NBA on ESPN

Oklahoma City Thunder star Chet Holmgren joins The Woj Pod to discuss his remarkable rookie season, the lonely road back from a season-ending injury, shaping an imagination for what he can be, the greatness of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, his history with Victor Wembanyama, and much more.

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Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Kevin Pelton to talk the hottest team in the NBA, if Zion deserves more attention for his play, the impact injuries in Minnesota could have on the trajectory of the season, the likelihood the Warriors remain in the play-in territory and the mess developing in the Eastern Conference.

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Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks discuss Denver's win over Boston in a potential Finals preview, whether Boston has crunch-time issues, the game's impact on the MVP race, and much more -- the impact of Karl-Anthony Towns injury on Minnesota's playoff chances and big-picture future, Dallas' win over Miami, ankle issues for Steph Curry, Victor Wembanyama, and LeBron James, Ben Simmons being out for the season, and what to make of Wembanyama wanting to win more soon. Then -- a special guest on all things Cavs and tax season. 

Celtics in crunch time (12:57)

You can't double-team Jokic (17:01)

The Porzingis matchup for Jokic (24:53)

Ben Simmons out for the year (34:16)

KAT's injury (38:33)

Keeping an eye on the Mavs (51:08)

Is there another level for the Kings? (55:02)

The Magic are making a charge (1:01:55)

The noise around Wembanyama is just that (1:06:03)

Cavs forward Dean Wade (1:16:31)

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On this episode of the Hoop Collective, Brian Windhorst, Tim Bontemps, and Tim MacMahon dive into key NBA highlights. They discuss the Nuggets' win over the Celtics, Jayson Tatum's impact on the Celtics' playoff chances, the team's defense strategy against Nikola Jokic, and how the Nuggets' bench outperformed the Celtics'. The episode also covers Anthony Edwards' critical block against the Pacers, Karl-Anthony Towns' meniscus surgery, the Bulls' surprising season turnaround, and Steph Curry's ankle injury against the Bulls. 

0:00 Welcome to the Hoop Collective

01:22 The Nuggets beat the Celtics in a thrilling match

11:50 Celtics' Playoff Hopes: The Critical Role of Jayson Tatum

17:58 Breaking Down Celtics' Defense Against Nikola Jokic

27:13 How the Nuggets' Reserves Outshone the Celtics'

38:52 Anthony Edwards Game-Saving Block Against Pacers

46:08 Karl-Anthony Towns to Undergo Surgery for Torn Meniscus

53:06 The Bulls' Unexpected Turnaround

55:02 Steph Curry Suffers Right Ankle Injury Against Bulls

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The Charlotte Hornets' new Executive VP of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson joins The Woj Pod on the challenge of ending the longest playoff drought in the NBA, taking on the job at 35 years old, LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, his history with co-owner Rick Schnall, Kevin Durant, much more. 

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Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk an upcoming stretch of challenging games for the top teams in the Eastern Conference including the Cavs, Celtics and Bucks. Plus, can Milwaukee beat Boston in a best of 7 series, should the Thunder be concerned about their lack of size against the Lakers and why the Kings have been a roller coaster at times.

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Zach and Brian Scalabrine break down the red-hot Boston Celtics and who might challenge them in the East. Then ESPN's Chris Herring joins to talk about the top-4 in the West, the Bucks finding their groove, injuries to Russell Westbrook, Donovan Mitchell, and Scottie Barnes, the Raptors deal for Kelly Olynyk, RJ Barrett's play, Anthony Davis, and much more around the league. 

Derrick White has been amazing (12:36)

The Warriors leaving Jaylen Brown open at the 3-point line (22:31)

What are you looking for the rest of the way (28:03)

Herring (39:04)

What are you seeing with the Clippers? (41:57)

OKC is for real (52:50)

More surprising if Twolves win West or lose in 1st round? (1:11:52)

Bucks charging (1:23:53)

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Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Ohm Youngmisuk to talk how the Nuggets & Celtics look to be the clear favorites for the NBA Finals, historic context for Boston’s blowout win, a big win for the Clippers, LeBron joining the 40,000 point club and what current players could reach 30,000.

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Zach and ESPN's Chiney Ogwumike discuss the Lakers' big week, LeBron approaching 40,000 points and their favorite LeBron moments, the Bucks' surge on defense, Giannis' MVP case and the awards race overall, Wemby vs Chet, Rookie of the Year, San Antonio's path forward, whether it's time to worry about the Clippers, Houston's struggles, the Pelicans, much more.  

Does it matter if the coach makes more than most players on the team? (14:10)

LeBron's best moments (18:10)

Concerned about the Clippers? (23:38)

Trivia question (33:04)

The Bucks under Doc Rivers (35:31)

Why isn't Giannis talked about more as an MVP candidate? (49:57)

ROY race (57:10)

Rockets and Pelicans (1:06:58)

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Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to a wild installment in the growing Wemby vs. Chet rivalry, what that could mean for the Thunder/Spurs, the Warriors continuing to turn things around, the Knicks needing to get healthy, Embiid’s potential return this season and the Cojones Factor Player of the Month is awarded for February.

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