The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov: Is the NBA a healthy business?

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe preview and predict the NBA Christmas Day matchups. Which teams are exceeding expectations? Which teams are disappointing? Spurs vs. Knicks Timberwolves vs. Mavericks 76ers vs. Celtics Lakers vs. Warriors Nuggets vs. Suns Have a happy and healthy Holiday Season! We will see you in the New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Henry Abbott and Jarod Hector discuss: The Milwaukee Bucks are NBA Cup champs, what does it mean for the rest of the season? Should the OKC Thunder be worried about the way the lost the title game? Overall thoughts on year 2 of the NBA Cup Trinity Rodman opened up about her relationship with Dennis Rodman, what does her vulnerability mean for others? What is the media's responsibilities in telling the whole story of players like Dennis Rodman? Changes to the All-Star game Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Mavericks and Warriors break NBA record with 48 combined made threes, what's going in with the defense? David's thoughts of the Las Vegas atmosphere for the NBA Cup semifinals The Hawks wasted a golden opportunity in their loss to the Bucks The Thunder and Rockets played elite defense, but the Thunder have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander The Thunder have elite team speed on defense and an MVP candidate, the Bucks have their own MVP candidate and a lot of size, who will win the NBA Cup? Latest Joel Embiid injury news What is David seeing from Bronny James in the G League Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: NBA Cup Quarterfinals results Rockets defeat the Warriors behind elite defense, is it enough to carry Houston to the title? Hawks defeat the Knicks behind an outstanding third quarter surge, has Atlanta turned things around? Thunder defeat the Mavericks with elite defense on Luka Doncic and a brilliant game from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Bucks defeat the Magic with late game execution despite the Orlando missing it's two best players, how'd they keep the game close? NBA Cup Semifinals preview Can the Hawks beat the Bucks? Will the Thunder's run to a potential title in Las Vegas increase their chances of winning the NBA championship in June? Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Nikola Jokic's brilliant run of games and why the Nuggets are still struggling. Can they maximize Jokic's prime? A few NBA teams are pressing the "panic button" as the season is not going well Dallas Mavericks are looking like title contenders again Breakdown of the NBA Cup quarterfinal games Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The Lakers have an issue and it's LeBron James. But there is an "easy" solution Why are the Magic so good? The maturation of Ja Morant NBA Cup update Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: The Cavaliers win over the Celtics The Warriors have lost four straight, are they playing too many guys? The surging Bucks, Magic, and Rockets, what's going right for these teams? Are the Trailblazers on the right path? The Grizzlies are playing well with only one of their big 3 in form. How are they doing it? David's observations from college basketball tournaments in Las Vegas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector is joined by Nekias Duncan of The Dunker Spot, they discuss: Is Caitlin Clark more popular than any NBA star under the age of 30? More teams in the league are using depth to their advantage, is this the new normal? The Orlando Magic have a championship level defense and a poor offense, what's going on? Ime Udoka has the Rockets humming on defense and offense The state of the Hawks, Pelicans, and 76ers Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode Jarod Hector is joined by The Athletic's NBA business writer, Mike Vorkunov. They discuss: Overall state of the NBA New media rights deal Closing of NBA basketball academies Sovereign wealth funds as majority NBA owners All-Star game revisions The surprising Cavaliers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show Jarod Hector and David Thorpe discuss: Team meeting in Philadelphia and why none of it matters unless Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey do it on the court David wrote about Tyrese Haliburton and Jamal Murray at the start of the season. It turns out his concerns were justified. Is it time to panic in Indianapolis and Denver? Dalton Knecht is shooting 46% from three and Lakers fans are giddy. Do they need to curb their enthusiasm? Memphis Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia is a testament to player development Top 5 NBA teams right now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices