Before starting today’s show, Verno and KOC share memories of our friend and colleague Jonathan Tjarks, who passed away over the weekend due to cancer (01:30). Then Kevin and Chris answer your mailbag questions. Topics include the Magic’s future, which player on the Grizzlies will make the biggest jump, and tips to staying young (16:33).
You can donate to the Tjarks family here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/Lets-help-our-friend-jonathan-tjarks?utm_campaign=p_nacp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer
Read Jonathan’s piece mentioned in the episode here:
https://www.theringer.com/2022/3/3/22956353/fatherhood-cancer-jonathan-tjarks
Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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Rest in Peace, Jonathan Tjarks

Kevin O’Connor and Chris Vernon discuss all the news, trends, and transactions happening in the NBA. They also offer their on-court analysis, and occasionally get into heated debates.

Sports

Verno and KOC recap Thursday night’s slate of playoff basketball, starting with the Nuggets' 11th straight win over the Lakers (01:13). With the Lakers in an 0-3 hole again, the guys discuss what the future holds for LeBron James and the team. They next discuss how the Magic and 76ers were able to win their Game 3 matchups against the Cavs and Knicks (24:10). The guys move on to preview Friday’s night games, starting with Bucks-Pacers, before moving on to Mavs-Clippers (46:28). After going down 0-2, are the Suns just completely outmatched against the Timberwolves (01:12:09)? Also, did the Heat find the formula to beat the Celtics? Plus, why the Thunder are primed for a deep playoff run (01:28:17).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming.
Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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Lakers Collapse Again, Embiid Drops 50, Magic Dominate, and Game 3 Previews

Verno and KOC go through all the playoff matchups from Monday night, starting off with Jamal Murray’s game-winning shot to put the Nuggets up 2-0 over the Lakers (01:26). Next, they discuss how the Knicks were able to grind out a victory over Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and the Sixers (14:06). Also, the guys discuss what makes the Cavs a little different this year, and debate how far the Timberwolves can go with this version of Anthony Edwards (30:06). They then discuss why Khris Middleton is pivotal for the Bucks' success, what the key difference is in the Mavs-Clippers series, and debate whether the Pelicans can truly challenge the Thunder (48:12).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thrillers in Denver and New York, Plus Breaking Down Every NBA Playoff Series

Verno and KOC share what they enjoyed the most from KOC’s interview with Victor Wembanyama before turning their attention to the play-in games from earlier this week (01:29). They discuss their disappointment with Zion Williamson's injury and Brandon Ingram’s performance in the Pelicans' loss to the Lakers, as well as their surprise at the Kings easily defeating the Warriors (10:16). Do the Lakers stand any chance to upset the Nuggets? How far can the inexperienced Thunder go? The guys debate whether Joel Embiid can bounce back to his MVP form against the Knicks (38:48). Also, they discuss the hideous performance from the Hawks, Coby White’s huge game for the Bulls, the Heat’s chances without Jimmy Butler, and more (47:09).

You can find KOC’s interview with Victor Wembanyama here.

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sixers Survive, Impactful Injuries, Believing in OKC, and Playoff Predictions

Verno and KOC open the episode by briefly teasing KOC’s interview with Victor Wembanyama (01:52). They then turn their attention to the playoff matchups, as well as this week’s play-in tournament (13:20). Should the Lakers lose on purpose to avoid the Nuggets in the first round? Do the Timberwolves stand any chance against the Suns? They debate this and look at the other playoff series in the West. Also, while looking at the East, the guys discuss which teams are in the best positions to make a run (35:17).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can Any of the Play-In Teams Make a Conference Finals Run? Plus, Playoff Preview and a Wemby Tease

Verno and KOC open up the episode by discussing Stephon Castle’s rise to no. 1 on KOC’s draft board (01:36). Next, they dive into everyone’s favorite segment: "That’s True, That Might Be True, That’s Ridiculous" (10:25). They discuss Jrue Holiday’s extension with the Celtics, debate whether this will be the last year we see Trae Young in a Hawks uniform, Luka Doncic’s MVP chances, how much pressure is on the Suns, and so much more.

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please checkout rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rest in Peace, Jonathan Tjarks

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