JDub Loss A Massive Blow to OKC; A Weekend of Crunchtime

Nate and Danny Leroux examine what Jalen Williams’ ankle injury could mean for Oklahoma City, then break down crunch-time games from across the weekend, including Rockets–Spurs, Knicks–Celtics, and the Grizzlies–Warriors game they attended in person. They also discuss the Pelicans’ closing lineups, Luka Dončić’s scoring, early rookie performances, and the latest injuries around the league.0:22 — Jalen Williams’ injury and Oklahoma City’s depth, trade options, and championship hopes.10:18 — Rockets–Spurs: Houston’s offense and Alperen Şengün against Victor Wembanyama.16:33 — San Antonio’s three-guard lineup and crunch-time alternatives.23:38 — Rockets–Spurs: The final possession and Amen Thompson’s defense.27:35 — Knicks–Celtics: Jayson Tatum, defensive matchups, and New York’s slow start.33:53 — Pelicans–Jazz and Pelicans–Nuggets: Zion Williamson and New Orleans’ closing lineups.44:34 — Lakers–Jazz: Luka Dončić, foul drawing, and Utah’s defense and rebounding.50:38 — Denver’s comeback, Trevon Brazile’s emergence, and Nikola Jokić’s defense.55:23 — Grizzlies–Warriors: Zach Edey, Ty Jerome, and Golden State’s late-game execution.1:02:43 — Yaxel Lendeborg’s offensive responsibilities and defensive strengths and weaknesses.1:07:42 — Cameron Boozer’s early performances and fit in Memphis’ offense.1:12:44 — Grizzlies–Kings: Ty Jerome, Darius Acuff, and Domantas Sabonis’ role.1:17:27 — Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs injury updates and Orlando’s depth.1:21:43 — Jalen Duren’s injury, Pistons–76ers, and Philadelphia’s lineup continuity.1:25:21 — More injury updates, including Cooper Flagg and Kawhi Leonard. Join Dunc’d On Prime! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well!Subscribe for 35% off using code PRESEASON26!Subscribe on YouTube to get Dunc'd On Clutch Calls, Real Video Scouts, and more.Or, sign up for our FREE mailing list to get Dan Feldman's Daily Duncs with all the major topics around the league twice a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nate and Danny Leroux discuss every game from tonight’s 11-game NBA slate, including Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball’s partnership, Anthony Davis in Washington, Tyrese Haliburton’s return, and Warriors–Lakers. They break down new-look lineups, key rotation decisions, and early-season questions around the league, plus Kristaps Porziņģis’ uncertain future with Golden State.0:27 — Timberwolves–Heat: Edwards, LaMelo, and Giannis, plus Miami’s defense and rebounding.11:00 — Bucks–Wizards: Anthony Davis, Trae Young, and Milwaukee’s defensive matchups and rotation.25:26 — Hawks–Magic: Paolo Banchero, Orlando’s offensive changes, and Atlanta’s revamped bench.37:03 — Pacers–Pelicans: Tyrese Haliburton’s return, crunch-time tactics, and New Orleans’ rotation decisions.54:23 — Hornets–Nets: Naz Reid’s expanded role, Dennis Schröder, and Brooklyn’s defense.1:00:35 — Suns–Trail Blazers: The Lillard–Morant pairing and Phoenix’s starting lineup.1:09:53 — Rockets–Mavericks: Houston’s offense, Dallas’ roster fit, and the possession battle.1:15:06 — Grizzlies–Jazz: Ty Jerome, Memphis’ depth, and Utah’s defense and rebounding.1:23:46 — Warriors–Lakers: Luka Dončić, Walker Kessler, and Golden State’s frontcourt.1:28:53 — Kristaps Porziņģis’ uncertain future and the Warriors’ trade options.1:34:04 — Kings–Clippers: Darius Garland, Sacramento’s defense, and rookie guard debuts.1:42:58 — Bulls–Raptors: Toronto’s defense, Kawhi Leonard’s return, and Caleb Wilson’s debut. Join Dunc’d On Prime! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well!Subscribe for 35% off using code PRESEASON26!Subscribe on YouTube to get Dunc'd On Clutch Calls, Real Video Scouts, and more.Or, sign up for our FREE mailing list to get Dan Feldman's Daily Duncs with all the major topics around the league twice a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nate and Danny Leroux break down extensions for Cason Wallace and Jaden McDaniels.0:33 — Cason Wallace’s extension and Oklahoma City’s long-term finances.10:16 — Jaden McDaniels’ one-year extension and Minnesota’s approach.⁠Full Daily Duncs with links⁠⁠Jaden McDanielsMinnesota TimberwolvesBrandon MillerCason WallaceOso IghodaroBen SimmonsWaiversSteve Kerr⁠Full Daily Duncs with links⁠ Join Dunc’d On Prime! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well!Subscribe for 35% off using code PRESEASON26!Subscribe on YouTube to get Dunc'd On Clutch Calls, Real Video Scouts, and more.Or, sign up for our FREE mailing list to get Dan Feldman's Daily Duncs with all the major topics around the league twice a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nate and Danny Leroux make their 2026–27 NBA predictions, working through all 30 teams’ regular-season outlooks before picking conference finalists, a champion, and the teams most at risk of relegation. They also debate Victor Wembanyama’s next step, the MVP race, coaching honors and the hot seat, defensive breakout candidates, Sixth Man of the Year, and the top rookies and sophomores.1:15 — Eastern Conference standings and tiers.10:13 — Charlotte, Washington, and the bottom of the East.14:10 — Western Conference standings: Oklahoma City, San Antonio, and the next tier.22:07 — Western Conference depth concerns, the play-in race, and the lower tiers.33:50 — Relegation predictions and leaguewide win totals.35:55 — Which teams qualify as championship contenders?40:25 — Conference finals predictions and a potential Thunder–Spurs showdown.46:04 — Eastern Conference playoff matchups and the biggest threats to the Knicks.49:02 — NBA Finals and championship picks.49:40 — Victor Wembanyama’s next step and the MVP race.58:54 — Coach of the Year.1:02:28 — Who will be the first coach fired?1:07:37 — Defensive Player of the Year.1:09:52 — Defensive breakout candidates.1:12:57 — Sixth Man of the Year.1:15:57 — Rookie of the Year.1:18:56 — Sophomore of the Year. Join Dunc’d On Prime! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well!Subscribe for 35% off using code PRESEASON26!Subscribe on YouTube to get Dunc'd On Clutch Calls, Real Video Scouts, and more.Or, sign up for our FREE mailing list to get Dan Feldman's Daily Duncs with all the major topics around the league twice a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com joins to preview the Cleveland Cavaliers, from the lessons of last season’s playoff run to the fit of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. They examine Evan Mobley’s next steps, Peyton Watson’s arrival, and the shooting, depth and defensive questions that will shape Cleveland’s championship hopes.Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic joins to preview the Minnesota Timberwolves after their major offseason overhaul, including LaMelo Ball’s fit alongside Anthony Edwards, Jonathan Kuminga’s opportunity, and Jaden McDaniels’ expanding offensive role. They examine Minnesota’s new playing style, concerns about frontcourt depth and shooting, and whether the changes can help the Wolves contend in the Western Conference.0:22 — Lessons from the playoff run and Cleveland’s defensive concerns9:59 — Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and the offensive ceiling18:13 — Evan Mobley’s development and the fit with Jarrett Allen27:41 — Peyton Watson’s fit and the new starting lineup35:24 — Mario Hezonja, backup ballhandling and the bench rotation43:15 — Jaylon Tyson’s development and earning playoff minutes47:36 — Team strengths, weaknesses and shooting questions55:39 — Season predictions and Cleveland’s place in the East1:04:19 — Looking back at last season and Minnesota’s offseason overhaul1:07:27 — LaMelo Ball’s fit, defensive challenges and the future alongside Anthony Edwards1:18:34 — The faster offensive approach and Jonathan Kuminga’s role1:26:31 — Jaden McDaniels’ development and expanded offensive opportunities1:30:15 — Joan Beringer, Rudy Gobert and concerns about frontcourt depth1:36:42 — Terrence Shannon Jr., Ayo Dosunmu and the rest of the rotation1:44:55 — Closing lineups, shooting, Donte DiVincenzo’s return and team strengths and weaknesses2:01:51 — Season predictions and Western Conference playoff matchups Join Dunc’d On Prime! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well!Subscribe for 35% off using code PRESEASON26!Subscribe on YouTube to get Dunc'd On Clutch Calls, Real Video Scouts, and more.Or, sign up for our FREE mailing list to get Dan Feldman's Daily Duncs with all the major topics around the league twice a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jared Weiss of The Athletic joins to preview the San Antonio Spurs, including the three-guard lineup, Dylan Harper’s development, and Victor Wembanyama’s next steps after the Finals. They examine the shooting and rotation tradeoffs, how Tobias Harris and Carter Bryant fit, and the matchup with Oklahoma City in the race for the West.- 0:02 — The three-guard lineup and Dylan Harper’s development- 5:24 — Offensive spacing and playing through Wembanyama- 10:17 — Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie and the starting lineup- 15:35 — Closing lineups, guard roles and De’Aaron Fox’s health- 22:09 — Victor Wembanyama’s next steps after the Finals- 30:11 — Tobias Harris, Carter Bryant and the bench rotation- 36:13 — Team strengths, weaknesses and defensive adjustments- 41:45 — Season predictions and the Oklahoma City matchup Join Dunc’d On Prime! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well!Subscribe for 35% off using code PRESEASON26!Subscribe on YouTube to get Dunc'd On Clutch Calls, Real Video Scouts, and more.Or, sign up for our FREE mailing list to get Dan Feldman's Daily Duncs with all the major topics around the league twice a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kostya Medvedovsky, creator of DARKO, joins Nate to explain how his projections work, what we can learn from preseason, and where his team and player evaluations differ from conventional wisdom. They also explore aging curves for the NBA’s veteran stars, the impact of tanking reform, and which player profiles translate best to the playoffs.0:00 — Introducing Kostya Medvedovsky and DARKO’s player projections and historical ratings.4:17 — How DARKO weighs career history, recent performance, and garbage time.7:02 — Sample sizes, shooting percentages, and identifying real improvement.9:30 — What Summer League and preseason results can tell us about teams and players.14:46 — Team projections: Houston’s young core and potential for improvement.17:10 — Boston’s roster through an analytical lens.20:15 — Philadelphia’s talent, offensive fit, and changing player roles.23:27 — Miami’s depth and regular-season outlook.25:15 — Kawhi Leonard’s offensive impact.28:02 — Aging curves for veteran stars and which skill sets hold up.33:43 — OG Anunoby and the value of ceiling raisers versus floor raisers.37:08 — Tanking reform, competitive incentives, and the league’s win distribution.44:51 — Projecting playoff performance: which player profiles translate best? Join Dunc’d On Prime! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well!Subscribe for 35% off using code PRESEASON26!Subscribe on YouTube to get Dunc'd On Clutch Calls, Real Video Scouts, and more.Or, sign up for our FREE mailing list to get Dan Feldman's Daily Duncs with all the major topics around the league twice a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nate and Danny Leroux discuss Brandin Podziemski’s extension, the Knicks’ negotiations with Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart, and the latest developments in the Lakers’ ownership dispute. They also examine preseason injuries and rotation decisions around the league, the Spurs’ three-guard lineup, NBA expansion and the league’s European plans, and the debate over Portland’s firing of announcer Braiden Bell.Timestamps0:00 — Brandin Podziemski’s extension and Golden State’s long-term flexibility.7:43 — Karl-Anthony Towns’ extension negotiations.13:23 — Josh Hart’s contract situation and the Knicks’ roster outlook.15:14 — The Buss siblings’ response in the Lakers’ ownership dispute.18:01 — Lakers injuries and the competition for starting spots.19:34 — Injury updates around the league.22:56 — Ben Simmons’ preseason return and Maxime Raynaud’s injury in Sacramento.24:37 — San Antonio’s injuries and the potential Fox–Castle–Harper starting lineup.29:14 — Utah’s frontcourt injuries and their impact on the rotation.32:02 — Bulls and Hornets injuries, roster moves, and preseason developments.34:28 — Kyrie Irving’s return and Santi Aldama’s injury in Dallas.35:58 — Raptors, Wizards, and 76ers injury updates.38:04 — Jonathan Isaac’s status and Anthony Black’s extension outlook.39:25 — NBA expansion: Las Vegas, Seattle, and the potential timeline.40:56 — NBA Europe and negotiations with the EuroLeague.42:03 — Braiden Bell’s firing: Portland’s decision, the reporting, and accountability in public-facing jobs. Join Dunc’d On Prime! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well!Subscribe for 35% off using code PRESEASON26!Subscribe on YouTube to get Dunc'd On Clutch Calls, Real Video Scouts, and more.Or, sign up for our FREE mailing list to get Dan Feldman's Daily Duncs with all the major topics around the league twice a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chris Herrington of The Daily Memphian joins to preview the Memphis Grizzlies, including Cameron Boozer’s rookie expectations.- 0:46 — Last season’s reset and the franchise’s new direction- 5:09 — Cameron Boozer’s game, fit and rookie expectations⁠Full Daily Duncs with links⁠⁠Sacramento KingsNew York KnicksJalen DurenDetroit PistonsCBABub CarringtonHinge playersPhiladelphia 76ers⁠Full Daily Duncs with links⁠ Join Dunc’d On Prime! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well!Subscribe for 35% off using code PRESEASON26!Subscribe on YouTube to get Dunc'd On Clutch Calls, Real Video Scouts, and more.Or, sign up for our FREE mailing list to get Dan Feldman's Daily Duncs with all the major topics around the league twice a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Derek Bodner of PHLY joins to preview the Philadelphia 76ers, including how LeBron James and Jaylen Brown fit alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. They examine Embiid’s health and conditioning, how the stars will share the offense, and the shooting, depth and defensive questions that will shape Philadelphia’s season.1:29 — Looking back at last season and Philadelphia’s offseason transformation7:48 — Joel Embiid’s health, conditioning and defensive role14:54 — LeBron James, Jaylen Brown and their fit with Tyrese Maxey19:58 — Sharing the offense, managing roles and building chemistry26:56 — Starting lineup fit and staggering the stars30:40 — Anfernee Simons, Labaron Philon and the bench rotation36:37 — Backup center depth and small-ball options without Embiid40:07 — Team strengths, playmaking and offensive efficiency49:06 — Defensive questions and VJ Edgecombe’s development54:03 — Season predictions and Philadelphia’s place in the East Join Dunc’d On Prime! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well!Subscribe for 35% off using code PRESEASON26!Subscribe on YouTube to get Dunc'd On Clutch Calls, Real Video Scouts, and more.Or, sign up for our FREE mailing list to get Dan Feldman's Daily Duncs with all the major topics around the league twice a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.