Lakers playoff chances, JDub’s return, Darryn Peterson tourney recap + are NCAA Cinderella teams gone for good? | The Kevin O'Connor Show

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the NBA MVP debate between Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander by diving deep into the advanced stats. With Wemby’s league-best +16.5 on/off swing and SGA’s dominance across nearly every all-in-one metric, the MVP race may be closer than the odds indicate. Tom & Dan also discuss why the NBA’s 65-game rule might be overdue for reconsideration and react to the possible NBA expansion into Las Vegas and Seattle. (1:12) Wemby’s MVP case (22:22) SGA’s MVP case (40:43) NBPA calls for awards rule changes (1:02:50) NBA votes to explore expansion   📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way! Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones have a broader discussion about the Defensive Player of the Year and All-Defensive team races. They discuss what they're evaluating, how they weigh different types of defenders and the value of their responsibilities, what statistics they find useful, and a PSA to always, always #WatchTheTape. From there, the guys check in on Jayson Tatum ahead of a potential Finals preview between the Celtics and Thunder. They talk about his growing fit within the offense, growth areas they're keeping an eye on (OTD shooting, drive, lower-body power generation), and have a mini-debate about the Celtics potentially tweaking his usage to aid his comfort in the offense. Next, Nekias asks Steve about a couple of end-of-game defensive mishaps that led to game-winning baskets -- Amen Thompson's putback against the Heat, and Luke Kennard's three against the Magic -- to see where he thought blame, if any, should go. Finally, New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen joins the show! In a wide-ranging conversation, the trio talks about Queen's basketball journey, his stacked Montverde team, adjusting to the Pelicans vs. his teammates adjusting to him, the Baltimore Ravens' offseason and more! If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected]. 3:58 Defensive award discussion 35:38 Checking in on Jayson Tatum 49:28 What went wrong: Amen Thompson's game-winner 52:26 What went wrong: Luke Kennard's game-winner 56:22 Derik Queen interview 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

Kevin O’Connor is joined by FS1’s Danny Parkins to talk NBA & NCAA hoops. They discuss the white-hot Lakers, the future of Dylan Harper, the upcoming returns of Jalen Williams & Steph Curry and the historic tank put on by the Wizards and Pacers. Next, they cover the big March Madness games over the weekend—St. John's vs. KU and Iowa vs. Florida—and ask some big questions about the state of the NCAA and this year’s draft class. (1:03) Lakers extend win streak (11:43) Jalen Williams to return to OKC lineup (20:50) Dylan Harper season check-in (26:48) Steph Curry injury update (30:29) Pacers & Wizards 16-game losing streaks (34:14) Darryn Peterson NCAA Tournament performance (42:46) AJ Dybantsa NCAA Tournament performance (45:28) Death of NCAA Cinderella teams 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way! Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones start the show discussing the absurd run Luka Doncic has been on over the past 24 hours -- 100 points across two games?! They talk about what makes him so tough to deal with, and dabble in some "Best In The World" talk. From there, Nekias asks Steve how concerned he is (if at all) about the Pistons, Wolves, Bucks, and Rockets. Next, the guys have a Role Player draft! Based on a recent article written by Steve, the two chose from a 13-player pool to build a starting five of some of the most impactful role players in the league this year. Make sure to grade their roster this weekend! You can also read Steve's piece here: https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/the-nbas-most-impactful-role-players-who-elevate-these-title-contenders-175656183.html Finally, a new WNBA CBA has been agreed to! Nekias and Steve salute the transformational nature of the deal, then dig into some of the details that intrigue them most. What will this expansion period look like? How much movement will we see in free agency? Who's going to be the biggest domino of the offseason? Are we truly ready for a 52-game season? If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected]. 2:20 -- Luka Doncic is unreal 20:11 -- Are we concerned? (Pistons/Bucks/Wolves/Rockets) 40:02 -- NBA Role Player Draft 55:11-- WNBA CBA thoughts 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Tom Haberstroh to discuss the latest NBA news. First, they talk about Cade Cunningham’s collapsed lung and the implications that come with it for the Pistons and for his award chances. Then, they talk the longest winning streaks and recent losses in the league and debate whether they're a 'big deal' or 'no big deal.' From the Atlanta Hawks’ 11-game win streak to the NBA embracing expansion to a continuation of Giannis' drama with the Bucks, KOC and Tom go over it all. (1:05) Cade Cunningham collapsed lung (15:16) Hawks 11-game win streak (20:56) OKC win 10 in a row (33:04) Lakers 7-game win streak (40:38) Rockets lose both games vs. Lakers (49:34) Nuggets lose to Grizzlies (58:57) Giannis won’t be shut down (1:00:44) Jaylen Brown's leadership (1:04:55) Is expansion a good idea? (1:12:17) Final Four predictions 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

We have an action-packed episode of The Big Number coming your way! Dan Devine and Tom Haberstroh break down Luka Doncic’s dominance this stretch. They discuss the recipe for success for the Lakers and Marcus Smart’s contributions this year. Where do the Lakers actually stand in the West? Is this the peak version of Luka? Next, they share how the Lakers’ defense is improving in the stretch. But is this a real top-10 defense, or is the sample size too small? Plus, the duo analyzes the impact of LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves on the court together and how their roles are evolving. What version of LeBron will we see in the postseason? Later, Tom and Dan discuss the NBA holding a vote to explore adding expansion teams, exclusively in Las Vegas and Seattle. What does the potential return of the Seattle Supersonics mean for the NBA? What are the ripple effects of expansion? All that and more on this episode of The Big Number! (1:10) The Big Number - Luka's Hot Streak  (22:26) The Little Number 1 - Luka from 3  (26:34) The Little Number 2 - Lakers Defensive Efficiency  (32:35) The Little Number 3 - Lakers Big 3 +/-  (43:11) NBA Expansion 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way! Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones check in on the Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks, boasting six and ten-game winning streaks respectively. They discuss what's standing out to them during this stretch, and how much they believe in them moving forward. Next, Nekias has some quick-hitting questions for Steve. How real are the MVP chances for Luka Doncic and Victor Wembanyama right now? Can Kawhi Leonard land an All-NBA First Team selection among a crowded group of contenders? How close is Stephon Castle to being the Spurs' second best player? Finally, they discuss Team USA's undefeated weekend. Team USA assistant, and Phoenix Mercury head coach, Nate Tibbetts took over for Kara Lawson as she returned to Duke ahead of this year's tournament. The guys discuss what looked different under Tibbetts, and have a broader discussion about who's led the way through four games, and who's put themselves in (better) position to ultimately make the 2028 Olympic roster. If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected]. (1:38) -- Los Angeles Lakers 29:02 -- Atlanta Hawks 39:55 -- Victor Wembanyama for MVP? 45:20 -- Kawhi Leonard for All-NBA First Team? 48:22 -- How close is Stephon Castle to being the Spurs' 2nd best player? 51:08 -- Team USA 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

KOC is joined by Corey Tulaba from No Ceilings to talk NBA and March Madness. First, they cover the recent news regarding the NBA’s plan to expand to Seattle and Las Vegas. Next, the pair discusses key NBA draft storylines entering March Madness, including the best opening weekend matchups. Plus, KOC & Corey do a way-too-early 2025 NBA re-draft. Then, KOC is joined by Cameron and Cayden Boozer to talk about their experiences at Duke and their expectations for the Blue Devils in March Madness. 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones celebrate a week of incredible performances around the league. From Bam Adebayo's 83-point game, to Shai breaking a seemingly unbreakable Wilt record, to Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic having legendary performances on their own. There's so much joy to be had watching basketball these days. Next, the guys discuss the early returns of Team USA during FIBA World Cup qualifying. Young stars like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese make their senior club debuts; head coach Kara Lawson experimented a ton with her defensive coverages and lineup combinations. Steve and Nekias discuss how they analyzed these games, what stood out, and growth areas they'll be keeping tabs on. Finally, Gordon Hayward joins the show! The conversation ranges from his role as an Executive Basketball Advisor at Butler, the validity of Bam's 83-point performance, tennis, the importance of brushing your teeth -- and more! If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected]. (2:04) The league's in a great place (4:26) Bam Adebayo's 83-point game (24:52) SGA breaks Wilt's record (plus quick Jokic & Luka love) (39:08) Early Team USA thoughts (51:17) Gordon Hayward interview (01:09:10) Steve has a bone to pick with Nekias 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh give a full breakdown and add their takes on Bam Adebayo's historic 83 point night. Does his performance need an asterisk? From there, the pair check in on a contentious Western Conference battle between SGA & OKC and Wemby & the Spurs. To round out the show, Aaron Gordon joins Kevin to talk all things Denver, shooting mechanics, meditation and more! (0:38) Bam Adebayo scores 83 pts (15:50) State of the Spurs (30:15) SGA’s historic scoring streak (36:15) Have Pelicans turned their season around? (41:47) Are 76ers done for this year? (46:45) Kawhi & Clippers on the rise (56:45) Aaron Gordon joins the show 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!