Dave McMenamin, Ian Begley, Chris Forsberg and Nick Friedell discuss whether any other team can come out of the East (1:15), defensive stoppers (15:30), surprise teams (22:00) and beat reporting stories (30:00). Plus, Kevin Pelton, Kaileigh Brandt and Andrew Han answer listener questions (42:25).

Cassidy Hubbarth, Chiney Ogwumike and Ramona Shelburne chat about Kobe Bryant's jersey retirement (1:30), Kobe disciples (10:00), Sixers-Thunder (25:10) and Chiney's scandalous story from her other podcast (33:05).

Brian Windhorst, Tim MacMahon and Jackie MacMullan discuss the surging Rockets (2:20), James Harden's MVP candidacy (15:45), Kawhi Leonard and the Spurs (20:00), the NBA referee turnover (29:40) and appropriate travel attire (36:30).

Amin Elhassan, Chris Haynes and Marc Spears chat about player rappers (7:35), what to do with OKC and Paul George (28:15) and share stories from cold weather All Star Games (44:50).

Pablo Torre, Kevin Arnovitz and Jackie MacMullan discuss Ben Simmons (6:15), Joel Embiid (14:25), Brett Brown (19:00), re-litigating "The Process" (24:55), Sam Hinkie (40:15) and the future for Philly (47:30) in advance of Thunder-Sixers on Friday, Dec. 15 on ESPN.

Kevin Pelton, Kaileigh Brandt and Andrew Han answer listener questions submitted via Twitter (0:30) and unpack the athlete outreach to a bullying video that went viral on social media (12:50).

Brian Windhorst, Tim MacMahon and Jackie MacMullan chat about Utah's Donovan Mitchell and the draft (3:30), Nerlens Noel and media-room dining (14:35), Gordon Hayward and the Celtics (23:55) and sports gambling (42:25). Plus, Kevin Pelton, Kaileigh Brandt and Andrew Han on loving success vs. fearing failure (54:20).

Brian Windhorst, Tim MacMahon and Jackie MacMullan chat about Utah's Donovan Mitchell and the draft (3:30), Nerlens Noel and media-room dining (14:35), Gordon Hayward and the Celtics (23:55) and sports gambling (42:25). Plus, Kevin Pelton, Kaileigh Brandt and Andrew Han on loving success vs. fearing failure (54:20).

Amin Elhassan, Chris Haynes and Marc Spears chat with Randy Williams, close friend of Kevin Durant, about KD stories at Texas (2:45), Durant's move from OKC to Oakland (10:55) and the Balls on AAU circuit before the buzz (27:20).

Amin Elhassan, Chris Haynes and Marc Spears chat with Randy Williams, close friend of Kevin Durant, about KD stories at Texas (2:45), Durant's move from OKC to Oakland (10:55) and the Balls on AAU circuit before the buzz (27:20).