No Dunks Podcast Summary
Episode: Opening Night Overreactions & Breaking News About NBA's Illegal Betting Investigation
Date: October 23, 2025
Hosts: Jay Skeets, Tas Melis, Trey Kirby, JD
Episode Overview
The No Dunks crew dives into a jam-packed episode featuring two central themes:
- A major breaking news story about NBA figures (Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and Cavs assistant Damon Jones) being arrested in a federal illegal gambling probe.
- Classic opening night NBA overreactions using their “It’s just one game, but…” draft format, dissecting huge first-night performances, shocking team storylines, and memorable moments.
The show is equal parts fast-paced basketball analysis, irreverent humor, and genuine surprise at how wild the NBA’s opening night and off-court drama already is.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Breaking News: NBA Illegal Gambling Investigation
- [03:08–10:08]
The pod opens with the bombshell news:- Chauncey Billups (Blazers coach), Terry Rozier (Heat guard), and Damon Jones (Cavs assistant) arrested in connection with separate but possibly related illegal gambling operations.
- The Rozier case focuses on suspicious prop bet activity in March 2023; previously cleared by the NBA, now arrested by federal authorities, raising questions about the league’s investigative process.
- Billups and Jones are linked to an illegal poker operation tied to the Mafia.
- Hosts clarify No Dunks’ partnership with FanDuel for transparency and “get ahead” of the potential conflict-of-interest conversation.
- Skeets: “I bring that up… We understand why you might roll your eyes at us talking about sports gambling investigations. …We’re not naive.”
- Trey notes the oddity: "He went from under investigation to the NBA clearing him… and now he’s getting arrested by the FBI? That’s just odd to me." (06:08)
- They emphasize the critical distinction between betting on poker and NBA games; the latter carries the “Pete Rose” legacy of undermining the league's integrity.
- Context: As news breaks live, the crew awaits more information from an ongoing press conference, musing about possible links, the media’s appetite for big headlines, and parallels to past NBA gambling scandals (Gilbert Arenas, Malik Beasley investigations).
2. NBA Opening Night: “It’s Just One Game, But…” Overreactions - Key Draft Picks
Victor Wembanyama as MVP Favorite
- [11:55–17:10]
- Opening pick: “It’s just one game, but Victor Wembanyama is the MVP of the league.”
- Wemby’s Line: 40 points, 15 rebounds, 3 blocks, dazzling highlight plays against bigs like Anthony Davis.
- Trey Kirby: “Show your kids… We haven’t ever seen anything like this.” (12:46)
- Tas: “We have entered the Victor Wembanyama era. …He is getting better. He’s going to be one of the best players in the league for a long time.” (14:12)
- Praise for his improved handles, shot, and comfort level on the court; the panel jokes he could be both MVP and Most Improved.
- Major takeaway: The league’s new era has officially arrived.
Ja Morant’s Return to MVP Conversation
- [17:18–22:31]
- “It’s just one game, but Ja Morant is at the MVP table.”
- Ja’s Line: 35 points, 4th time with 30+ points in a season opener.
- Tas: “Frankly, he needs a bounce-back year… but he was freaking spectacular last night too.” (17:23)
- Discussion of Morant’s talent, the Grizzlies’ newly deep bench, and the possibility of returning to league superstardom after a turbulent period.
Toronto Raptors: Must-Watch League Pass Team
- [25:03–31:47]
- Skeets (after witnessing in person): “Add the Raptors to your must watch League Pass list. This team is electric.”
- Raptors crush Hawks with 34 fast break points, 86 points in the paint, and frenetic bench energy.
- Trey: The Hawks' defense was abysmal—“If they’re gonna play defense like this, it’s going to be high scoring games.”
- The Raptors hand out a defensive “cobra stick” postgame; Grady Dick’s performance, Jamal Shead’s hustle, and the depth of the bench are highlighted.
- Notable Humor: On a lost bet, Trey is forced to eat a cold, wet hot dog live ("raw dog"), which quickly becomes a running (and gross) joke.
Chicago Bulls: “The Bulls Are Back!”
- [35:05–38:46]
- “Did they blow a 23 point lead? Absolutely… Did they also win their opener for the first time in three years? Yup.”
- Matas Buzelis’ “all-star campaign” begins, Vucevic dominates, Josh Giddy solid, Pistons’ rookies show promise (“Ron Holland changed the game").
- Amusing on-air raw hot dog eating persists.
VJ Edgecombe: Sixers’ Future—and Rookie of the Year?
- [39:57–43:15]
- “VJ Edgecombe is the best player on the Philadelphia 76ers and going to win Rookie of the Year.”
- Edgecombe: 34-point rookie debut (Sixers record), five threes, highlights his elite athleticism and immediate impact.
- Tas: “He’ll be in the running here. Absolutely. He’s so fun to watch…” (41:41)
- Tyrese Maxey’s big night gets briefly overshadowed.
Orlando Magic: Offensive Breakout
- [45:02–48:23]
- “It’s just one game, but the Magic are flamethrowers.”
- They shoot 40% from three (versus bottom-10 offenses 13 years running), blow past the Heat, and get production from Bane, Franz, Paolo, and Desmond Bane.
- “Just average three point shooting could level them up.”
New York Knicks: True Contenders in the East
- [54:53–56:31]
- “It’s just one game, but the Knicks are winning the Eastern Conference.”
- Offense looks entirely different under Mike Brown: more pace, more scorers, deeper rotation.
- OG Anunoby and Bridges handle the ball, Brunson off-ball, Cat (Karl-Anthony Towns) in sync.
Clippers: Too Old or Just Out of Sync?
- [58:36–63:38]
- “It’s just one game, but Steve Ballmer is selling the Clippers.”
- Not literal, but doubt about the roster’s age and fit after getting demolished by the Jazz—outscored 43–19 in the 1st quarter.
- Utah’s rookies Bryce Sensabaugh and Kessler shine.
- Trey: “They look old, that’s for sure. You know, Chris Paul’s 40 years old, Brook Lopez, he’s old and slow.” (60:47)
Charlotte Hornets: Back with New Life
- [63:38–66:44]
- “The Hornets got their buzz back.”
- Arena renovations, rookie starters, and big nights from Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball energize the fanbase.
Anthony Edwards: Scoring Title Incoming?
- [67:22–70:13]
- “It’s just one game, but Anthony Edwards can’t be guarded.”
- 41 points against all-defense wings, looks primed for a huge year; questions linger about the Wolves’ guard rotation.
Giannis: Still the Franchise—But Is This a Make-or-Break Season?
- [70:52–74:39]
- “It’s just one game but… Giannis is playing his last season in the NBA.” (Obviously a wild overreaction.)
- Triggered by a 10-second free throw violation call on opening night; segues into talk about Bucks’ shooter-heavy lineups and Lillard’s absence.
Phoenix Suns: Ceremonial Free Throw Tradition
- [74:39–77:41]
- Matt Ishbia brings out Amar’e Stoudemire for a “first free throw” ceremony—misses (“Think MLB first pitch”). Team rallies from a 17-point deficit to win.
- Suggests NBA teams should keep the tradition; crew points out the fun, the pressure, and the bad omens if the Suns had lost.
3. Around the Horn: Other Notes & Humorous Highlights
- Running Hot Dog Bit: Trey must eat a raw (cold) hot dog after losing a bet—sparking talk of taste, texture, and cold meat aversion.
- “Mukbangs”: Segment joking about whether the No Dunks crew should do competitive eating streams.
- All-Star International Rules: Extended riff on which players are eligible for new “Team International” All-Star Game format.
- Raptors’ “Cobra Stick” & “Spinner Chain”: New postgame awards for defense and offense (Debate: How do you travel with a cobra staff?).
- Broadcast Goofs: From Dominique Wilkins’ voice cracks to misnaming players (Paul George as “Aaron George”).
- Jerseys & Arena Renovations: Observations on Vancouver-style Grizzlies trim, Hornets’ new vibe, and the impact of stadium upgrades.
- Meta: Multiple jokes at their own expense for getting sidetracked and going long (“We are just innocent men!”).
Notable Quotes & Timestamp Highlights
- On Gambling Scandal Transparency:
- Skeets: “If you are one of those people [worried about FanDuel sponsorship], that’s fine. …Just wanted to be clear.” [03:12]
- On Wembanyama:
- Trey: “Show your kids… You’re going to want to see that this has happened. We haven’t ever seen anything like this.” [12:46]
- Tas: “We have entered the Victor Wembanyama era.” [14:12]
- On Raptors’ Style:
- Skeets: “This team is electric… They were just pinging that ball around with 36 assists.” [25:03]
- On Ja Morant:
- Tas: "He needs a bounce back year. ...He was freaking spectacular last night too." [17:23]
- On Ja’s Past:
- Jay Skeets: “...When the gun drama happened, it was like, oh, no, what are you doing? We were ready to… we were giving you the keys.” [19:52]
- On Eating Raw Hot Dogs:
- Trey: “Why are hot dogs so wet, huh? ...I don't like this at all.” [32:53]
- On Edgecombe’s Debut:
- Tas: “He’ll be in the running [for ROY]. Absolutely. He’s so fun to watch…” [41:41]
- On the Knicks’ Offense:
- Trey: “The Knicks looked quite different. ...That was the mandate for Mike Brown: play more guys, get more synergy.” [56:31]
- On Clippers Being Old:
- Trey: “They look old, that's for sure. Chris Paul's 40; Brook Lopez, he's old and slow." [60:47]
Timestamps for Major Segments
-
01:43 – Show intro, cast introductions, and FanDuel disclosure
-
03:08 – Breaking news: NBA gambling investigation
-
11:55 – “It’s just one game, but…” Opening night overreactions drafted
- 11:55 Wembanyama segment
- 17:18 Ja Morant and Grizzlies
- 25:03 Raptors vs Hawks
- 35:05 Bulls (plus hot dog payoff)
- 39:57 Edgecombe Sixers debut/ROY
- 45:02 Orlando Magic breakout
- 54:53 Knicks and Mike Brown’s offense
- 58:36 Clippers, Jazz, and “are they washed?”
- 63:38 Hornets’ new energy and Buzz
- 67:22 Anthony Edwards’ scoring outburst
- 70:52 Bucks, Giannis, free-throw violation
- 74:39 Suns’ ceremonial free throw idea
-
79:26 – Quick Picks, closing thoughts, merch plug, more hot dog banter
Episode Tone & Style
- Casual, fast-paced, packed with witty banter and self-deprecating humor.
- Mix of sharp basketball analysis and playful nonsense (hot dogs, mascot takes, mukbangs).
- Willingness to break down real-world NBA news seriously, yet flip to irreverence at any moment.
Final Takeaways
- Opening night saw extraordinary performances—rookies and stars alike—fueling rapid-fire, wild overreactions (in classic No Dunks style).
- NBA faces urgent off-court questions with its gambling investigation scandal, which the crew handled with transparency and honesty.
- Raw hot dogs, ceremonial free throws, and deep-cut jersey/arena lore kept this episode both insightful and bizarrely fun.
- As Skeets put it: “The league just feels like it is at its height in terms of play… and then boom, boom, boom, at 6am, two men in the NBA are arrested.” [78:38]
For all the wild details, classic No Dunks humor, and the latest NBA news, this episode is a must for any basketball fan.