The 2026 NBA Playoff Preview

Summary

Mind the Game – "The 2026 NBA Playoff Preview"

Podcast: Mind the Game
Hosts: LeBron James & Steve Nash
Date: April 14, 2026
Duration: ~38 minutes

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Episode Overview

This Season 3 episode of Mind the Game dives deep into the lead-up to the highly anticipated 2026 NBA Playoffs. LeBron James and Steve Nash bring their combined championship experience and player’s perspective to break down key matchups, debate the state of powerhouse franchises, dissect potential sleepers, and share insight into the human and tactical sides of postseason basketball. The discussion includes thoughtful analysis of evolving team identities, the mental and physical challenges of reintegrating key stars from injury, and sharp commentary on rising teams and classic contenders.

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Key Topics and Discussion Points

1. The Western Conference Play-In Picture

(00:00–05:24)

• Teams in the Mix:
  Phoenix Suns, LA Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors.

• Key Variables:

  • Kawhi Leonard’s Health:
    “Everything depends on Kawhi's health. ...the guy’s been healthy as shit and has played some of the best basketball he’s played in his career.” (Guest Analyst, 02:53)
  • Steph Curry’s Return:
    Steph is expected to return for Golden State just before the play-in, making them a dangerous wild card.
  • Portland’s Variability:
    “The talent is there, the athleticism is there. It just depends on which Portland team shows up.” (Guest Analyst, 03:46)
  • Phoenix’s Form:
    After dealing with injuries, Phoenix is rounding into form at just the right time.

• Intrinsic Play-In Value:
  LeBron shares appreciation for the excitement and unpredictability of the play-in format:

  “I am happy because being a participant of the fucking play in for some years that I get to sit back on my couch with my wine knowing I don’t have to play until the weekend.” (Guest Analyst, 04:53)

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2. The Eastern Conference Play-In and Dark Horses

(05:24–10:00)

• Teams Discussed:
  Philadelphia 76ers (getting Paul George & Embiid healthy), Orlando Magic (injuries), Miami Heat (classic toughness), Charlotte Hornets (top net rating second half).

• Charlotte’s Emergence:

  • The Hornets stepped up over the last few months, with healthier lineups and improved team chemistry:

    “Once they got healthy… It seemed like they started to enjoy playing together.” (Guest Analyst, 06:25) “When you start winning, you start like—shit, this is fun.” (Guest Analyst, 06:51)

• Miami as Perennial Threat:
  Never to be underrated due to their experience and culture:

  “You can beat them, but you fear that they'll kick your ass at the same time.” (Guest Analyst, 08:01)

• Orlando’s Uncertainty:
  Return and health of Franz Wagner is a major question mark.

• Philly’s Star Power:
  If healthy, the 76ers have several elite talents (Paul George, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey) and rookie standouts, but which version will show up in the postseason?

  “I give them kind of like the Harvey Dent, you know, two-face vibe, you know, like, which one are we going to get?” (Guest Analyst, 09:53)

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3. The Top Contenders: Who’s the Team to Beat?

(15:45–19:41)

• Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC):
  Both hosts see OKC as the favorites, with championship experience and the MVP:

  “They’re the reigning champs with the MVP on their team. So you look at them as the team to beat.” (Guest Analyst, 15:45)

• Spurs & Wemby:
  Despite lack of playoff “scars,” Wembanyama is described as an “alien” and the exception to experience.
• Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, Lakers, Pistons, Knicks:
  All viewed as having true championship DNA and veteran leadership.
• Sleeper Teams:
  Atlanta, Houston (with Kevin Durant), Detroit mentioned as dangerous “in the weeds.”

Notable Quote

“Every team, all the other 15 teams that is seeded is looking up and trying to knock them off OKC.” (Guest Analyst, 17:58)

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4. Deep Dive: OKC’s Weaknesses and Playoff Narrative

(18:00–19:41)

• Small Weaknesses:
  • Three-point shooting streakiness.
  • “Secondary playmaking” is vital; importance of Jalen Williams (J-Dub).
  • Hardenstein as a playmaking hub.
• Strengths:
  • “They defend, defend, defend. ...They’re gonna get in transition. They’re gonna get to the free throw line.” (Guest Analyst, 19:02)
  • Elite transition play and ability to force turnovers.
• Postseason Mentality:

  “The postseason is about to be... the young kids would say lit.” (Guest Analyst, 19:38) “No matter what you did in the regular season. That shit is out the window now.” (Host, 19:42)

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5. Playoff Mindset & Preparation

(20:08–21:40)

• LeBron's Approach:
  Flexibility and focus on team needs:

  “My game one can be different from my game two. Like, whatever y’ all need. Let’s rock.” (Guest Analyst, 20:19)

  • Minimal focus on matchups until the week of the series; mental break before locking in for game prep.

• Projected Western Path:
  Lakers likely to face Houston or Minnesota, followed by a potential matchup with San Antonio, and then OKC/West Finals.

  • Nash alludes to dreams of a Lakers–Boston finals.

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6. Reintegration: Stars Returning from Injury

(23:15–27:53)

• Jason Tatum’s Comeback (Boston):

  • Returned after 10 months out with Achilles; ahead of schedule and influencing team identity.

    “I think it was more just like, can I still do this? You know, coming right from Achilles — I've never done it before.” (Guest Analyst, 23:51) “If a turnover happened, can I still plant and get back on defense. …He just looked more like himself.” (Guest Analyst, 25:51)

  • LeBron and Nash both emphasize the incredible challenge and lack of recognition for returning players after long absences.

  • Fan Perspective:
    The adjustment is slow & requires patience; fans tend to forget the layoff after a few games.

    “A guy plays three games and we forget he’s been out for three months or eight months or — in Jason's case — 10 months.” (Host, 26:29)

• Role & Identity:

  • Tatum knows he must return as “the guy” but needs to balance that with Boston’s evolved team-first identity.

• Boston’s Growth:

  • Both praise Mazulla’s coaching, not just for offensive direction but for raising defensive standards and role accountability.

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7. Jalen Williams (J-Dub) as OKC’s X-Factor

(33:34–37:02)

• Critical for Thunder's Ceiling:

  • His versatility, size, and ability to play/defend multiple positions are keys to their playoff hopes.
  • Injuries have disrupted his rhythm; reintegration and psychology are emphasized.

    “He's such a versatile player. ...He can play really all five positions.” (Host, 35:07) “That could also play with your psyche too... the last thing you want to do in late March and in early April is have a setback.” (Guest Analyst, 36:02)

• Good Timing:

  • Enough regular season games remain for him to get up to speed before the playoffs ramp up fully.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the Play-in:
  “I get to sit back on my couch with my wine knowing I don't have to play until the weekend.” (LeBron, 04:53)

• On Miami:
  “You can beat them, but you fear that they'll kick your ass at the same time.” (LeBron, 08:01)

• On Philly's Variance:
  “I give them kind of like the Harvey Dent, two-face vibe—like, which one are we going to get?” (LeBron, 09:53)

• On OKC's Minor Flaws:
  “This is deep nitpick… Did they lose playmaking and do they dry up from three a little bit?” (Host, 18:21)

• On Postseason Readiness:
  “No matter what you did in the regular season. That shit is out the window now.” (LeBron, 19:42)

• On Tatum's Return:
  “For him to be out 10 months… having to recondition himself and then go back into live action—that alone is a milestone. …We don’t highlight and celebrate that enough.” (LeBron, 27:08)

• On Boston's Identity:
  “If a guy's not a great defender, he's not making mistakes. He's up to fight. Combative, he's physical.” (Host, 30:02)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:00–05:24 — West Play-In Preview (Phoenix, Clippers, Warriors, Portland)
• 05:24–10:00 — East Play-In & Charlotte’s Rise; Miami, Philly, Orlando
• 15:45–19:41 — Top Seed Contenders: OKC, Spurs, Denver, Lakers, Boston
• 18:00–19:41 — OKC’s Minor Weaknesses & Playoff Outlook
• 20:08–21:40 — Mindset: Playoff Prep & Flexibility (LeBron’s Perspective)
• 23:15–30:25 — Superstar Reintegration: Jason Tatum’s Achilles Comeback, Boston’s Adaptation
• 33:34–37:02 — Jalen Williams as OKC’s Wild Card; Importance of Rhythm and Health

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Summary & Analysis

“The 2026 NBA Playoff Preview” offers basketball fans a rich breakdown of both the storylines and X’s and O’s that will shape this year’s postseason. LeBron and Nash deftly balance personal experience, tactical insight, and honest locker room talk—sharing what it’s like to prep for war in April, how a team’s chemistry and trust can shift with returning stars, and why certain rosters (like OKC, Miami, or Boston) can punch above—or below—their seed.

Key takeaways:

• The West is wide open, with the play-in amplifying unpredictability among experienced and dangerous teams.
• The East features the NBA’s most improved squad (Charlotte), an enigmatic Philly, and perennial playoff pests in Miami.
• Team health and reintegration—especially for stars like Tatum and Jalen Williams—could swing entire series.
• OKC is the consensus favorite, but playoff basketball sharpens every margin, and “deep nitpicks” matter at the highest level.

Fans looking for more than highlights and hot takes will enjoy the episode’s tactical depth, human stories, and authentic player perspectives.

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Transcript

[Host]

Coming up on this episode of Mind the Game. All right, let's talk about these playoffs. I still think OKC is the team to beat.

[Guest Analyst]

I mean, like you said, you named Denver, you named us, you named Boston. You know, teams with championship DNA, you

[Host]

need playoff scars and common experiences. Spurs don't have that, but they have Wemby.

[Guest Analyst]

Then you have some sleepers that can come into play. A team like Atlantica, dude who's been playing good basketball. You got Houston, Detroit, but Detroit, okc.

[Host]

What's a weakness?

[Guest Analyst]

What's their weakness?

[Host]

Like, if you had to say, like, nitpick.

[Guest Analyst]

I had to nitpick.

[Host]

Wow, I love the way you enunciated nitpick.

[Guest Analyst]

I had to nitpick.

[Host]

This is good. I'm going to use that. This episode's probably gonna drop right on the eve of the plains.

[Guest Analyst]

Oh, man.

[Host]

So I thought I'd just get your temperature. I mean, you know, personally, I think in the West, Phoenix and the Clippers is fascinating.

[Guest Analyst]

So right now, who do we have now? 7, 8, 9, and 10.

[Host]

It's close in the West. So, like, Phoenix is. Is 6. I think Clippers, Portland are very, I think almost tied or very close as at the time of recording. Golden States obviously struggled, but had Steph.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah, he's heard. I think a report came out today that he's possibly could come back soon.

[Host]

Looks like Steph will play.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah. Okay. Yep. This weekend, huh?

[Host]

Looks like Steph will get his couple games in before the play in which. Which makes them a wild card.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah, that's. That's dangerous, right? That's dangerous.

[Host]

Makes a wild card. So you got this really interesting thing. Phoenix Clippers playing well, had good years. Phoenix getting healthy again. Portland, you know, always kind of a wild card with their energy, athleticism, see if they're healthy. And then the warriors with Steph, you never know.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah.

[Host]

So I'd love your take on that. And then the crazy one, I think is actually the East. Philly getting Paul, George and Joel back. Maxi had a short absence as well. Getting him back. Orlando capable. Had their struggles, though, but are capable. Miami never count them out. And then one of the best teams in the league, the second half of the season, Charlotte Hornets. Yeah, so you got these four teams in the east that are like, you can make a case for any of them. I have a hard time putting any of them over Charlotte, who's actually 10th. Right. But right there again, they could change, but the way the Charlotte's net rating. So anyways, let's start in the West.

[Guest Analyst]

Let's Start in the West. I mean, so we got, like you said, Portland, Phoenix, Golden State.

[Host]

So right now it looks like Phoenix Clippers in the Phoenix Clippers, Golden State and Portland Golden State.

[Guest Analyst]

Well, I mean, the thing that jumps out, you know, obviously the play of the Clippers from the beginning of the season and the play of Kawhi, obviously that everything depends on Kawhi's health. And for this season, the guy's been healthy as shit and has played some of the best basketball he's played in his career. And you got championship DNA on the court with Kawhi and you got a championship coach. Yep. So that plays a lot, you know, especially in a one game series, you know, that plays a lot. And that also takes me to Golden State Championship DNA, championship pedigree on the court and on the sideline. So basically what I'm saying, neither, neither of those two teams are going to shy away from the moment. Yeah, a play in is, yeah, they might play bad. Yeah, they might play bad. But it's not like, oh shit, they went to the game, they gonna beat themselves or they was nervous, you know, going into that game. The wild card out of those four teams obviously is Portland. You know, the talent is there, you know, the athleticism is there. It just depends on which Portland team shows up. If you get the best Portland team, you could be in a.

[Host]

Sure.

[Guest Analyst]

It could be in a, you know, a tough night for 48 minutes.

[Host]

They can win two games.

[Guest Analyst]

They can win two games. And then you have Phoenix, who, you know, before the injuries were playing really good basketball as well. And they're starting to get healthy too. So, man, those last two seeds, kind of fun. It's kind of, it's gonna be kind of fun. I'm not gonna give the nod to anybody because it's literally who's playing the best basketball. Those two games or one game, depending on if you the six or the seven seed or whatever. But we'll see. So that's very intriguing. Very, very, very intriguing.

[Host]

Yeah, Phoenix probably been the best team, wire to wireless. But like you said, Kawhi Leonard.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah.

[Host]

Anything can happen with Kawhi Leonard on a team. Anything can happen with Steph Curry on a team. We know Portland's house. So it really makes this fascinating play in situation. So I'm happy we have the play in.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah, I mean, it's going to be great. I am happy because being a participant of the fucking play in for some years that I get to sit back on my couch with my wine knowing I don't have to Play until the weekend.

[Host]

Are you not entertained?

[Guest Analyst]

And just, and just sit there and just like enjoy. I'll have one iPad with golf on and the other one with the play in. Yeah, I would just be so excited. Yeah, it's perfect.

[Host]

You got a week to prepare and watch them juke it out. Good games.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah. Watch and just like enjoy basketball. Then we jump over to these. You know, like you said, there's not many teams in the NBA even. I mean, we talk about okc, we talk about the Spurs, Atlanta, us, Charlotte. That's played great basketball over the last month And a half. Two months.

[Host]

Really. January, February, March 8th.

[Guest Analyst]

You know. Three months.

[Host]

Three months.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah, yeah, three months. And I mean they came to, I think they came to LA and beat us. They came to LA and beat us and we, we kind of saw. That's when it kind of, we started. We was like, oh, they're a pretty damn good team. All of them were kind of firing, you know, I think once they got healthy.

[Host]

Right. Miller back.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah, Miller back. You know, Miles mellow back, Mellow back. We didn't see him with Kobe White yet, but Colin Sexton was there and he played well too. But Kobe White gives them another dynamic as well.

[Host]

What is it about their team style of play? Like, what did you notice about their season when they got healthy?

[Guest Analyst]

It seemed like they started to enjoy playing together.

[Host]

Yeah, trust. I, I, I notice it in, in Melo.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah.

[Host]

I think when they were a team that was injured, not probably going to win many. Yeah, he got loose.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah.

[Host]

And tries stuff and you know what I mean, uses creativity and efficiency. Was kind of out the window with Khan and with Miller and dbate's energy

[Guest Analyst]

and I just think, you know, Melo just like, you know, when you start winning, you start like, shit, this is fun. Yes, it's fun. And I could trust this process. Coach, what you saying? Shit, this is working, man. You know, and Melo seems like a guy that wants to win and wants to play winning basketball and doesn't want to continue to lose in Charlotte. So it's like, oh shit, things are turning around. You know, I can still kind of do my one leg of fade away threes and you know, flashy. But you know, I gotta get Khan a couple, I gotta get him some, some looks, you know. B. Miller gotta get him in transition. You know, let's try to get, you know, let's try to get miles in a 45 where he, you know, he's stampede and using the athleticism, you know, D' abate super athletic and you know, he, you know, they're just. It seemed like they're just playing, you know, as a team and Great fit. And it's a great fit. It is a great fit. They got some pieces that really fit together. They just have to make. Let's see if we can make the transition to the postseason. And now we go back to teams like Miami, who we know you don't want to see them in a playing game.

[Host]

Don't be prepared.

[Guest Analyst]

Like we said about the Clippers, we said about Golden State, they're not going to beat themselves. You know, Miami is just a team that, you know, you can beat them, but you fear that they'll kick your ass at the same time, you know, So, I mean, you got Miami State

[Host]

again, it's a classic team that won't beat themselves.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah, they won't beat themselves, you know, and so Miami is very intriguing anytime they're in a play in. And then you have Orlando, a team with ultra talent. But it's also. They've hit the injury bug a lot this year too. Will Franz be back? Will he be back for.

[Host]

I wouldn't trust him.

[Guest Analyst]

I wouldn't trust it either. I mean, we less than two weeks away. Right.

[Host]

He came back to play in his hometown of Berlin.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah.

[Host]

And I think played in London then two nights, three nights later, and that was it.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah.

[Host]

We haven't seen him. So to me, that's a big piece. Big.

[Guest Analyst]

He's such a big piece for them. So we have to see, you know, if they can. If they can, you know, play some good basketball, kind of, you know, figure that out. But I don't know. That'd be. That'd be tough. Yeah.

[Host]

So what do you make of this Philadelphia team? If they are healthy? I mean, this is talented team.

[Guest Analyst]

I mean, they got three of the most talented players in the NBA. I mean, you look at what Paul George can do on a basketball floor. 3 level score, paint, mid range, threes defend, defend. Obviously Joel Embiid, MVP caliber type of player. Anytime he's healthy, he's on the floor. And Tyrese Maxey could very well easily be a first team all NBA guy on any given year, the way he's been playing and vj. Yeah. I mean, and a young talent who will be, you know, what, maybe first team all rookie. You know, first team all rookie. So. And you got bets, you know, you know, Kelly Oubre bet you know, some of those guys are playing good ball. So I mean, yeah, we go, we

[Host]

want to see it.

[Guest Analyst]

It's kind of like I Give them kind of like the Harvey Dent, you know, two face vibe, you know, like, it's like, which one are we going to, which one are we going to get? You know, and when they're rolling, when Embiid is playing, he's in the mid range, he's on the low block, he's motivated. You know, Maxey is burning down the highway, you know, playing on the Autobahn, you know, shooting his step back threes, getting into the lane. Pg, silky smooth. They have the ability to put up, they could put up 140 on you in any given night, 145. And you get them to buy in defensively, they can, they can make, you know, headlines as well. So I think it's super intriguing, man. You got both sides, man. We talked about the west, you talked about the East. It's gonna be, it's gonna come down to who is motivated to play in the playing and who's motivated to kind of just want to hush the critics on. Like, yeah, we end up playing, but we're trying to win and get into the real dance and then try to crack one of the guys at the top too. So, I mean, I'm excited, I'm excited to see it. Yeah, it's interesting as a fan of the game.

[Host]

It's interesting because there's, you know, what we want this time of year is great series. Right. It'd be interesting to see if which of these playoff teams can give the 1 and 2 seed a series.

[Guest Analyst]

Right, right, right, right, right.

[Host]

You know, at least not get swept or one win. Like, can someone push a little harder? There's some good teams down there.

[Guest Analyst]

There's some good teams, teams there.

[Host]

And injuries have played a part in some of these teams being there. They catch it at the right time. It'd be interesting to see a Philly fully healthy, rolling or some of these other teams. So I'm excited for the plan.

[Guest Analyst]

That'd be an unbelievable matchup. Like you have a team like Detroit who's played well all year. You know, Cade, you know, is we don't know his update of right now. Will he be ready for the first round?

[Host]

What kind of state is he in?

[Guest Analyst]

What kind of state is he in? And then you get Philly, who Philly gets in as the eighth seed.

[Host]

No pressure.

[Guest Analyst]

No pressure, but could very easily go in. And you know that that's the post season. That's what it is. Sometimes the post season is about. Obviously it's matchups, it's health and then there's luck.

[Host]

How great would Philly Detroit be that would be amazing.

[Guest Analyst]

Those two fan bases going against each other. Oh man, that'd be insane.

[Host]

I mean, any of them. Philly Boston would be great. Philly Detroit, Philly New York. Amazing series. So not that I'm rooting for anyone. That'd be fun to see. And now over to our producer Jason for a word from another one of our partners.

[Producer Jason]

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[Host]

Before discovering my love for basketball, I had dreams of becoming a soccer player. Some people don't know this, but soccer runs deep in my family. My dad played professionally in South Africa and my first word was literally gold. I own a collection of match worn cleats from my heroes Ronaldinho Zidane and Samuel eto, and it's one of my most prized possessions. Safe to say that I'm beyond psyched for the FIFA World Cup. This summer, fans will be traveling from all over the world to experience the excitement in person, and they need places to stay. Why not open your doors to guests on Airbnb and earn some extra cash? With matches taking place around the U.S. your home could be the perfect place to host and create memories for passionate soccer supporters like me. Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how [e-mail] host. All right, let's talk about these playoffs. I know this is an interesting position for you to be in that you're in the playoffs. I'm not. I still think OKC is the team to beat. My stance always after playing, coaching, watching for a million years is you need playoff scars and common experiences. Spurs don't have that, but they have Wemby. And so I kind of. If anyone's ever allowed to jump the queue on common experience in playoff scars, it's the Spurs. So having said that, Denver's underperformed recently, but they have common experiences in playoff scars. So in a playoff environment, they could leapfrog the Spurs. But I do put the spurs right up there as a contender. They've done well against okc. Wemby is incredible. And then we get to teams like Lakers, Boston, Detroit, Knicks, all these other teams. So where do you think at the top? Who's the team to beat?

[Guest Analyst]

I would agree. I mean, I would agree with you. When it comes to okc, I think they've just shown the level of excellence over the last few years and playing at a high level and not getting complacent even in the regular season. It doesn't matter if they play In a team over.500 or a team under.500, they go out and play. It doesn't mean they've won every game, but they've won the majority of them and they're the reigning champs with the MVP on their team. So you look at them as the team to beat, as the favorite, I think, and that's rightfully so. Then there's some really good teams. That comes after that. I mean, like you said, the spurs been playing great. Not much playoff experience, franchise experience and. But when you have like an alien and a guy like that that can make things happen. And then you have a late game shot maker in de' Aaron Fox, who at one point, I think it was not last year or the year before when he was at sac, I think he led the league in clutch points. That means a lot. A guy that's not afraid to take that big shot, win, lose or draw. That gives confidence to a team. I mean, like you said, you named Denver, you named us, you named Boston. You know, teams with championship DNA. Obviously what we have, we have a guy that's been to the post season, a guy that's been to the finals, and Luka led his team to the finals before. I have a lot of post season experience and championship experience. You know, you look at Denver with their championship experience, you look at Boston with their championship experience, then you have some sleepers that can come into play, you know, possibly, you know, you never know what a team like Atlanta could do. Who's been playing good basketball. You got Houston. I wouldn't call them a sleeper because they have a Kevin Durant on their team. Detroit, but Detroit, you know, New York's not a sleeper, but they're still, you know, in the weeds, so. But OKC is the favorite. And every team, all the other 15 teams that is seeded is looking up and trying to knock them off okc.

[Host]

What's a weakness?

[Guest Analyst]

What's their weakness?

[Host]

Like, if you had to say like nitpick.

[Guest Analyst]

I had to nitpick.

[Host]

Wow, I love the way you enunciated nitpick.

[Guest Analyst]

I had to nitpick.

[Host]

That's good. I'm gonna use that.

[Guest Analyst]

I don't know, man.

[Host]

So I would say this, here's my nitpick on okc. And this is deep. This is deep nitpick.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah, this is.

[Host]

I would say three point shooting comes and goes a little bit.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah.

[Host]

I would say secondary playmaking at times. So that's hence J dubs importance to them because the other real playmaker a lot. Hardenstein makes plays for them in a short role.

[Guest Analyst]

He's a good hub for them.

[Host]

Good hub for them. You know, obviously, Chad, some of the other guys can make plays too, but so to me, like sometimes did they lose playmaking and do they dry up from three? A little bit. That would be my. That's a deep nitpick. They're pretty good.

[Guest Analyst]

That's deep in a seven game series. Yeah, they'd have to because of how well they defend.

[Host]

They make up for it.

[Guest Analyst]

I'm trying to figure out how can I nitpick okc, but I can't because they fucking. They defend, defend, defend. They make plays, those guys, you know. Yeah, it's just.

[Host]

Yeah, that's the thing is they defend so well. They make up for.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah, they make up for it. They're gonna get in transition. They're gonna get to the free throw line.

[Host]

Well, that's. That. That actually is the thing. It's not that they defend. It's that they defend. They turn you over.

[Guest Analyst]

They get out and they get opportunities. They get pick a lot of pick sixes.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah.

[Host]

So that, that, that's. That is a deep, deep bag nitpick.

[Guest Analyst]

I'm just. Listen, the postseason is about to be.

[Host]

Yes.

[Guest Analyst]

The young kids will say lit.

[Host]

Liddy.

[Guest Analyst]

It's gonna be Liddy. It's gonna be crazy. I'm looking forward to it. I mean, me personally, like, I don't know how many more postseasons I got left in my career. And we talked about this A while ago, like, getting ready for the postseason. Like, that moment, like, it doesn't matter what you did in regular season. That shit is out the window now. Like, it doesn't matter. Like, it starts again. This is it. So I'm excited, man.

[Host]

I can't wait. Yeah. Like, what's your mindset here with your team? You guys must be feeling great right now.

[Guest Analyst]

I mean, my personal mindset is, like, what y' all need. What y' all need tonight.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Guest Analyst]

For me, personally, my game one can be different from my game two.

[Host]

Do you. But do you guys look. Are you watching? Like, who's our matchup right now? Or not even close.

[Guest Analyst]

I have. No, I haven't.

[Host]

And won't be that.

[Guest Analyst]

It won't matter. I probably won't pay attention to the week of.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah.

[Host]

Then just getting into it. Because now we gotta prepare.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah, now we gotta prepare. I mean, the postseason will start Saturday or Sunday for us. We'll probably start, you know, I think playing is Tuesday, Thursday of that week.

[Host]

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, I think.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, or something like that. So, like, I'll start. I'll start mentally, like, kind of seeing where we at more around, like, Wednesday, Thursday. But that Monday, Tuesday, I'm gonna check out. I'll check out for 48 hours, but I'll lock in. And then. Yeah, for me, personally, I'm just on some. Like, what y' all need from me. I said my game one, My game two could be different. Like, whatever y' all need. Let's rock. Oh, Houston, Minnesota. So it's Houston. It could be Houston or Minnesota.

[Host]

Yeah, most likely.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah. I mean, for me, I don't.

[Host]

So you probably. You'll most likely play Houston or Minnesota, and Denver will play the other.

[Guest Analyst]

And then we'll have a. If we take care of business. First round, we play San Antonio. Second round with OKC in the West Conference finals. Yep.

[Host]

You seen it come together?

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah, with a. With a. With a. Lakers. Boston Finals.

[Host]

Lakers. Boston.

[Guest Analyst]

That'll be crazy. There we go. Oh, my God.

[Host]

Oh, you haven't had that yet. You had Bubble Lakers. But you play. You had a lot of Celtics series with the Cavs.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah, I had a lot of Celtics series when I was in the East. They don't quite like me there.

[Host]

Playoff season is here. And in playoff basketball, perspective is key. As a former player and coach, I'd be right there watching every drive, every shot and every block. And I can say from experience, there's no better feeling than living in the moment as it happens. That's where the American Express Platinum card excels, granting you exclusive access to unique experiences worldwide. For playoff games, when every second is electric, your perspective is what makes it memorable. That same principle is true for all kinds of entertainment, even beyond the arena. The fewer barriers you have in your life, the more you're right there in the moment to enjoy it. I'd call that a win. With an array of premium travel, dining and entertainment benefits, all backed by American Express's award winning service, there's nothing like platinum terms apply. Learn [e-mail] withplatinum. I wanted to get your take on reintegration. So the biggest. I mean, you just did it really.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah, yeah. Okay.

[Host]

Yeah, I got you more or less. But the biggest one is Jason Tatum, like 10 months coming back from Achilles, which is crazy fast, right? But to a bot, it's an interesting one for me because JT is one of the best players in the game and they're a championship team. In the recent past, he comes back to a team that is rolling and getting better and finding a slightly new identity. And then your best player comes back early from an injury. Like, what have you seen? What do you. What was it like for you after.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah, what was it like for me? I mean, it's an adjustment, for sure. I mean, you know, but I think you also, if you're smart enough and you know the game and you kind of have the rhythm of the pulse of your team, the best thing to do is, or the best feeling that you can get of how you can make an impact is when you're not playing because you kind of see if your eyes are open and you're actually dialed into what's going on. You like, oh, wow. I could put myself in that position if I was in that. If I was there, I could see myself playing like that role or being in that play in that position right there. So I think for me, when I was out and just seeing what the ball club was doing, I was like, oh, man, I see myself playing that. I could see myself doing that, which can ultimately help the team. And, you know, for me, it could be a little bit different. For me, I mean, I'm 41 years old, I'm 23 years in. I've accomplished everything. I'm like, I just want to, you know, so it could be a lot different for a younger kid or a younger guy in our league. But knowing JT personally, I know he's like, I could do what helps the team as well by still and also still integrating himself back into the lineup. But what I've seen early on, it was just like. I think it was more just like, can I still do this? You know, coming right from Achilles, I've never done it before, but it was more just like, can I still take off? Can I still plant? Can I still change direction? If a turnover happened, can I still plant and get back on defense as of late? I seen him play the other night. I think it was in Charlotte. They won in Charlotte. And without Charles, without Jaylen Brown, I think he had, like, the first nine out of 10 points, and he just looked like himself. Back door cut for a dunk, you know, getting to his rhythm. ISO step back threes where he's. He just looked more like himself.

[Host]

And playmaking.

[Guest Analyst]

Playmaking, I think. And it's just going to make them even more dynamic and more dangerous to the point where before the injury, they were dangerous, you know, last year and the year before that. So it's definitely great to have him back. But implementing yourself back after a long period of time like that can be challenging. I think he's handled himself so far.

[Host]

Yeah, he's handled it amazingly. But the two interesting parts for me, I think, from a fan perspective, is that how much patience and time it takes to adapt to playing again after that big an absence or not even that big. He was out 10 months, and that was a crazy injury. But a lesser injury and a lesser time. It's still difficult to jump into a moving train, right?

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah, it takes patience.

[Host]

I think we. A guy plays three days and we forget. Plays three games, we forget. You know, he's been out for three months or eight months, or Jason's case, 10 months. That for a fan, they have to understand, like, it's not overnight.

[Guest Analyst]

No, it's not. I mean, I was out like a few guys. I think I sent out three games, and it. When I got back on the floor, I felt like I was so far removed from the game. Like, it don't take that long.

[Host]

Right.

[Guest Analyst]

You know, it's like I always talk about, like, the off season. Like, I love the off season in the park. Like, I get to really, like, fine tune my game and throughout my career. But the one thing I hate the most is that less than a week, you're out of shape.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Guest Analyst]

Like, you're literally out of shape.

[Host]

Deconditioned.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah, you're deconditioned. You spent seven, eight straight months of, like, conditioning. Conditioning, mind, body, soul, and then, boom, it's just, like, poof, gone. So for him to be out, you know, 10 months of no basketball, you know, having to recondition himself and then go back into live action. That alone is like. That alone is a milestone. I don't think we. I think we, like you said, not only the fans, but also the peers and everybody. We don't. We don't highlight and celebrate that enough. You know, for a guy to come back after an injury like that or just to, you know, be back on the floor, it takes a lot.

[Host]

It's a great point. I think Achilles are really, really special injuries.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah.

[Host]

He came back at such a early stage, like, almost had me worried. You know what I mean? Like, he came back, like, at this level. I want to see him play another 10 years in an elite level, so that he's. Where he's at is outrageous, really, when you think about it. So I think you're right. We need to really applaud what he's. The work he put in to get back to play, to be where he's at. Fingers crossed. It goes really well.

[Guest Analyst]

Hope it goes well.

[Host]

And he just never looks back. The other part of this is, though, is, like, it's tricky, you know? You know, he said on his YouTube channel, I think, like, I. I. When I come back, I have to be the guy, you know?

[Guest Analyst]

Oh, he did. I missed that.

[Host]

You know.

[Guest Analyst]

Did he say, like, I have to be the guy or I have to be the. Oh, okay.

[Host]

I. I don't think he was saying, like, I have to be the guy over jb.

[Guest Analyst]

Right, right, right.

[Host]

I think, but he's saying, like, I have to be the guy. Like, me.

[Guest Analyst]

Like me, Me. I have to be the guy.

[Producer Jason]

I have to be the guy.

[Host]

I can't just be in the corner.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah, yeah.

[Host]

Which is one at one on one. On one hand is absolutely what he should be saying.

[Guest Analyst]

Absolutely. On the other hand, just say that. On the.

[Host]

On the other hand, he's also getting on a moving train. A team that's found kind of a new identity they're playing with a little bit more. I think in the past, if I had to knock Boston, they relied too much on their ability to make jumpers over people. If they could have played a little bit more downhill, a little bit, because when they did break the first domino and get the blender, they're one of the best teams I've ever seen playing a game. I think at times, they. They. They settled.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah.

[Host]

And so they found this way this year where they've really. I think Maz has done a great job of, like, pushing them to be really clear, sharp, like I'll say this, the offense has taken a direction, but I see it in their defense where like he's coaching them like a college team. Like they're not making mistakes at the level they're, they, they've, they've done an amazing job.

[Guest Analyst]

They're good, man.

[Host]

If a guy's not a great defender, he's not making mistakes. He's up to fight.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah.

[Host]

Combative, he's physical. So I think that's carried over to the defense now. So they've grown in a way, but their best player is now coming back into this. That is a tricky, tricky, delicate thing. And I'm not saying that anyone's like me over team. I'm just saying that is an adjustment period.

[Guest Analyst]

Absolutely. And it's going, I think it's for us to kind of see how it unfolds over. Not over the last six games of the regular season, when it matters, in the moment when it matters. Because both, both of those guys, JT and JB are both great players, battle tested champions and they both feel like at any given night I'm the best player in the world. So how do they body that to where it's, we're the best players in the world and it spreads to the body of the team and not just the individual. So, so. And I think they, I mean, obviously they've shown it before, you know, but they've shown it when they both were not, they weren't coming back from injuries or whatever the case may be. But we are to see how one unfolds. I think they both can do it. I think they're intelligent young men who can make it happen. I think, I mean, Joe's a hell of a coach. I don't think he's afraid to tell either one of them, hey, fuck are we doing? Let's get on the same page. Because one thing about this league, you just don't know how many opportunities you have to do something special. And this was a year when everybody was like, this was a throwaway year for Boston. And the fact that they're playing at the level that they're playing at, this is a special opportunity. And if they have an opportunity to do something special, why not grasp it? And I don't mean that, doesn't mean that the delirious Bryan trophy is going to get raised, but doing something special can still be accomplished. And so we will see how it unfolds.

[Host]

Very well said. Yeah, I think it's. These things are challenges, but he's been amazing way, way ahead of schedule. But even in his time back on the floor, you're seeing him make strides quickly. Yeah, it doesn't always go that way. Sometimes you come back and you take something, you know, like you could take a thigh bruise. That affects the whole gate. That affects, you know what I mean? Like, the fact that he's just been able to play through this period and keep slowly getting better is. I can't tell you how much I respect him for the work.

[Guest Analyst]

I agree. Much respect. Much respect. J.T. for sure.

[Host]

And look out. If they.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah, man.

[Host]

If they put this all together. Look out.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah, look out. Nobody was expecting him to be in the lookout phase for the postseason of 2026 after the injuries. After the injury.

[Host]

Right.

[Guest Analyst]

Drew hard. And by the way, Al Horford trademark is gone. Like, nobody. Yeah, nobody.

[Host]

You almost thought it was the opposite. They were gutting, gutting the team. Let's see what the future holds.

[Guest Analyst]

Big, big, big class coming in 2026. You know, JT's out. Maybe we play. You know, we don't play as well. We get a nice draft pick like that. That's what a lot of people were, like, discussing. No, Joe's like, you got me effed up. JB was like, you got me effed up, too. Like, we. We right here. And they got a chance.

[Host]

They do have a chance. So one other guy that I think is pivotal, pivotal, pivotal for this whole NBA landscape from a reintegration standpoint is J Dub Jalen Williams for Oklahoma City. I mean, the way you guys are playing, the way Denver is capable of, the way San Antonio has emerged, OKC is an amazing team, you know, with. With almost anyone injured except Shea. But he's an. He's a. I think in against those top teams, it. It's pivotal that he's playing near his level.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah, there's not many. There's not many wild cards and a lot of the post season teams, he's. He's one of the. He's one of the biggest ones. You know, when you're looking at your hand, you're like, how many wild cards do I have? He. He's one of the biggest wild cards that you can look at is because of, you know, like you said, because of the injuries that he's had this year, but also for the full makeup of what they want to potentially possibly get to. I absolutely agree. Because, yes, they can still win. They're a damn good team. When he's on the floor, when he's not on the floor, you have Shay. He's special, but, like, it Gives them a certain another level of like when he's out playing, when he's playing and playing at a high level and doing what he's capable of doing, his ability to defend, his ability to get into the paint, his shot making ability, it's just another dynamic piece out on the floor.

[Host]

So I agree he's such a versatile player. Like you said, the defensively, the size, you know, they've got all these versatile guys on the perimeter. He's the biggest of them, right. Really of their pure perimeter players. He can play really all five positions. When they, last year when they were hurt, he played a lot of five. Now clearly we don't want to see him with the five in the playoffs. But he has done it. He can play the one, he can play off the ball, he can play in pick and roll, he can play in isolation, he can play in closeouts, play in transition, he can defend multiple positions. The league, the top of the top is getting so good. Like I think they need him to find it. He's shown it, I think he's shown it a few games like JT has in a way. The tricky part, like he didn't have an Achilles, but he, with his injury, he didn't play all summer. Right. He worked out, but he didn't play basketball. Then he came back, wasn't ready to start the season, came back, got hurt again. Hamstring. He really hasn't played basketball.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah. For a long time. And that could also play with your psyche too. Like, you know, I work my way back from a hand injury. You know, I work my way back, boom, I'm ready to go. Then I go out and then I get a hamstring injury. You know, then I work my back, you know, I work my way back from that. Then I get something else. It's like, you know, that could also just start playing with your psyche too. It's just like I don't know if I can fully extend on the abilities that I know I'm capable of because I'm afraid to have another setback. And the last thing you will want to do in late March and in early April is to have a setback. There's no, you don't have time to have a setback because the sprint is about to start. You know, we've all gone through the marathon now. The marathon is almost over. The sprint, the 100 meter yard dash is starting soon. You know, so you don't, you don't know what the psyche does for certain players when they continue to have, you know, compound injuries, whatever the case may be.

[Host]

Well, I think luckily for. For jw, he's getting enough regular season games in, if he can stay healthy. He's got the regular season, he's got the week between he's got the first round, which frankly, you know, they may not need him. They're that good, right? To be at his best to where he. That gives him a month or so.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah.

[Host]

Where he gets himself back. So did I. Did I insult someone? I'm sorry.

[Guest Analyst]

Yeah. That was great. Yeah, fucking they are great. They're a great fucking team.

[Host]

Reality.

[Guest Analyst]

That was good.

[Host]

Thanks for watching Mind the Game. New episodes drop every other Tuesday. Remember to, like, subscribe or follow wherever you're watching.

[Guest Analyst]

Sam.