The Athletic NBA Daily

With 6 days remaining the NBA regular season, the 2 through 8 seeds are all still up for grabs. Dave DuFour and RealGM’s Wes Goldberg breakdown the western conference playoff seeding race, discuss the field, and why the Clippers need to avoid the play-in. Then, Dave and Wes breakdown the defensive player of the year race, discuss Amen Thompson’s case, and why Tyler Herro should win most improved.

Host: Dave DuFour
With: Wes Goldberg
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
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Luka Doncic scored 30 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 27-point blowout win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dave DuFour and RealGM’s John Wilmes breakdown the Lakers win, discuss JJ Redick’s coaching, and the OKC’s nightmare scenario. Then, Dave and John discuss the MVP level performances from Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo and what it means if they fail in the playoffs.

Host: Dave DuFour
With: John Wilmes
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody
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Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA Basketball, the most improved player, and our players, stats and quotes of the week. Then they are joined by Mike Smeltz to discuss the Brooklyn Nets and what prospects are worth building with, coach Jordi Fernandez and his potential, which players they should target in the draft, and more. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against a beat writer.

Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers
With: Mike Smeltz
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio/Video Editor: Jake Kleinberg
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Stephen Curry scored 37 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 123-116 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Dave DuFour and Jovan Buha breakdown the Warriors defense against the Lakers, Luka’s worst game in LA, and Austin Reaves’ playoff role. Then, the Athletic’s Marcus Thompson stops by to discuss his film breakdown with Draymond Green, Kevin Garnett, and the Defensive Player of the Year award.

Host: Dave DuFour
With: Jovan Buha & Marcus Thompson
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody

Read Marcus Thompson on Draymond: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6248565/2025/04/03/draymond-green-golden-state-warriors-nba-defense/
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 33 points on the Detroit Pistons as the OKC Thunder pick up their 11th straight win. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Thunder’s chances at 70 wins, the bad loss for the Kings, and Anthony Davis’ game winner. Then, the Athletic’s James Edwards stops by to talk about the Knicks’ loss to Cleveland, OG Anunoby’s scoring surge, and Jalen Brunson’s return.

Host: Dave DuFour
With: Es Baraheni & James Edwards
Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht
Audio Producer: Grayson Moody

Read James Edwards on OG: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6248667/2025/04/02/knicks-og-anunoby-new-york/
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