With so many top players and teams struggling early on, Jackie MacMullan and Tim MacMahon join Brian Windhorst to discuss what's wrong with the Rockets, what's right with the Lakers (16:06) and why a few of the league's most notable names can't seem to get it right early on (29:28).

Early Struggle City

Brian Windhorst and a team of ESPN's Insiders sort out life in and around the NBA world.

Sports

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Cassidy Hubbarth to talk Luka and the Mavs getting a big win with some clutch defense, why the Suns are in serious trouble with Minnesota, how the Pacers bounced back in a big way carried by an insane performance by Pascal Siakam, a chaotic night at MSG for the Knicks and the results of the following pool report. 
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Luka Clutch For Mavs, Suns Done? Knicks Make Own Luck

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to all of the Game 1 action for Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs including the Thunder escaping a nervy finish in OKC, the Clippers’ complete dismantling of the Mavs, Dame Lillard’s 1st half masterclass, the Celtics dominating, the Nuggets shutting down the Lakers late, a coming out party for Ant Edwards and the Cavs looking good with Donovan Mitchell. 
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Early Statement For Bucks & Clippers, Excitement For Knicks & Thunder

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to preview some of the most exciting matchups for Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs including how much parody there is in this round, if we will get to see another legendary battle between Kawhi & Luka, the impact of health on these series, if the 76ers can take down the Knicks, if the Bucks can stay afloat without Giannis and more.
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Full NBA Playoff Round 1 Preview

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to the Kings eliminating the Warriors, if this could be the end of a dynasty, if Klay will be back and where Golden State goes from here. Plus, the guys talk Zion’s unfortunate injury in the middle of a career game against the Lakers, if he will be ready to play against the Kings, if the Lakers can fair better against the Nuggets this year after getting swept last season, how much trouble the Bucks are in without Giannis for any amount of their series and preview the East Play-In games.
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Warriors’ Dynasty Over? Zion & Giannis Injury Updates

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Ohm Youngmisuk to break down the final day of the regular season in the NBA that set up some wild playoff matchups. The guys talk the Cavs’ upsetting decision, if the Bucks can make a run, can the Heat run it back again, who needs to win early in the play-in, who holds the upper hand in Mavs-Clippers, the surprising final standings in the top of the Western Conference and more!
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Early Struggle City

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