#370: 2026 Playoff preview

Who is in trouble? Does anyone look better than expected? We discuss big takeaways from the first few days of the NBA playoffs, including the Knicks-Hawks crazy series and the Pistons-Magic stunner. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

Apologies for some audio issues today! We preview the title favorites, matchup dynamics, possible dark horses, how the playoffs COULD be different (officiating changes, possible trends with rebounding, turnovers, transition game and more). 

Who were the best defenders in 2026? We crown our champions in 6 categories, plus a new BONUS award at the end of the show. Which player appeared in every category this year? Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We discuss the best coaches of 2026, the Coach of the Year race, and react to our Jaylen Brown deep dive against the Thunder. Plus, Cody's defense of Sex Panther. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

A new inner circle team? Is another fading? We discuss what “clutch” performances should mean in the MVP race, Ajay Mitchell's value to the Thunder and more. Use code THINKING2026 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order. https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/THINKING2026

Huge takes on Bam's 83 point game, the possible anarchy of the looming 65-game rule, Kawhi Leonard's incredible rebirth this season, the Clippers as a darkhorse, the Lakers improved defense with Marcus Smart, and our favorite movie villains. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

A stat that captures Victor Wembanyama's unrivaled defensive impact! We discuss his latest ascension and where he ranks among the best 1-game peaks in the league right now, what we're looking at in Jayson Tatum's return to the Celtics, a post-show on Thanos, plus Jaylen Brown's plus-minus. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball

We discuss the concept of a role player: Offense vs defense concepts, the negative vs positive uses of the term, great complementary players and whether the concept makes sense in the first place. Plus, updates on the Knicks and Nuggets big games from this past week. Use code THINKING2026 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order. https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/THINKING2026

We discuss the extremes of Luka Doncic and massive production vs. value, weird fit and building around negative defenders vs. 2-way players. Plus, the fallout from the Celtics big week and the Spurs-Pistons showdown. Cody’s Jalen Duren and Jaylen Brown hot takes.

The trade deadline changed a few rosters in the East – we discuss James Harden's move to Cleveland, and where that leaves them next to the Celtics, Pistons and Knicks. Also, the All-Star game was fun again, and why Ben wants a 1-on-1 tournament to replace the dunk contest. Support atwww.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball