NBA Awards Predictions + Pacific Division Preview | The Dunker Spot

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

Nekias Duncan & Steve Jones kick off this Friday podcast reacting to the Las Vegas Aces' 90-88 last second win over the Phoenix Mercury to go up 3-0 in a WNBA Finals series that may end tonight in Arizona. The guys break down A'ja Wilson's impressive 34 point performance and what the Mercury can do to avoid a sweep on Friday night. They also break down the recently announced WNBA All-Defensive Teams which A’ja Wilson, Alanna Smith, Alyssa Thomas, Napheesa Collier & Gabby Williams nominated to the first team.Later in the show, Nekias & Steve break down the NBA's Southeast division heading into the 2025-2026 season. Will the Orlando Magic take advantage of a wounded Eastern Conference and elevate deeper into the playoffs with Desmond Bane joining Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and company? Are the Miami Heat able to get out of the muddled middle or will they be a trade deadline seller?Finally, the guys break down some injury news affecting both conferences. First and foremost, LeBron James will miss at least the first 2-3 weeks of the season with a right sciatica. For the first time ever, LeBron will miss a season opener, which will just feel strange all around. How will Lakers fans and the league as a whole react?Also, the hits just keep on coming for the Indiana Pacers as T.J. McConnell will also miss at least 4 weeks to start the season with a right hamstring injury. With Tyrese Haliburton already out with an Achilles injury suffered in last June's Finals Game 7, can the Pacers backcourt catch a break?(0:00) - Aces take Finals Game 3, what will happen in Game 4?(23:45) - Orlando Magic season preview(39:05) - Atlanta Hawks season preview(50:40) - Miami Heat season preview(1:03:00) - Charlotte Hornets season preview(1:11:10) - Washington Wizards season preview(1:18:50) - LeBron James to miss opening 2-3 weeks of season(1:23:10) - Indiana Pacers injuries keep stacking upIf 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  📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Kevin O’Connor answers fans' biggest questions ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season, starting with questions about if Giannis will still be in Milwaukee at the end of the season what with all the trade rumors surrounding him. What teams could actually put together appealing trade packages for Giannis?  KOC weighs in on the Dallas Mavericks’ low floor and high ceiling, and reveals his favorite sleeper rookie prospects. Plus, hear KOC’s optimistic takes on breakout teams like the Utah Jazz, how the Philadelphia 76ers could surprise us all and the evolving future of the Indiana Pacers.(0:30) Which team has best Giannis trade package?(9:08) Mavs could contend, or TANK(12:06) Rookie sleeper picks(14:41) Is KOC wrong about Kuminga's fit with Golden State?(16:39) Can Utah & Ace Bailey take the next step?(20:06) Will the 76ers be this season's surprise team?(24:58) Can Luka win MVP this season?(27:56) The Wemby-Kornet connection in San Antonio  📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive into the stats to determine if the Milwaukee Bucks should trade Giannis Antetokounmpo after he revealed that the trade rumors surrounding him this summer were not only true, but that he has a preferred destination in mind: the New York Knicks. Is now the right time for the Bucks to consider moving Giannis in order to set themselves up for success in a future without him? And if so, how can the Knicks realistically make a move for Giannis when they only have one first round pick to offer?Plus, the duo reacts to Ja Morant's 'week-to-week' sprained ankle injury and how it will impact the Memphis Grizzlies starting lineup just days away from opening night.(1:56) The Big Number: Should Bucks trade Giannis?(18:12) Little Numbers: Wins Above Replacement Bucks lost this offseason(22:57) Little Numbers: When will Bucks control their own 1st round pick?(29:24) Little Numbers: Knicks tradable 1st round draft picks(33:56) Little Numbers: OG Anunoby & Mikal Bridges trade offers(38:06) Ja Morant week-to-week with ankle sprain 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

On this episode of The Dunker Spot, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones examine how the Las Vegas Aces have taken a 2-0 lead over the Phoenix Mercury, and discuss potential adjustments ahead of Game 3 and beyond.On the NBA side, the guys begin their NBA season preview series with the Northwest division. They discuss what they're excited about, key questions, potential breakout candidates, and the lineups that intrigue them the most.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(:47) Introduction(1:04) WNBA Finals Game 2 recap(11:06) Did the Aces find something with A’ja Wilson’s pick and roll?(19:06) Mercury in a must-win situation(22:39) Thunder season preview(38:18) Nuggets season preview(50:30) Timberwolves season preview(101:09) Trail Blazers season preview(1:10:29) Jazz season preview 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv