The Big Number

The Big Number this week looks at the spectacular season being had by Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. Could the Greek Freak finish 3rd in the MVP race, despite how disappointing the team has been? Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine reveal that Giannis is putting up numbers that we've never seen before, but no one is talking about it. That probably has something to do with the Bucks being WINLESS against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder this season. Tuesday night's loss to Golden State was bad enough that Doc Rivers called a meeting with Giannis and Damian Lillard to try and pull the Bucks out of a "dire" situation.

(3:30) - Does Giannis deserve more MVP buzz?

(13:25) - Celtics' lead over Bucks helps Tatum's case

(17:55) - Is the Cavs' talented roster hurting Donovan Mitchell's case?

(24:50) - Too little too late for Anthony Edwards?

(28:15) - Jalen Brunson is elevating the Knicks

(32:15) - Over/under scoreboard update

(33:05) - Are the Bucks a one & done playoff team?

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On this episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine dive deep into the seismic shift in the Golden State Warriors' performance since Jimmy Butler's arrival. From being one of the sloppiest teams in the NBA to now leading the league in free throws made with fewer turnovers than ever, Butler has reshaped the Warriors into a mistake-free juggernaut. The pair break down his impressive individual stats, including how he's driving efficiency on both ends without dominating the ball, and what his presence has done to increase Steph Curry’s scoring, pushing him to one of his most efficient stretches ever. Could Butler’s addition be the missing piece to a Warriors’ NBA title run?Tom & Dan also take a close look at how the Warriors have adjusted in non-Steph minutes, with Jimmy’s impressive numbers filling the gap when Curry sits, and discuss the effectiveness of their new small-ball lineup. Plus, the impact of Jonathan Kuminga’s potential return and how his presence could further bolster Golden State’s depth as they head into the postseason. With Butler's impact stretching from offense to defense, could this midseason trade go down as one of the best in NBA history?

(1:15) - Big Number: Jimmy Butler revitalizes Golden State
(16:25) - Steph’s improved shooting
(22:00) - Warriors’ new & improved net rating
(24:15) - Golden State small-ball starting five
(28:00) - Kuminga to return after ankle injury
(33:50) - Over/under scoreboard update
(34:25) - Shaq forgets who’s coaching the Pistons

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On this edition of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine take a look at every single front-runner for each of the NBA Awards: MVP, Most Improved Player, 6th Man of the Year, Coach of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Will the current favorites hang on for the next month? Tom and Dan break down SGA's chances of winning his 1st MVP, and whether LeBron James has a true, viable path to chasing him down (in LeBron chasedown fashion). Evan Mobley is the current DPOY favorite, but Tom explains why he "hates" that. Could Evan's head coach Kenny Atkinson be caught by JB Bickerstaff? Cade Cunningham leads MIP as the Pistons dream season continues, but should former #1 overall picks even be eligible for that award? And the nominees that could catch Payton Pritchard for 6MOY. Plus the guys weigh in on the devastating Kyrie Irving news as it pertains to his looming contract situation, and go in hard on Mavericks GM Nico Harrison.

(1:40) - Big Number: SGA or Jokic for MVP? (or LeBron?)

(18:55) - Little Number: Defensive Player of the Year

(25:20) - Little Number: Coach of the Year

(29:50) - Little Number: 6th Man of the Year

(34:35) - Most Improved Player

(42:55) - Scoreboard update: Tom ties it

(44:50) - What Kyrie's injury means for Dallas'

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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine have stumbled across undeniable evidence: the 2024-25 Cleveland Cavaliers are the best team in franchise history. Yes, better than the 2016 title-winning team (sorry, LeBron!) by EVERY statistical measure. The Big Number this week focuses on the Cavs' margin of victory, which has now encroached "all-time great" status. The ascent of Evan Mobley, the MIP case for Ty Jerome, how Kenny Atkinson and Koby Altman have been right with every decision, the addition of De'Andre Hunter, how this has been the best individual seasons for both Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland... and how Max Strus is playing the Cavs' "Steph Curry" role (don't worry: Tom and Dan will explain)! The Cavs are absurdly good and this episode will tell you what has been "The Diff."

Plus — the Los Angeles Lakers are somehow BETTER defensively with Luka Doncic than they were with Anthony Davis. How is that possible?? Tom and Dan have you covered on every angle from LeBron past to LeBron present on this must-watch installment of The Big Number.

(1:00) - The Big Diff: Cavs' historic point differential

(13:35) - Cavs' insane offensive rating+

(17:35) - Cavs have 20% of the top players in win share per 48 min

(22:15) - Evan Mobley's impact on Cavs offense

(28:35) - 10 Cavs players averaging 19+ minutes per game

(34:30) - Over/under scoreboard update

(35:10) - Reacting to Luka Doncic against the Mavericks

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On this episode of The Big Number Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine react to Draymond Green's stunning proclamation that the Golden State Warriors "WILL" win the NBA title this season. They don't agree, but it did give them a good idea — which long shots COULD win the Larry O in June? Find out why the Houston Rockets, LA Clippers, and Minnesota Timberwolves all met the threshold as teams with long odds that do have a viable path to pay dirt. Come for the longshot betting tips backed up by the numbers, stay for the Sisqo "Thong Song" reenactment — this episode has it all!

(1:10) - The Big Number: our Draymond Green-level championship sleeper picks
(14:55) - Jamal Murray and the surging Denver Nuggets
(19:00) - Are we underestimating the Memphis Grizzlies?
(25:35) - Can Brunson & Anunoby elevate the New York Knicks?
(29:15) - Are we sleeping on the Timberwolves?
(33:35) - Over/Under scoreboard update
(38:20) - Does the NBA All-Star Game need to change?

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On this episode of The Big Number Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine preview the 2025 NBA All-Star weekend and make the case for several All-Star MVP candidates. Could it be hometown host & hero Steph Curry? Or will Damian Lillard win a second-straight MVP? There’s also a strong case for LeBron James who’s playing with a new pep in his step now that Luka Doncic has joined the Lakers. Plus, what if Victor Wembanyama takes revenge on Steph Curry after losing to Team USA in the Olympics to steal the MVP award from him on his home turf?

Tom & Dan update the scoreboard on their over/unders competition and take a look at the hottest draft prospect in the country, Cooper Flagg. The pair discuss which teams are currently in position to land Flagg and just how scary certain franchises could become if they manage to ‘capture the Flagg.’ 

(1:24) The Big Number: 15

(4:29) Steph Curry for All-Star MVP?

(10:49) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for MVP?

(13:00) Damian Lillard for MVP?

(17:45) Anthony Edwards for MVP?

(21:27) LeBron James for MVP?

(24:50) Victor Wembanyama for MVP?

(29:05) Over/unders update

(30:58) Who will land Cooper Flagg?

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This week on The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine are all-in on Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets. Despite being only 22 years-old, Thompson's stock is rising at a seemingly improbable pace. With numbers that put him at the All-Star level even now, does Amen Thompson have the potential to become an MVP-caliber player such as Jimmy Butler or Kawhi Leonard? And, if so, would the Houston Rockets DARE to trade him away at the deadline?

Dan brings in his four Little Numbers to showcase the similarities between Amen Thompson and NBA icons such as Alex Caruso, Paul George, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and more. 

The duo also talk a few trades as the NBA trade deadline approaches on Thursday evening, including the Milwaukee Bucks trading Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma. WHY would the Bucks trade for Kuzma when his recent play has been dismal at best? Or is this the trade before the real trade for Milwaukee? 

(1:37) The Big Number: 21
(9:07) Is Amen Thompson un-tradable? 
(13:49) The Little Numbers: 2.5 & 3
(17:49) The Little Numbers: 80
(21:41) The Little Numbers: 0.764
(26:56) The Little Numbers: 0
(30:45) Over/unders update
(32:15) Bucks trade Middleton to Wizards for Kuzma
(39:34) Thunder acquire Theis from Pelicans

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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine crunch the numbers to explain why this season could have more triple-doubles recorded than any NBA season in history. One of the big reasons is Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic who is currently averaging a triple-double this season. But it’s not all Jokic, as the NBA has increased this season in pace and spacing, making it easier for players to score in a greater amount of possessions.

Dan digs up four more interesting stats concerning triple-doubles including the astounding win percentage for teams with a player scoring a triple-double. The pair also chat about the origin of the triple-double, bench players with triple-doubles, and players who’ve recorded their first career triple-double this season.

Tom and Dan update the score of their over/unders competition and make picks on whether Paolo Banchero, Joel Embiid and LaMelo Ball will notch a triple-double before the season ends. Plus, an update on the De’Aaron Fox situation with the Sacramento Kings after Fox made it clear he wants to leave Sacramento for San Antonio. 

(1:12) The Big Number: 154 triple-doubles

(12:53) Origin of term 'triple-double'

(15:01) The Little Numbers: .756

(19:42) The Little Numbers: 1

(20:13) The Little Numbers: 5

(24:07) The Little Numbers: 40

(27:35) The Little Numbers: 0

(28:39) Over/under scoreboard update

(30:59) Triple-doubles over/unders

(38:40) De’Aaron Fox wants out of Sacramento

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It’s an All-Star-centric episode of 'The Big Number' as Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine make the case for their Western Conference starters, headlined by Victor Wembanyama. Despite playing for a San Antonio Spurs team with a losing record, could Wemby become one of the youngest All-Star starters in NBA history?

The pair use this week’s Little Numbers to make a case for the remaining Western Conference starters including Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors and more. Can Luka Dončić be named a starter in spite of how few minutes he’s played? And who will Dan & Tom choose between Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis and Sacramento Kings clutch performer Domantas Sabonis?

To wrap, Tom & Dan give an update on their over/unders competition and make two new picks concerning Victor Wembanyama’s free throw attempts and shot distance. 

(1:22) The Big Number: 8

(6:05) Should Wemby start in All-Star game?

(13:40) The Little Numbers: Nikola Jokić

(18:10) The Little Numbers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

(20:33) The Little Numbers: Anthony Davis

(22:45) The Little Numbers: Domantas Sabonis

(27:21) The Little Numbers: Luka Dončić

(28:29) The Little Numbers: Steph Curry

(33:20) Victor Wembanyama over/unders

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‘Top 10’ and ‘Detroit Pistons’ are not two words you hear together often, but Cade Cunningham has led the Pistons to a 21-19 record and a near top-10 offense so far this season. Third most in the NBA in triple-doubles, and improving statistically in several major categories from last season, does Cade Cunningham deserve a shout for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award? Or does a player finally meeting his potential three years after being drafted no.1 not qualify for something like ‘most improved?’ Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine answer these questions and more with this week’s Big Number.

Dan brings four more numbers to the table to ask which came first in Detroit’s success this season: Cade Cunningham’s improved shooting or the Pistons surrounding him with multiple 3-point shooters? The chicken or the egg? Perhaps it doesn’t even matter, just as long as the Detroit Pistons are eating eggs for breakfast in Motor City.

To wrap, the pair checks in on their over/unders competitions and make two, new Detroit-centric picks.

(1:49) The Big Number: 7
(5:05) Should Cunningham win Most Improved Player?
(15:30) The Little Numbers: 113.5
(20:24) The Little Numbers: 8.1
(24:04) Cade Cunningham minigame
(26:22) The Little Numbers: 37.6
(30:24) The Little Numbers: 5.9
(37:32) Detroit Pistons over/unders

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