The Mismatch

Verno and Jacoby return as they discuss the Pistons' impressive win over the Knicks and Cade Cunningham’s MVP-level performance at MSG. They then discuss Kevin Durant’s alleged burner account, Bennedict Mathurin’s explosive Clippers home debut, and Adam Silver finally addressing the ongoing tanking issues across the league. Next, the guys share three things they are looking forward to for the rest of the season.(00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!(06:19) The Pistons and Cade Cunningham shine at Madison Square Garden in win against the Knicks(14:56) Rockets survive against the Hornets(19:56) Kevin Durant’s alleged burner account(27:06) Bennedict Mathurin lifts the Clippers past the Nuggets(30:52) Adam Silver addresses the NBA's tanking issues(37:11) Potential new playoff teams(44:15) Cavs poised for a run in the East(49:27) Can the Spurs snag the no. 1 seed?(01:02:29) Which team can replicate the Pacers' title run last year?(01:07:36) Awards and All-NBA team turnover(01:16;45) What will happen with Darryn Peterson?Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! (323) 389-5091Hosts: Chris Vernon and David JacobyProducers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff ShearinSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby return ahead of All-Star weekend as they discuss their fond memories of the All-Star Game and how the game is viewed in a completely different way now. They also debate whether or not Adam Silver will address the ongoing tanking issues across the league. Next, the guys dive into their loves and loathes from the season so far. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!(35:00) All-Star Game memories(08:55) Will Adam Silver address the ongoing tanking in the league?(14:31) Verno and Jacoby’s no. 1 loves of the week(23:50) Verno and Jacoby’s no. 1 loathes of the week(31:32) No. 2 loves of the week(40:14) No. 2 loathes of the week(47:00) No. 3 loves of the week(51:26) No. 3 loathes of the week(1:01:05) No. 4 loves of the week(1:06:02) No. 4 loathes of the week Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David JacobyProducers: Jessie Lopez and Jeff ShearinSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby are back as they discuss the fight that broke out in the Hornets-Pistons game and their hope for a potential playoff series between the two teams. Next, the guys ask 10 questions heading into All-Star weekend. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:37) Hornets-Pistons fight club (09:06) Which team would have the best chance vs. Pistons in a Royal Rumble-style match? (13:48) Will the NBA be forced to go after teams who are tanking? (22:36) Which bottom-five team in each conference is in the best position going forward? (26:24) Are the Wolves a good team? (29:33) Would the Celtics be favorites if Jayson Tatum returns? (31:54) What teams in the East can defeat the Cavs in a seven-game series? (35:31) Which team you could see yourself liking more come playoffs? (39:05) What minor trade-deadline move will be discussed more come playoffs? (44:04) Who is the celebrity to crash a player interview? (50:08) Was the Super Bowl boring? Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby recap a few trades made before the deadline and discuss how the Jazz, Pacers, and Wizards made trades that set up their future. They also discuss how Ja Morant and Giannis Antetokounmpo will remain with their respective teams and what their offseasons could look like. They also dive into how this trade deadline impacted the future of the NBA. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (03:33) Pacers get Ivica Zubac, a perfect fit for Tyrese Haliburton (11:04)The Wizards gave up nothing for Anthony Davis (17:18) Grizzlies in full rebuild by sending Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah Jazz (39:19)Jacoby feels the Warriors are fumbling Steph Curry’s twilight years (40:58)The East is a four-team race, and it’s close, plus Philly (49:48)Knicks acquire Jose Alvarado from the Pelicans (1:00:35)The only team that could alter the playoffs is Cleveland (1:07:00)Jacoby and Verno’s Super Bowl pick, prop bets, and the under The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visithttp://www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Brian H. Waters, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby return ahead of the trade deadline to discuss the latest news and rumors around the league, beginning with the latest report that James Harden and the Clippers are working on a trade to send him out of Los Angeles. They then go through the latest surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo and debate which of the reported teams is most likely to acquire him. Next, the guys ask six questions ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!(46:00) James Harden and the Clippers are reportedly working on a trade before the deadline(13:54) Giannis trade talks are heating up(24:10) What would you tell Jon Horst (Bucks GM) to prioritize in any Giannis trade?(33:11) Ja Morant's trade outlook(51:00) LeBron James, Lakers reportedly ready to move on from one another(46:23) Players with expiring contracts who could possibly be traded(53:35) Which player do you not want to see traded?(55:59) Which player do you want to see traded the most?(58:08) Which team that has no chance of contending needs a win-now move?(1:01:43) Best move to make for a team to contend next year(1:07:15) Realistic but hilarious trades that could happen(1:08:32) What non-NBA trade would you make? Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David JacobyProducers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff ShearinSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby return to discuss the news that Giannis Antetokounmpo has finally requested a trade from the Bucks. They debate whether he’ll be moved by next week, the rumored deals, and whether the Bucks will choose to do right by Giannis. Next, the guys dive into their loves and loathes from the past week in the NBA. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (01:05) Giannis finally requests a trade from the Bucks (31:10) Verno and Jacoby’s no. 1 loves of the week (42:10) Verno and Jacoby’s no. 1 loathes of the week (47:27) No. 2 loves of the week (53:55) No. 2 loathes of the week (01:03:00) No. 3 loves of the week (01:12:38) No. 3 loathes of the week The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit http://www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Brian Waters, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby are back as they share 10 things they are keeping an eye on. They discuss who could be possibly moved by next week’s trade deadline, the seeding in the West, Flagg vs. Kon, the 2026 draft class, Jayson Tatum’s eventual return, and so much more. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:58) Who could move at the trade deadline? (14:45) What is going on with the Toronto Raptors? (21:15) Which teams could rise in the West? (27:29) Outlook for the six and seven seed in the West (30:27) Will there be any more head coaching changes? (36:04) Rookie of the Year race with Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel (40:01) 2026 draft class balling out (48:17) What happens with the Lakers next season? (57:24) Netflix stock and Styrofoam cups Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby return as they briefly recap some of Thursday night’s action, including the Sixers beating the Rockets in OT, the Magic’s disappointing season, and yet another blow to the Warriors in their loss to the Mavs. Next, the guys into their loves and loathes from the previous week. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (03:12) Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid lift Sixers past Rockets in OT (07:05) The disappointing Magic season continues after a blowout loss to the Hornets (09:52) Warriors lose another player to injury in loss to the Mavs (14:05) Verno and Jacoby’s no. 1 loves of the week (20:39)Verno and Jacoby’s no. 1 loathes of the week (30:22) No. 2 loves of the week (37:47) No. 2 loathes of the week (44:00) No. 3 loves of the week (56:40) No. 3 loathes of the week The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Brian Waters, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby react to the breaking news from last night that Warriors player Jimmy Butler is out for the season after tearing his ACL in the win against the Heat. They debate what the Warriors can do to try salvage the rest of the season, what they will do with Jonathan Kuminga now that Jimmy is injured, and the franchise’s outlook with Steph Curry. Next, the guys share eight things that they care about, including the Knicks, Anthony Edwards vs. Victor Wembanyama, All-Star starters, and so much more. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:38) Jimmy Butler tears ACL in Warriors' win vs. Heat (16:36) Thing no. 1 we care about: The Knicks (28:37) Thing no. 2 we care about: Ja Morant (40:58) Thing no. 3 we care about: The certified top team in each conference (46:37) Thing no. 4 we care about: All-Star starters announced (50:02) Thing no. 5 we care about: Anthony Edwards vs. Victor Wembanyama(50:02) Thing no. 6 we care about: Surging January teams (53:00) Thing no. 7 we care about: What happens next with Steph Curry and LeBron James? (58:28) Thing no. 8 we care about: NBA Europe and PIF (the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia) Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby return as they share the latest on Ja Morant and the Grizzlies before discussing their game against the Magic in Germany. They then go through the rest of the Thursday night slate of action as they discuss whether it's officially time to be concerned about the Rockets; the struggles of watching Karl-Anthony Towns on the Knicks; whether the Warriors will get anything in return for Jonathan Kuminga; the Pistons, who keep on rolling; Klay Thompson passing Damian Lillard on the all-time 3-point list; and more. Next, the guys dive into their loves and loathes from the past week in the NBA. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (01:05) Latest on Ja Morant (17:10) Magic beat Grizzlies in Germany (21:53) KD struggles in the Rockets' loss to the Thunder (28:31) LaMelo Ball and Hornets run out Lakers at home (30:46) The Warriors beat the Knicks at home. What can Golden State get for Jonathan Kuminga? (37:23) The Pistons overcome Cade Cunningham’s struggles and rally to beat the Suns (39:25) The rest of Thursday night’s action (47:55) Verno and Jacoby’s no. 1 loves of the week (56:01) Verno and Jacoby’s no. 1 loathes of the week (01:05:45) No. 2 loves of the week (01:13:41) No. 2 loathes of the week (01:18:38) No. 3 loves of the week (01:28:32) No. 3 loathes of the week The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Brian H. Waters, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby are together in New York, and they discuss the reports that the Grizzlies are open to trading Ja Morant. Verno explains why a trade would be bad for both sides and why he hopes Ja will stay in Memphis. Next, they recap some of the Monday night action, including the Jazz's upset win against the Cavs, the Sixers defeating the Raptors, and Joe Mazzulla blaming illegal screens for the Celtics' loss to the Pacers. Next, with the season nearing the halfway point, the guys share their biggest surprises, biggest disappointments, and one thing they love and hate about this season so far. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:55) The Grizzlies are open to trading Ja Morant (25:58) Monday night scores and recaps (37:25) Verno's and Jacoby’s biggest surprises (47:53) Verno's and Jacoby’s biggest disappointments (54:25) What Verno and Jacoby love about the season so far (01:01:52) What Verno and Jacoby hate about the season so far Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby return as they discuss the Wolves' victory over the Cavs in which Anthony Edwards became the third-youngest player to reach 10,000 points and explain what could be causing the disappointing season from the Cavs. They then debate whether Anthony Davis is seriously injured, discuss the Pacers ending their 13-game losing streak, and just what the Wizards' plans are with Trae Young. Next, the guys go through their first loves and loathes of the year. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (03:01) Anthony Edwards reaches scoring milestone in Wolves’ win over Cavs (09:03) Cooper Flagg shines, but Anthony Davis appeared to get hurt again in Mavs’ loss (17:07) Pacers finally end 13-game skid with win vs. Hornets (24:30) Trae Young finally gets traded; goes to the Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert (35:42) Latest Giannis comments (37:41) Verno and Jacoby’s no. 1 loves of the week (44:01) Verno and Jacoby’s no. 1 loathes of the week (53:17) No. 2 loves of the week (01:02:28) No. 2 loathes of the week (01:12:20) No. 3 loves of the week (01:17:25) No. 3 loathes of the week Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby are back with their first pod of 2026 as they look back at Monday’s night action, including blowout losses by the Thunder and Knicks and Kevin Durant beating his old team, and debate whether the Clippers are starting to turn it around. Next, the guys ask three questions each to start the new year. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:22) Thunder lose second straight, get blown out by Hornets (12:38) Kevin Durant hits the game-winning 3 as the Rockets beat Suns (16:20) Depleted Nuggets survive vs. Sixers (26:50) Clippers win a wild one vs. Warriors (33:12) Pistons completely embarrass the Knicks (38:25) Trae Young and the Hawks working on a trade (49:14) Verno and Jacoby's questions no. 1 (58:14) Verno and Jacoby's questions no. 2 (01:09:11) Verno and Jacoby's questions no. 3 Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez and Stefan Anderson Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby return with the last episode of 2025 as they recap the action from Monday night, including Nikola Jokic’s injury (ESPN’s Shams Charania reported after the recording that Jokic has been diagnosed with a hyperextension in his left knee and will miss at least the next four weeks), the Raptors getting it done by committee against the Warriors and Magic, the Cavs getting back on track against the Spurs, Deni Avdija’s continued success for the Blazers, and how the Mavs are handling Cooper Flagg's development. Next, the guys give out their predictions for 2026. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:26) Nuggets fall to the Heat after Nikola Jokic goes down with injury (05:30) Raptors bounce back after losing to the Wizards with comeback wins against the Warriors and Magic (12:51) Cavs end two-game skid with win over Spurs in San Antonio (16:34) Deni Avdija continues his quietly great season in Blazers win against Mavs (18:53) Will Cooper Flagg ever play with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving? (24:45) Verno and Jacoby's prediction no. 1 (37:13) Verno and Jacoby's prediction no. 2 (41:44) Verno and Jacoby's prediction no. 3 (51:20) Verno and Jacoby's prediction no. 4 (58:59) Verno and Jacoby's prediction no. 5 The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez and Stefan Anderson Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby are back to recap the full Christmas Day slate of games. They break down the incredible performances from Nikola Jokic and Anthony Edwards in the Nuggets' thrilling OT win over the Wolves, how the Spurs remain undefeated against the Thunder, the tale of two halves at Madison Square Garden, JJ Redick’s anger after the Lakers' loss to the Rockets, and how Cooper Flagg stole the show in the Mavs' loss to the Warriors. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:37) Nikola Jokic puts up a wild triple-double and outlasts Anthony Edwards and the Wolves in OT thriller (15:08) The Spurs beat the Thunder for the third time in two weeks (25:16) The Knicks overcome a 17-point deficit and defeat the Cavs (39:23) JJ Redick calls out the Lakers after loss to the Rockets (49:34) Anthony Davis is hurt, but Cooper Flagg shines in the Mavs' loss to the Warriors The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez and Stefan Anderson Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby return to break down the wild Thursday-night slate in the NBA that saw multiple one-score games and overtime finishes. After, the guys dive into their loves and loathes from the past week in the league. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (01:48) Nikola Jokic breaks record in win vs. Magic (05:09) Pelicans storm back in OT win vs. Rockets (09:18) Mavs survive Pistons in OT (14:29) The Suns escape with win against the Warriors (18:18) Lamelo Ball, Hornets spoil Trea Young’s return with win vs. Hawks (21:07) Luka’s triple-double lifts Lakers past Jazz (25:14) Blazers outlast Kings in OT (30:31) Knicks steal a win vs. Pacers(33:02) Verno and Jacoby’s no. 1 loves of the week (36:16) Verno and Jacoby’s no. 1 loathes of the week (43:26) No. 2 loves of the week (51:13) No. 2 loathes of the week (55:42) No. 3 loves of the week (59:33) No. 3 loathes of the week The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez and Brian Waters Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby return as they preview the NBA Cup championship between the Knicks and Spurs. They then debate whether the NBA Cup could potentially move away from Las Vegas and what the best options are for the fans to be able to go see the games in person. Next, they go through Monday night’s slate of NBA action. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:40) NBA Cup championship preview (18:16) Will the NBA Cup leave Las Vegas? (24:06) Nuggets win OT thriller vs. Rockets (32:12) Cade Cunningham shines in win vs. Celtics (35:17) Cooper Flagg makes history in loss to Jazz (40:42) Cam Spencer stays hot and Ja Morant is injured in win vs. Clippers (45:35) How the NBA Cup has affected the Giannis trade market (49:24) Kristaps Porzingis out at least two weeks with illness (52:46) Evan Mobley's calf strain and the Cavs' disappointing season so far The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez and Stefan Anderson Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby return as they recap the NBA Cup games from Tuesday and Wednesday night. They discuss the Thunder's continued dominance to start the season after matching the best 25-game start in NBA history, how the Spurs exploited the Lakers' defensive inefficiencies, and why the Knicks have a chance against the Magic. Next, the guys dive into their loves and loathes from the past week in the NBA. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (02:30) Western Conference NBA Cup recap (16:50) Eastern Conference NBA Cup recap (27:40) Verno and Jacoby’s no. 1 loves of the week (35:58) Verno and Jacoby’s no. 1 loathes of the week (42:00) No. 2 loves of the week (51:59) No. 2 loathes of the week (58:30) No. 3 loves of the week (01:03:20) No. 3 loathes of the week The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Brian Waters, and Oscar De La Luz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s NBA Cup week! Verno and Jacoby preview the upcoming games, starting with the Eastern Conference. Can the Magic keep it going against the Heat without Franz Wagner? Can the Knicks finally get past the Cup quarterfinals against the Raptors? Next, they dive into the matchups in the Western Conference. Do the Suns stand any chance at defeating the Thunder? Will Victor Wembanyama return to lead the Spurs against Luka, LeBron, and the Lakers? Also, they guys continue to debate whether the Bucks should trade Giannis Antetokounmpo, and if the teams most interested actually need him. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (07:29) NBA Cup preview: Heat vs. Magic (21:57) NBA Cup Preview: Knicks vs. Raptors (36:12) NBA Cup preview: Suns vs. Thunder (53:48) NBA Cup preview: Spurs vs. LakersThe Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David JacobyProducers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Oscar De La LuzSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby are back as they discuss LeBron James losing his 10+ points streak in the Lakers' win against the Raptors, Austin Reaves's monster season, and debate if LeBron is still working his way back from injury. They then discuss the thrilling game between the Sixers and Warriors, speculate on the next move for Giannis and the Bucks, as well as the Chris Paul-Clippers drama. Next, the guys dive into their loves and loathes from the past week in the NBA. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:39) LeBron loses 10+ point streak in Lakers win (09:52) Sixers survive thriller against Warriors (15:27) What is Giannis’s next move? (24:25) CP3-Clippers drama (31:15) Loves of the week (50:30) Loathes of the week The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez and Stefan Anderson Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices