The Starters

By NBA Digital

What's The Starters about?

The Starters is a daily NBA podcast hosted by J.E. Skeets and Tas Melas that breaks down the league's biggest games, story lines, and off-court antics.

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The Starters episodes:

06.03.2019
The Drop - That Game 2 Of Runs
On today's Drop, the guys discuss Game 2 of the NBA Finals, including the Warriors' 18-0 second-half run, Iguodala's dagger three-ball, the most disappointing Raptors performance, and Toronto's chances of still winning the series. That, plus injuries galore, Jurassic Park...
05.31.2019
The Drop - Spicy Game 1
On today's Drop, the guys discuss Game 1 of the NBA Finals, including Siakam's monster performance, the Raptors elite defense, Cousins' limited minutes, whether the Warriors need KD to win the series, and Drake prop bets. That, plus the Rockets...
05.30.2019
Thu. May 30 - Life Will Not Be Contained
On Thu.'s ep. of The Starters, Trey joins the guys live from Jurassic Park to discuss the Finals atmosphere in Toronto, Cousins being cleared to play, and if there's pressure on the Raptors to win Game 1. That, plus key...
05.29.2019
Wed. May 29 - Finals X-Factors
On Wed.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys continue to preview the upcoming NBA Finals by discussing some Warriors and Raptors' X-factors, as well as make some bold series predictions. That, plus Trey Kerby talks with Serge Ibaka from up...
05.28.2019
Tue. May 28 - Cousins, Pressure, L.A. Drama
On Tue.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss whether Steve Kerr would start a potentially healthy DeMarcus Cousins for Game 1, and which superstar is under more pressure heading into the Finals: Kawhi or Curry? That, plus we dissect...
05.27.2019
Mon. May 27 - That Really Happened
On Mon.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss the Toronto Raptors advancing to their first NBA Finals, whether the Warriors need KD back, and if Kawhi will or should guard Steph Curry. That, plus Giannis walks out of his...
05.23.2019
Thu. May 23 - All-NBA Snubs + Spelling Bee
On Thu.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss All-NBA snubs, whether LeBron deserved to make the Third Team, and if the Hornets should offer Kemba Walker the supermax contract extension. That, plus another NBA-themed Starters Spelling Bee, Drake goes...
05.22.2019
Wed. May 22 - A Different Series
On Wed.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss whether the Raptors have figured out the Bucks, if Milwaukee should start Hill over Bledsoe, and Drake's sideline antics. That, plus our favorite NBA rumors, the All-Defensive Teams, other ideas to...
05.21.2019
Tue. May 21 - Need Is A Strong Word
On Tue.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss whether the Warriors need Kevin Durant to win the title, if the Trail Blazers are an elite team, the All-NBA Rookie Teams, and the Raptors chances at beating the Bucks twice...
05.21.2019
The Drop - Why Ever Leave?
On today's ep. of The Drop, the guys discuss the Warriors advancing to their fifth consecutive NBA Finals, Draymond's versatile defense, and why in the world Durant would ever leave a dynasty for the Knicks. That, plus reasons to cheer...
05.20.2019
Mon. May 20 - Clutch Kawhi
On Mon.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss Kawhi saving the Raptors season (again), whether the Bucks are still in the driver's seat, Magic Johnson airing the Lakers dirty laundry, and Damian Lillard's rib injury. That, plus Chris Bosh...
05.17.2019
The Drop - Harder To Guard
On today's ep. of The Drop, the guys discuss the Warriors comeback win over the Blazers, Iggy's game-winning strip, the Raptors slim chances vs. the Bucks, why the Pelicans will still trade AD this summer, and which team has the...
05.16.2019
Thu. May 16 - Splash Mountain Catches Fire
On Thu.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss whether the Raptors blew their chance to steal Game 1 and upset the Bucks, and the best strategy to slowing Brook Lopez. That, plus a new Meme Team, funny NBA claps,...
05.15.2019
Wed. May 15 - Fly Pelican Fly
On Wed.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss the Pelicans winning the No. 1 pick and whether Zion is enough to completely change the Anthony Davis trade sweepstakes. That, plus other Draft Lottery winners and losers, what the Grizzlies...
05.14.2019
Tue. May 14 - Conf. Finals Questions
On Tue.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys preview the two Conference Finals matchups. Will the Steph show continue? Do the Blazers go small? Who wins the Giannis vs. Kawhi superstar showdown? And can the Raptors hit an open shot?...
05.14.2019
The Drop - NBA Final Four Preview
On today's ep. of The Drop, the guys discuss Kawhi Leonard's Game 7 buzzer-beater and how they reacted; preview and predict the two Conference Finals series; and debate the next offseason moves for the Sixers, Nuggets, and Rockets. That, plus...
05.13.2019
Mon. May 13 - The Bounce
On Mon.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss Kawhi Leonard's ridiculous Game 7 buzzer-beater and CJ McCollum saving the Trail Blazers season. All that, plus we predict the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery winner by eating peanut butter sandwiches.
05.10.2019
The Drop - Game 7 Fever
On today's ep. of The Drop, the guys discuss Sunday's Game 7s in Toronto and Denver, the Warriors chances of beating the Rockets, the Bucks impressive playoff run, the Celtics Kyrie conundrum, and what in hell is going on with...
05.09.2019
Thu. May 9 - Durant Down
On Thu.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss KD's calf injury, the Rockets blowing another golden opportunity, and whether Curry can still carry the Warriors to a series win. That, plus who's to blame for the Celtics disappointing season,...
05.08.2019
Wed. May 8 - Unsung Heroes
On Wed.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys debate whether the Sixers down 3-2 because of Joel Embiid's health or because the Raptors are finally playing to their full potential. That, plus the Nuggets' unsung hero, Westbrook and PG undergoing...
05.07.2019
Tue. May 7 - Holy Tuck!
On Tue.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss the biggest reason why the Rockets won Game 4, what's wrong with Klay Thompson, the Bucks impressive win, and whether Kyrie will be on the Celtics next season. That, plus "The...
05.07.2019
The Drop - So Pivotal
On today's pivotal ep. of The Drop, the guys discuss the Rockets resiliency, what's wrong with Klay, the Celtics falling apart, Kyrie's future, and tonight's two pivotal Game 5s in Toronto and Denver. That, plus teams/players who have exceeded expectations,...
05.06.2019
Mon. May 6 - Kawhi Not?
On Mon.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss Kawhi Leonard's latest playoff gem, Joel Embiid's illness, and why the Nuggets-Blazers looks like it's going seven games, baby. That, plus new Weekend Whoopsies, and Clippers guard Patrick Beverley joins us...
05.03.2019
The Drop - Every Hero Has A Genesis
On today's ep. of The Drop, the guys discuss Joel Embiid and the 76ers clowning the Raptors in Game 3, whether Nurse can - or will - make any adjustments, and if some of the dirty play will continue. That,...
05.02.2019
Thu. May 2 - Weird Game
On Thu.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss the Blazers weird win over the Nuggets, whether either team should be considered a favorite, and why no one deserves to be suspended. That, plus Raps-Sixers Game 3 adjustments, who the...
05.01.2019
Wed. May 1 - Eye of the Storm
On Wed.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss Harden's eye, Curry's finger, Iguodala's impact, and whether we have any confidence left in the Rockets. That, plus the Bucks tie things up with the Celtics, playoff takes we'd like rescinded,...
04.30.2019
Tue. Apr. 30 - Jimmy & The Joker
On Tue.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss the Sixers' defensive adjustments, Jimmy Butler's clutch play, and if Lowry meant to nutmeg Harris. That, plus we debate whether Jokic is the best player in the Nuggets-Blazers series, prepare ourselves...
04.30.2019
The Drop - Conference Semifinals Talk
On today's ep. of The Drop, the guys discuss the Sixers' Game 2 defensive adjustment, whether the Blazers can slow down Nikola Jokic, the Warriors-Rockets officiating controversy, and the Celtics shocking Giannis and the Bucks. That, plus our All-NBA Round...
04.29.2019
Mon. Apr. 29 - The Closeout Controversy
On Mon.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss the Warriors-Rockets Game 1 officiating controversy, if Kevin Durant is the most skilled basketball player on Earth, and how the rest of the series will play out. That, plus Al Horford...
04.26.2019
The Drop - The Long Wave Goodbye
On today's ep. of The Drop, the guys discuss the Spurs forcing Game 7, the cockroach Clips, and predictions for the Raptors-Sixers and Bucks-Celtics series. That, plus the Westbrook dilemma, Dame's epic buzzer-beater, the next player NBA nerds will fall...
04.25.2019
Thu. Apr. 25 - Clips, Jazz + Raps-76ers Preview
On Thu.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss the Clips forcing an unexpected Game 6, the Warriors hurting themselves, and key decisions facing the Jazz this offseason. That, plus we preview and predict the Raptors-Sixers East Semifinals, hit you...
04.24.2019
Apr. 24 - Dame Time
On Wed.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss Damian Lillard's 37-foot bomb and the cold-blooded wave goodbye, as well as debate whether OKC should look to move on from Russell Westbrook. That, plus the Raptors and Sixers take care...
04.23.2019
Tue. Apr. 23 - Stave
On Tue.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss the Jazz forcing Game 5, whether the Pistons should look to trade Andre Drummond this summer, and the Suns firing head coach Igor Kokoskov after just one season. That, plus a...
04.23.2019
The Drop - Jazz Survive, Bucks-Celtics, Mad Suns
On today's ep. of The Drop, the guys discuss the Jazz staving off elimination, the Bucks-Celtics second-round series, and the Suns firing Igor Kokoskov. That, plus NBA players who could help the Avengers defeat Thanos, getting dunked on, the zoo,...
04.22.2019
Mon. Apr. 22 - Closing In
On Mon.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys debate the NBA weekend's most impressive road win, whether the Sixers/Nets ejections were warranted, and which 3-0 series ends tonight. That, plus the Celtics' sweep, Westbrook's "next question" routine, ex-Wolves coach Tom...
04.19.2019
The Drop - Recapping First Week Of Playoffs
On today's ep. of The Drop, the guys discuss their favorite first-round series, the most surprising individual performances, and which teams have disappointed so far. That, plus Fartgate 2019, Ben Simmons' heel turn, KD vs. Beverely, NBA weekend predictions, how...
04.18.2019
Thu. Apr. 18 - 2-0 Holes
On Thu.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss Harden clowning the Jazz, the Pacers' ill-timed dry spell, and whether we should just sim the rest of the Bucks-Pistons series. That, plus a brand new edition of the Meme Team,...
04.17.2019
Wed. Apr. 17 - Bombs Away
On Wed.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss "Logo Lillard" and his Blazers taking a 2-0 lead on OKC, Jamal Murray's hot fourth quarter shooting, and the Raptors' lockdown defense. That, plus we debate the most appealing head coaching...
04.16.2019
Tue. Apr. 16 - The Comeback & Cousins
On Tue.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss the Clippers' 31-point comeback, how Cousins' quad injury affects the Warriors chances of a three-peat, and whether Embiid should've been ejected for elbowing Allen. That, plus Carlos Boozer is back to...
04.16.2019
The Drop - Shout It Out Loud
On today's ep. of The Drop, the guys discuss the Clippers' 31-point comeback, DeMarcus Cousins' quad injury, the Sixers dominant Game 2 performance, and whether Embiid should've been hit with a flagrant 2 for elbowing Allen. That, plus Lowry's 0-fer,...
04.15.2019
Mon. Apr. 15 - It's Just One Game, But...
On Monday's episode of The Starters, the guys analyze opening weekend of the playoffs: Will the Jazz change their defense on James Harden for Game 2? Is Paul George's injury too much for OKC to overcome? Have the Celtics flipped...
04.11.2019
The Starties - 6th Annual Starters Awards Show
Hosted by Kristen Ledlow, The Starters hand out six major NBA awards (MVP, MIP, DPOY, ROY, Coach, and Sixth Man), while also announcing winners in some light-hearted categories, such as Fan, Wedgie, Whoa Boy, and Funniest Moment of the Year....
04.11.2019
The Drop - 2019 Playoff Preview & Predictions
On today's episode of The Drop, the guys preview and predict all eight first-round series of the 2019 NBA Playoffs. All that, plus, um, what you doin', Magic?
04.10.2019
Wed. Apr. 10 - Magic's Disappearing Act
On Wed.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss Magic Johnson stepping down as the Lakers' president of basketball ops, why he did it, and what this means for the Lakers and Luke Walton moving forward. That, plus Dirk and...
04.09.2019
Tue. Apr. 9 - What We Do And Do Not Know
On Tue.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys start to break down the Celtics-Pacers first-round matchup, discuss whether the Nets or Magic will be a more formidable playoff opponent, and predict who gets that final East spot. That, plus Wade's...
04.05.2019
The Drop - All-NBA + All-Rookie Teams
On today's ep. of The Drop, the guys select and debate their All-NBA and All-Rookie Teams. That, plus Giannis vs. Embiid, Wade snubbing Mudiay, NBA players who should go full heel, Bing's search engine, soothing KISS songs, more relationship advice,...
04.04.2019
Thu. Apr. 4 - Cheating The Game?
On Thu.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss Clippers commentator Don MacLean saying Harden is "cheating" the game, Ric Bucher all but guaranteeing that KD is headed to the Knicks, and the Heat losing their playoff spot (and possibly...
04.03.2019
Wed. Apr. 3 - 20/20/20 Vision
On Wed.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss the Warriors embarrassing the Nuggets, KD's ejection, and Westbrook paying tribute to Nipsey Hussle with the NBA's second-ever 20-20-20 game. That, plus first-round series we want to see, the best NBA...
04.02.2019
Tue. Apr. 2 - Long Overdue
On Tue.'s ep. of The Starters, the guys discuss the Wizards firing Ernie Grunfeld, the Nuggets-Warriors race for No. 1, who wins home-court advantage between the Celtics and Pacers, and whether Zion will play for USA Basketball this summer. That,...
04.02.2019
The Drop - Playoff Projections, Zion, Rooks
On today's ep. of The Drop, the guys discuss the muddled playoff races, Utah's hot streak, Atkinson's contract extension, Zion Williamson, and which players are under the most pressure this postseason. That, plus the best foreign-born/grown rookies, DJing, our April...

What's The Starters about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Starters episodes:

The Drop - That Game 2 Of Runs

The Drop - Spicy Game 1

Thu. May 30 - Life Will Not Be Contained

Wed. May 29 - Finals X-Factors

Tue. May 28 - Cousins, Pressure, L.A. Drama

Mon. May 27 - That Really Happened

Thu. May 23 - All-NBA Snubs + Spelling Bee

Wed. May 22 - A Different Series

Tue. May 21 - Need Is A Strong Word

The Drop - Why Ever Leave?

Mon. May 20 - Clutch Kawhi

The Drop - Harder To Guard

Thu. May 16 - Splash Mountain Catches Fire

Wed. May 15 - Fly Pelican Fly

Tue. May 14 - Conf. Finals Questions

The Drop - NBA Final Four Preview

Mon. May 13 - The Bounce

The Drop - Game 7 Fever

Thu. May 9 - Durant Down

Wed. May 8 - Unsung Heroes

Tue. May 7 - Holy Tuck!

The Drop - So Pivotal

Mon. May 6 - Kawhi Not?

The Drop - Every Hero Has A Genesis

Thu. May 2 - Weird Game

Wed. May 1 - Eye of the Storm

Tue. Apr. 30 - Jimmy & The Joker

The Drop - Conference Semifinals Talk

Mon. Apr. 29 - The Closeout Controversy

The Drop - The Long Wave Goodbye

Thu. Apr. 25 - Clips, Jazz + Raps-76ers Preview

Apr. 24 - Dame Time

Tue. Apr. 23 - Stave

The Drop - Jazz Survive, Bucks-Celtics, Mad Suns

Mon. Apr. 22 - Closing In

The Drop - Recapping First Week Of Playoffs

Thu. Apr. 18 - 2-0 Holes

Wed. Apr. 17 - Bombs Away

Tue. Apr. 16 - The Comeback & Cousins

The Drop - Shout It Out Loud

Mon. Apr. 15 - It's Just One Game, But...

The Starties - 6th Annual Starters Awards Show

The Drop - 2019 Playoff Preview & Predictions

Wed. Apr. 10 - Magic's Disappearing Act

Tue. Apr. 9 - What We Do And Do Not Know

The Drop - All-NBA + All-Rookie Teams

Thu. Apr. 4 - Cheating The Game?

Wed. Apr. 3 - 20/20/20 Vision

Tue. Apr. 2 - Long Overdue

The Drop - Playoff Projections, Zion, Rooks