Basketball is finally back! The OTZ Crew Pav and Doc get on to discuss ALL things Eastern Conference in preparation for the NBA returning on Thursday. We go through team by team of all the teams in the bubble, what we like about them, what we don't like, and talk about our favoirte potential matchups. Lastly, we close out with our predictions for the East. Take a listen!

In this episode, we bring on Houston Rockets Sideline Reporter, Cayleigh Griffin. We talk about her journey up the ladder to become a sideline reporter in the NBA, what she thinks of Houston’s small ball experiment, and how she thinks the Rockets match up against the elite powers in the West. Also, the OTZ Crew have a heated debate between each other about Ben Simmons, and whether the 76ers should build around him, or Joel Embiid.

In this episode, we bring on NBA Writer Alex Kennedy, Hoops Hype & USA Today (@AlexKennedyNBA) to discuss the state of the league right now, with players hesitant on the NBA's plan to return from the coronavirus pandemic. We also have a very fun debate about Joel Embiid vs. Ben Simmons, and you'll be surprised what direction this goes. We go on to discuss our NBA championship predictions, Zion Williamson, and conceptualize what an NBA 1v1 tournament would look like. 

In this episode, we bring on renowned NBA Senior Writer Howard Beck (@HowardBeck), from Bleacher Report. We talk about the NBA's role in social justice, the hesitation to make a statement from James Dolan and the Knicks, Then, we discuss the NBA's return from the coronavirus hiatus and how it is going to work. We go into trade rumors regarding Bradley Beal. Finally, we close out discussing Howard's most recent article regarding Kobe & Shaq's Lakers era. Check it out!

Today, the OTZ crew takes a break from sports to talk about something much more important, and a grave issue in our world right now. Please join us in welcoming a special guest to the show, Amna Rustom! Amna is a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter Movement, and has assisted in organizing peaceful protests in the aftermath of the Police Brutality incident in Minneapolis. Amna joins us to talk about why she’s so passionate about the movement, her thoughts on the protests, and why it is essential for everyone to support BLM, and much much more.

Cleveland, this podcast is for you! In this episode, we bring on author, writer for Fear the Sword, host of the Chase Down Podcast, and hilarious Twitter follow Justin Rowan. Justin joins Doc & Pav in talking all things Cavaliers, from the 2020 NBA Draft, to Collin Sexton and Darius Garland's development, to LaMelo Ball, Kevin Love's trade value, and more. And, we introduce a new segment, "Better Baller!"

Please join us in welcoming the self-proclaimed Cold Take King, and founder of the viral Twitter page, Freezing Cold Takes (@OldTakesExposed), Fred Segal. He talks about his story, how he came to start the page, and how he stays organized with all the cold takes. We then debate some of the cold takes, future takes, and hear about the coldest takes he's ever witnessed in managing the page! 

Please join us in welcoming in joining Bleacher Report and FS1's Senior NBA Writer and Analyst, Ric Bucher for our inaugural episode of Outside the Zone. Ric talks about his life story, how he got to where he is now, and advice for those who aim to follow in his footsteps. He also discusses the potential of the NBA returning, the potential resurgence of the Warriors dynasty, LaMelo Ball, Lavar Ball, young athletes, the Jordan documentary, his hometown Cincinnati Bengals drafting Joe Burrow, and skyline chili. 5:45: Ric’s life story, how he got to where he is now, and advice for those wanting to follow in his footsteps 21:47: Options for the NBA returning from the coronavirus hiatus, the Vegas plan, injury risks, and more 28:56: On the Warriors potential resurgence into the NBA, LaMelo Ball and Lavar Ball, and the draft class Don't forget to check out Ric's podcast, "Bucher & Friends". 

Hosted by NBA Buzz's Pav and Doc, Outside the Zone (OTZ) is a bi-weekly podcast discussing and debating the hottest topics in sports and beyond with a bevy of journalists, players, and guests to hear their stories and perspectives.