What are the most pressing offseason decisions for the New England Patriots? With free agency, trades, and the draft on the horizon, the guys break down their top 5 targets to help elevate the team. Who makes the list? Travis and George have different takes on the future of the Patriots, from explosive wide receivers like Travis Hunter and Tee Higgins, to disruptive defenders like Myles Garrett and Josh Sweat. Tune in to hear their rankings and predictions!

Then, they tackle what's trending across the sports world, including Kevin Durant making history by surpassing 30,000 points, the new NBA app that lets you watch live games projected as a tabletop, and the drama surrounding Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont being booed at a home game.

Next, Travis and George shift gears to the Boston Red Sox, reacting to the latest comments from Chief Baseball Officer, Craig Breslow. Are the Red Sox serious playoff contenders in the AL East, or is a rebuild still on the horizon? Hear their thoughts on the team’s roster and whether you should bet on the Sox making the playoffs. Plus, the guys rank the AL East as it stands today.

Lastly, with Aaron Rodgers' future uncertain, Travis and George discuss his top landing spots for 2025, including surprise teams like the Steelers, Colts, and even the Rams. Will the future Hall of Famer end up with a contender or take a wild detour?

Tune in for all this and more in another high-energy episode. Whether you’re a die-hard Boston sports fan or just love sports talk with a local twist, Boston Has Entered The Chat with Travis Thomas & George Balekji is your weekly fix. Catch NESN’s daily sports podcast 'Boston Has Entered The Chat' every Monday through Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, Facebook, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Got a Question or Comment for the show? Tweet at us using #NESNChat or email us at [email protected]

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00:00 Intro

01:43 Patriots Offseason Targets

17:12 Kevin Durant Surpasses 30k Points

21:18 New NBA app on Vision Pro

24:37 Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont Booed At The Mavs Game 

29:34 Are The Red Sox Playoff Bound?

43:20 Aaron Rodgers Top Landing Spots 

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The hosts start by diving into Luka Doncic’s debut with the Lakers. How did Luka perform defensively in his first game? Was it what fans expected, or did he show some areas for improvement? The guys discuss their thoughts on the trade so far—are they feeling more confident in it now? They’ll also talk about Luka’s overall impact and how he could help elevate the team moving forward.

Next, the guys shift to Jimmy Butler’s first 2 games with the Warriors. Will he and Draymond Green hit it off, or are there potential clashes ahead? The duo shares their thoughts on Jimmy’s performance so far and whether the trade was the right move.

The conversation then turns to the Celtics, who recently delivered a dominant 103-85 blowout over the Heat. With a 6-1 record in their last 7 games, are the Celtics back to dominating? Travis and Ountae preview the upcoming Celtics-Spurs matchup and discuss what to expect from Jayson Tatum, De'Aaron Fox, and Victor Wembanyama before the All-Star break. Can Boston finish the first half of the season strong?

Plus, it’s time for Win In 7, where the guys challenge each other to guess the mystery NBA player in 7 questions, followed by the player's silhouette for a final guess.

Travis also revisits his support of the Houston Rockets after their tough stretch. Did the Rockets make the right moves at the trade deadline, or are they falling short?

And finally, for a quick pick-me-up, Ountae shares his must-watch NBA League Pass game of the week: Hawks vs Knicks—Trae Young in New York. Meanwhile, Travis is all-in on Suns vs Rockets, with H-Town needing a win to turn things around!

Catch it all in this thrilling episode of Hold My Banner, hosted by Travis Thomas and Ountae Campbell! Watch 'Hold My Banner every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

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00:00 Intro

01:10 Luka Doncic’s Lakers Debut

12:06 Jimmy Butler’s Warriors 1st Games

23:05 Celtics Blowout Heat 103-85

29:02 Celtics vs Spurs Preview

34:14 Win In 7 - Guess The NBA Player

42:44 Will The Rockets Win The West?

48:00 Must Watch NBA League Pass Games

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The NBA Trade Deadline just dropped a huge bombshell—Jimmy Butler is now a Golden State Warrior! In a blockbuster move, Butler was traded for Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson, and a protected first-round pick. Will this elevate Steph Curry’s quest for another championship? And what about Butler’s relationship with Draymond Green—will they clash, or can they find a way to work together? The guys dive into this trade and all the other major moves shaking up the league.

With eight NBA All-Stars on the move, the playoff race has been completely flipped on its head! The non-All-Stars are here too, though! From the Lakers landing Mark Williams to the Bucks’ bold acquisition of Kyle Kuzma, Travis and Ountae break down the key trades and what they mean for these teams moving forward.

The hosts analyze the big moves for the Lakers, Mavericks, Warriors, Heat, Spurs, Kings, Bucks, and Cavs—how have these trades reshaped their playoff chances? Plus, hear about the smaller trades that caught their attention, like Brandon Ingram to the Raptors and Daniel Theis joining the Thunder (post recording he has now been waived).

Travis and Ountae also share their picks for Winners and Losers at the deadline: Travis believes the Cavs and Bucks came out on top, while Ountae is loving what the Cavs and Spurs are building. Both agree that the Rockets and Timberwolves missed a chance to improve.

The episode also recaps the Celtics’ nail-biting win over the Cavaliers—are the champs still have the best chances to win again? How would a seven-game series look between these two teams?

And don’t miss the 1 NBA League Pass Game to Watch: Ountae’s excited for Jimmy Butler’s debut with the Warriors, while Travis is all in on the Rockets vs. Mavs showdown.

Tune in for your ultimate Trade Deadline breakdown with Travis Thomas & Ountae Campbell on Hold My Banner! Catch 'Hold My Banner every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

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00:00 Intro

02:00 Jimmy Butler Traded To The Warriors

11:15 Lakers Get Mark Williams

17:34 Kyle Kuzma Traded To The Bucks

21:32 Cavs Get De’Andre Hunter

26:10 What happens next for the Lakers, Mavericks, Warriors, Heat, Spurs, Kings, Bucks, Cavs?

37:43 NBA Trade Deadline Winners & Losers

47:30 Celtics Are Still The Best Out East

49:21 Must Watch NBA League Pass Games

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The NBA Trade Deadline has already brought us the shocking news of the Mavericks and the Lakers swapping stars, Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis! 

Luka Doncic & Anthony Davis Trade:

Could this blockbuster deal between the Mavericks and Lakers shake up the league? Is it the end of the line for Nico Harrison in Dallas? Plus, will Luka and LeBron stay together after this year? We’re diving into the drama and the potential fallout for both teams.

De’Aaron Fox Traded To The Spurs:

A shocking move has De’Aaron Fox headed to San Antonio, while the Kings bring in Zach LaVine and a stack of draft picks. Who got the better end of this trade? Tune in for the breakdown!

NBA Trade Deadline Update:

What’s left on the trade board? Will Jimmy Butler or Bradley Beal get moved? What’s the latest scoop around the league?

Stop Me When You Hear A Better Duo Than Luka & LeBron:

We’re putting the all-time great duos to the test! From Victor Wembanyama & De’Aaron Fox to MJ & Scottie, we’re debating who’s got the best one-two punch in NBA history.

Celtics Update:

The Celtics keep their momentum going, sneaking past the Pelicans and 76ers in dramatic wins. What does the East look like for Boston going forward?

1 NBA League Pass Game To Watch:

Ountae picks Orlando at Sacramento for the debut of Zach LaVine in a Kings jersey. Travis all about Heat at 76ers, and he’s ready for the drama!

Get your latest NBA fix, trade reactions, and a whole lot of fun in this episode of Hold My Banner, with hosts Travis Thomas and Ountae Campbell featuring George Balekji. Don’t miss it! Catch 'Hold My Banner every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

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00:00 Intro 

00:45 Luka Doncic & Anthony Davis Trade

19:58 De’Aaron Fox Traded To The Spurs

27:59 Jimmy Butler & Bradley Beal Trade Update

34:41 Stop Me When You Hear A Better Duo Than Luka & LeBron

45:26 Celtics Weekend Update

49:07 Must Watch NBA League Pass Games

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There is some major trade talk surrounding De'Aaron Fox. The Sacramento Kings are reportedly open to moving their star point guard, and while Fox’s preferred destination is the San Antonio Spurs, could the Miami Heat be in the mix? With the Heat looking to add another dynamic guard, they might be a surprise player in this race. The guys dive into the possibilities and what other teams might be in the hunt for Fox’s services.

The conversation then shifts to the Celtics’ 122-100 win over the Bulls, while Jayson Tatum didn’t have his best game he continues to cement himself as one of the NBA’s elite players. Is Tatum finally getting the respect he deserves for his consistent dominance? The hosts discuss his impact and preview the Celtics vs. Pelicans game on the horizon.

On the WNBA front, Brittney Griner is on the move to the Atlanta Dream, adding a major presence to their lineup. Kelsey Mitchell has secured a max 1-year deal to stay with the Indiana Fever, and the hosts celebrate her reuniting with Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston.

In other NBA news, Adam Silver recently raised the idea of shortening NBA games to 10-minute quarters, but Mike Malone, head coach of the Denver Nuggets, isn't having it. He’s not a fan of the idea, and he’s not alone—many are questioning whether cutting games shorter is the right move. The NBA is facing a slight lull in viewership, especially during the regular season, and some believe shortening the game could spark more excitement and appeal to casual fans. Could this be the solution, or is it just a band-aid on a deeper issue? The guys dive into this debate and whether the league might actually consider the change.

And speaking of big moves in the NBA, there's also the latest on Caitlin Clark, who turned down an invite to the NBA 3-Point Contest. What does this decision mean for the future of the NBA as well? The hosts discuss why Clark might be setting her sights on bigger goals.

Next, it’s time for Wicked Or Kick It! Travis and Ountae judge the NBA fashion choices of Jayson Tatum, Julius Randle, and Tyler Herro—which fits are "wicked" and which ones are getting kicked to the curb? 👟

For the NBA League Pass Game to Watch, Travis and Ountae highlight two must-see matchups: Hawks at Pacers for some Trae Young vs. Tyrese Haliburton action, and Giannis vs. Wemby—this game should be out of this world.

Finally, Travis Thomas & Ountae Campbell celebrate the 100th episode with cake, laughs, and some reflection on how far the podcast has come. It’s an action-packed episode with breaking news, trade rumors, fashion critiques, and much more. Hold My Banner delivers the goods—subscribe now and join the celebration! Catch 'Hold My Banner every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

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00:00 Intro 

03:51 Celtics Beat Bulls, Jayson Tatum Deserves Credit, Celtics Next Road Trip

13:07 De’Aaron Fox Could Be A Spur + WNBA Offseason

30:50 NBA Fashion - Wicked Or Kick It

38:54 Adam Silver Suggest The NBA Could Shorten Games

46:00 Must Watch NBA League Pass Games

48:23 Hold My Banner 100th Episode Celebrationv

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Some bold predictions about the Houston Rockets, with Travis making the case that this could be the year they make a serious run at the Western Conference title—and maybe even the NBA Finals. They break down the breakout performances from Amen Thompson, the development of young stars like Alperen Sengun, and why the Rockets might just be flying under the radar as one of the most dangerous teams in the West. Travis is betting on Houston’s future, and he’s convinced that if they keep playing like this, they could upset some of the league’s top contenders. Could the Rockets really go all the way to the Finals? The guys dive deep into Houston’s potential and why it might be time to start taking them seriously as a Western Conference powerhouse. You don’t want to miss this fiery conversation from Hold My Banner with Ountae Campbell & Travis Thomas! Catch 'Hold My Banner' every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

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The All-Star drama takes center stage as we dive into the All-Star Reserves Draft. Travis Thomas & Ountae Campbell go head-to-head, picking two guards, three frontcourt players, and two wildcards, debating who deserves a spot in the big game. With names like Anthony Edwards, James Harden, Trae Young, and the rising star Victor Wembanyama, the guys don’t hold back. Who should make it? It’s a heated discussion you won’t want to miss. We also talk about the big All-Star starter snubs—LaMelo Ball and Wemby are absolutely deserving, but did they get overlooked?

The action doesn’t stop there. Amen Thompson put on an absolute show at TD Garden, hitting a game-winner and leaving everyone wondering if the Rockets are finally turning a corner. Dillon Brooks surprised everyone with a slue of 3s too! Travis is betting on them, and we break down what’s going right in Houston. We also preview the Celtics vs. Bulls matchup and talk about what’s in store for both teams as they look ahead to the rest of the season.

Things get spicy with Jimmy Butler, who’s been suspended indefinitely by the Miami Heat after a dramatic walkout at shootaround. The guys discuss the messy situation, what it means for Miami, and where Jimmy might end up if the Heat decide to trade him. Is his asking price lower now? And what’s the real story behind his fallout with the team?

We wrap up the episode with a debate that’s been brewing for years—Stop me when you hear a better player than Anthony Davis. Travis and Ountae compare AD to legends like Joel 

Embiid, Charles Barkley, and others, trying to figure out where he ranks in NBA history. Is AD an all-time great or still flying under the radar?

Finally, the guys share their picks for this week’s must-watch League Pass games. Ountae is locked in for Timberwolves vs. Suns in a playoff rematch, while Travis is tuning in for Cavaliers vs. Heat, calling it a true litmus test for Miami’s grit and future.

It’s all that and more on this packed episode of Hold My Banner with Ountae Campbell & Travis Thomas! Catch 'Hold My Banner every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

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00:00 Intro 

03:55 Rockets Are A Real Problem (Part 1)

11:27 Celtics vs Bulls

14:03 NBA All-Star Starters Snubs

19:03 Rockets Are A Real Problem (Part 2)

25:28 NBA All-Star Reserves

34:40 Jimmy Butler Suspended Indefinitely

41:07 Stop Me When You Hear A Better Player Than Anthony Davis

45:25 Must Watch NBA League Pass Games

47:42 Bet On The Rockets

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The Jimmy Butler saga takes center stage this week on Hold My Banner. What’s really going on between Butler, Pat Riley, and the Miami Heat? Is a trade coming soon, and why has this situation been dragging on? Travis and Ountae break it all down and discuss what’s next for Jimmy Buckets and the Heat.

Then, the guys shift gears to recap the Boston Celtics’ dramatic 117-113 overtime win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Travis takes a nostalgic trip with a special flashback segment, while previewing the Celtics’ next matchup against the Dallas Mavericks.

In Wicked Or Kick It, it’s all about judging NBA fashion. This week, the hosts review the latest outfits from Chris Paul, Anthony Edwards, and Victor Wembanyama. Will they give them the thumbs up, or are they kicking them to the curb?

The NBA MVP Ladder is also on the agenda. With the season halfway through, Travis and Ountae share their top 5 MVP picks. Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander running away with the award? Does Giannis still dominate both ends of the floor? The MVP conversation heats up!

For the NBA League Pass Game to Watch, Ountae is keeping an eye on Rockets at Cavaliers, while Travis is all about Kings at Knicks—two exciting matchups you won’t want to miss.

Finally, Travis closes with a take that will leave you thinking: For the first time ever, he's agreeing with Draymond Green about the Jordan Poole drama. Poole’s been getting attention for all the wrong reasons, and Travis has some thoughts on why he needs to step up.

Tune in for all this and more on Hold My Banner, hosted by Travis Thomas & Ountae Campbell! Catch 'Hold My Banner every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

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00:00 Intro

02:50 Celtics Beat Clippers 117-113 in OT (Part 1)

06:03 Celtics at Mavericks Preview

07:16 Jimmy Butler vs Pat Riley Trade Saga (Part 1)

15:11 Celtics Beat Clippers 117-113 in OT (Part 2)

23:26 Jimmy Butler vs Pat Riley Trade Saga (Part 2)

32:19 NBA Fashion - Wicked Or Kick It

39:56 NBA MVP Rankings

45:00 Must Watch NBA League Pass Games

46:29 Jordan Poole vs Draymond Green

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We dive deep into Scottie Pippen’s controversial comments about Michael Jordan. Pippen recently claimed he would still have won 6 rings without MJ, sparking a huge debate. Can you imagine a world where the Bulls dominate the 90s without the greatest player of all time? The guys break down whether Pippen’s statements hold any weight or if he’s simply letting his ego run wild. And if that's not enough, Pippen also said that an NBA owner would pick him over LeBron to start a franchise. Is he tripping, or does he have a case?

Then, it’s time for the “Win In 7” challenge, where Travis and Ountae try to guess the mystery NBA player in just 7 questions. After narrowing it down, they make their final guess, but not without some heated discussions along the way.

Check out this packed segment from Hold My Banner, hosted by Travis Thomas and Ountae Campbell—where the NBA talk is never boring! Catch 'Hold My Banner' every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

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#NBA #Bulls #Jordan #Pippen 

00:00 – “Win In 7” Mystery Player Quiz

06:15 – Scottie Pippen's Bold Claims: Could He Have Won 6 Rings Without MJ? 

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The guys discuss the demise of the Golden State Warriors. With the team struggling and questions surrounding their future, we ask: Can the Warriors turn it around before Steph Curry retires? Was Klay Thompson’s absence the tipping point for Golden State? And should they have moved on from Draymond Green? The hosts break down whether this is the end of the Warriors’ dynasty or just a rough patch.

From there, the conversation shifts to the Boston Celtics, who had a week full of ups and downs with a solid win over the Magic, a tough loss to the Hawks, and a dominant blowout of the Warriors. Travis and Ountae discuss what’s working for Boston and where they need to improve ahead of their matchup with the Clippers.

In the latest “Win In 7” segment, it’s mystery player time. Travis takes his best shot at guessing the player in just 7 questions. Will he guess the player Ountae is thinking of this time?

The guys also tackle Scottie Pippen’s bold comments—is he tripping or does he have a point? Pippen recently claimed he would still have won 6 rings without Michael Jordan and said an NBA owner would choose him over LeBron to start a franchise. The debate heats up on whether these statements hold any weight.

With All-Star Starters being revealed soon, the hosts break down who should and will make the cut. Plus, they discuss the rookies who will be joining the Dunk Contest, including Spurs’ Stephon Castle and Bulls’ Matas Buzelis.

To wrap up the episode, the guys recommend their top NBA League Pass games: Ountae goes with Kings vs. Nuggets for an old-school hoops showdown with Sabonis vs. Jokic, while Travis picks Cavs vs. Rockets for some exciting, up-and-coming action.

Don’t miss the latest episode of Hold My Banner, where NBA talk is always fresh, insightful, and a little bit fiery—hosted by Travis Thomas and Ountae Campbell! Catch 'Hold My Banner every Wednesday and Friday on NESN's Youtube, Twitch, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

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00:00 Intro 

03:30 Celtics Lately

06:30 Celtics At Clippers

08:35 Warriors Demise Is Unnecessary

24:48 NBA 7 Questions - Win In 7

36:03 Scottie Pippen Comments On The GOATs

40:33 NBA All Star Starters

48:15 Must Watch NBA League Pass Games

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