Rising Heat, Jokic’s 104-point weekend & key NBA Cup questions

Kevin O'Connor is joined by Jason Timpf to discuss seven big takeaways from last weekend's NBA action before previewing the NBA Cup. The duo kick things off with the red-hot Miami Heat and Tyler Herro’s breakout play. With Herro stepping up, the guys discuss how Miami might have actually benefitted by not trading for Damian Lillard. From there, they dive into the Philadelphia 76ers, as Joel Embiid looks dominant, and Jason wonders if Philly has finally turned the corner—provided they can stay healthy.They also discuss Brandon Miller, who’s been impressing early for Charlotte, and the Indiana Pacers, for whom things might get ugly with Tyrese Haliburton in a slump. KOC and Jason also hit on Cooper Flagg, the Brandon Ingram injury and the Denver Nuggets.The NBA Cup is front and center, with the guys analyzing Milwaukee Bucks title chances and Giannis’ career-best play. Plus, they break down the Orlando Magic, the rising Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks—with Jason even picking Dallas as his favorite to win it all.Finally, they wrap with Golden State Warriors drama around Draymond Green’s benching and the balance between veterans and young talent in today’s NBA before getting musical with some discussion around the Las Vegas Sphere, the Grateful Dead and John Mayer's impact on music.(1:00) - Heat are coming alive(5:00) - Are the Sixers turning a corner?(9:05) - Brandon Miller is taking a leap(14:10) - Things could get ugly for the Pacers(18:35) - Capture the Flagg(24:00) - Does the Brandon Ingram injury actually help the New Orleans Pelicans?(27:20) - Do the Nuggets still have a chance?(36:45) - NBA cup preview(1:05:45) - The Vegas Sphere, the Grateful Dead & John Mayer📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

In this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin is joined by Tom Haberstroh to dive into the latest news and storylines around the NBA. Kevin kicks things off solo as he reacts to the Denver Nuggets getting walloped by the Cleveland Cavaliers, as Kevin goes points out Jamal Murray's inability to help Nikola Jokic win games and whether there's a move the Nuggets could make to save their season.Later, KOC and Tom Haberstroh dive into the Los Angeles Lakers' ongoing struggles and explore potential fixes for the team. They dissect JJ Redick’s fiery critiques of the Lakers, including their lack of effort and communication on defense. Are LeBron James and Anthony Davis running on empty already? The guys also discuss the possibility of trading for big names like Zach LaVine, or even moving on from AD as the Lakers look for answers.From there, they turn their attention to the Miami Heat’s recent dominant win over the Lakers, assessing whether the Heat's victory is more about their success or LA’s decline. Plus, with trade rumors swirling around Brandon Ingram, KOC and Tom weigh in on the New Orleans Pelicans' rocky season and what Ingram’s future could look like.Later in the show, the conversation shifts to Ja Morant’s shift away from dunking, Khris Middleton’s importance to the Milwaukee Bucks and what it means for the title race.(00:25) - KOC on the Nuggets(5:45) - What's wrong with the Lakers?(28:20) - Brandon Ingram trade speculation(32:45) - Ja Morant is done dunking(38:25) - Khris Middleton returns to the Bucks📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

In this week’s episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin O'Connor and Dan Titus dive into the latest NBA trends, including a closer look at LeBron James and the struggling Los Angeles Lakers. Is this the worst stretch of LeBron's legendary career? Can the Lakers stay afloat, or are they cooked? Kevin and Dan discuss the team’s lack of creation, LeBron’s fatigue and the challenges ahead unless a major trade is made.Next, the guys turn their attention to the Western Conference playoff race. The Minnesota Timberwolves just secured a big win, but are they truly a contender? Dan thinks they have the best chance to make the playoffs out of the bottom teams, though they still need more to reach the next level. Meanwhile, Kevin isn’t buying into the Sacramento Kings’ playoff hopes, citing coaching concerns and the rise of other teams in the conference.In a surprising turn, the Milwaukee Bucks are on a 6-game win streak, but are they legitimate championship contenders? Kevin and Dan break down Giannis Antetokounmpo’s MVP-level play, but warn against getting too carried away until they face tougher competition.Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic are rolling with Franz Wagner leading the charge, and the Memphis Grizzlies have won 6 in a row thanks to impressive depth. Could either of these teams be a sneaky playoff contender? Kevin also dives into the struggling New Orleans Pelicans and wonders if it’s time for a full rebuild.Later, the guys address the Washington Wizards' ongoing misery and preview James Harden’s recent dominance for the Los Angeles Clippers. Plus, what to expect from the Charlotte Hornets in LaMelo Ball's absence, and how to navigate fantasy hoops in this weird double week.(1:05) - Can the Lakers overcome LeBron's declining play?(8:20) - Timberwolves & the Western Conference playoff picture(17:40) - Are Bucks back to being a contender?(24:05) - What clicking for the Magic?(28:40) - Are the Grizzlies sneaky contenders this season?(31:50) - Time for the Pelicans to blow it up?(38:15) - Wizards on pace for historically bad season(41:50) - Fantasy basketball corner📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

On a special Thanksgiving edition of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Tom Haberstroh joins the show to help share what they're thankful for this Thanksgiving.They discuss their favorite players, trends, and statistics across the league this season that make the NBA exciting an entertaining. Among the topics discuss, they cover Giannis Antetokounmpo's improved jump shot, older players outperforming their age, Jarrett Allen's unique personality and the NBA Cup.(1:33) "Golden Guys"(7:47) Players being honest(13:21) Hubie Brown(16:04) Kris Dunn(19:40) Dunk Score(27:55) Giannis Antetokounmpo's jump shot(32:54) Jarrett Allen(36:35) Area 51(40:35) The NBA Cup

In this week’s episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin is joined by Tate Frazier to dive deep into the biggest storylines in college basketball, with an eye on the 2024 NBA Draft. They break down the top prospects, sleepers, and potential steals in a packed episode.Cooper Flagg continues to dominate as the top 2024 draft prospect, and Tate and Kevin discuss his impressive defensive play, his development potential and how he might fit with NBA teams like the Philadelphia 76ers. They also take a look at other high-level freshmen like Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, and explore whether someone can challenge Flagg for the #1 overall spot.The conversation shifts to some intriguing draft sleepers, with Tate spotlighting Lebaron Philon from Alabama and Kevin highlighting Collin Murray Boyles, who draws comparisons to Draymond Green. They also discuss Egor Demin from BYU and whether he could make a push into the lottery or even the top pick conversation.The guys also talk about UConn's rising stars, including Liam McNeeley and Alex Karaban, two prospects who are seeing their draft stock rise early in the season. Tate weighs in on UConn’s chances of a three-peat, and Kevin breaks down how these young players are developing under Dan Hurley’s system.Finally, they touch on the state of the Charlotte Hornets, with Tate sharing his thoughts on LaMelo Ball and the future of the franchise as they look to build around the promising Brandon Miller.(1:50) - Cooper Flagg and Duke's impressive freshmen(12:30) - Who can challenge Flagg for the #1 overall spot?(18:55) - Favorite NBA draft sleepers(34:15) - UConn deep dive: impressive freshmen & three-peat chances(42:20) - Tate's Hornets thoughtsCheck out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

A month after the start of the NBA season, Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh reveal what their award ballots would look like if the season ended today.(01:05) - Magic 119, Lakers 118(06:30) - KOC visits the Intuit Dome(12:10) - Hornets 123, Pistons 121 (OT)(15:30) - How worried should the Timberwolves be?(17:45) - Should the NBA change playoff seeding?(24:50) - NBA one-month awardsOn this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, KOC and Tom Haberstroh dive into the news before revealing what their award ballots would look like if the NBA season ended today.The guys use the Magic's thrilling victory over the Lakers last night to highlight Franz Wagner, who has found his jump shot and once again looks like one of the 20 best players in the NBA. Anthony Davis, an MVP favorite, is already starting to look a bit tired.KOC talks about his visit to the Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers, where he witnessed many bathrooms and The Wall, which may or may not be filled with paid actors.The Hornets topped the Pistons in overtime and seem like they're built for the future with young stars like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Tom and Kevin also discuss the Timberwolves, who have fallen to 8-7 and appear to be out of sorts with a difficult part of the schedule ahead of them.Before diving into their NBA one-month award ballots, the guys discuss the idea of the NBA changing its playoff seeding to a 1-16 system that does not rely on conferences. Is it in the best interest of the league? Is it even possible?Finally, find out who would be their picks for MVP, Rookie of the Month, Defensive Player of the Month, Most Improved Player, Coach of the Month, Sixth Man of the Month and even on the All-NBA or All-Rookie teams if the season ended today. Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

Kevin O'Connor is joined by Mo Dakhil to give their thoughts and takeaway's from Monday night's NBA action. The duo start off with the Los Angeles Clippers beating the Golden State Warriors, as they discuss the Clippers' playoff aspirations and how much the Warriors should still scare teams in the Western conference. Next up is the Atlanta Hawks' dramatic victory over the Sacramento Kings, as the duo discus De'Aaron Fox and Zachary Risacher, among others. In other news, Franz Wagner looks to be coming into his own just as Kevin predicted, and the Cleveland Cavaliers look to keep their undefeated streak alive against the Boston Celtics. Kevin and Mo also touch on the NBA Cup and a rumored change to the All-Star Game structure.Later, Spike Eskin joins the show to do a deep dive on the utterly depressing Philadelphia 76ers, who blew a 19-point lead to fall to 2-11 tonight. Spike vents about the apparent lack of effort on the court and why the Joel Embiid return has been such a disaster so far. Kevin isn't ready to give up on the Sixers just yet due to some star talent still performing at a high level and a weak conference, but they're nevertheless off to a nightmarish start. Kevin & Spike finish off the show with their thoughts on Linkin Park's latest album.(1:20) - Clippers beat Warriors(13:05) - Hawks beat Kings(27:00) - Magic beat Suns(32:45) - Are the Cavs in the same tier as the Celtics?(41:00) - Thoughts on the NBA Cup & potential All-Star Game changes(47:40) - Sixers deep dive with Spike Eskin(1:10:30) - Linkin Park's new album

Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh discuss the worrying Mavericks and Timberwolves, Victor Wembanyama's and LeBron James's hot shooting, and their rankings of the top NBA rookies so far this season. (00:40) - Are the Mavericks in trouble?(12:20) - Are the Timberwolves worse off than the Mavericks?(17:45) - Is Donovan Clingan the best rookie in this class?(22:35) - Victor Wembanyama's red-hot 3-pt shooting(30:30) - LeBron James continues to amaze(41:10) - 2024-25 NBA rookie rankings On this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin is joined by Tom Haberstroh. The guys kick off the episode by talking about the Dallas Mavericks, who have lost four consecutive games and don't look like the defending Western Conference Champions.Similarly, the Minnesota Timberwolves do not look like a team that would've made it to the Western Conference Finals. Is it Anthony Edwards' fault? Do they miss Karl Anthony-Towns? Should the Timberwolves be concerned about the clunky fit of their current roster?Portland Trail Blazers' rookie center Donovan Clingan racked up 8 blocks against Minnesota on Wednesday, and he's starting to look like he might be the best big man in this year's draft class.Victor Wembanyama must've been listening last week when Kevin and Tom told him to stop shooting so many 3s, because he's made 20 of them in his last 3 games and seems to be breaking basketball on both ends of the floor.LeBron James has posted three consecutive triple-doubles, as he nears his 40th birthday. Tom has an incredible stat that doesn't feel real but sums up just how productive this season has been for James. However, the Lakers still have major issues they need to work out.Finally, the guys go through a way too early look at the 2024-25 NBA rookie rankings. There's a big surprise at the #1 spot and a few guys that are ready to jump up the list in a hurry. Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

Kevin O'Connor is joined by Adam Mares to break down the biggest storylines from around the NBA, including Nikola Jokic's early bid for another MVP, Luka Doncic's struggles with the Dallas Mavericks, the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers, whether Oklahoma City should go all-in, some key injury news and much more.Kevin and Adam start with Nikola Jokic's big night, as the duo break down what's changed about the Joker's game this year that's made him even more dangerous and why Russell Westbrook fits so well in Denver's scheme. On the other side of Sunday night's game, the Dallas Mavericks are now 5-5, and Luka Doncic's lack of development so far this season is starting to catch up with them.Joel Embiid makes his return Tuesday night, and Kevin and Adam discuss how the Philadelphia 76ers can best utilize him if they want to be a legitimate playoff team. The Sixers aren't the only team affected by injuries so far this season, as the Oklahoma City Thunder are treading water without a few key players. The hosts discuss whether or not OKC needs to break the bank and go all-in this season with a player like Giannis.Later, Kevin and Adam discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers starting the season 12-0 and how far that could last, plus what's not clicking with the Milwaukee Bucks. The duo finish up by answering a mailbag question on how Jayson Tatum's early successes could raise the ceiling for the Boston Celtics.(0:50) - Why Nikola Jokic is already playing at an MVP level(16:15) - Luka Doncic's early struggles(22:30) - How Sixers can best build around Joel Embiid(29:30) - NBA injury madness: time for OKC to make a move?(39:55) - How long can the Cavaliers stay undefeated?(45:10) - Things just aren't clicking yet in Milwaukee(47:20) - Does Jayson Tatum's play raise Celtics ceiling?Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

The 2024-2025 NBA season is around its 9-game mark as of Thursday night, so Kevin O'Connor is joined by Tom Haberstroh to share 9 observations about the league and its trends at this roughly 10% completion point in the season.Can the Philadelphia 76ers survive their atrocious start without Tyrese Maxey and with Joel Embiid slated to play his first game of the season this Tuesday against New York? What adjustments need to be made in San Antonio to get Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul playing complementary basketball that bolsters Wemby's strengths? Will Zion Williamson ever be Zion Williamson again? All that and more on today's Kevin O'Connor Show.(0:50) - Sixers aren't who we thought they were(5:10) - Can anything fix the east vs. west conference imbalance?(7:10) - Cavs are 9-0, can they get to 60 wins?(10:30) - Should NBA abandon conferences and go to 58 games?(16:00) - How can CP3 and Wemby get on the same page?(25:45) - Kings can reach a new level with DeRozan add(28:40) - Can Zion ever be Zion again?(34:20) - Jalen Johnson's usage is crazy(38:22) - Ja Morant is back with a vengeance🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTubeCheck out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts