#257: Finals players, defense is back & Cinderella Warriors

We preview the 2024 NBA Playoffs! Incredibly pivotal play-in games. Are the Celtics and Nuggets inevitable? Can the Los Angeles teams make a run? Who will be healthy? Is there a sleeper in the East? And what is the exact probability the Timberwolves beat the Suns? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/support

We talk about what players and ideas we're changed our minds on in the recent years, the impact of “little things” adding up in the game, judging impact, fit and more. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/support

It's again time for the annual Defensive Awards! We hand out awards for best paint protector, perimeter helper and more, as well as discussing some of the current value-drivers philosophical ideas about defense in the 2024 NBA. What player will show up in the most categories? Will anyone win multiple categories? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/support

The officiating points of emphasis have reigned in scoring and curtailed some penetrators – who will this impact the most in the playoffs? Plus, the Rockets are hot, and who is the best “Jalen” in the NBA? With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/support

Who will have the best performance in the 2024 playoffs? We draft a team based on breakout stars, supporting stars, role players and sixth men for the 2024 NBA playoffs. Early bird price at Sportsbusinessclassroom.com with signup code THINKING BASKETBALL. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/support

Cleveland, Phoenix and New Orleans have a ton of talent, but have all been inconsistent or mysterious throughout the season. We discuss how the stars fit together, the role player “fit,” the importance of coaching in fit and more. Early bird price at Sportsbusinessclassroom.com with signup code THINKING BASKETBALL. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/support

Are the Golden State Warriors good enough to win a playoff series this year? We discuss their good play of late when Steph Curry is on the floor, but first, there's been a drop in defensive rating and a change in officiating. Also, what are the indicators that a player will translate to the highest level of basketball in the playoffs and NBA Finals? Early bird price at Sportsbusinessclassroom.com with signup code THINKING BASKETBALL. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/support

The Boston Celtics are on the most dominant 11-game win streak in NBA history! We rank the most important Celtics for their playoff run, attempt to contextualize some of their regular season success, and attempt to list possible playoff weaknesses for Boston heading into the postseason. Early bird price at Sportsbusinessclassroom.com with signup code THINKING BASKETBALL. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/support

We discuss whether the incredibly young Oklahoma City Thunder can be the youngest team in NBA history to win a title. Plus, what's really wrong with the Milwaukee Bucks after hiring Doc Rivers, and MVP narratives and a darkhorse Cody prediction. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/support

The No Dunks team stops by to discuss the stretch run of the season in the Western Conference (with some Eastern Conference discussion). Who will take the top seed? Where are the Oklahoma City Thunder headed? Can anyone knock off the Denver Nuggets? How do the Clippers and Timberwolves matchup with their size? Follow @TasMelas @treykerby @jeskeets Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-basketball/support