Caitlin Clark is inching closer to a comeback, but should the Indiana Fever risk her long-term health for a playoff push? Doug Kezirian breaks down the risk vs. reward, from Clark’s undisclosed groin injury and potential recovery timeline, to the Fever’s chances of grabbing the title without her. Hall-of-Famer Lisa Leslie also weighs in on Clark’s future, and Doug pushes back with his own take.

Plus, Doug takes issue with ESPN’s “Top 25 Under 25” list—where Angel Reese landed at No. 5, but Doug wouldn’t even put her in the Top 10! Ouch. Which young player does Doug think might be the biggest steal in the WNBA? “Leila Lacan is an absolute star in the making.”

And in Betting 101, Doug gives his pick for Saturday’s Golden State Valkyries vs. Washington Mystics matchup.

“Clark is the face of the league, but sometimes protecting the future matters more than chasing the now.” - Doug

#WNBA #CaitlinClark #AngelReese #LeilaLacan

HARD PASS Ep. 34

📌 On Today’s Episode:

00:00 - Intro

01:26 - 🏈 Segment Naming Contest

🏈 Starting on Monday, Football joins the HARD PASS slate! Submit your ideas to name the leading segment, and you could win a shout-out and a week of Doug’s picks 💸🤑💸

01:20 - Hoop Scoop: Caitlin Clark

🏀 Should Caitlin Clark risk coming back this season? Clark’s injury timeline, Lisa Leslie’s perspective, and Doug’s case for delaying her return.

06:26 - Hoop Scoop - Angel Reese

🏀 Angel Reese is overrated at #5 on ESPN’s “25 under 25” — and why Leila Lacan is the real future MVP candidate.

09:28 - Betting 101

🏀 Why the Golden State Valkyries are a sharp play against the Mystics — urgency, coaching, and market inefficiencies.

11:07 - Fans in the Stands

🏀 Fans say the W is tripping over itself — even warning a lockout could kill momentum. What’s your take?

#WNBA #BasketballNews #NBAHotTakes #SportsDebate #BasketballPodcast #viralbasketball #BasketballTalk #SportsCommunity #NBAnews #wnbanews

Welcome to HARD PASS with Doug Kezirian, your courtside ticket to everything basketball — from buzzer-beaters to behind-the-scenes drama, scorching hot takes, and sharp analysis you won’t hear anywhere else. Brought to you by the Doug Kezirian Sports Network (DKSN).

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On the Doug Kezirian Sports Network, HARD PASS brings sharp NBA and WNBA basketball analysis, fast-breaking news updates, and unapologetic hot takes straight from Doug and a rotating crew of insiders. We break down the biggest storylines from tip-off through the NBA Finals, spotlight standout moments in weekly basketball highlights, and dig into what’s real vs. overhyped in the latest sports debate. New to wagering? Our Betting 101 segments translate odds and strategy for everyday fans while we react in real time to shifting lines and late injury news. Whether you’re here for smart hoops talk, bold sports commentary, or a lively community that loves arguing ball, you’re in the right place — DKSN is your home court for NBA news, WNBA news, and can’t-miss basketball conversation. 🏀