense versus SGA before discussing the near-perfect performances from the entire Pacers roster, expectations for Game 4, and whether fans on either side should be concerned about their team. Next, Jacoby shares …

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Game 3 Keys in Indy and a New Kidd in New York? Plus, Tyrese Haliburton: The Low-Usage Superstar. 1:18:26

4M ago1:18:26

1:18:26

Verno and Jacoby discuss the expected Game 2 Thunder victory and how Game 2 was the best of the best of the Thunder and the worst of the worst of the Pacers. They discuss how the media is viewing Tyrese Haliburton and why the narrative around him might be misconstrued. They then dive into their expectations for Games 3 and 4 in Indianapolis, as wel…

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Pacers Pull Off Another Comeback—Is OKC in Trouble? Plus, the Knicks’ Future Without Thibs. 1:08:11

4M ago1:08:11

1:08:11

Verno and Jacoby recap a wild NBA Finals Game 1 that saw the Pacers come back yet again to beat the Thunder and take a 1-0 series lead. They go through all the stats and numbers and try to figure out how the Pacers came back, as well as how they continue to have these impressive wins in the playoffs. Is it time to finally put some respect on the Pa…

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The Case for a Pacers Surprise, OKC’s Path to the Finals, and What’s Next for the Knicks 1:15:00

4M ago1:15:00

1:15:00

The Pacers beat the Knicks over the weekend to reach the Finals, where they will meet the Oklahoma City Thunder! Before discussing the Finals, Verno questions Jacoby regarding the next steps for the Knicks after a disappointing ending to their season. Is it time for Thibs to go? Does this core stay intact for another year? Next, the guys make the c…

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Can the Knicks Force a Game 7? Plus: the Thunder Are Finals-Bound, and the Missing Playoff Intensity. 1:13:05

4M ago1:13:05

1:13:05

Verno and Jacoby react to the Knicks shutting down Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers to survive for at least one more game. Jacoby shares his experience from inside MSG, the Knicks' stingy defense, as well as the hot-and-cold playoff performances from Tyrese Haliburton. Have the Knicks figured out how to contain the Pacers? Next, the guys congratula…

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Ant and Randle Fail to Deliver, Plus Chet’s Growth, and a Knicks Confidence Check 1:10:54

4M ago1:10:54

1:10:54

Verno and Jacoby go through the Wolves nearly tying their series against the Thunder in Game 4. They discuss the need for Anthony Edwards to exert himself into the game, the Thunder’s resilience, the Wolves’ bench production, Chet Holmgren’s performance, and more. Next, the guys discuss the Knicks-Pacers series, and Jacoby shares his confidence lev…

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Have the Thunder Broken the Wolves? Plus: A Must-Win Game 2, and Enjoying the Haliburton Experience. 1:13:29

4M ago1:13:29

1:13:29

The Thunder continue their dominance to take a 2-0 series lead over the Timberwolves, as Verno and Jacoby recap Game 2 and debate what it’ll take for the Wolves to try to make this a series. They discuss how the Thunder’s Big Three of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren performed, Julius Randle’s disappearance, Mike Conley’s …

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Thunder-Wolves Preview, Conference Finals X Factors, and Will Haliburton Become the New Knicks Villain? 1:10:25

5M ago1:10:25

1:10:25

Verno and Jacoby return to break down the Nuggets' Game 7 loss and preview the start of the Western Conference finals between the Timberwolves and Thunder. They discuss how the Thunder can continue their championship run, debate whether people are still not giving enough credit to the Wolves for making back-to-back conference finals, and talk about…

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Nuggets Force Game 7, Celtics-Knicks Preview, and T-Wolves Advance to the WCF 1:05:44

5M ago1:05:44

1:05:44

Verno and Jacoby react to the Nuggets taking Game 6 over the Thunder to force Game 7, preview the Celtics-Knicks Game 6, and discuss contract-year Julius Randle leading the T-Wolves past the Warriors and into the Western Conference finals. Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 (0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (1:11) Nugge…

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Knicks on the Brink of the ECF, Tatum's Injury, Mavericks Win the Lottery, and Ant's Superstar Performance 1:18:10

5M ago1:18:10

1:18:10

Verno and Jacoby react to the Knicks taking a 3-1 series lead over the Celtics, Jayson Tatum's injury, the Mavericks winning the right to draft Cooper Flagg, Anthony Edwards's superstar performance, and more! Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 (0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (1:20) Timberwolves Defeat Warriors: 117-11…

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Timberwolves Take Game 2, Knicks Stun Boston AGAIN, and Cavaliers Collapsing 1:07:04

5M ago1:07:04

1:07:04

Verno and Jacoby break down the Timberwolves' win on Thursday night, which ties up their series with the Warriors; the Knicks' incredible second comeback over the Celtics; and the Cavaliers' collapse versus the Pacers. Then they preview Thunder-Nuggets Game 3. Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 (0:00) Welcome to The M…

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WELCOME TO THE SECOND ROUND! The Nuggets and Knicks Upset the Thunder and Celtics in Game 1 1:17:49

5M ago1:17:49

1:17:49

Verno and Jacoby break down Monday night's action, with some HUGE upsets. The Nuggets and Knicks took Game 1 over the Thunder and the Celtics, respectively. Plus, reacting to the Warriors' Game 7 win over Houston, previewing their series against the Timberwolves, and analyzing the Pacers' win over the Cavs in their series opener. Leave us a message…

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Clippers Force Game 7, Knicks Advance, and the Lakers Collapse 1:14:35

5M ago1:14:35

1:14:35

Verno and Jacoby break down Thursday night's action with the Clippers forcing Game 7 against the Nuggets, the Knicks advancing to play Boston, the Lakers turning Rudy Gobert into Wilt Chamberlain, and previewing the conference semifinals. Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 (0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch (1:25) Clipper…

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Will Giannis Want Out? Plus: The Rockets Need a Star, the Hungry Wolves, and Which 3-1 Series Can Still Go the Full Seven 1:07:36

5M ago1:07:36

1:07:36

Verno and Jacoby break down Monday night’s playoff action starting with the Warriors’ thrilling 109-106 win over the Rockets to take a 3-1 series lead (01:18). They then debate how real the Cavs are after a complete beatdown of the Heat as well as their expectations in the next round (16:05). With the news of Damian Lillard’s injury, where do the B…

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A Clippers Ass Whooping, Big Game KAT, Ja Goes Down, and the Grizzlies Collapse 1:02:01

5M ago1:02:01

1:02:01

Verno and Jacoby get together after the Grizzlies lose both Ja Morant and a 29-point lead to the Thunder, who are in prime position to get the sweep over the weekend (01:35). Verno shares his experience being inside the arena after Ja went out and discusses whether Lu Dort deserves any blame for the injury. Next, the guys go over the Clippers' domi…

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The Legend of Playoff Kawhi, History at the Garden, and Game 2 Adjustments 1:10:00

6M ago1:10:00

1:10:00

Verno and Jacoby break down the exciting pair of games from Monday night starting off with the unbelievable performance by Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers as they even up their series against the Nuggets (01:25). Next, Jacoby shares his experience watching the Pistons get their first playoff win since 2008 to even up their series against the Knicks …

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Kawhi’s Reintroduction, Silver’s Discipline, Cade’s Arrival, and More Things to Look Forward to in the First Round of the NBA Playoffs 1:05:27

6M ago1:05:27

1:05:27

Verno and Jacoby briefly discuss tonight’s round of play-in games, starting off with the Heat and Hawks, before turning their attention to the Mavs and Grizzlies matchup (01:25). Which of these four teams would make for the most exciting 8 vs 1 seed in the first round? Next, the guys each share four things that they are looking forward to in the fi…

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Don’t Overlook the Grizzlies, Who Gets the Blame for Phoenix, and Instant Reactions to Playoff Matchups 1:10:43

6M ago1:10:43

1:10:43

Verno and Jacoby break down tonight’s play-in games, starting with the Hawks-Magic matchup (01:44) and the Grizzlies-Warriors matchup (07:14). They then discuss tomorrow’s play-in matchups before debating the best possible scenarios that could come out of the play-in (16:32). Next, they get into the news of David Griffin’s firing in New Orleans (30…

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Dissecting Why Malone Was Fired and Gearing Up for a Wild End to the Regular Season 1:14:25

6M ago1:14:25

1:14:25

Verno and Jacoby discuss the scorching-hot Timberwolves, who beat the Grizzlies last night 141-125 after scoring a league season-high 52 points in the third quarter and 44 points from Anthony Edwards (01:08). They also discuss the goofiness around Ja Morant’s new celebration. Next, they detail why they think the Nuggets cleaned house and fired head…

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Have We Discovered the Lakers’ Ceiling? Plus: The Rockets’ Identity, Murray’s Injury, and Predicting Entertaining Playoff Series. 1:14:44

6M ago1:14:44

1:14:44

(RECORDED BEFORE THE NEWS OF MICHAEL MALONE AND CALVIN BOOTH’S FIRING) Verno and Jacoby congratulate Florida on beating Houston in the NCAA basketball championship (01:10). Will fans remember this game or the Duke collapse more? Next, the guys discuss the Lakers’ impressive win against the Thunder and why they showcased their true ceiling in this h…

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League Office Hypocrites, Role Player Importance, and Our Love and Loathes 1:21:50

6M ago1:21:50

1:21:50

Verno and Jacoby go through last night’s Warriors win over the Lakers and discuss the takeaways from both teams' perspectives (01:25). They highlight the importance of the role players for each team and why the performances of those role players are key for any kind of deep run. They then discuss the Grizzles' much-needed win against the Heat befor…

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Grizzlies Aftermath and Six Players to Watch During the Playoff Stretch 1:11:35

6M ago1:11:35

1:11:35

Jacoby is back as he and Verno discuss the fallout from the Taylor Jenkins firing in Memphis and how the Grizzlies have responded in the two games since Jenkins dismissal (05:14). Did Ja Morant know or have any influence in the decision to let Jenkins go? Next, the guys discuss how the Clippers’ strong defense will be troublesome for any team that …

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Giddey the Leader, Biggest Issue in the League, and Eight Questions With Kirk Goldsberry 1:03:36

6M ago1:03:36

1:03:36

(NOTE: SHOW WAS RECORDED BEFORE THE NEWS OF TAYLOR JENKINS'S FIRING) Verno and Kirk Goldsberry (who’s in for Jacoby) break down Josh Giddey’s half-court game-winning shot against the Lakers and why this will be the turning point for Giddey and the Bulls (02:59). They also discuss the struggling Grizzlies after another loss to the Thunder and why th…

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Is Kawhi Back? Plus, the Celtics Sell for $6.1 Billion, the Knicks' Tough Week, and More Loves and Loathes. 1:17:58

7M ago1:17:58

1:17:58

Verno and Jacoby discuss last night's game between the Warriors and Raptors, which Golden State survived after Steph Curry went down with an injury and Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green turned in subpar performances (0:45). They next discuss the recent sale of the Boston Celtics to a group led by Bill Chisholm, who is a managing partner at Symphony T…

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Are Tanking and Resting Ruining the Game? Plus: Finals Odds, Whether the Clippers Can Pull Off a Playoff Upset, and Zion the Superstar. 1:27:57

7M ago1:27:57

1:27:57

Verno and Jacoby go through last night’s games, especially looking at teams that are either resting or full-on tanking (1:06). The guys debate how long the league will allow this to continue and what needs to change to prevent teams from tanking and resting starters who are healthy. They also discuss Tony Allen's jersey retirement ceremony over the…

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Will Anyone Ever Break Steph’s 3-Point Record? Plus: Standings Watch, the Importance of Size, and Our Loves and Loathes. 1:29:15

7M ago1:29:15

1:29:15

Verno and Jacoby go through the Bucks' blowout win against the injury-riddled Lakers and talk about why size is still important when facing certain teams (0:53). They then discuss some of the positive takeaways from the Thunder’s win against the Celtics on Wednesday night before congratulating Steph Curry for hitting 4k 3-point shots(12:30). The gu…

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Western Conference Health Check, Jokic’s MVP Chances, and Random NBA Questions 1:11:24

7M ago1:11:24

1:11:24

Verno and Jacoby go through last night’s slate of NBA action starting off with Nikola Jokic’s otherworldly performance against the Thunder and the chances of Jokic surpassing SGA to win his fourth MVP (0:35). They then discuss Ja Morant's improved performance during the Grizzlies’ three-game win streak (16:25). After LeBron’s groin injury, the guys…

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Lakers Defense Smothers Knicks, Steph the Rock Star, and Beware of the Bucks 1:24:13

7M ago1:24:13

1:24:13

Verno and Jacoby discuss the Lakers' thrilling OT win over the Knicks and how their defense was the true highlight of the game, not Luka and LeBron's performance (00:31). They also discuss the importance of Jimmy Butler’s impact for the Warriors outside the stat sheet and why Steve Kerr’s comparison to Andre Iguodala is valid (16:25). Next, the guy…

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Kyrie Tears His ACL, Historic Bad-Luck Grizzlies, and Why Doesn’t KD Take More Blame? 1:21:54

7M ago1:21:54

1:21:54

Verno and Jacoby go through a string of bad luck for the Grizzlies, who’ve lost their past three games at home in the final seconds and are now without Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr (01:11). They then discuss Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who dropped 51 points against the Rockets; the reports coming out of Phoenix that the Suns could potentially move o…

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Time to Reconsider the Warriors and Lakers? Plus: Hookah Luka, NBA Centel, and More Loves and Loathes. 57:47

7M ago57:47

57:47

Verno and Jacoby discuss Steph Curry’s historic night after he dropped 56 points in Orlando and also talk about the Lakers' win against the Wolves despite an off night from Luka Doncic, who's continued to struggle with his shot since arriving in L.A. Despite the struggles, the Lakers have looked strong with Luka, and the Warriors are 6-1 with Jimmy…

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The Wolves’ Thrilling Comeback, Early Playoff Expectations, and Is Cade a Superstar? 1:12:31

7M ago1:12:31

1:12:31

Verno and Jacoby go through some of Monday’s NBA action, starting off with the Wolves' encouraging comeback win against the Thunder in OKC. They then discuss the hot Pistons, who are riding a seven-game win streak; the Sixers, who got blown out by the Bulls; and the Nuggets' bounce-back win against the Pacers. Next, from Cade Cunningham’s superstar…

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Wemby Done for the Year, Hot Nuggets, the Broken Suns, and What Is Going on With Ja Morant? 1:03:05

8M ago1:03:05

1:03:05

Verno and Jacoby are back as they discuss where the Spurs go from here after it was announced that Victor Wembanyama’s season is ending due to injury, in addition to the continuous struggles from the Suns (04:51). Then, they discuss if there is any way for the Lakers to hide Luka Doncic on defense, why Shams is absolutely right when it comes to Gia…

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All-Star Weekend Hype and Second-Half Predictions 1:00:55

8M ago1:00:55

1:00:55

Verno and Jacoby share their low-key excitement for this year's NBA All-Star Weekend festivities (01:41). They discuss how the new format could bring more competitiveness, and their disappointment that Steph Curry isn’t involved in more All-Star events in his home city. From playoff positioning to impactful rookies, the guys next share four predict…