Luka vs. Dallas, Giannis vs Amen, and Podcast P(aused)

With the playoffs one month away, these regular season powerhouse matchups are hitting a little different. After watching the Lakers take on two of the top teams in the East and the Thunder take down the Nuggets over the weekend, Izzy and Amin are turning their attention to the hunt for the Larry O'Brien trophy. Today they're power ranking the top six teams by record-- Cavaliers, Thunder, Celtics, Lakers, Nuggets, and Knicks-- to determine who has the best chance of winning a title this season. Plus, how will LeBron James and Jalen Brunson's injuries affect the title race? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Claire de Lune, NBA reporter for The Guardian, joins Amin and Izzy to dispel some myths about the Los Angeles Lakers. Is Luka Doncic already the best teammate LeBron James has ever had? Did JJ Redick figure out the secret to beating Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets? Who will have a longer career with the Lakers: Austin Reaves or Bronny James? All that and more on today's episode of Oddball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Mavericks season from hell added another chapter this week with Kyrie Irving suffering a torn ACL. Kyrie's season is done, putting him at the front of the list of injuries up and down the Mavs' roster-- plus Anthony Davis might be done for the year, and oh yeah, Luka Doncic plays for the Lakers. Amin and Izzy ask if there's any precedent for an implosion of this scale, and see if they can find a reason for optimism in the Mavericks future. Also, Amin and Izzy do a blind ranker with some of these new nicknames that are popping up everywhere, and Prop-a-Slot is back! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Durant's time with the Phoenix Suns may be coming to an end. We break down potential trade destinations, including the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies. Plus, the Philadelphia 76ers suffer a major blow with Joel Embiid being sidelined for the season—what does this mean for Daryl Morey’s future in Philly? We also dive into the red-hot Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James' historic play at age 40, and the Raptors-Knicks lawsuit that could change NBA team relations. To wrap up, we spotlight this week's must-watch games, including Lakers vs. Celtics and Thunder vs. Nuggets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony Edwards made waves by dismissing the idea of being the NBA’s next face, instead pointing to Victor Wembanyama. Amin and Izzy break down LeBron James’ response and what it truly means to carry that responsibility. With Edwards leading the league in technical fouls, is he actually shaping up to be the NBA’s next great heel, following in the footsteps of Charles Barkley and Allen Iverson? Plus, the duo plays Hot Streak before wrapping up with the O(ddball)scars, handing out awards for the best (and worst) performances in the NBA’s never-ending drama. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander really a "free throw merchant," or is he just great at drawing contact? We dive into the debate around SGA, James Harden, Joel Embiid, Jalen Brunson, and other NBA stars who thrive at the line. Amin and Izzy break down what makes a player a foul merchant, why some fans hate it, and whether it’s actually a skill. Plus, Amin and Izzy close the show by filling in a "Player Grid," ranking great, mid, and bad players based on how much we love and hate to watch them play.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Luka Doncic emerged victorious from his first matchup against his former team, with a little help from LeBron James. Even after watching Luka go head to head with Kyrie Irving and the Mavericks, we still can't believe the trade actually happened. Is it possible for Nico Harrison to ever be redeemed? Plus, our picks for game of the week were both hits! Amen Thompson is developing a reputation, and the Grizzlies took advantage of the setting Suns. On this week's edition of Prop-a-Slot: IT'S YOU, PAUL GEORGE! YOU'RE THE ONE YOU'RE LOOKING FOR! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the NBA season hits the home stretch, we’re breaking down what top contenders need to prove before the playoffs. The New York Knicks continue to struggle against elite competition—can they fix their defensive issues? Are the Boston Celtics primed for another easy path to the Finals? Plus, we dive into the Cleveland Cavaliers’ legitimacy, the surging Golden State Warriors, and whether the Oklahoma City Thunder are truly ready for a deep playoff run. Also, what do Nikola Jokić and Ja Morant need to show to be considered true Western Conference threats?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Luka Dončić responded to JJ Redick’s challenge with a dominant performance, while the Lakers found a way to slow down Nikola Jokić. Did Redick crack the Nuggets’ code, or was it just a one-off? And are the Lakers legitimate title contenders? Plus, Amin and Izzy react to the news that Joel Embiid’s season may be over and discuss how Kevin Garnett’s potential front-office role could shape the Timberwolves’ future. And on Hot Streak, Amin and Izzy reveal their pick for Luka’s first game against his former team as the Lakers take on the Mavericks Tuesday night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Victor Wembanyama’s season is likely over—what does his absence mean for the NBA? Plus, Amin and Izzy react to the controversy surrounding the Lakers after failing Mark Williams’ physical and LeBron James' returns to action after skipping All-Star Weekend. To close the show, Amin fires back at PK Subban’s NBA vs. NHL culture comparison. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices