From the NBA Draft to the playoffs and back again, Chris Mannix, Rachel Nichols, and Evan Turner take you on a ride across the NBA standings, laying out the latest news and rumors along the way and leaving no basketball conspiracy theory stone left unturned.
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SI's Liam McKeone and Blake Silverman break down how Mark Walter's legal troubles and Jeannie Buss refusing to sell the team could impact the purchase of the Lakers. We also get into the Cavs upgrading their roster by trading Dennis Schröder, as well as the offseason signings we're still waiting on. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out:…
SI's Liam McKeone and Blake Silverman get into the shocking sale of the Los Angeles Lakers just one year after Mark Walter purchased the team. We also get into Russell Westbrook calling it a career after a memorable 18-year career, and the NBA beginning to release its 2026–27 schedule, including marquee games and matchups to watch for. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy &…
SI's Liam McKeone and Blake Silverman fill in for Chris Mannix as they take a look at whether the Pistons and Timberwolves got better or worse after some major trades, why the Pelicans didn't make any roster moves this offseason, and some under-the-radar moves we liked. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Chris Mannix is joined by The Oregonian's Bill Oram to break down the latest on new Blazers owner Tom Dundon and his standoff with the city of Portland over the cost of renovating the team's arena. They also discuss whether the Blazers relocating is even possible and whether the previous ownership group deserves some blame for letting this happen. Advertising Inquiries:…
Chris Mannix & Rachel Nichols break down why LeBron chose the 76ers as his next team and the dynamic that may form throughout the season. We also discuss what the Heat will do after losing out on LeBron and whether the Warriors will decide to blow it up after this season. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Chris Mannix and Evan Turner break down the breaking news of LeBron James signing with the Sixers as they hear about it live on the podcast before getting Evan's thoughts on his former team, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the long list of cost-cutting moves under new owner Tom Dundon. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Chris Mannix & Rachel Nichols break down why LeBron James' family may influence the choice of his next team more than people think, why the Portland Trail Blazers' new owner is playing hardball with the city over arena renovations, and what Sam Presti's latest trade says about the Thunder's plans for the future. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out:…
Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols break down the latest on LeBron's next destination and why it may be none of the favorites currently being floated. They also discuss the recent grumblings about team building and the second apron, as well as Gary Trent Jr. joining Kawhi Leonard as the latest possible salary cap circumvention violator. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy &…
Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols dive headfirst into a wild alternate NBA reality to break down the fallout of a shocking blockbuster trade that sent Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George and draft capital. They unpack the high-stakes sweepstakes surrounding LeBron James' departure from the Los Angeles Lakers, parsing through Rich Paul's infamous "magical whiteboard"…
Senior Writer Chris Mannix is joined by The Athletic's Jay King to break down the Boston Celtics' first press conference following the blockbuster Jaylen Brown trade. After hearing from Brad Stevens and the Celtics' front office, they examine why Boston decided to move on from JB, what the team revealed about its championship outlook, and how Paul George fits into the franchise's future. The two…
Chris Mannix and Evan Turner react to the Celtics' stunning decision to trade Jaylen Brown to the 76ers for Paul George and a handful of draft picks, breaking down why the move has sparked so much backlash in Boston and whether it can actually make the Celtics better. They also discuss what this means for Jayson Tatum, how Brown fits alongside Joel Embiid in Philadelphia, and where Boston goes…
Chris Mannix and Grant Liffmann break down the major free-agent signings made by the Los Angeles Lakers after the departure of LeBron James, including the massive price they paid for Walker Kessler. They also get into the Hornets quickly rebuilding their roster after making the play-in, why Kawhi Leonard was traded back to the Raptors, and why teams aren't making a play for Jaylen Brown.…
Chris Mannix and Evan Turner break down LeBron James' decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers and speculate on whether he'll take less money to sign with a team like the Warriors. They also discuss what the Blazers might do with their crowded roster after trading for Ja Morant and where Jalen Duren might land after contract talks with the Pistons fell apart. Advertising Inquiries:…
Chris Mannix and Evan Turner break down the risks the Charlotte Hornets and Minnesota Timberwolves took when they dealt LaMelo Ball in exchange for Naz Reid and a slew of picks, why they strongly disagree about a possible trade swapping Jaylen Brown for Evan Mobley, and whether the Heat will be able to compete for a title after trading away half their roster for Giannis. Advertising Inquiries:…
Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols break down the Wizards taking AJ Dybantsa first overall, whether the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks should feel they got enough in return after sending Giannis to South Beach, and how much Jaylen Brown feels slighted after it was confirmed that the Celtics were willing to include him in a trade for Giannis. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy…
Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols break down how the Knicks' carefully built roster was able to win it all and whether Jalen Brunson is the most improbable superstar of all time. They also get into what Victor Wembanyama should focus on next after the first major loss of his career and where Giannis will end up as the Bucks' NBA draft deadline for trading him approaches. Advertising Inquiries:…
Chris Mannix and Evan Turner share their thoughts on the bevy of mistakes that led to the Knicks completing the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history and break down OG Anunoby's ascension, as well as whether the Spurs can recover from the loss and make this a series. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Chris Mannix breaks down how the Knicks came back from a 29-point deficit in the second half of their Game 4 win over the Spurs, what happened in the locker room at halftime, why OG Anunoby is the MVP of this series, and what costly mistakes the Spurs made that cost them the game. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Chris Mannix & Rachel Nichols break down how the Spurs were able to take Game 3 against the Knicks by ditching the bad three-pointers and focusing on getting to the paint. They also get into whether fans being priced out of the Finals led to the underwhelming Knicks crowd, Stephon Castle's veteran-like performance, and whether San Antonio can continue its momentum in Game 4. Advertising Inquiries:…
Chris Mannix sits down with his longtime friend Alex, a long-suffering Knicks fan, to talk about New York's magical run to the Finals, the team's past failures, and what will happen to the city if they win. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Chris Mannix and Evan Turner break down how the Knicks used their more experienced roster to take two wins in San Antonio against the Spurs, why Wemby looks gassed against a New York team led by narrative-changing performances from Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns. Sponsored by: Underdog: Download the Underdog app and use code 'OPENFLOOR' Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands…
Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols break down the Finals matchup between the Knicks and Spurs, whether Mitchell Robinson's hand injury will be a major factor, whether the lack of rest will benefit the Spurs, and which player's legacy will be affected the most by a win. Sponsored by: Underdog: Download the Underdog app and use code 'OPENFLOOR' Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands…
Chris Mannix and Mark Medina break down how Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs took down the Thunder in their seven-game series, how Wemby turned Chet Holmgren into a non-factor, and what moves San Antonio could make with a roster that is about to become very expensive. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols break down what to expect from both teams in the WCF and discuss whether SGA is really flopping as much as people say after the controversy surrounding his playing style became one of the biggest stories of the playoffs. They also get into the Magic hiring Sean Sweeney as their new head coach and what the Spurs assistant can bring to the franchise. Advertising…
Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols break down the Spurs evening their series against the Thunder and whether San Antonio is the more complete team. They also discuss what the Cavs might do after getting run off the floor by the Knicks, whether the Celtics will trade Jaylen Brown despite his stellar yet weird season, and whether LeBron will return to Cleveland or retire. Advertising Inquiries:…
Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols break down the Knicks taking a 2-0 lead over the Cavaliers, the extent of Donovan Mitchell’s injury, and whether Kenny Atkinson should make major lineup changes. They also discuss the growing list of injuries in the Western Conference Finals and whether the Thunder will continue their physical play against Wemby. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands…
Chris Mannix and Evan Turner break down Victor Wembanyama’s historic performance in the Spurs’ Game 1 win over the Thunder, why Chet Holmgren needs to step up for OKC to have a chance, and the bright future of San Antonio’s roster. They also discuss how James Harden and Evan Mobley need to deliver if the Cavs want to beat the Knicks and why they like the Pelicans’ hiring of Jamahl Mosley as their…
Chris Mannix & Jovan Buha break down whether LeBron James will be back with the Lakers next season and for how much money, what value Austin Reaves holds with the team, and if pairing the oft-injured Luka Dončić with Giannis Antetokounmpo is a good idea. Check out Buha's Block here: https://tinyurl.com/54b89hcu Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out:…
Chris Mannix & Evan Turner break down how the Spurs are disproving the notion that young teams can’t win in the playoffs, the Knicks steamrolling the Sixers, the moves that led to Daryl Morey’s dismissal in Philly, and the Giannis Antetokounmpo trades that make sense after the Bucks announced they would listen to offers before next month’s draft. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands…
Chris Mannix & Rachel Nichols break down how the order at the top of the dradft isn't just a lock just yet before getting into the overall winners and losers of the highly anticipated lottery. We also get into what the Sixers do going forward after getting swept by the Knicks and Steve Kerr signing a two year extension with the Warriors Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy &…
Chris Mannix & Evan Turner break down whether the Lakers’ complaints about the refs are valid before discussing James Harden’s terrible playoff performance so far, whether Masai Ujiri will keep Jason Kidd as the Mavericks’ head coach, and the increasingly strange relationship between Jaylen Brown and the Celtics. Sponsored by: Underdog: Download the Underdog app and use code 'OPENFLOOR' &…
Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols break down why Jamahl Mosley was getting fired with or without a series win over the Pistons, what moves Masai Ujiri might make as the Mavericks new team president, the myriad of mistakes made that led the Boston Celtics to blowing a 3-1 lead, and what moves are left for the Rockets to make after losing in the first round to a very injured Lakers team Sponsored by:…
Chris Mannix and Evan Turner break down the Sixers evening the series with the Celtics at three apiece and what Boston can do to stop a rejuvenated Joel Embiid. They also discuss what the Denver Nuggets will do with their roster going forward after being eliminated by a depleted Timberwolves team, and why they’re still high on the Hawks for next season after their historic blowout loss to the…
Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols break down what might be causing Nikola Jokić’s less-than-stellar play, the Cavaliers’ mediocre play against the Raptors, whether the Magic can pull off an upset against the Pistons, why Kevin Durant is not the issue for the Rockets in their series against the Lakers, Steve Kerr’s proposal to end the three-point shot, and what to make of Pat Riley’s interesting…
Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss Billy Donovan’s exit as head coach of the Chicago Bulls and whether he could land with the Warriors if Steve Kerr steps down. They also examine the rumor mill surrounding cost-cutting measures by new Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon and the surprising turn in the Lakers–Rockets series. Goldbelly: goldbelly.com code: OPENFLOOR Advertising Inquiries:…
Chris Mannix and Evan Turner discuss the cost of owning a team in smaller markets, then break down Luka Dončić and Cade Cunningham receiving exceptions to the league’s 65-game rule, why the WNBA keeps getting in its own way as it grows in popularity, and their predictions for the first round of the playoffs. Sponsored by Underdog: Download the Underdog app and use code 'OPENFLOOR' Advertising…
Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols break down the strange end to the regular season, discuss what the Bucks might do with Giannis this offseason after firing Doc Rivers, and look at some of the best playoff matchups, as well as what LeBron will do this offseason after what will surely be an early playoff exit. Sponsored by Underdog: Download the Underdog app and use code 'OPENFLOOR' Advertising…
Chris Mannix and Evan Turner break down Joel Embiid’s unlucky case of appendicitis, then discuss Jayson Tatum’s triumphant return to Madison Square Garden less than a year after tearing his Achilles there in the playoffs. They also examine whether the Houston Rockets’ recent winning streak is enough to carry them deep into the playoffs and the tight MVP race between Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel.…
Chris Mannix & Rachel Nichols break down the Chicago Bulls finally cleaning house in their front office, why Michael Malone decided to forgo a return to the NBA to coach at the University of North Carolina, how major injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves have doomed the Lakers’ promising season, and whether the showdown between Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama is a preview of things to come…
Chris Mannix and Evan Turner break down how the Lakers have remained the NBA’s hottest team and whether LeBron James will take less money to contribute to a contender next season. They also discuss how the Knicks are caught in another rough spell and Jayson Tatum winning Player of the Week as another step in his remarkable comeback. Sponsored by: Sponsored by Underdog: Download the Underdog app…
Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols break down how Luka Dončić is making a late-season MVP push, Adam Silver’s very complicated anti-tanking proposals he outlined at the annual Board of Governors meetings, why the Sixers could surprise someone in the first round of the playoffs, and the increasingly complex trade situation involving Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. Sponsored by: Sponsored by…
Chris Mannix and Evan Turner break down how this year's MVP race could come down to the wire, as well as which three players they believe are most deserving. They also share additional thoughts on the increasingly scrutinized 65-game minimum rule and discuss what the future holds for Cam Thomas after being waived by two tanking teams within a month Advertising Inquiries:…
Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss whether there will be any updates on league expansion or the Clippers investigation at the Board of Governors meetings before discussing the Lakers winning nine in a row behind Luka Dončić, why Karl-Anthony Towns keeps getting criticized even when the Knicks win, and what is going wrong for the Rockets to end the season Advertising Inquiries:…
Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols break down the Lakers sweeping the Rockets in a two-game series behind improved play from Deandre Ayton and a new role for LeBron James, why the NBA's 65-game minimum rule is hurting the competitive MVP race, and whether the league really needs to expand to 32 teams Sponsored by Underdog: Download the Underdog app and use code 'OPENFLOOR' Advertising Inquiries:…
Chris Mannix is joined by 18-year NBA vet Derek Fisher to break down how Victor Wembanyama should be in the MVP discussion if the Spurs can overtake the Thunder, the Clippers miraculous turnaround following a 6-20 start to the year, and why both L.A. teams could pull an upset in the playoffs Sponsored by Underdog: Download the Underdog app and use code 'OPENFLOOR' Advertising Inquiries:…
Chris Mannix and Evan Turner break down how LeBron James is elevating his play towards the end of the season to propel the Lakers, how Jayson Tatum is looking after three games back, Jaylen Brown's questionable ejection on national TV, how much players should defend a teammate after they're disrespected on the court, and how the Orlando Magic are playing to their potential after underwhelming this…
Chris Mannix & Rachel Nichols break down how Jayson Tatum looked in his first three games back, why the Lakers keep showing that they're better without LeBron James in the lineup, if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's game winner against Denver locked in his second straight MVP award, and if the Pistons four game losing streak means they aren't the favorites in the east Advertising Inquiries:…
Chris Mannix & Evan Turner break down Jayson Tatum being expected to make his season debut 10 months after tearing his achilles, how far the red hot Charlotte Hornets could go this season and beyond, and the recent sideline tiff between Luka Doncic and JJ Redick Sponsored by Underdog: Download the Underdog app and use code 'OPENFLOOR' Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy &…
Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols break down how much Giannis Antetokounmpo & Trae Young will play after returning from injury, Lu Dort's cheap shot on Nikola Jokic, if the Knicks will show up in the playoffs after an up and down season, why Joe Mazzulla is the front runner for coach of the year, and if Cooper Flagg or Kon Knueppel is more deserving of rookie of the year Sponsored by Underdog:…
Chris Mannix and Evan Turner break down the Lakers recent losing streak and why their big names not meshing together signals a first round loss for the franchise. We also get into why the Pelicans need to trade a finally healthy Zion Williamson this offseason and why the Bulls are desperate for some lottery luck to pull them out of obscurity Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands…
