Six Questions Before the Homestretch, Hawks' Streak Hits 10, and Introducing the Prospector

Verno and Jacoby jump right into their Loves and Loathes, including Wemby’s case for MVP and why Draymond agrees and disagrees with it, George Gervin’s case as the real Iceman, Shai’s and JB’s jabs at each other, and more. (:17) Welcome to The Mismatch! (:23) Sweet 16 started: Purdue and Iowa deliver victories (2:31) 76ers rout the Bulls with 157 points (7:58) The Thunder and Celtics silently dissing each other (11:16) The latest saga with Giannis and the Bucks (21:04) The Celtics are not supposed to be this good (24:42) The Atlanta Hawks' run to 41-32 (31:46) Key players returning for the playoffs (33:11) Rudy Gobert and his longevity diet (37:37) Scott Foster and every one of his calls (40:50) Victor Wembanyama’s case for MVP (50:28) The Hornets and the defense that they play (54:17) Draymond Green and his case for MVP (59:23) The Rockets and all of their problems (1:02:09) Jokic reminds the league he’s MVP-caliber (1:07:35) Zion playing all these games for the Pelicans (1:09:53) There's only one “Iceman,” and that is George Gervin (1:12:45) Long TSA lines! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Brian H. Waters and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby return to react to last night’s matchups, including the Lakers' win streak ending in Detroit. Then they look at 10 important things happening in the remainder of the regular season, and the Prospector returns.Welcome to The Mismatch!(0:40) Pistons end the red-hot Lakers' win streak: No Luka magic (8:23) 10 things with 10 games left (8:55) What stands out in the East standings? (9:05) What are the Bucks doing?: The Cam Thomas dilemma (11:36) Cavs playoff chances: Payroll is in win-now mode (16:20) The regression is real for the Orlando Magic (20:42) What stands out in the West standings? (26:09) Lakers desperate and scary: Luka MVP, LeBron breaking records (35:40) Thunder-Wizards fight: The Wizards are ruining the NBA (40:35) Knicks are sending Jacoby to therapy (44:45) Kevin Durant passes MJ: Fifth all time on scoring list (59:40) The Prospector is back with an NCAA tournament update Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091Hosts: Chris Vernon and David JacobyProducers: Stefan Anderson and Jeff ShearinSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby share live reactions while Luka Doncic drops 60 points as the Lakers' win streak continues, Victor Wembanyama silences the Suns (and Jacoby) with a game-winner, and they have an interesting debate about astrology and discover a new way that it relates to the NBA. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:31) Red-hot Charlotte on a roll after its 4-14 start to the season (02:16) Luka drops 60 for the Lakers: Historic night in Miami (06:25) Wemby silences Jacoby: Spurs' clutch 101-100 win vs. Suns (10:36) Pistons’ big opportunity: Prove they’re not Cade-dependent (20:06) Loves and Loathes (20:25) Verno Loves: Tomahawk poster by Rasheer Fleming (26:20) Jacoby Loves: Luka and the Lakers’ vibe is different (31:35) Verno Loathes: Watching the Nuggets implode vs. the Grizzlies (40:14) Jacoby Loathes: The position the Pelicans are in (42:02) Verno Loves: Dejounte Murray’s Achilles return (45:04) Jacoby Loves: The Eastern Conference solidified a lot at the trade deadline (47:13) Verno Loathes: 65-game rule needs to be amended for injury (51:31) Jacoby Loathes: Anyone who believes in astrology (56:17) Verno Loves: Carlos Boozer repping son Cameron (58:16) Jacoby Loves: Nebraska wins first NCAA tournament game in school history (01:02:55) Verno Loathes: Draymond the “jerkface” (01:06:46) Jacoby Loathes: Anthony Davis ‘Punk'd’ show The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. (only needed when baked-in FanDuel ad read is in episode) Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Stefan Anderson, Brian Waters, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby return to react to last night’s matchups and the Hawks' rise in the East, they ask some important questions before the homestretch, and introduce the Prospector. Welcome to The Mismatch! (0:55) The Atlanta Hawks' win streak reaches 10 in a row (8:30) Suns-Celtics: Jaylen Brown drops a season-high 41 points to seal thriller (12:20) Lakers-Rockets: Lakers turn back the clock with defensive win (16:13) Six questions before the homestretch (16:32) Can all 10 teams in the East win two games in the playoffs? (21:35) Are the Thunder the team everyone wants to lose? (28:12) Do we need to take the Lakers seriously as a West contender? (34:34) What do we think of expansion? (38:42) Who would the Knicks rather see: Raptors or Magic? (41:53) Who’s the top-4 seed in each conference you trust the least? (45:10) The Prospector joins the show (47:35) The Prospector's favorite prospects (50:52) The Prospector is out on these prospects (53:39) The Prospector's deep cuts Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Stefan Anderson and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby return to recap the Thunder-Celtics matchup, Kawhi Leonard’s brilliance, and Luka effortlessly scoring 50. Then they discuss their loves and loathes for this past week. Welcome to The Mismatch!1:25 Thursday's games: Thunder beat the Celtics7:16 Thursday's games: Middleton turns back the clock for Mavs12:52 Verno Loves: Kawhi Leonard is a marvel to watch16:14 Jacoby Loves: The experience at the Intuit Dome22:24 Verno Loathes: Refs ejecting Jaylen Brown in Celtics-Spurs28:17 Jacoby Loathes: Bam scoring “Hatey Three”32:44 Verno Loves: Jalen Johnson having a historic season36:12 Jacoby Loves: Joe Mazzulla should be in the “Coach of the Year” convo37:43 Verno Loathes: Everyone hating on the Pistons42:12 Jacoby Loathes: How Luka is covered even after scoring 51pts46:59 Verno Loves: The Orlando Magic getting on track53:31 Jacoby Loves: Jokic-Murray duo57:40 Verno Loathes: Dwight Howard’s retirement announcement1:02:23 Jacoby Loathes: L.A. traffic sucks! Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091Hosts: Chris Vernon and David JacobyProducers: Stefan Anderson and Jeff ShearinSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby return to recap last night’s matchup between the Thunder and Nuggets. Then they address their levels of concern for the Pistons, Rockets, and Knicks and the effects of Jayson Tatum returning from injury.  (00:43) SGA ties Wilt, then steals Nikola Jokic’s soul: OKC’s game of the year  (14:41) Verno “walks back” his Lu Dort take on his uncontrollable movements  (21:47) Jacoby and Verno’s level of concern: Major, minor, or meh  (22:33) Concern level for Knicks two games after losing streak in L.A.: Minor  (29:13) Concern level for the Pistons' losing streak: Major  (35:01) Concern level for the Rockets getting waxed: Major  (41:03) Concern level for the 76ers: Major  (44:56) Concern level for Michael Jordan’s concept of excellence: Meh  (51:05) Concern level for the East with Tatum back: Major  (56:08) Concern level for the Hornets being mediocre: Meh  (01:01:52) Concern level for Magic City Night being canceled: Minor  (01:09:48) Concern level for the lack of drama in the West: Meh  Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! ⁠(323) 389-5091⁠  Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby  Producers: Stefan Anderson and Jeff Shearin  Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby discuss a couple of anticipated debuts as Jayson Tatum gets ready to suit up for the Celtics and Trae Young finally steps on the floor for the Wizards. They also get into SGA's fashion choice for a warm day in NYC.(00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!(2:34) Thursday’s games: Spurs are great with 71 points in the first half(7:45) Loves and loathes(7:54) Verno loves: Tatum returns and makes his 2025-26 debut(15:14) Jacoby loves: Trae Young debuts with the Wizards(18:33) Verno loathes: Jokic’s dirty play(22:32) Jacoby loathes: Doc Rivers's retirement(24:19) Verno loves: NBC's throwback and storyteller era(31:23) Jacoby loves: The dangerous teams of the Eastern Conference(34:17) Verno loathes: Marcus Smart’s ugly shots at Memphis(38:29) Jacoby loathes: SGA covered in fur from the nose to the toes(41:31) Verno loves: Two-way success stories(47:21) Jacoby loves: The Hawks’ win streak heating up(50:33) Verno loathes: Scoot's struggles in the Grizzlies-Blazers game(56:19) Jacoby loathes: Sad-watching the Celtics lose with Bill SimmonsThe Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091Hosts: Chris Vernon and David JacobyProducers:  Brian H. Waters and Jeff ShearinSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby return to discuss the things about the NBA season that have aggravated them, including Lu Dort, Wemby, and the gaudy schedule. They also talk about Trae Young, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Darius Garland all returning from their injuries.Welcome to The Mismatch!(1:05) The dog days of the NBA: Post All-Star slog(6:30) Verno: The conflicted feelings of winning(12:10) Jacoby: Jalen Brunson is enough to win a championship(17:00) Verno: The extinction of the small guard(24:45) Jacoby: Wouldn’t hold the door open for Wemby(30:55) Verno: Dirty Dort’s cheap-shot collection(36:10) Jacoby: Expects so much more from Cam Johnson(40:35) Verno: Trading Jared McCain to the Thunder(44:50) Jacoby: Diluted NBA; there are too many games!(47:04) Verno: Sparks fly between JJ and Luka on the sideline(58:21) Jacoby: California dreamin’The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091Hosts: Chris Vernon and David JacobyProducers: Stefan Anderson and Jeff ShearinSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby return as they discuss the Suns bouncing back to win over the Lakers, the Spurs extending their win streak to 11 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returning from his injury. Then they discuss their loves and loathes for this past week. (0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:31) Suns sink Lakers, Rockets stun Magic, Spurs Make it 11 Straight (11:03) Knueppel shatters rookie 3-point record with 207th triple (21:29) Jacoby and Verno’s Love and loathes (21:41) Verno loves: Mat Ishbia $1 Million prize for ASW Dunk Contest (27:34) Jacoby Loves: JK’s explosive new era in Atlanta (29:50) Verno Loathes: The NBA sending independent doctors to Utah (35:37) Jacoby Loathes: James Harden Injury (37:02) Verno Loves: Costas, Collins & Fratello Reunited for Spurs-Sixers on NBC (41:48) Jacoby Loves: Giannis less Bucks are on fire right now (44:19) Verno Loathes: Can I trust you Knicks? (49:53) Jacoby Loathes: Ayton Fires back “I’m not no Clint Capela” (53:02) Verno Loves: Taj Gibson signing with Grizzlies (57:03) Jacoby Loves: Magic City Monday in Atlanta (1:00:32) Verno Loathes: Vince Williams injury and perspective (1:06:37) Jacoby Loathes: Lakers aren’t even interesting anymore Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby return as they discuss the Spurs win against the Pistons and their push towards the top seed in the West as well as the Kings finally ending their 16-game losing streak against the Grizzlies. They then set up their bit of the day, ‘talk me out of this’, where they attempt to change their minds on a specific take.(00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!(02:04) Spurs continue to push for the one seed in a dominant win vs. Pistons(10:26) Kings snap 16-game losing streak with win vs. Grizzlies(18:15) Dillon Brooks was the one guy the Suns couldn’t lose(22:30) The Spurs will be NBA champions… Next year(28:10) This should be and will be LeBron James's last year with the Lakers(33:53) The 65 game rule is stupid and should not exist(43:35) Playing hard is the new moneyball for the league(47:33) The play-in games are fun, but entirely unnecessary(53:08) If Fred VanVleet and Jayson Tatum return, then the Rockets and Celtics are title contenders(1:01:34) No sport provides a better finish than hockeyLeave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091Hosts: Chris Vernon and David JacobyProducers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff ShearinSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices