The Ringer NBA Show

The Lakers got walloped by the Celtics last night—is there more to take away from this one game than meets the eye (5:56)? Plus, Ben Simmons has been unleashed by the open space on the floor since Joel Embiid has been out with injury. How will Embiid be reintroduced into the lineup, and will the Sixers pursue Pistons guard Derrick Rose (20:00)? Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Instant Replay: The Blazers have cut ties with Kent Bazemore and Kyrie Irving is back saying weird things in the media (4:01). The Main Event: Our very own Dan Devine has been coronated as an All-Star voter! We run down his list of starters for the Eastern and Western conferences (24:04). Good Call/Bad Call: LaMelo has a horse named … LaMelo, Josh Richardson is out here naming random iguanas in his backyard, and the Memphis Grizzlies are bumping metal in their arena (35:17)...

After Brandon Ingram scored 49 points to outduel Donovan Mitchell, we wonder whether it’s realistic to think he’s already better than Ben Simmons and on a path to be in the class of Anthony Davis (1:34). Then, we discuss Zion Williamson’s imminent return and what it could mean for night-to-night interest in the league (13:00). Finally, we close with some thoughts on how Denver has set itself up with a deep roster, and how this year’s NBA draft is shaping up to be a real stinker (29:10)...

We discuss the impressive new-era Grizzlies (1:57), teams looking to go all in at the trade deadline (18:16), contenders that are positioned to make a big second-half push (31:39), and the blossoming of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (39:42). Then we debate why the Milwaukee Bucks are not getting prevalent recognition as the best team in the NBA (48:49). Host: Justin Verrier Guests: Jonathan Tjarks and Rob Mahoney

We review Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic triple-double and look at what the Clippers gave up when they sent him to OKC (1:04), before discussing the Lakers-Clippers regular-season dichotomy (9:33). Then, we talk about two of the hottest teams in the NBA: the Mike Conley–less Jazz and the Memphis Grizzlies (23:01). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Instant Replay: The Nets beat the Hawks, plus the impact of Spencer Dinwiddie's off-court interests, a possible Sixers trade, and debating whether Steph Curry should return this season (02:42). The Main Event: Paolo Uggetti joins us to talk about the Grizzlies' fight for the eighth spot and why you should never count out the Spurs (16:39). Good Call/Bad Call: KD and Kendrick Perkins get into a spat on Twitter, Rob Pelinka gets an extension, and the glorious gift of scratchers (32:15)...

We discuss the overperforming Oklahoma City Thunder and whether they should still consider dealing their desirable players at the trade deadline (1:02), before breaking down the KD vs. Kendrick Perkins Twitter fight that was spurred by Russell Westbrook’s return to OKC (28:46). Finally, we gauge whether the younger Spurs have a chance to reset their season, and briefly re-rank the 2019 rookie class (46:00). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Instant Replay: Anthony Davis busts his bum, Blake Griffin is no longer the bee’s knees, and more changes to the NBA (03:17). The Main Event: Dwight Howard gets a contract guarantee, and making the dunk contest amazing again (22:28). Good Call/Bad Call: Can you party too hard in Miami, Dramatic Apologies, Throwing Shade to Load Management. (31:33). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O’Shaughnessy, Dan Devine

The Spurs, Pelicans, and Grizzlies have all looked quite encouraging as of late; do they have what it takes to make it into the playoffs (0:43)? As we approach the halfway mark of the regular season, the guys each give three overreactions from the season thus far (27:28). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

The Sixers are 3-7 in their last 10 games—is the floor really dropping out from under them, or are they not suited to win regular-season games (1:07)? Plus: Where will Kevin Love end up? Are the Hawks just the Process Sixers but worse? And should the Thunder move Chris Paul? Hosts: Chris Ryan, Justin Verrier, Jonathan Tjarks