Ja Morant’s Ongoing Absence, Breaking Down the MVP Race, and ‘Snowfall’ | Real Ones

Justin, Rob, and Wos start with their reactions to the two Eastern Conference play-in games, first with the Sixers beating the Heat, and then the Bulls beating the Hawks. They also briefly discuss their thoughts on Sixers-Knicks in the first round and how injuries will impact the Heat and Bulls moving forward. Then, they talk about Jontay Porter getting a lifetime ban from the NBA for betting. In the second part of the podcast, they debut a new segment called “The Verriables,” where they answer six questions about the first round of the playoffs, including first-round series predictions (25:32). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Chia Hao Tat, and Victoria Valencia Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan, Raja, and Howard discuss the upcoming play-in tournament matchups, how teams should approach the opportunity to target specific outcomes, and how the pool of veteran superstars pitted against young talent will shake out (2:00). Next, they briefly talk about whether the Pacers can upset the Bucks in the first round (35:00). Finally, the guys close with Mailbag Monday (41:15). Email us questions for Mailbag Monday! [email protected] The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos fire up the mics immediately after the conclusion of the 2023-24 NBA season to discuss the finale. They start with the Eastern Conference, discussing the final standings (2:07), the biggest winner of the day (10:39), and how the teams in the East make a case against the play-in games (23:03). Then they go over the Western Conference and discuss the biggest winners of the day (278:19), why Lakers fans should be rooting for them to lose their first play-in game to avoid the Nuggets (33:00), whether the seeding should shift so the top seed always plays the bottom seed (41:45), and more! Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howard and Raja react to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s calf injury, the Mavs' 50 wins behind Luka Doncic’s MVP-level play, and Lindsey Harding's interview for an NBA head-coaching position (2:35). Along the way, they discuss the competitive balance across the league during the Adam Silver era and whether they miss NBA dynasties (19:44). Later, they debate whether the tail end of the playoff race is really that open (33:52). Email us questions for Mailbag Monday! [email protected] The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Howard Beck and Raja Bell Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are here to discuss what their All-NBA teams would look like (9:36). But first, they start with Justin’s UConn Huskies' victory at the national championship and their early thoughts on some of the top prospects from the game. Then, they pick their All-Defensive teams and All-Rookie teams (42:26). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Victoria Valencia Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howard Beck and Raja Bell take a look at the recently announced Naismith Hall of Fame inductees and discuss some of their NBA careers, including Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups (02:00). Then, they dive into the MVP awards race and share their thoughts on who should come out on top (24:00). Later, producer Kerm joins to get your mailbag questions answered by Howard and Raja (38:00). Email us questions for Mailbag Monday! [email protected] Hosts: Howard Beck and Raja Bell Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin and Rob start by talking about the recent poor play from the Bucks, Pelicans, and Cavaliers before briefly having a conversation about the Basketball Hall of Fame and this year's honorees (13:24). Then they run through this year's awards ballot, including  MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, and Coach of the Year (21:32). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Justin Verrier and Rob Mahoney Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Tucker Tashjian Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja discuss the Milwaukee Bucks’ recent struggles, why their ceiling is still high despite a disappointing regular season, and whether or not the midseason coaching change was the right move (1:03). Next, they talk about the ongoing rivalry between Suns owner Mat Ishbia and Cavs owner Dan Gilbert and what their contentious relationship says about the competitive nature of NBA front offices (17:11). Finally, the guys close with their Real Ones of the Week (37:31). Email us questions for Mailbag Monday! [email protected] The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout ringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos start by discussing the matchup between Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic. Then they talk about Joel Embiid’s return to action after his knee injury and how he potentially changes the outlook for the Sixers. Then they rank the teams with the best chances to pull off an upset in each conference (29:42). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Chia Hao Tat, and Victoria Valencia Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja discuss LeBron James’s dominant 40-point performance against the Nets, his greatness, and how the Lakers should plan for life after he retires (2:00). Next, they talk about the Dallas Mavericks’ recent hot streak and why they are shaping up to be one of the most dangerous playoff teams (18:45). Along the way, they highlight the Houston Rockets’ recent play and what hitting their stride late in the season can mean for a young team (32:00). Finally, the guys close with Mailbag Monday (42:40). Email us questions for Mailbag Monday! [email protected] The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out ringer.com/RG to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices