The Houston Rockets’ slow start might be the new normal (0:50), the Orlando Magic are ... good? (19:40), and the young New York Knicks continue to develop (36:01). Plus, the quarter-season awards (47:03).

Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor

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

Somehow, the Los Angeles Clippers have climbed to the best record in the crowded Western Conference (4:02), and the Philadelphia 76ers’ Jimmy Butler experiment starts to bear fruit (21:32).

Host: John Gonzalez

Guests: Dan Devine, Dan Pfeiffer

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

We open up the mailbag by answering questions on the Wizards’ dysfunction, the first-, second-, and third-year players we’re most excited about, pre-agency, the Lakers, and much more.

Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, Danny Chau

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

John Wall’s gargantuan contract stifles his trade value (2:27), the Sacramento Kings continue to outperform expectations in the crowded Western Conference (13:56), and the teams on a streak, winning or losing (33:19).

Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor

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

The devastatingly underachieving Washington Wizards look to sell, sell, sell (3:17) and the glut of talent in the Western Conference coagulates even further (31:13).

Host: John Gonzalez

Guests: Joe House, Jonathan Tjarks

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

Jimmy Butler’s tight fit in Philadelphia (1:07), a sophomore focus in this week’s The Kids Are Alright (23:26), and a look ahead at the weekend’s best games (37:36).

Hosts: Kevin O'Connor, Danny Chau, Jonathan Tjarks

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

Jimmy Butler’s debut for the Sixers didn’t go quite as smoothly as it could’ve—what does that mean for Ben Simmons (2:00)? Plus, Kevin Clark on the Magic (11:38), and a whole lot of Draymond Green and Kevin Durant melodrama (24:36).

Hosts: Chris Ryan, Justin Verrier, Paolo Uggetti, Kevin Clark

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

The Jimmy Butler trade reshapes both conferences (0:48), the Houston Rockets look to move on from their Carmelo Anthony experiment (10:06), the overachieving Los Angeles Clippers remain impressive (19:16), Caris LeVert’s injury sets back the Brooklyn Nets (26:44), and some teams’ expectations contrast with their performance (34:34).

Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor

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

The Minnesota Timberwolves finally trade Jimmy Butler to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Host: John Gonzalez

Guests: Chris Ryan and Jason Concepcion

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

Duke’s trio of outstanding freshman surpassed our lofty expectations (1:38), the NBA’s shooting guard renaissance has caught us off guard (14:03), and we’re not quite sure if Milwaukee has what it takes to handle a tough West Coast road trip (34:37).

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