The Athletic NBA Daily

The Athletic NBA Daily

Start your day with The Athletic NBA Daily – a fast, entertaining recap of the most important games and stories from the world of professional basketball with new episodes dropping Monday through Friday. Hosted by Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni with regular appearances by The Athletic’s award-winning NBA reporters. Andrew Schlecht and Alex Spears cap the week with the full-length Saturday Slam n’ Jam episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

October 24, 2025 31 mins

Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Thunder’s double OT win against the Pacers, and Shai getting his career high, 55. Then the Warriors pull off an OT victory against the Nuggets behind Curry’s big night and Marcus Thompson of the Athletic is here to discuss it. They also dig into Aaron Gordon’s 50 (50!) points and 10 (10!) made threes.


Host: Dave DuFour

With: Es Baraheni, Marcus Thompson

Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

Aud...

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Es Baraheni is joined by Mike Vorkunov of the Athletic to explain the details we have on the gambling investigation into Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier and Damon Jones.


Host: Es Baraheni

With: Mike Vorkunov

Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

Audio/Video Producer: Will Davison








Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 23, 2025 28 mins

Dave DuFour and Zena Keita are back for night two of the NBA season including the Knicks statement win over the Cavs and Victor Wembanyama’s ridiculous season debut. James Edwards joins the show from MSG to break down the bench success for the Knicks and the changes Mike Brown has implemented on defense. Then Jared Weiss joins the gang from Dallas where Wemby’s 40 point 15 rebound night overshadowed Cooper Flagg’s debut.


Host: D...

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October 22, 2025 62 mins
Andrew Schlecht, Dave DuFour, Zena Keita and Es Baraheni discuss opening week of the NBA and what they are most looking forward to watching.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Dave DuFour and Zena Keita break down everything from the first night of the NBA season including Ring Night from OKC, OKC’s double OT thriller, and the Warriors dominating the Lakers. Andrew Schlecht joins the crew from OKC to discuss ring night, the banner being raised, and some timeout controversy. Then Dan Woike joins to discuss the Lakers falling to Curry, Jimmy and the Warriors.


Host: Dave DuFour

With: Zena Keita, Andrew Sc...

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Es Baraheni is joined by Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady to discuss the players and teams that have stood out to TMac in the preseason, his prediction for NBA Champion, and discussing his career and how it compares to modern players.


Host: Es Baraheni

With: Tracy McGrady

Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

Audio/Video Producer: Grayson Moody


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in...

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Dave DuFour, Zena Keita and Es Baraheni discuss which games they are looking forward to opening week, plus their picks of the week. Then Sam Amick joins Dave DuFour to discuss his experience being with the Nuggets during camp, the Clippers demeanor heading into the season, and what is going on in Sacramento?


Host: Dave DuFour

With: Sam Amick, Es Baraheni and Zena Keita

Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

Audio/Video Producer: Grays...

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Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers are joined by Bryce Simon of the Game Theory Podcast to discuss the incoming rookie class and if Cooper Flagg is ready to handle the point guard position, what rookies have stood out in preseason, Dylan Harper's ability to mesh with Wemby, how Topic and Holmes will help their contending teams, and more. Then they discuss the 2026 NBA Draft and discuss the top 3 players in the incoming class. Finally ...

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Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni and James Edwards answer the following five questions about the Eastern Conference:


1. Who are the top 5 players in the East?

2. Which player is most likely to break out in the East?

3. Outside of the Washington and Brooklyn, what 3 other teams miss the Play In all together?

4. Who are the top 5 contenders in the East?

5. Who wins the East?


Host: Dave DuFour

With: Es Baraheni and James Edwards

Executive Pro...

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Dave DuFour, Zena Keita and Law Murray answer the following five questions about the Western Conference:


  1. Who are the top 5 players in the West?

2. Which player is most likely to break out in the West?

3. Outside of the Jazz, what 4 other teams miss the Play In all together?

4. Who are the top 5 contenders in the West?

5. Who wins the West?


Host: Dave DuFour

With: Zena Keita and Law Murray

Executive Producer: Andrew Schlech...

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Dave DuFour, Zena Keita and Es Baraheni discuss which teams, players, and coaches are under the most pressure heading into the NBA season. Then after the break they give their bold predictions for the NBA season.


Host: Dave DuFour

With: Es Baraheni and Zena Keita

Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

Audio/Video Producer: Grayson Moody


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...

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October 14, 2025 42 mins

Dave DuFour, Zena Keita and Es Baraheni are back and ready to preview the NBA season. They give their predictions for MVP, DPOY, MIP, COY, 6MOY and ROY.


Host: Dave DuFour

With: Es Baraheni and Zena Keita

Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

Audio/Video Producer: Grayson Moody


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Es Baraheni is joined by Will Guillory of the Athletic to preview the Houston Rockets season. What are the expectations for Kevin Durant? How will he mesh with the young players? Is Amen Thompson ready to make a leap?


Host: Es Baraheni

With: Will Guillory

Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

Audio/Video Producer: Grayson Moody


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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October 10, 2025 26 mins

On today’s show, Zena Keita and Andy Larsen discuss the future of the Utah Jazz, focusing on the key factors that will determine the team's success in the coming years. They explore the importance of identifying players who will fit into the team's contention timeline, particularly highlighting Keyonte George's uncertain position. The discussion also touches on recent player trades, including Collin Sexton's trade to the Charlotte ...

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Dave DuFour is joined by Jon Krawczynski of the Athletic to preview the Minnesota Timberwolves season. Jon gives his thoughts on the Wolves continuity, their plans at the point guard spot, and why Anthony Edwards has another leap coming.


Host: Dave DuFour

With: Jon Krawczynski

Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

Audio/Video Producer: Grayson Moody


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f...

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Dave DuFour is joined by Doug Haller of the Athletic to preview the Phoenix Suns season. Doug gives his thoughts on the new look Suns, why they could be better without Kevin Durant, and why Devin Booker is the one of the most popular Suns players ever.


Host: Dave DuFour

With: Doug Haller

Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

Audio/Video Producer: Grayson Moody


Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...

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Dave DuFour is joined by Tony Jones of the Athletic to preview the Philadelphia 76ers season. Tony gives his thoughts on the training camp injury situation with Paul George, Joel Embiid, and Jared McCain, why V.J. Edgecomb may have a superstar upside, and whether Daryl Morey and Nick Nurse are on the hot seat.


Host: Dave DuFour

With: Tony Jones

Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

Audio/Video Producer: Grayson Moody


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October 6, 2025 26 mins

In this episode, Andrew and Alex discuss the Oklahoma City Thunder's offseason, focusing on player health, contract extensions, and expectations for the upcoming season. They analyze the potential for player development, particularly for Chet Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, while also addressing the importance of shooting performance and overall team dynamics. The conversation highlights the challenges the Thunder may face in...

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In this episode of NBA Daily, Zena and Marcus Thompson discuss the Golden State Warriors' offseason, focusing on the impact of Al Horford's signing, the potential of young players like Jonathan Kuminga, and the expectations for the team's veteran stars, including Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler. They explore the importance of Draymond Green's role and how the team can navigate the challenges of an aging roster while aiming for success...

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Zena Keita is joined by Jared Weiss of the Athletic to preview the San Antonio Spurs season. Jared gives his thoughts on Wembanyama’s potential this season, how Fox will integrate, which young players are ready to contribute and what the most realistic expectations are for the Spurs this season


Host: Zena Keita

With: Jared Weiss

Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht

Audio/Video Producer: Grayson Moody


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