LeBron is back + NBA Cup Preview

Summary

The Athletic NBA Daily – Episode Summary

Podcast: The Athletic NBA Daily
Episode: LeBron is Back + NBA Cup Preview
Date: December 8, 2025
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Zena Kada, Esfandiar Baraheni

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Athletic NBA Daily dives into the state of several key NBA teams, notably the struggling Cleveland Cavaliers and the resurgent Los Angeles Lakers led by LeBron James. The hosts also preview the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinal games, providing detailed analyses and game picks. The conversation highlights injury impacts, team chemistry, player performances, and how the mid-season tournament is shaping up heading into its Las Vegas finale.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Cleveland Cavaliers Concerns

(03:09 – 11:48)

• Disappointing Season Start: The Cavaliers haven’t matched last season’s expectations. Both injuries and lack of chemistry are cited as significant reasons.

  • “They’re not really living up to last year's expectations… They just don't seem like they've got much fire… they are a little soft.”
    — Dave DeFore (03:32)
  • “The main thing you can count on is an Evan Mobley cleanup or a Donovan Mitchell cleanup. And you can't win a lot of basketball games that way.”
    — Zena Kada (05:49)

• Injuries & Depth Issues:

  • Jared Allen, Darius Garland, and others have missed multiple games, impacting continuity.
  • Ty Jerome’s absence is noted as removing a crucial playmaking option.

• Lack of Physicality and Grit:

  • Hosts suggest the team is missing an “edge”—a player like Dylan Brooks who brings toughness.

• Trade Talks & Future Moves:

  • Dave floats the idea of the Cavs making a big move, even asking if they should consider trading Evan Mobley for a star (Giannis).
  • Zena discusses potential fits and whether a change is truly needed mid-season.

• Summary:

  • The Cavs have talent and occasional flashes of high-level play, but their softness, depth issues, and recurring overreliance on Donovan Mitchell suggest the need for structural change.

2. LeBron James Keeps Defying Father Time

(11:48 – 15:25)

• Health & Rest Strategy:

  • LeBron missed a game due to sciatica and is dealing with foot arthritis, but “came back and dropped 29 points” versus the Sixers.
  • “Maybe he's not completely washed, but maybe he needs more rest than we're used to.”
    — Dave DeFore (12:09)

• Aging Star, Evolving Game:

  • Improved three-point shooting helps offset his physical decline.
  • The Lakers’ balanced offense—with Austin Reeves, Rui Hachimura, and Luka Doncic—alleviates pressure on LeBron.
  • “It's funny to have a guy be diagnosed with arthritis and then come back and drop 29 points at the same time.”
    — Esfandiar Baraheni (13:02)

• Lakers as Playoff Threat:

  • The hosts agree the Lakers, when healthy, are dangerous in a playoff series, even for top teams like OKC.

3. Orlando Magic’s Injury Bug Continues

(15:29 – 20:01)

• Fresh Setbacks:

  • Just as Paolo Banchero returned, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs went down with injuries; Wagner left on crutches.
  • “We're going to hopefully find out here in the next day or two. Did not look good.”
    — Dave DeFore (15:56)

• Depth & Resilience:

  • Despite adversity, Orlando’s defensive identity is strong and the team has found ways to compete.
  • “There's something to be said about how this team steps up in the midst of the absences from their stars...”
    — Zena Kada (18:34)
  • Hosts note improved depth (Anthony Black, Tristan Da Silva), but question if the offense can hold up without Wagner and Suggs.

4. Emirates NBA Cup Quarterfinals Preview & Picks

(23:48 – 34:58)

Matchup Analyses and Predictions

• Magic vs. Heat

  • Injury concerns tilt consensus toward Miami, but Dave believes in Magic’s “surprise factor.”
  • “Somehow they always surprise us… Paolo Banchero is a game changer by himself.”
    — Dave DeFore (24:48)
  • Zena and Esfandiar pick Miami due to reliability and recent rest.

• Knicks vs. Raptors

  • Knicks’ poor road record versus Raptors’ current slump.
  • Zena: Picks Knicks, citing explosive offense and desire to prove critics wrong.
  • Esfandiar: Siding with Knicks (“smart money”), but acknowledges Toronto's “backs against the wall” energy.
  • Dave: Picks Raptors, trusting their defense to create turnovers and upset the Knicks (“I just… think their defense will… hold up against what the Knicks are trying to do.” [29:04]).

• Thunder vs. Suns

  • Thunder’s depth and consistency even without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, contrasted with Devin Booker’s absence for Phoenix.
  • “It doesn't matter for OKC. It's plug and play for them.”
    — Zena Kada (30:58)
  • All expect a Thunder win, highlighting AJ Mitchell’s bargain contract and locker room impact.

• Lakers vs. Spurs

  • Spurs (“no Victor Wembanyama”) missing key stars, so Lakers strongly favored.
  • Dave predicts this sets up a marquee Thunder-Lakers matchup in the Vegas semifinals and preempts “conspiracy theories” about officiating.
  • “The Lakers are going to win this game regardless. But man, I’m ready for the conspiracies to just start flying.”
    — Dave DeFore (32:45)

Which Game Will Be Closest?

• Most hosts choose Knicks-Raptors as the most competitive, seconding either Magic-Heat or Lakers-Spurs.
• Dave waxes poetic about a possible Thunder vs. Lakers semi: “I’m excited to see the Thunder guarding it… that's what I want to see.” (34:10)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It feels like what's the definition of insanity, you know, trying to do the same thing over and over again. And that's what this Cavs team is at right now.”
  — Esfandiar Baraheni (07:38)

• “LeBron missed a game on Friday… We kind of picked on him a little bit. We said he looked bad last week. Well, it had the game off Sunday. He was awesome.”
  — Dave DeFore (12:09)

• “It's plug and play for them [Thunder]… it doesn't matter for OKC.”
  — Zena Kada (30:58)

• “If you don't respect the cup, I don't know what you're doing.”
  — Andrew Schlecht (01:33/20:14)

• “The Knicks stink on the road and they got to go to Toronto… Defense travels. That one is legitimately true because shooting does not travel. And for the Knicks, it hasn't.”
  — Dave DeFore (26:41)

• “I'm going to Heat.”
  — Zena Kada (24:20)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Cavs State & Trade Talks: 03:09 – 11:48
• LeBron’s Health & Lakers’ Threat Level: 11:48 – 15:25
• Orlando Magic Injury Update: 15:29 – 20:01
• NBA Cup Quarterfinal Previews & Picks: 23:48 – 34:58
• Most Competitive Quarterfinal Matchups: 33:40 – 34:58

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Tone and Style

The hosts maintain a blend of light-hearted banter and sharp basketball analysis throughout. They aren’t afraid to joke about team misfortune (“the Orlando Magic built their arena on cursed ground”) but ground their predictions in stats, personal game experiences, and league-wide context. The episode is lively, insightful, and full of insider details NBA fans crave.

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Closing

For those following the NBA’s twists this week, the crew’s breakdowns—especially the quarterfinals preview and takes on LeBron and the Cavs—make this episode a one-stop shop for smart, witty, and up-to-date basketball analysis.

Transcript

[Dave DeFore]

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[Zena Kada]

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[Esperaheny]

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[Dave DeFore]

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[Zena Kada]

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[Dave DeFore]

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[Esperaheny]

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[Dave DeFore]

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[Zena Kada]

Guys, thanks for helping me carry my Christmas tree.

[Dave DeFore]

Zoe. This thing weighs a ton. Live with your legs, man.

[Zena Kada]

Santa.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Santa, did you get my letter?

[Dave DeFore]

He's talking to you, Brittus. I'm not.

[Zena Kada]

Of course he did.

[Dave DeFore]

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[Zena Kada]

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[Zena Kada]

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[Dave DeFore]

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[Andrew Schlecht]

Hey, Andrew Schlecht here. The NBA on Prime is back with an exciting week of Emirates cup action. The knockout rounds start with quarterfinal double headers on Tuesday and Wednesday night. Then the quest for the cup heads to Vegas for a semifinal doubleheader on Saturday. And it all culminates with the championship game next Tuesday night. I don't know about you, but I absolutely love the NBA cup and the drama that it provides. I'm telling you, players really want to win this thing. And if you don't respect the cup, I don't know what you're doing. If you're not a Prime member, that's not a Problem. Sign up for a 30 day free trial to get started today. Emirates NBA cup coverage continues this week only on prime. Restrictions apply. See Amazon.com Amazon prime for details.

[Dave DeFore]

Good morning and welcome to the NBA Daily for December 8, 2025. I'm Dave DeFore here with Zena Kada and Esperaheny. Coming up, is it time to panic for The Cavs? Probably. LeBron James is old, but you wouldn't know it on Sunday. And we're going to make some cup picks for the quarterfinals. Good morning, everybody. What's up, guys? Hope you had a good weekend.

[Esperaheny]

Morning.

[Dave DeFore]

Morning. Yeah, you guys were busy all weekend going to games. Xena's on tv. Saturday night, Sunday night.

[Esperaheny]

S just living life, just being at the game.

[Zena Kada]

Toronto.

[Esperaheny]

Yeah, it's cold out here. I'm moving in slow motion.

[Dave DeFore]

That's right. And we're all going to be in Vegas next week for the, for the semifinals and then for the finals of the NBA Cup. So we're going to talk about the, the NBA cup quarterfinals games later on in the show, but I got to start and I. Xena, I want to start with you here. You got a chance to, to dig in on Cavs warriors the other night, and we've been worried about the Cavs for a minute.

[Andrew Schlecht]

They.

[Dave DeFore]

They're not really living up to last year's expectations. We knew that this year would probably be a little bit of a step back, just being more experimental. You know, they have to address the failures that they've had the last few years in the playoffs. And I just don't like what they're doing. Zena. Right. Like the, the results aren't there. They just don't seem like they've got much fire. And, and at the risk of sounding cliche and like an old school guy, they are a little soft.

[Zena Kada]

Oh, I mean, it's. If you mean soft, you mean soft.

[Esperaheny]

He's not lying.

[Dave DeFore]

No, he's just a little soft. They can get beat up. You know, I feel like they, they get punched and they don't always get back up.

[Zena Kada]

It's true. I mean, there's one thing I'll say is this. The Cavaliers have been dealt a tough hand. However, there's not too much pity that you can throw around with them because everyone's been dealt.

[Dave DeFore]

That's right.

[Zena Kada]

Tough hand this season. There are so many teams that are experiencing injuries and inconsistencies in their lineups and not having enough time to build chemistry with your starters. And you look at the fact that Jared Allen has missed five games. Now, of course, we've known that Darius Garland and that back court with S has missed time. Like there's not S. Donovan Mitchell.

[Esperaheny]

I'm thinking I do play like Spider. I'm not gonna lie. I do.

[Zena Kada]

I got the in and out, little.

[Esperaheny]

Way dribble, you know, no problem.

[Zena Kada]

Not the same backcourt. Not the same backcourt. But of course, you know, they haven't been able to build all of that. And I'll give them credit that in the midst of the injuries and the inconsistencies, they've been able to find some diamonds in the rough in Jaylon Tyson and Naquan Tomlin, even Craig Porter Jr. Being able to contribute and such. But that's been the issue with the Cavs is that they're riding the wave of last year's success of how efficient and proficient they were on offense. They, I mean, we remember what we felt like waiting for that OKC Cavaliers matchup and then the rematch. Like it was so much fun watching them. And they still came into that game against the warriors over the weekend in the top 10, of course, in offensive efficiency. Like they were still someone that could put up a lot of numbers. But when you really look at it and you break this down, I said this while we were preparing to do the post game and pregame for the matchup between team, I was like, guys, just watch out. Even if the warriors find a way to come out and dominate this team fourth quarter, Donovan Mitchell is going to come clean up messes. And that's exactly what he's had to do for multiple games this season. It hasn't been the clear cut dominance that you expect out of the Cavaliers all season long. It has been ups and downs. Sometimes they're running, sometimes they're going. But the main thing you can count on is an Evan Mobley cleanup or a Donovan Mitchell cleanup. And you can't win a lot of basketball games that way. You can get picked apart very easily from a defensive perspective that way. And they're not good enough defensively. They're long, they're athletic, don't get me wrong. But they're not as physical as they need to be. And it's just, it's. You're seeing that they are just good enough in a lot of categories, right? They're just outside the top 10 in offensive efficiency now. They're eighth in the Eastern Conference. They're, you know, they're just, there's different statistical measures that show you like, they're not bad, right? But they're not dominant.

[Esperaheny]

The way that they are. Exactly. Yeah, yeah, that's. That's exactly how it feels watching them. You know, I. I watched that warriors game too, and everybody's been wondering why I'm growing this mustache. It's because of Pat Spencer, you know.

[Dave DeFore]

I'm growing in honor. Kids listening to this show. We won't make that.

[Esperaheny]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. No, but look, he's. Look on the cab side of things, truthfully, the physicality is the number one thing that jumps out to me. I know people will talk about the injuries and rightfully so. The fact that they're missing, you know, Max Strus is a big factor. Jared Allen in and out of the lineup. Darius Garland in and out of the lineup. I don't think Lonzo Ball has panned out particularly well for them to start the season. They are missing that level of depth. They are missing Ty Jerome big time. Last year was this, like, in a pinch, offensive creator for them when Garland wasn't available or when Mitchell didn't have it going. And to your point, Xena, like, yeah, they're relying on Donovan Mitchell a lot. And what was the one thing we saw last year in the playoffs with them? A lot of reliance on Donovan Mitchell. I just don't think this is the same. I don't know, it just doesn't feel like that. It feels like, what's the definition of insanity, you know, trying to do the same thing over and over again. And that's what this Cavs team is at right now. But on the warriors side of things, man, Pat Spencer's hooping. Oh, my goodness. It's lacrosse player all time. And now just comes in and just wants to be a Hooper. He's very much so. A Warriors type player, by the way. I just wanted to throw it out there, but he's been awesome. Shout out to Pat.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah. With the Cavs guys, you ready to panic? Like, is this team need to just, like, should they be calling? Right? Like, let's say this. Should they be calling about Giannis? Should they be calling about. Yes, some of these other guys? Okay, so, yes. I mean, every team should call about Giannis, of course, but I mean, they should. Should they offer, like, Evan Mobley? Like, is. Is it that level of.

Pressure for the cat? I mean, is that. Is that insane?

[Zena Kada]

I would love to see a.

Front court duo of Evan Mobley and Giannis would be insane.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah.

[Zena Kada]

But I feel like the likes of a Jared Allen fit more with what Giannis has had in his career alongside him, only because of just how downhill Giannis is. And also, Evan Mobley is starting to find his way and being someone that handles the ball and also steps outside, away from the basket. And so I just feel like the spacing might be a little off. Whereas Jared Allen can play more closer to the basket. The high low can happen. That's the only thought there. But.

[Esperaheny]

I don't know if they have enough to go out and trade for Jared Allen.

[Dave DeFore]

If.

[Esperaheny]

Trade for Jared on. Trade for Giannis and Takumpo. If they don't involve Evan Mobley in a trade. Like, does Jared Allen and Darius Garland get you in the door?

[Andrew Schlecht]

Maybe.

[Esperaheny]

Maybe it opens up a conversation for them to stay competent. I think that's a pretty decent trade from the Bucks perspective. But you want more than that if you're the Bucks. I'll ask you guys this. Do you think this team is the same in February? Do you think they make any sort of move? Forget Giannis. I. I would say anything else.

[Dave DeFore]

It's tough when you're as good as they probably feel like they are at full health, it's tough to say. We might take a step back. And unless you. There's some kind of a surefire. Like, again, you're getting Giannis. Yeah, okay. You. You do that. I just don't know that there's a surefire upgrade. And for what they need, you know, it could just be. You know, you mentioned Ty Jerome, and I've said for a couple years now, this team was like a Dylan Brooks guy away from being conference finals level. Like, they just needed someone with an edge, and maybe that's. That's the type of player they can go out and find. I just don't know. You know, I don't know if that's a big enough swing for a team that we're really seeing. Like, this is year three. This is. This is not really Year two. I know it's year two with Kenny Atkinson, but they lost in the playoffs two years in a row pretty much the same way. And we're kind of watching them fizzle a little bit now. Yeah.

[Zena Kada]

I think we're also giving a disservice to the physicality that Isaac Okoro brought this team as well. I think that he also was a factor in just on the defensive end being someone that can match up against some of the best folks on the other side of the ball. But I. That's a really good question. If DeAndre Hunter goes back to the DeAndre Hunter we saw towards the end of the year. Right. In terms of his creativity and product productivity, it could be Very different. It could be very different to get Jared Allen back in the mix. Healthy DeAndre Hunter creating more on the wing. We'll see.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah. Guys, LeBron missed a game on Friday, and the Lakers could have just said old man. He missed a game with sciatica, and apparently he's been diagnosed with arthritis in his foot. Okay, this guy is old enough that he has arthritis.

We're all gonna have. It's gonna happen to all of us, hopefully. Right? If we're lucky, it will happen. But it's happened to LeBron James. We kind of picked on him a little bit. We said he looked bad last week. Well, it had the game off Sunday. He was awesome. S 29 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists. Had 12 points in the fourth. He was hitting clutch shots. Okay, maybe he's not completely washed, but maybe he needs more rest than. Than we're used to.

[Esperaheny]

Yeah, maybe. Like, if you have three games in four nights, you. He doesn't play one of those games like they just did, you know? And at the same time, there's portions of the season where you might get an easy schedule playing, you know, the Nets or the Wizards and whatnot. You let him take those days off because you need him for the long haul of the season. LeBron looked excellent tonight against the Sixers. He was knocking down his threes, which is obviously an improved part of his game. And I think that becomes even more important with the fact that he can't deal with the physicality as well as he used to. At the same time, he was getting to the basket. He hits two clutch shots, did the whole King James logo type of thing, but he looks good. And it's funny to have a guy be diagnosed with arthritis and then come back and drop 29 points at the same time. Guys, it is so easy for the Lakers offense. Like, I was just watching them against the Sixers. And it's. Luka Doncic is back, too, by the way. Congratulations to the Doncic family. He got, you know, multiple guys in pick and rolls, and then he would create an opportunity for LeBron or for Rui or for someone else to get a wide open shot. Then it's Austin Reeves creating off the dribble, pick and rolls, etc. And then that two to the ball double team create a wide open shot for DeAndre. There's just so many easy opportunities for this Lakers offense. They can't really defend, but they can score with anybody. And it's just. It's easy for this team right now. And now you add LeBron James into the fold where he can just knock down threes and attack tilted defenses. It's just too easy.

[Zena Kada]

And then you have. You add the fact that you've got Rui Hachimura. That's just like finding himself into buckets on the floor because he's just got these facilitators all around. Like, it's a really balanced offense right now for this team, which you would think hopefully helps LeBron with the arthritis in the long term, that maybe he doesn't have to do quite as much in comparison when he has that many tools all around him. But, you know, to be fair, that scouting report or that injury report kind of sounds like all former ballers. Like, I got carpal tunnel, y', all, and sciatica and all the different things. So I would imagine when you're. You're second now all time, and the amount of WINS in the NBA's history behind Kareem Abdul Jabbar, that you've probably picked up arthritis, sciatica, a few injuries or two, and are still. I mean, still being able to drop 29 points.

[Dave DeFore]

The 41 doesn't really do you any favors either, Zena. You know, I know you're a long ways off from that, but I will tell you. Yeah, yeah, it's not. Not helping him out a lot, but, yeah, man, the Lakers look good. They look like it. Again, I would not want to see this team in a playoff series. And even if I'm the Oklahoma City Thunder, because they're just. They've got guys and, you know, sometimes.

[Esperaheny]

Even if you're dealing with.

[Dave DeFore]

That's right.

[Esperaheny]

Yeah, exactly.

[Dave DeFore]

Okay, guys, we're gonna find out, I think, in the future that the Orlando Magic built their arena on cursed ground or something, because Palo Banchero came back on Friday. They get one game with everyone out there. Franz Wagner goes down in a loss on Sunday, and also Jalen Suggs left the game with the groin injury. I want to start with Franz Wagner's knee injury. We don't know what it is yet.

[Andrew Schlecht]

We're.

[Dave DeFore]

We're going to hopefully find out here in the next day or two. Did not look good. Saw some photos. He was leaving, like, using, like, an assistant, like, a crutch to walk out of the arena. He left game immediately, exactly one year ago to the day that he tore his oblique right after. Remember, Paolo and. And Franz had the same 20 oblique injuries where one guy was out, the other guy came back, and the other guy was out. And then Jalen Suggs gets hurt. And so, you know, look, we're going to fast forward a little bit and think about the, the cup game on, on Tuesday night that they've got against Miami. They just played Miami and won on Friday. But now they got to go into this game without Franz Wagner. And we've talked a lot about how they looked without Paolo. They have not looked good in the past without Franz, and especially without Jalen Suggs. If he winds up missing any time. This is bad news for the Magic, who kind of have figured out who. Who they are a little bit. Right? Yeah.

[Esperaheny]

This is the. That's the unfortunate part about this. It felt like they were finally starting to figure out the bane part of the equation and make the offense flow a little bit better. Even Paulo, in that one game, he came back, the offense looked good, like they were flowing. The passes were there. The playmaking, which me and you talked about, Dave, a couple of weeks ago, it was there. Even with Paulo. My kind of question moving forward is like, how does this team survive? I feel like they, they have a level of depth now that they didn't have last season. You know, Anthony Black is showing out more. I think Tristan Da Silva they can trust in, and he slots in really well in their starting lineup. But ultimately, it's just like you lose Franz, who is a driver of your offensive engine, who's a really underrated defender for you, too. How do you facilitate any sort of offense without him? I think it's leaning on Paolo, Ben Caro more to be your playmaker. And what does mean for this Magic offense that was really clicking on moving the ball like, that's the. That's the question for this Magic offense moving forward, right?

[Zena Kada]

Yeah, I can't think of. I was trying to look it up really quickly, but the. What the records were when each of those players were out last year. But what I do collectively, narratively remember is that at one point we were talking about Jamal Mosley being coach of the year. And the reason why was because amidst all of these injuries and how much hardship had fallen upon the Orlando Magic, they were winning games. And even if they weren't winning games, they were making things real hard. Like, I vividly remember saying the words, like, it's tough to go into the Magic arena and play against them. Like, they're going to make it incredibly difficult for you to try and get a win out of their system of defense. And there's still a very similar defense. And I think that their team has even elevated from that perspective from last year. So maybe, you know, our producer can, like, put that in or super cut that in for what those records were the on and offs from last year. But there's something to be said about how this team steps up in the midst of the absences from their stars and they're going to have to do that again. And I think if there's any coach that can coach that out of players, Jamal Mosley is that guy.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah, I'm with us though. I worry that, that the Paolo centric offense is going to be a little bit too slow and they're not going to be able to get the defenses in rotation the way that they have Franz. Just Franz and Suggs, especially last year, they were the reason that that team was able to, to survive without Paulo for, for such a long time. And Suggs just stirs the drink so much better than anybody else. Bane is doing a good job right now, but Suggs is, is hugely important.

[Esperaheny]

Yeah, that, that was, that's the part I would kind of push back on. I think like this team is just fundamentally different than last year's team with Bane. And so you can shift some of the usage over to Desmond Bain. Now that Franz isn't there, you can allow him to play a little bit more freely. And so you might have. There's. There's more there to this team than last year's team. So to your point, Xena, I think they have a chance to survive a little bit better than they did last year.

[Dave DeFore]

But including Black and De Silva, as far as ball handlers and shooters, De.

[Zena Kada]

Silva has been really good.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah.

[Esperaheny]

Yeah, he's popped.

[Dave DeFore]

Yep. All right, guys, stick around after the break. We're going to talk about some of these cup quarterfinal games and make some picks foreign.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Hey, Andrew Schlecht here. The NBA on Prime is back with an exciting week of Emirates cup action. The knockout rounds start with quarterfinal double headers on Tuesday and Wednesday night. Then the quest for the cup heads to Vegas for a semifinal double header on Saturday. And it all culminates with the the championship game next Tuesday night. I don't know about you, but I absolutely love the NBA cup and the drama that it provides. I'm telling you, players really want to win this thing. And if you don't respect the cup, I don't know what you're doing. If you're not a Prime member, that's not a problem. Sign up for a 30 day free trial to get started today. Emirates NBA cup coverage continues this week only on prime. Restrictions apply. See Amazon.com/Amazon prime for details. Nobody knows your money goals better than you Robinhood puts you in control of your money with tools that work as hard as you do, locking in on every opening, beating your pr, beating it again Channel that drive into your money. Robinhood puts you in control of your money. Trade stocks and ETFs, options, futures and crypto all on one platform. You can now build and execute your own trades from a desktop with Robinhood Legends advanced tools or take advantage of the new Robinhood strategies with a tailored portfolio managed by a team of experts. You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started [e-mail] yourmoney again, that's robinhood.com yourmoney your money you YOUR move All investments involve risk, including loss of principal options. Futures and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC Member SIPC Futures Trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected crypto offers the Robinhood Crypto LLC NMLS ID 170-2840 not FDIC or SBIC Protected Portfolio Management offered by Robinhood Strategies An SEC Registered Advisor do you know.

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[Dave DeFore]

All right guys, here on the NBA Daily, we respect The Cup.

[Esperaheny]

Absolutely.

[Dave DeFore]

And we're going to Vegas. So I want to talk about these quarterfinals games. We talked a little bit about the Orlando Magic, what they're dealing with right now. No time to rest because you got the Miami Heat. Luckily, a home game for the Orlando Magic. You know, they just played on Friday. The Magic got a one point win, but again, they're going to be without Franz Wagner. We're not sure about Jalen Suggs yet, guys, who's moving on to Vegas in the semifinals between the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic?

[Zena Kada]

I'm going to Heat.

[Esperaheny]

Well, yeah, I agree with you, Zena. I feel like especially with the Magic injuries, you don't know if Suggs or Franz are going to play. I feel like it's going to be Miami. But if you watch Miami against the Kings, you might think that was a completely different team on Saturday night. They got destroyed by the Kings. But no, I think it's the Heat. They've been the better basketball team this season. And their style also will help them beat the Magic this year.

[Dave DeFore]

Well, guys, I believe in Magic. I think Orlando's gonna win this. I look again, it's. To Zena's point, from the. From what we were just talking about, somehow they just. They always surprise us when we think that they're gonna lose. Cause they're missing someone. They wind up winning. They find a way to do it. And for all of the hand wringing about Paolo Banchero and the way that the team changes when he's on the court, that guy is a game changer by himself. And in a single game, like, you got to win a game. Who's the guy? Who's the guy on the Miami Heat? You're taking over Paolo Bankero, man.

[Esperaheny]

Have you seen Storm and Norman Powell?

[Dave DeFore]

I'm going to take Powell.

[Zena Kada]

Somebody that's going to close and somebody that's going to change a game. Norman Powell is going to change a game. And I think, I mean one for that, for that game to end on like kind of like a heartbreaker shot, right? Bama misses that jumper. Like, I feel like that's going to be resonating with them over the course this weekend. And they are going to remember that and be like, let's clean this up. Let's get back to our high octane offense that we've been running. Like they're. They're dealing with it right now. They're licking a little bit of their wounds in Orlando. Miami's got a few days off.

[Esperaheny]

Yeah, like m. Miami also has a Few days off. Like Orlando playing on Sunday. Miami.

[Zena Kada]

And I don't think that Khalil Ware is going to go ahead and have another four point game against this Orlando team.

[Dave DeFore]

Okay, well, Orlando nightlife's undefeated, so watch yourself, Miami Heat. Don't you go to downtown dis on the night before the game and you watch out.

[Zena Kada]

That's ready. It's. It's Miami.

[Dave DeFore]

We got Knicks, Raptors, also on Tuesday night. S. Are you going to that? You going to be at the game?

[Esperaheny]

I am going to that. You guys will see me at that game.

[Dave DeFore]

That's right.

[Esperaheny]

Very exciting.

[Zena Kada]

The.

[Esperaheny]

The closest I've ever been to playoff basketball in Toronto ever, you know, since covering the team. So we'll see how that goes. NBA cup action. We're respecting it heavily as now, Xena.

[Dave DeFore]

The Knicks stink on the road and they got to go to Toronto. You know, of all the adages that we use about sports, the defense. Right. Defense travels. That one is legitimately true because shooting does not travel. And for the Knicks, it hasn't. They've been so bad on the road. I don't trust them to win this game. Like, the Raptors have really been good. I don't know. Xena, what do you say?

[Zena Kada]

I'm. I'm actually struggling with this one. I feel like Toronto got. Toronto's got to bounce back. You know, they took that L against Boston over the course of the weekend. And yes, I think we got called out on some platform about like, not giving love to Boston. Boston's going to get their love, okay? They're, they're steady, they're consistent, etc. One team that's been a little up and down is New York. But that offense is hopping. I. I'm wondering if this is the moment where they go, you know what? We're not letting NBA daily talk about our defense anymore. We're gonna show up against the rafters. Okay? We're proven Dave DeFore wrong.

[Esperaheny]

Jalen Brunson is listening every morning with his pancakes.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah, no. Jalen Brunson's like, we gotta drag James Edwards to Vegas.

[Zena Kada]

I'm taking the Knicks. Sorry. Yes.

[Esperaheny]

No, to be honest with you, I think the smart money is with the Knicks too, because the Raptors have lost five of their last six. They have had the worst offense in the NBA since RJ Barrett has been out. And they don't look as good as they did in November when we were highlighting them and talking about them. So I, I think there is some concerns here. I will say though, there is a little Bit of like back against the wall type of stuff with the Raptors. They have been struggling a lot. This is a big moment game. The guys will rise up for this game in a big way. So maybe it's sort. It's one of those things where this is the, you know, part that breaks a Levy, whatever you want to call it, where they can really get a win. So we'll see. That Knicks road record is scary though. I will say that is a tough thing to overcome.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah. So you're going with the Raptors, is that.

[Esperaheny]

No, I'm gonna go with the Knicks. I think the Knicks will win that game. I think they will do it. Yeah.

[Dave DeFore]

Again, going with the Toronto Raptors here.

[Zena Kada]

Disappointed, Dave?

[Dave DeFore]

I'm picking the Raptors. I, I just. You guys are picking against me every single time and you don't know my picks. But I just. You know what?

[Zena Kada]

I think if you want the Raptors.

[Dave DeFore]

Just, I, I think that their defense will, will be. We'll be able to hold up against what, what the Knicks are trying to do. I think that they can create turnovers and I think that they can get a win.

[Zena Kada]

That's true. I'm gonna tell you, I'm a little biased towards the Knicks in general for a reason that has nothing to do with basketball. I don't know if you guys saw that clip of Josh Hart checking into the game and giving his baby away to Mitchell Robinson.

[Esperaheny]

Oh, that's hilarious.

[Dave DeFore]

Was it like bring your kids to work day?

[Zena Kada]

I mean, gently, but like realizes he has to go do his job and just gives his baby to his teammate in mid NBA fashion. I mean, such a good clip.

[Esperaheny]

So there's also family day in Toronto today in the Celtics game. So I wonder if it's maybe a league wide thing.

[Dave DeFore]

Maybe.

[Esperaheny]

I don't know.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah, yeah.

[Zena Kada]

Like a kid on the bench is crazy, but yeah, yeah.

[Esperaheny]

Look, I'm, I'm open for the Raptors to prove me wrong, by the way. You know, maybe I'm doing the thing where they, they're listening, you know, Reverse psychologist.

[Dave DeFore]

S's face is going to be on the bulletin board. Send it to Darko. All right, Sun's thunder, guys, the question is.

25 and one for the Thunder because we're moving on. They're going to win this game against the Suns. They're going to be 24 and one after they beat the Suns on Tuesday.

[Esperaheny]

Yeah, crazy.

[Zena Kada]

So it's really a question of how much they'll beat them.

[Dave DeFore]

I mean, it feels like it, right? As, as fun of a Story as the Suns have been. The Thunder moved to 23 and one with a win on Sunday. Without Shea, Gilders, Alexander, it was the Utah Jazz, okay. But they're now 23 and 1. They're a machine. I think that they're going to wind up 24 and 1. They just are overpowering to every single team. The Suns just don't have enough and.

[Esperaheny]

Like the fact they have.

[Andrew Schlecht]

They've.

[Esperaheny]

Suns have kind of been faltering here without Devin Booker.

[Dave DeFore]

Without Devin Booker, yeah.

[Esperaheny]

So the offense isn't there and I don't expect Booker to play in this game either. So yeah, it's going to be tough for Phoenix to win.

[Zena Kada]

We're here talking about Bookers lone absence shifting and changing what Phoenix can do and Shay's been out, Lou Dort's been out. Like this is like it doesn't matter for okc. It's plug and play for them.

[Dave DeFore]

So AJ Mitchell's in there. That's all that matters. By the way, one little. The little nugget I keep thinking about is that AJ Mitchell signed this tiny contract for NBA players, right? And he has been so good. I have to think that the rest of the guys on the Thunder are like, hey, we got to do this for A.J. we got to get this guy some money.

[Esperaheny]

We'll pull up all of our money and just give it all to AJ after the tournament.

[Dave DeFore]

Why not?

[Esperaheny]

Also just want to mention this for sons Thunder Dylan Brooks versus sga. That's something to watch for two Canadian guys. They like going at each other a lot. If there's one guy who can be chippy and and like get in under some guy's skin, it's Dylan Brooks. So just watch out for that.

[Zena Kada]

All right?

[Dave DeFore]

And we got Lakers, spurs in LA to finish it off on Wednesday. No Victor women. Yama for the Spurs. Doubt there's going to be Stefan Castle. I don't believe so.

[Esperaheny]

Injuries in all of these games.

[Dave DeFore]

All of the games. The spurs.

That's right. They gotta win regardless. But the spurs have managed to win some games here and there. Harrison Barnes has been very good in this stretch. But we just talked about the Lakers and how good that they've looked, especially with all three of their guys out there. I this feels like. And I'm not gonna look for the NBA if you wind up with Thunder Lakers Saturday night in Vegas in the semifinal game, the NBA Cup. That is.

[Esperaheny]

That's a win.

[Dave DeFore]

Yeah, that's a home run, buddy. So I'm not saying that the league is going to make sure that The Lakers get there. But I bet that there's a moment where you feel like, wait a second, how many free throws Austin Reeves got? I mean, because look, the Lakers are going to win this game regardless. But man, I'm ready for the conspiracies to just start flying.

[Esperaheny]

Yeah. Especially because the Lakers are elite at drawing free throws. Like, it doesn't matter. Like, Luca and Austin are very good at getting to the free throw line. And so the conspiracies will be flying.

[Zena Kada]

And it's going to be awful because, I mean, for example, we just talked about LeBron, 29 points, shot two free throws. Like, that's frustrating. Like, what are you supposed to do with that? These two guys over here are getting you baited in every two seconds and then the other guys are scoring up, up your backside at will. And he's not baiting fouls like, I mean, which he can, but he's just doesn't need to. Yeah, that's, that's gonna be interesting.

[Esperaheny]

Can I ask you guys a question? What do you guys. Of the four games, which is the. Which do you think is going to be the closest, the most competitive of games?

[Dave DeFore]

I'm going to say Knicks, Raptors.

[Zena Kada]

Okay.

[Esperaheny]

I think, I think, I agree there. I think that's the game between all four of these. Yeah.

[Zena Kada]

And then the second one would be Magic Heat.

[Esperaheny]

Oh, I'm going to actually say Lakers, Spurs.

[Zena Kada]

Ooh.

[Esperaheny]

I think the spurs will play them close. I think it'll be competitive. But the Lakers will eventually win. That's my.

[Dave DeFore]

I just don't think the spurs have the firepower to hang with those guys. I mean, I just. That the way that the Lakers offense runs when reeves, Luca and LeBron are out there at the same time. Yeah, they're. I mean, I, I'm excited to see the Thunder guarding it if we get to see that Saturday night. Because I do think that that's going to be an eye opening experience for everybody. To have three high level decision maker playmakers like this is fairly new thing. But to be able to play defense the way that the Thunder do. I don't know. This is, this is. I'm, I'm pulling for this personally because that's what I want to see.

[Esperaheny]

Yeah, no, it'd be. That's a, that's a good final four. So are we going. All right, Lakers, Thunder or Chalk? Right. And then on the east side we've got Heat Nicks or Heat Raptors. Okay.

[Dave DeFore]

All right. Yeah. All right, guys, let us know who you're picking in the comments over on YouTube. Leave us a five star review wherever you listen to podcasts. I don't know if you do reviews on on YouTube. I'm not really comment guy on the Internet, but that's going to do it for the show folks. Thank you guys for listening. For Esperahenny and Zena Kada, I'm Dave DeFore and this has been the NBA Daily. Thanks for waking up with us.

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[Esperaheny]

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[Dave DeFore]

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[Zena Kada]

Guys, thanks for helping me carry my Christmas tree.

[Dave DeFore]

Zoey. This thing weighs a ton. Drew Ski, lift with your legs, man.

[Zena Kada]

Santa.

[Andrew Schlecht]

Santa, did you get my letter?

[Dave DeFore]

He's talking to you, Bridges. I'm not.

[Zena Kada]

Of course he did. Right Santa? You know my elf Drew Ski here.

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[Dave DeFore]

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[Zena Kada]

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[Andrew Schlecht]

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[Zena Kada]

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