PTI Podcast Summary: "Who has the BEST chance to win the Masters?"

Date: April 8, 2026
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser, Michael Wilbon
Guest: Brian Windhorst

Episode Overview

In this episode, Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon discuss the wide-open field at the Masters—highlighting the absence of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. They analyze potential contenders and the evolving storylines, then pivot to topical debates on Gino Auriemma's apology to Dawn Staley, Jorge Soler's dramatic MLB brawl, and major NBA issues such as Giannis Antetokounmpo's future and playoff eligibility rules. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst joins for "Five Good Minutes" on the NBA’s hottest questions.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Masters: Wide-Open Field Without Tiger and Phil

[00:59–02:42]

Key Storylines:

• Historic Absence: For the first time since 1994, neither Tiger Woods nor Phil Mickelson will play. They’ve won a combined eight green jackets (Tiger: 5, Phil: 3).
• Open Competition: No remaining player has more than two green jackets; field seen as wide open.
• Course & Weather: Wilbon highlights how good weather at Augusta could lead to classic play.
• Potential Contenders:
  • Patrick Reed (familiarity with Augusta, controversial favorite)
  • Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm (LIV Golfers)
  • Scottie Scheffler (going for his third Masters; consistency questioned)
  • Rory McIlroy (last year’s focus, but motivation and recent US wins in doubt)
  • Bryson DeChambeau, other international players

Quotes:

• "Tony maybe the biggest storyline is there are a lot of people who can win this. ...I don't think there's any dominant storyline." – Mike Wilbon [01:31]
• "The biggest storyline at this Masters is the fact that Tiger woods and Phil Mickelson are not playing in it." – Tony Kornheiser [02:42]
• "If Scottie Scheffler wins, that's a real big deal because that gives him three Masters championships and puts him in a ... thoroughly elite category." – Tony Kornheiser [03:14]

2. Gino Auriemma Apologizes to Dawn Staley

[04:43–07:32]

• Delayed Apology: Gino Auriemma issued an apology directly to Dawn Staley after public criticism for postgame comments.
• Wilbon’s Take: Criticizes Auriemma for taking too long, stating, "He took his sweet time. So I'll take my sweet time accepting it if I get around to it, and I hope others do too." [04:43]
• Tony’s View: Acknowledges apology is complete but late, gives credit for Staley’s grace: "I think she's taken the high road here. I think Gino's looking for the high road, looking for the highway." [06:49]
• Looking Ahead: The next UConn–South Carolina matchup will now be dominated by this storyline.

Notable Quotes:

• "Sorry, you haven't earned that. And he kept repeating, he's been doing this 41 years. ...So you know what? He took his time. I'll take mine." – Mike Wilbon [05:16]
• "I think he apologized totally, thoroughly and unequivocally. ...It's late. He should have done this earlier, but he did it now and he did it publicly." – Tony Kornheiser [05:43]
• "I'm not giving you credit for doing what you're supposed to do." – Mike Wilbon, citing Chris Rock [07:01]

3. MLB Brawl: Jorge Soler Charges the Mound

[07:32–10:39]

• Incident Recap: Solaire, after being hit by a pitch and nearly hit again, charged at pitcher Reynaldo Lopez. Both players suspended seven games.
• Wilbon’s View: MLB's discipline "gutless"—pitcher effectively misses one game, but Solaire punished for defending himself after being repeatedly targeted.
• Tony’s Analysis: Supports Solaire’s in-the-moment reaction; sees a difference between suspending a pitcher vs. a hitter for seven games.

Quotes:

• "He fights in what I thought was an honorable way. So I'm a little surprised at 7 for both, because 7 for a hitter is different than 7 for a pitcher." – Tony Kornheiser [09:19]
• "Major League baseball gives Solaire 7 games and gives the pitcher one. That's a gutless, gutless move by Major League Baseball entirely." – Mike Wilbon [09:54]

4. NBA Deep Dive: Five Good Minutes with Brian Windhorst

[12:43–18:19]

A. Milwaukee Bucks’ Uncertain Future

[12:43–13:58]

• Windhorst’s Prediction: Both Giannis and Doc Rivers unlikely to remain with the Bucks next season, citing a 17–19 record even with Giannis on the court.

  "I would be surprised if Doc Rivers is the coach next year and Giannis is on the team... This was not a winning team even when he was there...the way to fix it, unfortunately, is to trade him." – Brian Windhorst [12:56]

B. 65-Game Eligibility Rule for Awards

[13:58–15:45]

• No Change Coming: Despite pushback, Windhorst says NBA is satisfied with the rule; motivates stars to play more games and appears effective.

  "The behavior of the star players indicates that this number means something...while it is unpopular, it is working." – Brian Windhorst [14:49]

C. Luka Doncic's Hamstring/Potential NBA Playoff Return

[15:45–16:46]

• Outlook: Windhorst is doubtful hamstring treatment in Spain will return Doncic to full strength for playoffs but notes his toughness.

  "I don't think the Spanish have cured hamstring injuries. I do think Luka ... will play through pain." – Brian Windhorst [16:14]

D. Kings' "Tanking" Controversy

[16:46–18:19]

• Foul Play? Windhorst says Kings coach simply lost track of team fouls, not an attempt to tank; agrees with Draymond Green: teams less penalized for tanking than players for on-court infractions.

  "This has an easy explanation. I think Doug Christie didn't know how many fouls there were...I agree with Draymond that the league has not followed through ... in regards to tanking enforcement." – Brian Windhorst [17:11]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Tony: "Watching golf, thinking about golf and stinking at golf. I'm a terrible player. I'm a 21 now. I mean, it’s just the number keeps going up. I'm no good. I love it, but I'm no good." [00:41]
• Wilbon: "All these flashy parts, Lamb and Pickens and Dak and the Cowboys still never amount to Jack. That makes me happy." [21:25]
• Kornheiser, On Wizards tanking: "Yeah, doesn't help me watching a team that's deliberately trying to lose for three years." [18:24]

Timestamps by Segment

| Segment | Time | |----------------------------------------|-----------| | Masters: Storylines & Contenders | 00:59–04:43| | Gino Auriemma Apology | 04:43–07:32| | MLB: Soler/Lopez Brawl | 07:32–10:39| | NBA: Brian Windhorst Joins | 12:43–18:19| | Happy Time / Big Finish | 20:33–24:59|

Tone & Style

• Conversation is quick-witted, opinionated, sometimes biting but always infused with humor and camaraderie.
• Quotes and side remarks reflect Tony and Mike’s long-standing rapport and willingness to challenge guest perspectives.

This episode is a lively analysis of shifting landscapes in golf, baseball, and basketball—with colorful, insightful commentary and fresh perspectives from both the hosts and their expert NBA guest.