Austin Reaves Dominating for Lakers, Rockets Finding Their Groove + What's Spooking You | The Dunker Spot

We've got a Halloween-themed episode of the Dunker Spot today!Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones check in on a few Western conference teams, then have some fun as they bounce around the league. They discuss what's spooking them — good or bad — in the early portion of the season. Then, they close with a round of Trick or Treat, a game where they discuss some interesting early trends and decide if it's unsustainable (trick) or something they believe in (treat).If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected] you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot(1:09) — Lakers/Blazers League Pass Strategy Stream announcement(2:00) — Lakers(8:59) — Wolves(21:32) — Rockets(23:55) — Clippers(29:49) — What's Spooking You? (Steph, SGA, KAT, Pelicans, Cavs, Celtics and more)(50:47) — Trick or Treat (Bucks, Bulls, Nuggets, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and more)(1:04:46) — Free Throws 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Kevin O'Connor welcomes Adam Mares for a rapid-fire ‘Trick or Treat’ Halloween special. From Austin Reaves’ breakout start for the Lakers to the Pelicans’ locker room woes, Adam and KOC determine which teams and trends are merely illusions and which are genuine treats. The pair breaks down Jonathan Kuminga’s impressive start for Golden State, Miami’s innovative offense and why Paolo Banchero may not be the right star for Orlando’s future. Plus, is the full-court press revolution here to stay?(0:42) Austin Reaves All-NBA?(4:22) Winless NBA teams(8:47) Jamal Murray’s best season yet?(10:23) Miami’s new offense(16:53) Can Bulls & 76ers really contend?(24:29) Magic struggle to start season(30:08) Has Kuminga figured it out with GSW?(34:04) Full-court press popularity(39:02) Can stars maintain their current stat lines?(43:08) Is Kon Knueppel the new Klay Thompson?(47:16) Jazz 2-2 to start season(49:19) Cam Johnson, David Adelman & Nuggets(53:07) NBA Cup begins Friday 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine break down what makes Victor Wembanyama’s 4-0 start with the San Antonio Spurs truly historic, as he does something no other NBA player has EVER done before in a four-game stretch. The episode details how Wemby’s on-court presence reshapes defensive strategy, deters shots at the rim and generates a ripple effect for Spurs teammates. Tom and Dan also dissect the numbers behind San Antonio’s surprising 4-0 start and discuss how the team’s revamped tempo and lineup versatility could sustain a playoff push. Plus, a deep dive into the Emirates NBA Cup—format, contenders, group predictions and what fans can expect as the tournament tips off.(1:03) The Big Number: Wemby is one of a kind(19:00) The Little Numbers: Spurs opponent winning percentage(22:39) The Little Numbers: San Antonio starting 5 (26:45) The Little Numbers: Spurs transition points per play(30:05) The Little Numbers: Dylan Harper drives to the basket(36:56) NBA Cup begins Friday 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

We're roughly a week into the 2025-26 regular season, and the guys have you covered with analysis! Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones give more of their early takeaways and questions from the season, including: the early dominance of Wemby and Giannis, the Heat pressing the turbo button, the Magic's shaky offense, the Raptors shaky defense, and much more.If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected] you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot(:32) Introduction(1:25) Teams Impressing Us: San Antonio Spurs(14:31) Teams Impressing Us: Miami Heat(21:44) Teams Impressing Us: Milwaukee Bucks(28:52) Teams Impressing Us: Denver Nuggets(34:15) Teams Impressing Us: Philadelphia 76ers(41:07) Teams making us think: New York Knicks(45:51) Teams making us think: Orlando Magic(49:42) Teams making us think: Houston Rockets(51:36) Teams making us think: Detroit Pistons(55:13) Teams making us think: Toronto Raptors(1:00:06) Teams making us think: Utah Jazz(1:04:18) Player Shoutouts(1:17:34) Free Throws 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Kevin O'Connor is joined by Dane Moore, host of the Dane Moore NBA Show, to dig into the Timberwolves' complicated point guard situation and the team's shifting identity in a stacked Western Conference. Recorded before the news of Anthony Edwards' hamstring injury, Kevin & Dane react to his evolving role as a potential lead guard with Julius Randle acting as an offensive hub. Plus, why is Minnesota’s defensive rating sliding in non-Gobert minutes?The pair also react to the Lakers stellar start to the season, powered by outstanding performances from Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton & Austin Reaves. Elsewhere in the NBA, the Pacers deal with an overwhelming amount of injuries as they start the season 0-3 and the Trail Blazers step up their full-court press.(0:34) Early impressions of Timberwolves(22:06) Pacers start season 0-3(24:52) Lakers stars shine even without LeBron(30:11) Trail Blazers defensive improvements(32:30) League-wide increase of full-court press(47:13) KOC’s week 1 reactions 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

The NBA regular season is underway, and the guys have you covered with analysis! Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones break down some of their early takeaways from the first few days of the season. You'll get thoughts on contenders like the Thunder and Warriors, superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama, and much more.The show closes with WNBA news, as three head coaching jobs are slated to be filled soon. You'll get our quick thoughts on the Toronto Tempo, Portland Fire and Dallas Wings.If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected] you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot(:33) Introduction(1:28) Warriors vs. Nuggets recap(17:58) Thunder vs Pacers recap(34:01) Bounce around the NBA(45:09) More teams using full court pressure(47:06) Raptors vs. Hawks recap(51:23) Heat vs. Magic recap(55:32) Hornets vs. Nets recap(59:50) Lakers defense(1:03:26) DeAndre Jordan signs with Pelicans(1:04:02) WNBA coaching hires 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Kevin O’Connor is joined Spike Eskin to discuss VJ Edgecombe’s incredible rookie debut for the Philadelphia 76ers in their win over the Boston Celtics and debate whether Sixers fans should be concerned about Joel Embiid. Kevin is then joined by Kirk Henderson to unpack Victor Wembanyama’s dominant performance against the Dallas Mavericks and ask what's going wrong with Dallas’ current lineup.KOC reacts to the news that Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups and at least 30 others were arrested by the FBI on allegations of illegal gambling. Later, Jonathan Macri joins the show to talk the Knicks first win of the Mike Brown era against the Cleveland Cavaliers.(0:16) Kirk Henderson on Mavs loss to Spurs(16:42) Rozier, Billups & other arrested(20:35) Spike Eskin on 76ers victory vs. Celtics(43:47) Jonathan Macri on Knicks win vs. Cavs 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

This week on The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine react to the NBA's opening night. They discuss Alperen Sengun's impressive three-point shooting to open the season. What kind of impact could this have on the Houston Rockets' season, and could Sengun be an MVP candidate? The duo also share their takeaways from the Golden State Warriors' win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Are the Warriors title contenders? What do the Lakers need to do to improve their defense? Plus, does Reed Sheppard fit in Houston's system after struggling in the opener?Then Tom and Dan share their thoughts on Michael Jordan's sit down with Mike Tirico for the debut of "MJ: Insights to Excellence." What do they expect going forward?(2:05) The Big Number: Alperen Sengun's 3-point shooting(24:14) - Little Numbers: Warriors title contenders?(28:25) - Little Numbers: Lakers defensive struggles(32:19) - Little Numbers: Rockets unique defensive approach(36:37) - Little Numbers: Does Reed Sheppard fit in Houston(44:56) - "MJ: Insights to Excellence" debuts 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Kevin O’Connor welcomes Andrew Sharp to break down the NBA’s opening night action. From the double-overtime Rockets-Thunder thriller and SGA’s game-winning free throw to standout performances by Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, the duo examine early trends and dynasty potential in Oklahoma City. Kevin and Andrew also spotlight Lakers-Warriors, questioning Deandre Ayton’s usage and what LeBron James’ odd body language on the bench might mean for his future in LA.Then, Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey joins the show to break down his game, from implementing dribble-handoff sets to why he wants to perfect the mid-post. Ace talks learning reads, modeling his game after Kevin Durant, embracing life in Utah and his rookie goals.(0:34) Rockets vs. Thunder recap(21:16) Warriors vs. Lakers recap(42:44) NBA on NBC(1:08:44) Ace Bailey joins the show 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones kick off the episode with their final preview: the Pacific division. They discuss what they're excited about, key questions they have, potential breakout candidates, and the lineups that intrigue them the most.Then, they get into some way-too-early award talk: who are the names you should keep an eye on for MVP, DPOY, and Rookie of the Year?If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected].(:25) Introduction(1:07) Los Angeles Lakers Preview(18:08) Los Angeles Clippers Preview(32:57) Golden State Warriors Preview(50:46) Sacramento Kings Preview(1:03:01) Phoenix Suns Preview(1:14:24) MVP Predictions(1:21:18) DPOY Predictions(1:27:55) Rookie of the Year Predictions(1:30:55) Free Throws 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv