On this episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine discuss if what happens in Vegas, truly does stay in Vegas. The numbers show that the NBA Cup champions face a very interesting decline in the Cup’s immediate aftermath, and the New York Knicks are the most recent victims of the NBA Las Vegas hangover, losing 4 straight.

They also look into other teams suffering post-NBA Cup, including the once-seemingly invincible Oklahoma City Thunder and the preseason Eastern darling Orlando Magic. What’s causing this sudden slip for these contenders? Tom and Dan investigate.

Plus, the pair look into Trae Young’s fit as a Washington Wizard and predict next season’s success with the star guard at the helm.

(0:57) The Big Number: NBA Cup hangover

(16:10) Jalen Williams shooting woes

(24:37) Knicks defensive drama

(33:17) Magic struggling without Suggs

(43:17) Does trading Trae to the Wizards make sense?

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In the final Big Number episode of 2025, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine discuss the major implications of the Nikola Jokic knee extension and how it affects both the NBA’s MVP race, as well as the Denver Nuggets’ playoff chances.

Then, they take a look at some of the most trade-eligible players for the new year, leading with Anthony Davis, who despite being one of the most effective players while on the court, still provides question marks on his ability to stay on it. The pair also address the Zach LaVine situation in Sacramento - should he get traded, and where to?

Finally, the Trae Young fiasco in Atlanta is picked apart - what should the Hawks do? Is waiving the former superstar point guard on the table? That and more on today’s Big Number.

(01:08) The Big Number: 4 - minimum number of weeks Jokic misses with knee injury
(19:08) The Little Numbers: 1.5 - Anthony Davis’ estimated plus minus
(21:03) New team, new year: potential landing spots for Anthony Davis
(24:06) The Little Numbers: 13 - players avg. 25+ points on .600 true shooting percentage
(26:16) New team, new year: will Michael Porter Jr. have a new team in 2026?
(28:51) The Little Numbers: 10 - Zach LaVine 3-point attempts per possession
(38:18) The Little Numbers: 126.2 - Hawks’ defensive rating with Trae Young
(49:06) Should the Hawks waive Trae Young?

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Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine break down the NBA’s Christmas Day slate and preview Cooper Flagg’s historic holiday start at just 19 years, 4 days old. Dan then shares four little numbers for the top players to watch in each Christmas Day game: Karl-Anthony Towns’ defensive leap for the Knicks, Stephon Castle’s ascent with the Spurs, LeBron James’ shift away from predominantly creating his own shots and Jamal Murray’s elite efficiency for Denver. 

Later, Tom & Dan push for radical reform and suggest the NBA get rid of the Draft system to prevent teams from tanking. 

(1:23) The Big Number: Flagg’s Christmas Day debut
(17:28) The Little Numbers: KAT at-rim defense
(22:21) The Little Numbers: Stephon Castle a superstar?
(27:35) The Little Numbers: LeBron’s assisted baskets
(33:11) The Little Numbers: Jamal Murray’s efficiency
(38:24) Should the NBA get rid of the Draft?

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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the New York Knicks’ first NBA Cup championship run. Following the departure of Tom Thibodeau, has the Knickerbockers’ offensive scheme unlocked a new level? With the defense maintaining its integrity as the offense continues to explode, are the Knicks now a real championship threat? Then, the pair discusses and shares their thoughts on the Knicks' decision not to celebrate their NBA Cup championship with a banner. 

Later, they respond to commissioner Adam Silver’s comments regarding the NBA injury crisis and propose solutions to end the prolonged absence of star power for the league.

(1:14) The big number: $530,933 - Knicks player earnings from NBA Cup 
(11:20) Knicks refuse to hang NBA Cup Banner 
(19:32) The little number: +21.5 Knicks net rating with Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart on the floor 
(22:36) The little number: 7.9 minutes per game Jalen Brunson has possession of the ball this season 
(26:40) The little number: 11th - Knicks defensive efficiency ranking
(32:07) Injury Crisis Update

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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the keys to the New York Knicks punching their ticket to Vegas with their victory over the Toronto Raptors, including Jalen Brunson’s impact this year and the Knicks’ elite 3-point shooting game. Are the Knicks now the East favorite? 

Next, they discuss the Magic’s victory over the Heat as they advance to the next round of the NBA Cup. They share how Desmond Bane, Jalen Suggs, and Anthony Black are the difference makers for Orlando and discuss the keys to Orlando’s success in the next round of the NBA Cup. 

Later, the duo shares their picks for the NBA Cup Quarterfinals. Are the Thunder untouchable? Can the Spurs take down the Lakers without Wemby?

1:42 Are the New York Knicks the top contender in the East?

20:02 Are Desmond Bane, Jalen Suggs, and Anthony Black better on the floor without Banchero?

29:10 NBA Cup Eastern Conference semifinal preview

36:56 NBA Cup Western Conference quarterfinal preview

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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dissect the corpse of the Los Angeles Clippers' franchise! The pair react to the Clippers' 3 AM disposal of Chris Paul and discuss potential new destinations for the 40-year-old veteran guard. They also analyze both the historical and current woes of the Clippers, noting the Herculean offensive efforts from James Harden and horrific team defense. Norman Powell's success in Miami is also discussed, making this episode deliciously miserable for fans in Clipperland.

(1:05) The Big Number: Clippers send Chris Paul home
(30:57) The Little Numbers: LAC half-court defense
(35:35) The Little Numbers: James Harden’s offensive impact
(41:04) The Little Numbers: Clippers missing Norm Powell

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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine discuss gratitudes in the NBA for this Thanksgiving episode. The pair chat about LA's luck with Luka Dončić—who's on a historic tear, even in Lakerland. They break down Lonzo Ball’s mini-resurgence and offer appreciation for Erik Spoelstra and Jalen Suggs for the Heat & Magic.

Tom brainstorms nicknames for Derik Queen, the Raptors and Deni Avdija receive some love, and they ask the big question: can the Thunder REALLY win 77 games?

(1:25) Lakers are lucky to have Luka

(15:56) Cavs thankful for Lonzo Ball

(19:33) Heat grateful for Erik Spoelstra

(26:45) Magic thankful for Jalen Suggs

(31:53) Pelicans grateful for Derik Queen

(39:13) Dan thankful for the Raptors

(42:46) Tom grateful for Deni Avdija

(47:13) Thankful for the Thunder

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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine give their way-too-early awards for the NBA season thus far. They debate whether Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or 
Nikola Jokić should be the NBA MVP and whether the Rookie of the Year award should be awarded to Cooper Flagg or Cedric Coward. Next, they discuss why it’s a unanimous decision to give Victor Wembyanama the Defensive Player of the Year despite his injury and why Ryan Rollins has the strongest case for Most Improved Player of the Year.

Plus, why has there been an increase in star player injuries this year? Tom gives his insight. Lastly, LeBron James made his season debut last night against the Utah Jazz. Will he continue to bring the Lakers to life? All that and more!

1:14 SGA for MVP?
4:10 Jokic for MVP?
9:15  Honorable mention MVP: Giannis
14:48 Rookie of the Year picks
21:02 Wemby for Defensive Player of the Year?
27:35 Ryan Rollins for most improved player?
29:59 Jalen Duran for most improved player?
37:07Jaime Jaquez Jr for 6moy?
44:41 NBA star injury crisis
55:41 LeBron makes his debut

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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine react to the Dallas Mavericks firing Nico Harrison just ten months after trading Luka Dončić to the Lakers and ask if drafting Cooper Flagg accelerated Nico’s exit timeline. The pair deep dives into Jason Kidd’s future with the Mavs and his role in Nico’s firing. They debate how Dallas can improve its lackluster offense while Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving have been sidelined, and ask if it might make sense to trade AD away. 

Later, Tom & Dan react to the new NBA All-Star format. Can the new changes really bring life back to the All-Star Game, or will it be more of the same?

(1:28) The Big Number: Nico Harrison's plan that never was
(21:19) The Little Numbers: Mavericks' offensive woes
(27:05) The Little Numbers: Anthony Davis missing games
(30:56) The Little Numbers: Time to trade away AD?
(37:39) The Little Numbers: Mavs 2026 NBA Draft Lottery odds
(42:50) NBA announces new All-Star format

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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine react to the Grizzlies’ most recent drama with Ja Morant and ask: is it time to move on from him? Or should Memphis ride out the turbulence?

With Morant’s dunk numbers slumping and his future in Memphis clouded by tension, Tom & Dan evaluate potential trade destinations including the Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and more.

(1:27) The Big Number: Ja Morant’s declining dunks

(20:43) The Little Numbers: Morant to Sacramento?

(26:20) The Little Numbers: Should Dallas trade for Morant?

(28:16) Does Ja fit with the Nets?

(32:24) The Little Numbers: Morant to Houston?

(35:13) Could Ja fit with Milwaukee?

(37:57) The Little Numbers: Should Memphis keep Morant?

(42:27) OKC starts season 8-0

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