The Ringer NBA Show

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

We take some time to review David Stern’s illustrious life and career after the news of his death (0:58). Then, we run down a list of teams that can go one of two ways: trade their valuable assets and tank or push for the lower playoff seeds (9:03). Finally, we try to contain our excitement for the rumors of Zion Williamson’s imminent return (43:15). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

We break down a Western Conference trio that had high hopes coming into the season but have struggled their way to the bottom of the conference. Can any of them get hot and get back into the playoff mix (3:12)? Then, we re-draft what we think are the top four players from the 2016 NBA draft: Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram, Jaylen Brown, and Pascal Siakam (31:45). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

We recap the Christmas Day games: Are the Clippers better suited for the playoffs than the Lakers? Does the same go for the Sixers vs. the Bucks? Plus: Is James Harden getting off too easy for the Rockets' failures, including losing to the Warriors on Christmas? Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor

Kevin deep-dives on his spicy Ben Simmons take (1:10) before we run down our wishes for the rest of the 2019-20 season and preview NBA Christmas Day (24:08). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor