The Mismatch

Verno and Jacoby are back with their first pod of 2026 as they look back at Monday’s night action, including blowout losses by the Thunder and Knicks and Kevin Durant beating his old team, and debate whether the Clippers are starting to turn it around. Next, the guys ask three questions each to start the new year.
(00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!
(00:22) Thunder lose second straight, get blown out by Hornets
(12:38) Kevin Durant hits the game-winning 3 as the Rockets beat Suns
(16:20) Depleted Nuggets survive vs. Sixers
(26:50) Clippers win a wild one vs. Warriors
(33:12) Pistons completely embarrass the Knicks
(38:25) Trae Young and the Hawks working on a trade
(49:14) Verno and Jacoby's questions no. 1
(58:14) Verno and Jacoby's questions no. 2
(01:09:11) Verno and Jacoby's questions no. 3
Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091
Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby
Producers: Jessie Lopez and Stefan Anderson
Social: Keith Fujimoto

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Verno and Jacoby return with the last episode of 2025 as they recap the action from Monday night, including Nikola Jokic’s injury (ESPN’s Shams Charania reported after the recording that Jokic has been diagnosed with a hyperextension in his left knee and will miss at least the next four weeks), the Raptors getting it done by committee against the Warriors and Magic, the Cavs getting back on track against the Spurs, Deni Avdija’s continued success for the Blazers, and how the Mavs are handling Cooper Flagg's development. Next, the guys give out their predictions for 2026.

(00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!
(00:26) Nuggets fall to the Heat after Nikola Jokic goes down with injury
(05:30) Raptors bounce back after losing to the Wizards with comeback wins against the Warriors and Magic
(12:51) Cavs end two-game skid with win over Spurs in San Antonio
(16:34) Deni Avdija continues his quietly great season in Blazers win against Mavs
(18:53) Will Cooper Flagg ever play with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving?
(24:45) Verno and Jacoby's prediction no. 1
(37:13) Verno and Jacoby's prediction no. 2
(41:44) Verno and Jacoby's prediction no. 3
(51:20) Verno and Jacoby's prediction no. 4
(58:59) Verno and Jacoby's prediction no. 5
The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! (323) 389-5091

Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby
Producers: Jessie Lopez and Stefan Anderson
Social: Keith Fujimoto

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Verno and Jacoby are back to recap the full Christmas Day slate of games. They break down the incredible performances from Nikola Jokic and Anthony Edwards in the Nuggets' thrilling OT win over the Wolves, how the Spurs remain undefeated against the Thunder, the tale of two halves at Madison Square Garden, JJ Redick’s anger after the Lakers' loss to the Rockets, and how Cooper Flagg stole the show in the Mavs' loss to the Warriors.

(00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!
(00:37) Nikola Jokic puts up a wild triple-double and outlasts Anthony Edwards and the Wolves in OT thriller
(15:08) The Spurs beat the Thunder for the third time in two weeks
(25:16) The Knicks overcome a 17-point deficit and defeat the Cavs
(39:23) JJ Redick calls out the Lakers after loss to the Rockets
(49:34) Anthony Davis is hurt, but Cooper Flagg shines in the Mavs' loss to the Warriors

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

Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! (323) 389-5091

Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby
Producers: Jessie Lopez and Stefan Anderson
Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby return to break down the wild Thursday-night slate in the NBA that saw multiple one-score games and overtime finishes. After, the guys dive into their loves and loathes from the past week in the league.

(00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!
(01:48) Nikola Jokic breaks record in win vs. Magic
(05:09) Pelicans storm back in OT win vs. Rockets
(09:18) Mavs survive Pistons in OT
(14:29) The Suns escape with win against the Warriors
(18:18) Lamelo Ball, Hornets spoil Trae Young’s return with win vs. Hawks
(21:07) Luka’s triple-double lifts Lakers past Jazz
(25:14) Blazers outlast Kings in OT
(30:31) Knicks steal a win vs. Pacers
(33:02) Verno and Jacoby’s no. 1 loves of the week
(36:16) Verno and Jacoby’s no. 1 loathes of the week
(43:26) No. 2 loves of the week
(51:13) No. 2 loathes of the week
(55:42) No. 3 loves of the week
(59:33) No. 3 loathes of the week
The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.
Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091
Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby
Producers: Jessie Lopez and Brian Waters
Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby return as they preview the NBA Cup championship between the Knicks and Spurs. They then debate whether the NBA Cup could potentially move away from Las Vegas and what the best options are for the fans to be able to go see the games in person. Next, they go through Monday night’s slate of NBA action.

(00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!
(00:40) NBA Cup championship preview
(18:16) Will the NBA Cup leave Las Vegas?
(24:06) Nuggets win OT thriller vs. Rockets
(32:12) Cade Cunningham shines in win vs. Celtics
(35:17) Cooper Flagg makes history in loss to Jazz
(40:42) Cam Spencer stays hot and Ja Morant is injured in win vs. Clippers
(45:35) How the NBA Cup has affected the Giannis trade market
(49:24) Kristaps Porzingis out at least two weeks with illness
(52:46) Evan Mobley's calf strain and the Cavs' disappointing season so far

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

Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091

Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby
Producers: Jessie Lopez and Stefan Anderson
Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby return as they recap the NBA Cup games from Tuesday and Wednesday night. They discuss the Thunder's continued dominance to start the season after matching the best 25-game start in NBA history, how the Spurs exploited the Lakers' defensive inefficiencies, and why the Knicks have a chance against the Magic. Next, the guys dive into their loves and loathes from the past week in the NBA.

(00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!

(02:30) Western Conference NBA Cup recap

(16:50) Eastern Conference NBA Cup recap

(27:40) Verno and Jacoby’s no. 1 loves of the week

(35:58) Verno and Jacoby’s no. 1 loathes of the week

(42:00) No. 2 loves of the week

(51:59) No. 2 loathes of the week

(58:30) No. 3 loves of the week

(01:03:20) No. 3 loathes of the week

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

Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091

Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby

Producers: Jessie Lopez, Brian Waters, and Oscar De La Luz

Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s NBA Cup week! Verno and Jacoby preview the upcoming games, starting with the Eastern Conference. Can the Magic keep it going against the Heat without Franz Wagner? Can the Knicks finally get past the Cup quarterfinals against the Raptors? Next, they dive into the matchups in the Western Conference. Do the Suns stand any chance at defeating the Thunder? Will Victor Wembanyama return to lead the Spurs against Luka, LeBron, and the Lakers? Also, they guys continue to debate whether the Bucks should trade Giannis Antetokounmpo, and if the teams most interested actually need him.

(00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!
(07:29) NBA Cup preview: Heat vs. Magic
(21:57) NBA Cup Preview: Knicks vs. Raptors
(36:12) NBA Cup preview: Suns vs. Thunder
(53:48) NBA Cup preview: Spurs vs. Lakers
The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091

Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby
Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Oscar De La Luz
Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby are back as they discuss LeBron James losing his 10+ points streak in the Lakers' win against the Raptors, Austin Reaves's monster season, and debate if LeBron is still working his way back from injury. They then discuss the thrilling game between the Sixers and Warriors, speculate on the next move for Giannis and the Bucks, as well as the Chris Paul-Clippers drama. Next, the guys dive into their loves and loathes from the past week in the NBA.

(00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!
(00:39) LeBron loses 10+ point streak in Lakers win
(09:52) Sixers survive thriller against Warriors
(15:27) What is Giannis’s next move?
(24:25) CP3-Clippers drama
(31:15) Loves of the week
(50:30) Loathes of the week

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

Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091

Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby
Producers: Jessie Lopez and Stefan Anderson
Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby debate Giannis Antetokounmpo’s decision to scrub anything Bucks related from his social media accounts and what this means for Giannis and the Bucks going forward. How much longer will Giannis remain in Milwaukee? They then recap the Monday night slate of NBA action before sharing six observations as we pass the quarter mark of the season.

(00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!

(00:30) Giannis has scrubbed his socials; what happens next?

(14:00) The Jazz beat the Rockets

(17:05) The Mavs withstand Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets

(24:13) Cade Cunningham turns it on late in the game as the Pistons beat the Hawks

(26:51) Dillon Brooks and the Suns snap the Lakers' win streak

(34:27) Desmond Bane lifts the Magic past the Bulls

(37:48) Clippers lose fifth straight to the Heat

(44:33) Verno and Jacoby’s first observation

(52:31) Verno and Jacoby’s second observation

(59:25) Verno and Jacoby’s third observation

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

Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091

Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby

Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Brian Waters

Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and Jacoby return as they go over the Monday-night slate of basketball, including the Raptors and Pistons' win streaks, Nikola Jokic’s nonchalant impact in the Nuggets' win over the Grizzlies, the Wolves' collapse against the Heat, and more. They also discuss the viral moment between Klay Thompson and Ja Morant over the weekend. Next, the guys share four things they’ve loved about the first month of the NBA season.

(00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!
(00:24) We were right about the Raptors
(06:48) The Pistons keep on winning (13 straight wins)
(12:50) Rockets cool down the Suns
(15:00) Nikola Jokic nets triple-double in win against Grizzlies
(21:52) Wolves collapse again, lose to the Kings in OT
(29:22) Heat edge out Mavs in Tyler Herro's return
(33:54) Klay Thompson and Ja Morant's viral moment over the weekend
(41:50) First month love no. 1: New broadcasts
(46:33) First month love no. 2: ‘On the Radar’ players
(49:51) First month love no. 3: Diverse offenses
(56:40) First month love no. 4: Steph, KD, and LeBron still got it

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

Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091
Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby
Producers: Jessie Lopez and Stefan Anderson
Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices