The Hoop Collective: Does Harden Make The Cavs Contenders? How Wide Open Is The East?

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s heroic performance against the Nuggets including if that epic game ended the MVP debate. Plus, are we concerned about the healing Nuggets at all or encouraged by improving health? Then, we discuss if this is the best season of Kawhi’s career before discussing if the up and down Knicks are a concern. Finally, the epic return of the Cojones Factor Player Of the Month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to get together for an emergency pod to react to Bam Adebayo scoring a historic 83 points for the Heat tonight. We discuss the significance of him passing Kobe for 2nd-most points in NBA History and some wild reactions around the league. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk Tatum’s return to the Celtics and if it now makes Boston the favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference. Next, we talk about the Lakers’ big win over the Knicks before diving into Victor Wembanyama’s impassioned performances of late. The guys discuss why Wemby’s passion and competitive fire are so good for the NBA moving forward. Then, we discuss the state of the Thunder with their injuries and talk about Steve Kerr’s comments on SGA getting to the line. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Vince Goodwill and King McClure to preview the top prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft including which players have the chance to change the trajectory of an NBA franchise. Plus, we talk about the drama with the top pick between AJ Dybantsa & Darryn Peterson.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk about Giannis’ return to the Bucks and what these next few months will mean for his future in Milwaukee. Then, we discuss an interesting back and forth between Paolo Banchero and Orlando head coach Jamahl Mosley before speaking about Trae Young’s upcoming debut for the Wizards. Finally, we break down Steph Curry’s latest injury before talking OKC’s strategy to keep their stars healthy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk about the Knicks getting a big win over the Spurs at MSG including if San Antonio has some concerns for the playoffs surrounding Wemby’s support. Plus, we break down injury updates on Jayson Tatum & Steph Curry before tackling a big win for Minnesota and the potential for Anthony Edwards to be a playoff threat again. Finally, we discuss if Jokic’s wrist injury is cause for concern in Denver before talking why nobody should want to face the Hornets in the playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Vince Goodwill and Anthony Slater to talk a big matchup between the Cavs & Pistons in Detroit including why the Pistons are extra motivated for the playoff push this season. Plus, we react to Kevin Durant’s comments on the future of Team USA basketball and how they compare to the rest of the world heading into the 2028 Olympics. Finally, we discuss why Nikola Jokic has not looked right of late before highlighting a promotion in Atlanta. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to the Cavs getting a big home win over the Knicks including a breakdown of what this game says about each team. Plus, the Spurs make a statement in Detroit in a fashion that raises questions about the Pistons’ ability to make a deep playoff run, in part due to San Antonio having two elite defenders. The guys then tackle the injured Thunder continuing to get the job done and how that could potentially impact the future of the franchise. Finally, the guys settle if Jaylen Brown is underrated or properly rated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to the Thunder getting a shorthanded win against the Cavs including if Cleveland will be able to figure out their rotations in time to make a deep playoff run. Next, we talk about more inexplicable losses from the Wolves before diving into a tough loss for the Lakers against Boston on Pat Riley’s day in LA. Finally, we discuss if the young Pistons will be ready to win the East this season or will a potentially healthy Boston be ready soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to Bontemps’ 2nd MVP Straw Poll of the season including some possible paths to first time winners, the brilliance of SGA and if Jokic can get enough games in. Plus, we break down some possible tanking solutions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices