The Athletic NBA Daily – NBA Play-In Preview

Date: April 14, 2026
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Esfandiar Baraheni ("S"), Fred Katz

Episode Overview

This special NBA Daily episode dives deep into the upcoming NBA Play-In Tournament. Hosts Dave DuFour, Esfandiar Baraheni, and Fred Katz preview each matchup, identify X-factors, discuss team narratives, and make their picks for who will grab postseason spots. The tone is candid and insightful, mixing in analysis, banter, and a few memorable analogies along the way.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

I. General Play-In Thoughts

The play-in is praised for its drama and unpredictability.
Discussion surfaces about whether teams might intentionally tank future play-ins due to lottery odd changes and pick protections (e.g. Portland’s top-14 lottery protection).
(03:15) Dave DeFour: “Are the Blazers not a test case of this, Fred? Because their lottery pick this year is top 14 protected so they need to miss the play-in ... my bold prediction is that the Blazers aren’t going to make it.”

II. Eastern Conference Play-In Previews

1. Philadelphia 76ers vs. Orlando Magic

(04:37–16:21)

Key Topics:

Orlando’s Downward Spiral:
- The hosts dissect Orlando’s collapse at season’s end and their “bad vibes.” The Magic’s confusing roster construction and questions about their defense are spotlighted.
- Notable quote (06:05) Fred Katz: “The thing that stood out this year is the defense ... it was number two in the league last year ... [now] there are so many possessions where it’s just where are they? Where’s their physicality?”
Roster Crisis and Summer Shakeup:
- Looming difficult roster decisions, expensive extensions, and potential coach/roster changes discussed at length.
- (12:22) Fred Katz: “They are expensive and oddly put together ... you can’t be going approaching the second apron with a team that’s missing the playoffs.”
Matchups to Watch:
- Jalen Suggs vs. Tyrese Maxey (“next Marcus Smart” vs. “impossible to guard” Maxey)
  - (09:03) Fred Katz: “He [Suggs] is tremendously important for Orlando ... and Maxey has just had a phenomenal season.”
- Paul George as a single-elimination X-factor; his scoring surge since his return could make the difference.
  - (08:26) S: “Paul George is pretty intriguing just as a one off single elimination player ... he could catch fire.”
Pressure Factor:
- Debate over which team faces more pressure. Is it Orlando’s turning point summer, or Philly due to draft pick obligations?
Predictions:
- Fred and S pick the Sixers; Dave leans Orlando (“they want to stew in this misery”).
  - (16:09) S: “I think Orlando might have played their last real game ... that’s what it feels like.”

2. Charlotte Hornets vs. Miami Heat

(16:21–23:44)

Key Topics:

Heat’s Identity & Spoelstra Factor:
- Miami’s success likely to hinge on Eric Spoelstra’s game-plan wizardry and three-point shooting variance from Tyler Herro and Norman Powell.
  - (17:08) S: “Can Eric Spoelstra come up with a game plan to shut these guys down for a game, to keep them off the glass...”
Hornets’ Surprising Rise:
- Charlotte’s strong second half (55-win pace since January), offensive firepower, and team rebounding lauded.
  - (20:25) Fred Katz: “They have been on fire ... how are they still ninth?”
What makes the Hornets special:
- Their defensive effort, team rebounding (best two-way rebounding team in NBA), and fun, hard-nosed play highlighted.
  - (22:19) Fred Katz: “They are so quick to the ball ... you don’t need to know the first thing about basketball to be able to notice how hard this team plays.”
Players to Watch:
- Moussa Diabate (underrated glue guy, “giant Josh Hart”), Lamelo Ball’s highlight potential.
  - (21:58) S: “Moussa Diabate is that guy ... people will be like, whoa, this guy is awesome.”
Predictions:
- All three pick Charlotte as their playoff dark horse.

III. Western Conference Play-In Previews

1. Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers

(26:49–37:02)

Key Topics:

Will the Blazers Tank?:
- Dave believes Portland may strategically lose to protect their draft pick; hosts debate the possibility.
  - (26:49) Dave DeFour: “I think the Blazers tank their way out. Convince me otherwise.”
X-Factors & Matchups:
- Tamani Kamara’s defensive wizardry is spotlighted (“broke Anderson Varejao’s record for offensive fouls drawn”)
  - (28:52) Fred Katz: “Just watch Tamani Kamara when he plays defense. Don’t watch the ball ... he full court pressures more than any other defender in the league.”
- Donovan Clingan’s emergence as a modern big, but possible struggles in drop vs. Devin Booker.
- Brooks vs. Abdia: fiery, physical duel expected.
  - (33:44) Dave DeFour: “Dylan Brooks vs Denny Abdia feels like ... how many technicals are we going to see?”
Shot Volume Game:
- Suns win by “taking, not making” more shots—control boards, limit turnovers, let Booker/Dylan Brooks fire away.
  - (35:43) Fred Katz: “They’re not a shot making team, they’re a shot taking team ... they took seven more shots than you do.”
Predictions:
- All ultimately pick the Suns, citing Devin Booker’s single-game upside and shot creation.

2. Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors

(37:02–43:00)

Key Topics:

Clippers’ Consistency & Defensive Edge:
- Recent turnaround after poor start, Kawhi’s all-NBA level, additions of Darius Garland and Chris Dunn.
- Chris Dunn’s defense highlighted as “a joy to watch.”
  - (37:58) Fred Katz: “Chris Dunn is awesome. Watch Chris Dunn in this one. He’s just fantastic. The Clippers are legitimately good.”
Warriors’ Only Hope?:
- Would require a vintage Steph Curry performance; hosts skeptical due to minute restrictions and injuries.
  - (39:20) S: “I think it is just Steph has to go off ... they’re going to play Steph 28, 29 minutes ... it feels hard to win.”
Prediction:
- All pick the Clippers to advance, citing matchup advantages and depth.

IV. Potential First-Round Matchups

Can Clippers challenge OKC?
- Fred compares it to a “bother” (anthill analogy): Clippers can be a nuisance, but Thunder favored unless Kawhi goes nuclear.
Who’s more of a threat to OKC, Portland or Clippers?
- Consensus: Clippers have the higher upset potential due to Kawhi’s one-man ability.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Fred Katz (06:05, on Orlando):
“The thing that stood out this year is the defense ... there are so many possessions where it’s just where are they? Where’s their physicality?”
Dave DeFour (15:23, on Orlando):
“You can switch those guys a little too easily ... you can guard them pretty easily because of switch.”
Fred Katz (28:52, on Tamani Kamara):
“He full court pressures more than any other defender ... broke Anderson Varejao’s single season record for most offensive fouls drawn ... he’s fantastic guarding the ball. Watch his hands.”
Fred Katz (20:25, on Hornets staying ninth):
“How are they still ninth? What am I not understanding about addition and subtraction that these wins aren’t adding up?”
Dave DeFour (37:27, on Warriors-Clippers):
“Steph Curry vs Kawhi Leonard, win or go home. Is this the greatest matchup in play-in history?”
Fred Katz (43:05):
“Clippers won’t have the best player in the series, but they have the one guy who is capable of being the best player. If Kawhi goes off ... could they win two games? Yeah.”

Important Timestamps

(02:14) – Hosts open, general play-in overview and banter
(04:37) – Sixers vs Magic (deep dive: narratives, matchups, stakes)
(16:21) – Hornets vs Heat (Charlotte’s surge, Heat’s Spoelstra factor)
(22:19) – Hornets’ rebounding and physicality highlighted
(26:49) – Suns vs Blazers preview (Portland tank talk, Kamara praise)
(33:44) – Brooks vs Abdia, X-factor debates
(37:02) – Clippers vs Warriors (Clippers’ resurgence, Steph’s shot)
(41:13) – “Anthill” analogy extended to West matchups for OKC
(43:00) – Who can “bother” OKC more in round one? Clippers vs Blazers discussed

Summary Table – Hosts’ Play-In Picks

| Matchup | Dave | S | Fred | |------------------------------|----------------|------------------|------------------| | Sixers vs Magic | Orlando | Philadelphia | Philadelphia | | Hornets vs Heat | Charlotte | Charlotte | Charlotte | | Suns vs Blazers | Phoenix | Phoenix | Phoenix | | Clippers vs Warriors | Clippers | Clippers | Clippers |

Episode Tone & Takeaways

The episode is fast-paced, conversational, and analytical with a mix of humor (anthill analogy for playoff nuisance).
Listeners gain a clear sense not just of team strengths and weaknesses, but the wider narratives and stakes facing each franchise.
X-factors are given time: from stars (Booker, Kawhi, George, Maxey) to unsung heroes (Moussa Diabate, Tamani Kamara, Chris Dunn).
The play-in is framed as a dramatic, unpredictable tournament where single-game heroes (or tankers) can flip the expected script.

If you missed the episode, this recap has you covered—just maybe don’t fight anthills with water.

The Athletic NBA Daily – NBA Play-In Preview

Date: April 14, 2026
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Esfandiar Baraheni ("S"), Fred Katz

Episode Overview

Main Discussion Points & Insights

I. General Play-In Thoughts

The play-in is praised for its drama and unpredictability.
Discussion surfaces about whether teams might intentionally tank future play-ins due to lottery odd changes and pick protections (e.g. Portland’s top-14 lottery protection).
(03:15) Dave DeFour: “Are the Blazers not a test case of this, Fred? Because their lottery pick this year is top 14 protected so they need to miss the play-in ... my bold prediction is that the Blazers aren’t going to make it.”

II. Eastern Conference Play-In Previews

1. Philadelphia 76ers vs. Orlando Magic

(04:37–16:21)

Key Topics:

Orlando’s Downward Spiral:
- The hosts dissect Orlando’s collapse at season’s end and their “bad vibes.” The Magic’s confusing roster construction and questions about their defense are spotlighted.
- Notable quote (06:05) Fred Katz: “The thing that stood out this year is the defense ... it was number two in the league last year ... [now] there are so many possessions where it’s just where are they? Where’s their physicality?”
Roster Crisis and Summer Shakeup:
- Looming difficult roster decisions, expensive extensions, and potential coach/roster changes discussed at length.
- (12:22) Fred Katz: “They are expensive and oddly put together ... you can’t be going approaching the second apron with a team that’s missing the playoffs.”
Matchups to Watch:
- Jalen Suggs vs. Tyrese Maxey (“next Marcus Smart” vs. “impossible to guard” Maxey)
  - (09:03) Fred Katz: “He [Suggs] is tremendously important for Orlando ... and Maxey has just had a phenomenal season.”
- Paul George as a single-elimination X-factor; his scoring surge since his return could make the difference.
  - (08:26) S: “Paul George is pretty intriguing just as a one off single elimination player ... he could catch fire.”
Pressure Factor:
- Debate over which team faces more pressure. Is it Orlando’s turning point summer, or Philly due to draft pick obligations?
Predictions:
- Fred and S pick the Sixers; Dave leans Orlando (“they want to stew in this misery”).
  - (16:09) S: “I think Orlando might have played their last real game ... that’s what it feels like.”

2. Charlotte Hornets vs. Miami Heat

(16:21–23:44)

Key Topics:

Heat’s Identity & Spoelstra Factor:
- Miami’s success likely to hinge on Eric Spoelstra’s game-plan wizardry and three-point shooting variance from Tyler Herro and Norman Powell.
  - (17:08) S: “Can Eric Spoelstra come up with a game plan to shut these guys down for a game, to keep them off the glass...”
Hornets’ Surprising Rise:
- Charlotte’s strong second half (55-win pace since January), offensive firepower, and team rebounding lauded.
  - (20:25) Fred Katz: “They have been on fire ... how are they still ninth?”
What makes the Hornets special:
- Their defensive effort, team rebounding (best two-way rebounding team in NBA), and fun, hard-nosed play highlighted.
  - (22:19) Fred Katz: “They are so quick to the ball ... you don’t need to know the first thing about basketball to be able to notice how hard this team plays.”
Players to Watch:
- Moussa Diabate (underrated glue guy, “giant Josh Hart”), Lamelo Ball’s highlight potential.
  - (21:58) S: “Moussa Diabate is that guy ... people will be like, whoa, this guy is awesome.”
Predictions:
- All three pick Charlotte as their playoff dark horse.

III. Western Conference Play-In Previews

1. Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers

(26:49–37:02)

Key Topics:

Will the Blazers Tank?:
- Dave believes Portland may strategically lose to protect their draft pick; hosts debate the possibility.
  - (26:49) Dave DeFour: “I think the Blazers tank their way out. Convince me otherwise.”
X-Factors & Matchups:
- Tamani Kamara’s defensive wizardry is spotlighted (“broke Anderson Varejao’s record for offensive fouls drawn”)
  - (28:52) Fred Katz: “Just watch Tamani Kamara when he plays defense. Don’t watch the ball ... he full court pressures more than any other defender in the league.”
- Donovan Clingan’s emergence as a modern big, but possible struggles in drop vs. Devin Booker.
- Brooks vs. Abdia: fiery, physical duel expected.
  - (33:44) Dave DeFour: “Dylan Brooks vs Denny Abdia feels like ... how many technicals are we going to see?”
Shot Volume Game:
- Suns win by “taking, not making” more shots—control boards, limit turnovers, let Booker/Dylan Brooks fire away.
  - (35:43) Fred Katz: “They’re not a shot making team, they’re a shot taking team ... they took seven more shots than you do.”
Predictions:
- All ultimately pick the Suns, citing Devin Booker’s single-game upside and shot creation.

2. Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors

(37:02–43:00)

Key Topics:

Clippers’ Consistency & Defensive Edge:
- Recent turnaround after poor start, Kawhi’s all-NBA level, additions of Darius Garland and Chris Dunn.
- Chris Dunn’s defense highlighted as “a joy to watch.”
  - (37:58) Fred Katz: “Chris Dunn is awesome. Watch Chris Dunn in this one. He’s just fantastic. The Clippers are legitimately good.”
Warriors’ Only Hope?:
- Would require a vintage Steph Curry performance; hosts skeptical due to minute restrictions and injuries.
  - (39:20) S: “I think it is just Steph has to go off ... they’re going to play Steph 28, 29 minutes ... it feels hard to win.”
Prediction:
- All pick the Clippers to advance, citing matchup advantages and depth.

IV. Potential First-Round Matchups

Can Clippers challenge OKC?
- Fred compares it to a “bother” (anthill analogy): Clippers can be a nuisance, but Thunder favored unless Kawhi goes nuclear.
Who’s more of a threat to OKC, Portland or Clippers?
- Consensus: Clippers have the higher upset potential due to Kawhi’s one-man ability.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Fred Katz (06:05, on Orlando):
“The thing that stood out this year is the defense ... there are so many possessions where it’s just where are they? Where’s their physicality?”
Dave DeFour (15:23, on Orlando):
“You can switch those guys a little too easily ... you can guard them pretty easily because of switch.”
Fred Katz (28:52, on Tamani Kamara):
“He full court pressures more than any other defender ... broke Anderson Varejao’s single season record for most offensive fouls drawn ... he’s fantastic guarding the ball. Watch his hands.”
Fred Katz (20:25, on Hornets staying ninth):
“How are they still ninth? What am I not understanding about addition and subtraction that these wins aren’t adding up?”
Dave DeFour (37:27, on Warriors-Clippers):
“Steph Curry vs Kawhi Leonard, win or go home. Is this the greatest matchup in play-in history?”
Fred Katz (43:05):
“Clippers won’t have the best player in the series, but they have the one guy who is capable of being the best player. If Kawhi goes off ... could they win two games? Yeah.”

Important Timestamps

(02:14) – Hosts open, general play-in overview and banter
(04:37) – Sixers vs Magic (deep dive: narratives, matchups, stakes)
(16:21) – Hornets vs Heat (Charlotte’s surge, Heat’s Spoelstra factor)
(22:19) – Hornets’ rebounding and physicality highlighted
(26:49) – Suns vs Blazers preview (Portland tank talk, Kamara praise)
(33:44) – Brooks vs Abdia, X-factor debates
(37:02) – Clippers vs Warriors (Clippers’ resurgence, Steph’s shot)
(41:13) – “Anthill” analogy extended to West matchups for OKC
(43:00) – Who can “bother” OKC more in round one? Clippers vs Blazers discussed

Summary Table – Hosts’ Play-In Picks

Episode Tone & Takeaways

The episode is fast-paced, conversational, and analytical with a mix of humor (anthill analogy for playoff nuisance).
Listeners gain a clear sense not just of team strengths and weaknesses, but the wider narratives and stakes facing each franchise.
X-factors are given time: from stars (Booker, Kawhi, George, Maxey) to unsung heroes (Moussa Diabate, Tamani Kamara, Chris Dunn).
The play-in is framed as a dramatic, unpredictable tournament where single-game heroes (or tankers) can flip the expected script.

If you missed the episode, this recap has you covered—just maybe don’t fight anthills with water.