Locked On NBA – Daily Podcast On The National Basketball Association

Will the Indiana Pacers make it back to the Eastern Conference Finals? Is Tyrese Haliburton still a top 5 player in the Eastern Conference? Will he be by the end of this season? 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-nba Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nba Follow the Locked On Podcast Network Twitter 📲 https://twitter.com/LockedOnNetwork TikTok 📲 https://www.tiktok.com/@lockedonsports Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! | Offers: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/offers/ #NBA #Basketball #Podcast #NBAPodcast #Sports #SportsPodcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does an elite NBA defense look like in 2026? Wes Goldberg, Matt Moore and Haize break down the trends shaping modern defense and what last season’s best units can teach us about where the league is headed.

Are versatility and switchability still king? How important is rim protection? And with offenses getting more sophisticated, which defensive strategies are actually working? Then the guys make their predictions for which teams have the best chance to finish No. 1 in defensive rating this season.

Finally, it’s back to the Rotation Lab for one of the NBA’s most fascinating young teams: the Washington Wizards. With Trae Young and Anthony Davis entering their first full season together and No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa joining the mix, how should Washington build its rotation — and can this group make a major leap?

Indeed

Odoo

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Miami Heat add Nick Richards, but is he a real difference-maker or just roster depth? With Richards joining on a training camp deal, hosts Rylan Stiles and David Ramil weigh the impact of his shot-blocking, rim finishing, and chances of cracking a crowded frontcourt rotation alongside Bam Adebayo and Bobby Portis. Can Richards’ NBA experience tip the scales in a competitive Eastern Conference, or is he simply insurance for a grueling 82-game season?

Attention shifts to Jonathan Kuminga’s fresh start with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Does the talented forward finally seize a breakout role among Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, and Rudy Gobert, or could his addition add unnecessary volatility to Minnesota’s Western Conference hopes? The hosts spotlight their most intriguing NBA teams to watch—including the surging Indiana Pacers and sleeper Utah Jazz—and debate which squads are most likely to underwhelm this season. Which storylines will define the upcoming NBA battle?

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jonathan Kuminga is headed to Minnesota. Does his arrival make the Timberwolves a legitimate threat to the top of the Western Conference? Wes Goldberg, Matt Moore and Haize break down Kuminga’s surprising two-year deal, why he chose a starting opportunity with the Timberwolves over more money from the Lakers, and what Chris Finch needs from him this season.

Then it’s a double edition of The Rotation Lab. First, the guys build the Toronto Raptors’ opening-night rotation assuming Kawhi Leonard joins Scottie Barnes in Toronto and examine whether that pairing can work. Finally, they head to Utah to figure out a fascinating Jazz roster built around Lauri Markkanen, Darryn Peterson, Ace Bailey and Keyonte George — and determine how much losing Walker Kessler could hurt.

Indeed

Odoo

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Minnesota Timberwolves add Jonathan Kuminga to bolster their frontcourt, while New Orleans Pelicans secure Bennedict Mathurin in a bold move—could these acquisitions reshape the Western Conference pecking order?

Tony East and Ryan Blackburn break down the roster shuffles, examining Kuminga's fit alongside Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels, and what Mathurin brings to a veteran-heavy Pelicans squad led by Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, and Herb Jones. The hosts analyze how tight second apron restrictions and looming contract stretch deadlines influenced this week’s fast-paced signings, as well as the ripple effects of Jordan Miller's injury for the Los Angeles Clippers' rotation depth. Key topics include rotation challenges for both the Timberwolves and Pelicans, off-season strategies in the face of NBA cap rules, and the potential end of major free agency moves.

Is this the final jolt before NBA rosters lock in for training camp?

Indeed

Odoo

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Which NBA coaches enter the 2026-27 season on the hot seat? Wes Goldberg, Matt Moore and Haize play Hot, Warm or Cold with Ime Udoka, Kenny Atkinson, Nick Nurse and Doug Christie. How much pressure is Udoka facing to turn Houston's talent into playoff success, and which coach could be the first fired?

Then it’s a double edition of The Rotation Lab. The guys attempt to make sense of a Sacramento Kings roster that lost DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook and debate whether Sacramento could actually be the worst team in the NBA. Finally, they break down the defending Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs. Did the addition of Tobias Harris quietly solve one of their biggest problems? And could Dylan Harper force his way into the starting lineup alongside Victor Wembanyama?

Indeed

Odoo

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s Locked On NBA Game Night we discuss Luka Dončić, LeBron James, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Jalen Brunson, Jalen Williams, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Haliburton, Karl-Anthony Towns, Austin Reaves, Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, LaMelo Ball, Cooper Flagg, the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Charlotte Hornets NBA playoff matchups.

Gavin Schall and Danny Cunningham kick off the episode by drafting their most anticipated NBA playoff matchups, debating the high-stakes rivalry between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs as a potential Western Conference Finals rematch. 

The hosts spotlight a showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers, now built around Luka Dončić, and the Thunder, exploring how Luka might adapt against OKC’s relentless defense. Gavin Schall and Danny Cunningham predict potential drama as the Boston Celtics take on the revamped Philadelphia 76ers, with fresh storylines surrounding Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. 

They hone in on a narrative-rich Knicks–Pacers rematch and examine whether Tyrese Haliburton’s Pacers are underrated entering the season. The episode also considers how Kawhi Leonard’s addition could shift the balance for the Toronto Raptors against elite teams like the Knicks and Sixers, and discusses the postseason ceilings for contenders like the Detroit Pistons, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, and up-and-comers such as the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets. 

Throughout, the hosts provide rapid-fire insights on star player performances, team dynamics, and must-watch playoff clashes destined to define the NBA season.

Timestamps

0:00 Thunder vs Spurs

Photo Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-nba

Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nba

Follow the Locked On Podcast Network

Twitter 📲 https://twitter.com/LockedOnNetwork

TikTok 📲 https://www.tiktok.com/@lockedonsports

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! | Offers: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/offers/

#NBA #Basketball #Podcast #NBAPodcast #Sports #SportsPodcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Which NBA team is being disrespected the most heading into the 2026-27 season? Wes Goldberg, Matt Moore and Haize react to the Orlando Magic being buried in preseason projections and debate which overlooked team deserves more attention. Is Orlando ready to finally break through, or is there another sleeper hiding in plain sight?

Then, it’s a double edition of The Rotation Lab. The guys break down how the Phoenix Suns should build their rotation after a surprising playoff run and an offseason that added Miles Bridges, Luke Kennard and rookie Koa Peat around Devin Booker. Finally, they head to Portland, where the Trail Blazers have added Ja Morant and Jeremy Sochan but must figure out their lineup without the injured Shaedon Sharpe.

Indeed

Odoo

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ryan Blackburn and Andy Kamenetzky react to the devastating injury news for Shaedon Sharpe and analyze what it means for the Portland Trail Blazers’ roster and future. The hosts then dive into the crowded middle of the Western Conference, ranking confidence levels for teams like the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Lakers securing the 3rd seed. They break down what a bad season could mean for franchise stars like Nikola Jokic and Anthony Edwards and debate which Western Conference teams—like the Phoenix Suns, Blazers, Warriors, and Jazz—are most likely to make a leap into the top 6. 

Indeed

Odoo

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Klay Thompson is officially a member of the Miami Heat. Does his arrival make Miami a legitimate favorite in the Eastern Conference?

Wes Goldberg, Matt Moore and Haize react to Thompson agreeing to a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks, giving up nearly $10 million and signing with Miami after clearing waivers. They break down Klay’s fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, whether Miami was his best destination and why the structure of his contract could give the Heat even more flexibility to finish the roster.

Then it’s a double Rotation Lab. First, the guys tackle the Denver Nuggets after losing Peyton Watson and adding DeMar DeRozan on a veteran minimum contract. Should DeRozan start next to Nikola Jokic? Finally, they build out the Orlando Magic and determine whether their rotation is good enough to contend near the top of the East.

Indeed

Odoo

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.