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The Athletic NBA Daily

The Athletic

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.

Location:

United States

Networks:

The Athletic

Description:

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.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Mid Season Slammies + Will the Bucks Finally Trade Giannis? | Slam N Jam

1/17/2026
Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA basketball, and hand our their mid season awards, the Slammies, a different kind of awards show aimed at pointing out some of the fun and unusual things going on around the NBA. After a break Eric Nehm of the Athletic joins to discuss the Bucks and how their season has gone so poorly, if Doc Rivers could be on the hot seat, if Giannis would sign an extension and more. Then the gang play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2 Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers With: Eric Nehm Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Producer: Monica Compton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:01:26:18

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Do the Rockets pass the eye test?

1/16/2026
Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the Thunder dropping the Rockets, the lack of easy offense for Houston, and where the Bucks go after another blowout loss. Then, Joe Vardon joins the show from Berlin where Franz Wagner returned and delivered a Magic win and Anthony Black dunked on the world. Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2 Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni and Joe Vardon Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:25:49

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Cavs dominate Sixers

1/15/2026
Dave DuFour and Zena discuss the Cavs dismantling of the 76ers, the Kings picking up their third straight win, and the Nuggets continued success without Nikola Jokić. Then, Tony Jones joins the gang to react to the Sixers lack of energy against Cleveland, Joel Embiid’s current level of play, and Tyrese Maxey’s All NBA chances. Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2 Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita and Tony Jones Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:26:53

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5 Burning NBA Questions | Morning Shoot Around

1/14/2026
Dave DuFour, Zena Keita and Es Baraheni discuss 5 questions about the NBA Season: 1. If the Playoffs started today, which of the top 6 seeds in either conference does nobody fear? 2. Which superstar is under the most pressure in the 2nd half of the season? 3. Which role player has had the biggest breakout this season (non-all star) 4. Which young team are you picking to make it past round 1 of the Playoffs? 5. Which team is in need of the biggest face lift at the trade deadline in order to make a push this season Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni, Zena Keita Producer: Andrew Schlecht Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:56:03

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Thunder vs Spurs Episode IV: The Thunder strikes back

1/14/2026
Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the Milwaukee Bucks devastating blowout loss to the Timberwolves without Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert and the rise of Peyton Watson for the Denver Nuggets. Then, Andrew Schlecht joins the show after the Thunder get revenge on Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs to discuss OKC’s gameplan and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominant two-way performance. Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2 Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni and Andrew Schlecht Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:24:21

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Trade Deadline Prep with John Hollinger

1/13/2026
Dave DuFour and Zena Keita are joined by John Hollinger to discuss a story about the Rockets, the trading Ja Morant, Michael Porter Jr’s trade market and more. After the break Dave and Zena ask John about the rookie class and which player from the upcoming draft class is under the radar. Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2 Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita, John Hollinger Producer: Andrew Schlecht Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:23:26

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Wemby vs. The World

1/12/2026
Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni and Zena Keita react to the Timberwolves huge win over Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs, the Nuggets continued success without Nikola Jokić, and the crazy finish between the Raptors and Sixers. Then, the gang discusses OKC’s pole position in the Western Conference and which team poses the biggest threat. Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2 Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita and Es Baraheni Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:24:21

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Contending Spurs + Who wants Ja Morant? | Slam N Jam

1/9/2026
Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the week of NBA basketball, free throws, Thunder’s bad loss, and who wants Ja Morant? After a break Jared Weiss of the Athletic joins the show to discuss the Spurs and their wins against OKC, the guards and how they are gelling, the Spurs status as a contender, and of course…. Wemby. Then the gang play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2 Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers With: Jared Weiss Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Producer: Monica Compton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:01:16:08

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Will Giannis stay in Milwaukee?

1/9/2026
Dave DuFour and Zena Keita react to the Timberwolves win over the Cavs, the Pacers snapping their 13 game losing streak, and condensation in Chicago. Then, Sam Amick joins the pod to close the book on the Trae Young trade, discuss possible AD destinations, and his exclusive interview with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2 Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita and Sam Amick Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:26:09

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Trae Young traded to Wizards

1/8/2026
Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni are joined by Josh Robbins discuss the Trae Young for C.J. McCollum swap between Atlanta and Washington. Then, Dave and Es react to the Nuggets picking up another shorthanded win and talk to Brian Geisinger about the Hornets development and Kon Kneuppel’s rookie of the year candidacy. Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2 Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni, Josh Robbins, and Brian Geisinger Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:31:33

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New Year Mailbag | Morning Shootaround

1/7/2026
Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss and take listener questions about the first half of the season and the upcoming NBA trade deadline.Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2 Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:34:28

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Is Trae Young heading to Washington?

1/7/2026
Dave DuFour and Zena Keita react to the shorthanded Grizzlies beating the Spurs in spite of Victor Wembanyama’s return and wonder if the Timberwolves. Then, Josh Robbins joins the show to discuss the Wizards win over the Magic and recent upswing, the Magic’s health concerns, and whether Trae Young is destined for Washington. Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2 Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita and Josh Robbins Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:31:08

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Worried about the Thunder? + Pistons smoke Knicks

1/6/2026
Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni discuss the Thunder’s loss the Hornets and their recent skid, the Nuggets shorthanded win over the Sixers, and a review of Snoop Dogg’s broadcasting chops. Then, James Edwards joins the show to discuss the Knicks loss in Detroit, their recent struggles, and Cade Cunningham’s MVP case for the Pistons. Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2 Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni and James Edwards Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:28:44

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Who is the best team in the Eastern Conference?

1/5/2026
Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and Zena Keita breakdown the playoff race in the East, discuss the Celtics and Sixers surprising seasons and the disappointing Cavs and Magic. Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2 Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita and Es Baraheni Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:24:38

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Best NBA Trades of 2025 | Morning Shoot Around

1/1/2026
Andrew Schlecht, Dave DuFour, Zena Keita and Es Baraheni discuss the best trades of 2025. Host: Andrew Schlecht With: Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and Zena Keita Producer: Andrew Schlecht Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:01:11:44

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Embiid + Ja throwback games + Do the Lakers need to make moves?

12/31/2025
Dave DuFour and Zena Keita discuss Nikola Jokić’s injury timetable and react to Joel Embiid and Ja Morant turning back the clock in the Sixers overtime win over the Grizzlies. Then, Dan Woike joins the show to talk about LeBron’s spoiled birthday party, Luka’s lack of energy, and whether the Lakers will be making moves at the trade deadline. Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2 Host: Dave DuFour With: Zena Keita and Dan Woike Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:37:35

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How do the Nuggets survive without Jokić?

12/30/2025
Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni react to the Nikola Jokić knee injury, discuss Denver's options if he misses time, and breakdown the Cavaliers win over the Spurs. Then, Joel Lorenzi joins the show to talk about the Bulls losing Coby White and Josh Giddey to injury, the Bulls trade assets, and why they shouldn't trade for Anthony Davis. Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2 Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni and Joel Lorenzi Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:27:08

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Is Nikola Jokić having the best season ever?

12/29/2025
Dave DuFour, Zena Keita and Es Baraheni react to the Spurs dismantling of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Nikola Jokić's absurd statistical season, and the MVP race. Then, the gang takes a look at Scottie Barnes big night, the return of Giannis Antetokounmpo, and whether it's time for the Cavaliers to blow it up. Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2 Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni and Zena Keita Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Producer: Alex Oliver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:26:12

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Steve Kerr on dealing with Father Time + Saving or scrapping the NBA Cup

12/27/2025
Zena Keita sits down with Golden State Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr for a remarkably candid conversation about the "inevitable" end of the Warriors' dynasty. Kerr opens up about the "beauty in the struggle" of chasing one last ring, facing his own retirement, and what life looks like after coaching Steph Curry. Then, The Athletic’s senior writer Sam Amick joins the crew fresh from Las Vegas to break down the NBA Cup results. The team plays a game of "Save It or Scrap It"—debating whether the league should keep the In-Season Tournament, how to fix the load management crisis, and if rule changes are needed to bring intensity back to the game. Plus, a look at the imminent "passing of the torch" from the league’s aging superstars to the next generation, a trade market preview, and a new edition of "Learning Feels Good." Hosts & Guests Zena Keita @itszenakeita Robert Mays @robertmays Jason Goff @Jason1Goff Sam Amick @sam_amick Editor: Matt Shilts Executive Producer: Maggie Burbank Producer: Stephen Lorenzo A Production of The Athletic, Ode Studios, and Banner Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:36:08

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Listener Mailbag | Morning Shoot Around

12/26/2025
Dave DuFour, Zena Keita and Es Baraheni answer listener questions about the NBA. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni and Zena Keita Producer: Andrew Schlecht Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duration:00:42:18