The Athletic NBA Daily – Episode Summary

Date: November 18, 2025
Hosts: Dave DeFore, Zena Keda
Guest: Eric Nehm (Bucks beat reporter)

Episode Overview

This episode tackles some of the biggest NBA headlines and recaps recent games, focusing on three major stories:

• The Nuggets' surprising loss to the Bulls despite Nikola Jokic's strong performance
• Paul George’s long-awaited season debut for the 76ers
• Significant injuries to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama and what these absences mean for their teams

The analysis is punctuated with thoughtful player evaluations, team outlooks, and a memorable guest segment with Eric Nehm for an insider perspective on the Milwaukee Bucks’ latest challenge.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Denver Nuggets Fall to the Chicago Bulls (02:14–06:47)

• Nuggets' Off Night:
  Despite a triple-double from Nikola Jokic (after a cold start), Denver lost 114-111 to the Bulls. The absence of Christian Braun highlighted depth issues, as the Nuggets' bench contributed only 9 points versus Chicago’s 66.
• Jokic's Resilience:
  "Jokic heard us through the grapevine. Somehow he steps up, ends up with a triple double. But it wasn't enough..." – Zena Keda (04:29)
• Cam Johnson's Emergence:
  Johnson had his best game as a Nugget, scoring 19 points and hitting 5 of 7 threes.

  “He looked comfortable. It just sucked that it was spoiled by a Bulls win, but yeah, it was like the game that we expected Cam Johnson to have since he's joined this team.” – Zena Keda (06:28)

• Key Takeaway:
  The strength of Denver's starters wasn’t enough to overcome a thin bench. Dave DeFore emphasizes it’s “just one loss,” but one that exposed depth problems.

2. Paul George Returns, but Sixers’ Maxey Shines (06:47–09:44)

• Paul George’s Debut:
  George returned as a starter, looking healthy but rusty (2-9 shooting, 7 rebounds, 3 assists).

  “He looked healthy. He was active, he was mobile. He got on the glass … still is getting acclimated to getting back out on the floor.” – Zena Keda (07:33)

• Tyrese Maxey Takes Over:
  Maxey dominated for the 76ers, scoring 39 in a comeback win and cementing his role as the team’s focal point.

  “We've had enough Runway now for Maxey to know this is still my team... that's the exact hierarchy that you need to see right now with the Sixers.” – Zena Keda (08:18)

• James Harden Milestone:
  Harden, for the Clippers, dropped 28 points and surpassed 28,000 career points, but it wasn’t enough.
• Role Players Matter:
  The hosts note that while George will get back to form, his ability to defend and play multiple positions is valuable – especially with Kelly Oubre out.

3. Victor Wembanyama Out with Injury (09:44–12:23)

• Wemby's Absence:
  Wembanyama is projected to miss at least a month (possibly six weeks) due to injury, a major blow to the Spurs, who have exceeded expectations.

  “When he's on the floor, the spurs are plus seven. And when he's off the floor, obviously that that's their defensive identity on top of their offensive feasibility just drops.” – Zena Keda (10:37)

• Impact Beyond Stats:
  The team’s system is uniquely tailored to Wembanyama’s skill set, so replacement options like Luke Kornet can’t replicate his effect on defense and offense.
• Awards Implications:
  The injury may jeopardize Wembanyama’s eligibility for season awards due to the updated 65-game requirement — a scenario that disrupted races last year.

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Injury – Inside Scoop from Eric Nehm (15:52–26:58)

What Happened? (15:52–18:30)

• Giannis suffered an apparent groin injury late in the second quarter against Cleveland, set for MRI.
• Despite pain, he jogged off the court, leading to mild optimism.
• Giannis’s history of rapid recoveries offers hope, but the Bucks’ cautious medical staff may hold him out for several weeks.

“When it comes to injuries and timelines with him, I think it's always something that's incredibly difficult to predict just because he has shown kind of this like superhuman ability to recover from things and get back to things.” – Eric Nehm (16:16)

Bucks Without Giannis: Who Steps Up? (19:26–24:54)

• Ryan Rollins:
  Explosive young guard unexpectedly thrusted into a starring role due to team injuries.

  “All the responsibility that has been heaped on his shoulders … he's handled it incredibly well. Maybe he's too young to know that it is a lot.” – Eric Nehm (19:29)

• Kyle Kuzma:
  Has had breakout games and is expected to provide more scoring.
• Bobby Portis & Miles Turner:
  Portis’s scoring and Turner’s versatility (cutter, passer, screener) will be crucial. Turner underscores the Bucks' need to “keep making the right play” within their team system.
• Offensive System Over Isolation:
  It's a moment to rely on “strength in numbers," mirroring the “Warriors' approach” to coping with star absences: cut, screen, and play collectively.

Bucks’ Changing Identity (24:54–26:58)

• Shift from “old, slow” team to a younger, more dynamic group with Rollins and Kuzma.
• The next phase will test the roster’s ability to spread the scoring load and maintain competitiveness without a 30-point anchor like Giannis.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• "I barely can tell when my wrist is hurting from carpal tunnel ... my thumb's been feeling strange recently." – Zena Keda injecting humor about athlete injuries (18:30)
• “It is going to have to be like strength in numbers … we did the strength in numbers thing to the Warriors. That was what we did tonight.” – Eric Nehm, paraphrasing Bobby Portis (24:54)

Notable Timestamps

• Nuggets-Bulls recap: 02:14–06:47
• Paul George's return & Sixers win: 06:47–09:44
• Wembanyama injury impact: 09:44–12:23
• Eric Nehm on Giannis:
  • Injury event: 15:52–18:30
  • Bucks' response/rotation outlook: 19:26–24:54
  • Team identity and depth: 24:54–26:58

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode is lively, conversational, and analytical. The hosts blend humor, critical insight, and storytelling—regularly referencing inside basketball perspectives, locker room anecdotes, and personal experiences with players.

Conclusion

For NBA fans, this episode offers a brisk, insightful breakdown of ongoing storylines, emphasizing the fragility and resilience of top contending rosters. The Giannis and Wemby injuries loom largest; how the Bucks and Spurs adapt may reshape their seasons. Meanwhile, Paul George’s return marks an important step for the Sixers, even as Maxey leads the way. Denver’s bench issues surface as a warning sign, and throughout, the episode reminds listeners of the daily unpredictability and drama that make the NBA compelling.