October 17, 2025

Final Preseason Takeaways, Most Likelies, Injury Updates, and Did the Nets Admit to Tanking?

1 hour 26 minutes

Verno and Jacoby return to discuss Russell Westbrook signing with the Kings, as well as the team extending Keegan Murray. They also discuss Jaden Ivey’s disappointing injury setback, Malcolm Brogdon‘s sudden retirement, and Joe Tsai's unexpected comments about his expectations for the Nets this season. Next, the guys share their preseason takeaways before going through their most likelies before the season begins next week.

(00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!
(00:57) Kings sign Russell Westbrook and extend Keegan Murray
(07:25) Jaden Ivey and Paul George injury updates
(09:56) Malcolm Brogdon suddenly retires
(13:06)LeBron James out until mid-November
(15:37) Did Joe Tsai admit the Nets will tank this season?
(22:05) Preseason takeaway: Best rookie class in a long time
(27:44) Preseason takeaway: Lonzo Ball could be exactly what the Cavs need
(30:43) Preseason takeaway: Several players poised to take a big leap
(36:26) Preseason takeaway: Absolutely tired of preseason basketball
(39:15) Preseason takeaway: Hornets will be fun again
(45:42) Preseason takeaway: Loving Season 2 of Netflix’s ‘Starting 5’
(50:56) Most likely: Non-playoff team you’ll watch the most
(51:44) Most likely: Player that’ll dominate the storylines this season
(58:09) Most likely: Coach to be fired first
(01:00:26) Most likely: Team to miss the play-in that made the play-in last season
(01:03:44) Most likely: Team to have the biggest win improvement
(01:06:48) Most likely: Player to make the biggest leap
(01:12:40) Most likely: TV breakout star on new broadcasts
(01:15:18) Most likely: Team to be this year's Suns (team that everyone likes that'll disappoint)
(01:16:22) Most likely: Player to be traded midseason and make a real difference
(01:19:23) Most likely: Person who will get suspended for saying something on a podcast