Rockets-Thunder OT thriller, Lakers look lackluster vs. Warriors + Ace Bailey on his role in Utah | The Kevin O'Connor Show

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

Kevin O'Connor and Chris Vernon make semi-bold predictions for the 2025-26 NBA season, including which rookies will break out, MVP hopefuls, and surprise playoff teams. The pair predicts big things for Victor Wembanyama, Devin Booker, and even a potential LeBron James move away from the Lakers.Later, KOC & Verno react to NBA news such as Russell Westbrook signing with the Kings, Michael Jordan's role on NBA on NBC and even talk a little NFL.(0:48) Semi-bold predictions(17:07) Semi-bold predictions continued(47:25) Russell Westbrook signs with Sacramento(52:18) NFL Week 7 reaction(58:57) Expectations for Cedric Coward 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

We have a mega episode for you!Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones kick off the episode with the latest news, covering the Kings’ latest news and ending with a salute to Malcolm Brogdon.Then, the guys continue their NBA season preview series with both the Atlantic and Central divisions. They discuss what they're excited about, key questions they have, potential breakout candidates, and the lineups that intrigue them the most.If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected].(:29) Introduction(1:10) Kings sign Russell Westbrook, re-sign Keegan Murray(5:14) Malcolm Brogdon retires(7:09) Boston Celtics preview(18:42) New York Knicks preview(34:18) Toronto Raptors preview(46:05) Brooklyn Nets preview(53:20) Philadelphia 76ers preview(100:35) Cleveland Cavaliers preview(110:09) Indiana Pacers preview(118:04) Milwaukee Bucks preview(127:12) Detroit Pistons preview(134:37) Chicago Bulls preview 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Bobby Marks to preview the 2025 NBA season and react to major preseason headlines, including Russell Westbrook signing with the Sacramento Kings and Keegan Murray’s extension. The pair discuss whether Lonzo Ball is the most underrated offseason addition, if the Spurs are being undervalued, whether the Pistons and Timberwolves can take the leap from good to great and more. Then, Tyrese Haliburton joins KOC and the pair predicts the next big NBA trends. Will double-big lineups dominate the league again? Could more teams incorporate the full-court press? And what’s contributing to the decline in pick-and-roll usage?Kevin is then joined by Dan Titus who shares advice for drafting your fantasy basketball team.(0:39) 16 big questions with Bobby Marks(52:27) Tyrese Haliburton joins the show(1:11:38) Fantasy basketball advice with Dan Titus 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

This week on The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine make the case for their top five 2025-26 NBA MVP candidates. Can Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio win enough games in the Western Conference this year to propel him into the MVP conversation? Can Jokić earn a fourth league MVP boosted by an improved Nuggets roster? The duo also discusses the MVP arguments for SGA, Giannis & Steph Curry.Plus, Russell Westbrook signed a deal with the Sacramento Kings and is expected to join the team later this week. But where exactly does Westbrook make sense on this Kings roster?(1:20) The Big Number: Victor Wembanyama MVP case(21:40) Little Numbers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander MVP case(24:37) Little Numbers: Nikola Jokić MVP case(29:13) Little Numbers: Giannis Antetokounmpo MVP case(32:55) Little Numbers: Steph Curry MVP case(38:44) Russell Westbrook signs deal with Sacramento Kings 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Nekias Duncan & Steve Jones dive into the Tuesday podcast by taking a look at a Southwest Division stacked with talent, starting with the Houston Rockets, who feature a potentially strong combo of Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson causing havoc for opposing teams.Later in the show, Nekias & Steve share their thoughts on the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs, with Ja Morant and Victor Wembanyama returning and looking to make an impact for their squads after last season was largely a lost one for both. They then discuss how the addition of Cooper Flagg to the Mavericks could potentially be a game-changer for the division and help elevate the Mavs to a higher level.The guys wrap the episode by talking about the possible impact of having a fully healthy Zion Williamson for the New Orleans Pelicans, as well as naming their X-factors for the team this season. Finally, Nekias & Steve examine the Las Vegas Aces’ sweep of the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Finals, securing their third title in four years. 1:41 – Houston Rockets preview24:46 – Memphis Grizzlies preview40:28 – Dallas Mavericks preview57:20 – San Antonio Spurs preview1:14:54 – New Orleans Pelicans preview1:25:03 – Aces win WNBA title 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv