Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: The Favorites - NBA Draft Betting Preview
Release Date: June 25, 2025
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a deep dive into the top sports stories of the day, presenting thought-provoking opinions and comprehensive analyses. In this episode, the focus is on the NBA Draft Betting Preview, providing insights into team strategies, player prospects, and betting angles for the upcoming draft.
1. Introduction and Season Recap
Timestamp: [02:14] - [04:24]
Chad Millman opens the episode by reflecting on the recently concluded NBA season, describing it as "thrilling and exciting" yet "heartbreaking." He sets the stage for the discussion by highlighting the emotional rollercoaster experienced by fans, particularly regarding the potential rise of teams like the Pacers and the impact of key player performances.
2. Game Seven Analysis: Pacers vs. Oklahoma City
Timestamp: [03:35] - [08:40]
The hosts delve into the intense Game Seven between the Pacers and Oklahoma City, analyzing pivotal moments and player performances.
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Brian Fonseca remarks on the game's suspense:
“It felt like we were literally like two, three minutes away from like, you know, it’s the middle of the third quarter and the Pacers are still right in this thing...” [04:24]
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Chad Millman expresses his disappointment over Tyrese Halliburton’s injury and its lasting image:
“It sucks that Tyrese Halliburton. The lasting image we'll have is of him on the floor in that way.” [05:48]
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Brandon Anderson shares his perspective on the Pacers' potential and the heartbreaking end:
“I just wish it ended differently because I think, you know, for the sake of, like, just basketball in the NBA Finals, like, we were about to see something special...” [07:10]
The discussion emphasizes the what-ifs of the game and the implications of Halliburton's injury on both teams' futures.
3. Eastern Conference Outlook
Timestamp: [08:40] - [13:49]
Chad shifts the conversation to the broader Eastern Conference landscape, questioning the status of key teams and players.
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He highlights concerns about star players like Giannis, Tatum, and Dame, noting their uncertainties for the next season:
“Giannis, who knows where he's going to be. But the Bucks are clearly diminished...” [08:40]
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Brian Fonseca discusses potential favorites and the impact of recent trades:
“We have co favorites. Three co favorites. I've never quite seen that in the NBA...” [09:55]
The conversation covers the Magic's recent trade with the Grizzlies for Bane, casting them as potential Eastern Conference powerhouses, and debates the future standings of teams like the Cavs, Pistons, and Knicks.
4. Kevin Durant's Trade to Houston Rockets
Timestamp: [13:49] - [19:01]
A significant portion of the episode focuses on Kevin Durant's unexpected trade to the Houston Rockets and its ramifications.
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Chad Millman expresses skepticism about the trade's impact:
“Everything is filmed, Everything. In his event, you got Kevin Durant on stage...” [13:49]
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Brandon Anderson analyzes the trade, considering Durant's age and the Rockets' roster needs:
“I have my concerns about Kevin Durant turning 37 in September and potentially leading this team to the Western Conference championship...” [14:41]
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Brian Fonseca evaluates the Rockets' starting lineup and Durant's role:
“Amen Thompson, can he just develop more? Because he's only still in his early to mid-20s...” [18:41]
The hosts debate whether the Rockets can capitalize on Durant's addition, considering factors like team chemistry, Durant's health, and the potential for future trades to strengthen the roster.
5. Team Strategies and Future Moves
Timestamp: [19:01] - [29:53]
The discussion shifts to strategies teams might employ to leverage their current assets and prepare for future success.
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Chad Millman raises questions about Houston's starting lineup versatility and potential trades:
“So what do you do here? How do we handicap the Eastern Conference right now when the teams that could have had the best chance to win are now playing without their best players?” [09:55]
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Brandon Anderson suggests potential trade targets and roster adjustments for the Rockets:
“Somebody like that, hell, if I were them, I would be calling and I would be calling Boston and being like, hey, what do you want for Derrick White?” [17:42]
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Brian Fonseca discusses the balance between building for the future and immediate competitiveness:
“I can't invest in Houston futures right now because I do think that the floor will keep them there in the regular season...” [21:28]
The hosts explore how teams like the Spurs and Magic are navigating their rosters, balancing young talent development with strategic acquisitions to enhance their championship potential.
6. NBA Draft Prospects and Predictions
Timestamp: [29:53] - [44:00]
A significant focus of the episode is the upcoming NBA Draft, with in-depth analysis of top prospects and their potential impact on teams.
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Chad Millman and Brandon Anderson discuss the strengths and weaknesses of top draft picks like Cooper Flag, Derrick Queen, and Vijay Edgecombe.
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Brian Fonseca compares Cooper Flag to Andre Kirilenko and expresses skepticism about his MVP potential:
“I don't know if I'm quite there yet on the shot. I think he needs to work on that a little bit...” [22:12]
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Brandon Anderson offers a critical view of Derrick Queen’s fit with potential teams:
“I think with Derrick Queen, if he goes to like the Chicago Bulls, for example, I would like to see them move, move Nikola Vucevic...” [37:22]
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The hosts weigh in on betting strategies for the draft, considering team needs and player upside.
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Brian Fonseca makes a bold prediction about a potential trade influencing the draft order:
“I have Jace Lottery and my board that's in range well enough...” [35:54]
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Brandon Anderson forecasts possible shifts in the top five picks based on player performances and team strategies:
“I think Jeremiah Fears is somebody who reportedly has been killing his draft workouts...” [40:51]
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The segment provides listeners with nuanced perspectives on draft probabilities, player evaluations, and the intricate dynamics that could shape the future of the NBA.
7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Timestamp: [44:00] - [45:11]
Chad Millman wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to follow the hosts' in-depth analyses on their respective platforms.
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Chad Millman invites listeners to tune into the Buckets podcast for more detailed discussions:
“Listen to Buckets, everyone, because this stuff was great...” [44:16]
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Final promotional segments for other podcasts and content affiliated with iHeartPodcasts are briefly mentioned, ensuring listeners are directed to additional resources for engaging sports content.
Notable Quotes:
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Brian Fonseca on Game Seven Suspense:
“It felt like we were literally like two, three minutes away from like, you know, it’s the middle of the third quarter and the Pacers are still right in this thing...” [04:24]
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Chad Millman on Tyrese Halliburton’s Injury:
“It sucks that Tyrese Halliburton. The lasting image we'll have is of him on the floor in that way.” [05:48]
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Brandon Anderson on Durant's Trade Impact:
“I just wish it ended differently because I think, you know, for the sake of, like, just basketball in the NBA Finals, like, we were about to see something special...” [07:10]
-
Chad Millman on Eastern Conference Uncertainties:
“Giannis, who knows where he's going to be. But the Bucks are clearly diminished...” [08:40]
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Brian Fonseca on Drafting Choices:
“I think Dylan Harper has a higher ceiling of MVP level of a James Harden type player...” [24:14]
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Brandon Anderson’s Bold Draft Prediction:
“I think Jeremiah Fears is somebody who reportedly has been killing his draft workouts...” [40:51]
Key Takeaways:
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Game Seven's Aftermath: The Pacers' unexpected performance and Halliburton's injury have significant implications for team dynamics and future prospects.
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Eastern Conference Shifts: With major players facing uncertainties, teams like the Magic gain prominence, while traditional powerhouses face challenges.
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Durant's Houston Move: Kevin Durant's trade to the Rockets introduces new strategic dynamics, raising questions about team synergy and championship viability.
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Draft Dynamics: The upcoming NBA Draft presents pivotal opportunities for teams to reshape their rosters, with top prospects like Cooper Flag and Derrick Queen scrutinized for their fit and potential impact.
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Betting Insights: The hosts provide strategic perspectives for betting on the draft and future team performances, emphasizing the importance of player development and team composition.
This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for NBA enthusiasts and bettors alike, offering nuanced analyses and informed predictions to navigate the complexities of the post-season and upcoming draft.