The Handlers touch on the highlights from the first two games of the first round as we kick off this year's NBA playoffs.

Austin & Braden (Ballhandlers) break down this week of NBA basketball (0:01), NBA teams that are surprising us (6:01), and an All-Star Weekend deep dive (14:41). The guys close this episode with a Jokic v. SGA MVP case study (47:41).

Hope you enjoy!

Austin Cavaliere and Brayden Jenkins are back to break down the Oklahoma City Thunder’s dominant performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Was this just a one-off, or is OKC showing signs of being a legitimate contender? And what about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—can he lead this team deep into the playoffs?

Then, the guys shift gears to discuss their early All-Star predictions for both the Eastern and Western Conference rosters. Who’s a lock, who’s on the bubble, and who might sneak in as a surprise selection?

It’s all hoops, all the time, on this episode of Ball Handlers.

The Ball Handlers (Austin & Brayden), give a recap of this weekend's slate of games 3rd-5th, and the early dominance of Wemby. They take a quick stop on the Jimmy train to find out what's going on in Miami, who's to blame for the drama, and where we go from here. Trade talks continue with the bulls, to discuss where some of the team's bright spots should land given the -yet again- slow start to the season. They close with a "GM mode" podcast staple about the Rockets. Hand you the keys, what are you doing with this Rockets team.