Episodes

The NBA Playoffs are here and The Baseline crew pulled up with a full 2026 Play-In + First Round preview — East and West.Cal Lee, Warren Shaw, and Jabari Davis break down every major matchup with a blend of X’s and O’s, culture talk, and that honest playoff energy:In this episode: East Play-In & SeedingHornets vs Heat: Is Charlotte officially the team nobody wants to see? Why Miami’s “we’ll figure it out in April” energy might finally catch up to them Sixers vs Magic: Maxey, PG and depth vs O...

This week, The Autopsy Report continues as we break down the Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz, and Dallas Mavericks—three teams at very different stages, but all facing critical organizational questions.We examine roster construction, front office vision, and whether each franchise has a clear identity or is still searching for direction. From Brooklyn’s reset, to Utah’s asset-driven approach, to Dallas navigating a win-now window, we’re digging into what’s working, what’s not, and what comes next.Is t...

The season’s over… now it’s time to examine what went wrong. In this debut installment of The Autopsy Report, we put the Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, and Sacramento Kings on the table and break down the real causes behind their early playoff...

In this special edition of FaceTime w/ The Baseline, we sit down with filmmakers Corey Colvin and Carlton Sabbs, the visionary directors behind the Prime Video documentary Meal Ticket. Hailing from Chicago, the duo brings a powerful blend of storytelling, culture, and lived experience to the screen. We dive into their creative journey, their transition into feature documentary filmmaking, and how their backgrounds in music, sports, and visual storytelling shaped the making of Meal Ticket. The f...

The NBA season has been a roller coaster — and it’s time for a reality check. In this episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we revisit our preseason predictions and break down what we got right… and what we completely missed. From rising stars to unexpected team success, we take an honest look at how the season has unfolded. We discuss why our tempered expectations for Amen Thompson proved accurate, how the San Antonio Spurs — led by Victor Wembanyama — are ahead of schedule, and why Kon Knueppe...

Not every non-playoff team is truly rebuilding — some are simply waiting for the right moment to break through. In this episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we introduce “Proof of Life,” a deep-dive exercise where we identify one team from the Eastern Conference and one from the Western Conference that could rise from outside the playoff picture and reach the postseason next year. We examine teams like the Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies, Dall...

In this episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we re-evaluate and re-draft the 2018 NBA Draft class featuring Luka Dončić, Trae Young, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Brunson, and DeAndre Ayton. With multiple All-NBA players, franchise cornerstones, and late-pick steals emerging from this class, we break down the biggest hits, the most surprising misses, and how the draft order should look today. Was DeAndre Ayton the right No. 1 overall pick? Should Luka have gone first? How high would SGA and Bru...

The NBA playoff push is here, and the spotlight is on the players who can change everything. In this episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we break down the stretch-run impact of Jalen Green (Phoenix Suns), Tyler Herro (Miami Heat), Jabari Smith Jr....

The NBA is at a turning point — and Commissioner Adam Silver knows it. In this episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we break down Adam Silver’s latest press conference and what it means for the future of the NBA, including the league’s growing...

Buzz City is alive. The Charlotte Hornets have ripped off their first nine-game winning streak since 1999 and now sit just one win away from tying the franchise record set in 1997-98. In just three weeks, they’ve gone from the bottom of the Eastern Conference to the 10th seed at 25-28 — completely flipping their season. So what changed? We break down the Hornets’ stunning surge, powered by a true “committee” approach: Brandon Miller emerging as the offensive engine, leading the team in scoring ...

https://x.com/kwabakayesfrom Thttps://x.com/thedimenba joins the show as we break down Jason Kidd’s recent clap back, the looming Giannis factor, and why much of the league feels frozen waiting for that pin to drop. We dive into the latest NBA Trade...

This week’s episode is a must-listen as our brother from another mother Jabari Davis joins the show as guest co-host, and we waste no time diving into everything happening around the NBA. We kick things off with our thoughts on NBA Rivals Week, asking the big question: Was it a Heated Rivalry… or just Lukewarm Competition? Did the matchups deliver real intensity, or was the hype louder than the product? From there, we break down the latest league headlines, including: Giannis Antetokounmpo expe...

On this episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we reflect on the 40-year legacy of MLK Day in the NBA, inspired by Dominique Wilkins’ powerful memories of playing in the very first MLK Day games in Atlanta. More than a date on the schedule, MLK Day represents responsibility, sacrifice, and the platform the league continues to stand on today. We then shift to the court with MLK Day game previews, breaking down Bucks vs. Hawks, Thunder vs. Cavaliers, Mavericks vs. Knicks, and Celtics vs. Pistons — ...

This week on the show, we break down a whirlwind of NBA news, rumors, and franchise-shaping decisions that could redefine the league landscape. We start with the blockbuster scenario of Trae Young being traded to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, and what that move would signal for both franchises moving forward. We also dive into reports that the Memphis Grizzlies are entertaining offers for Ja Morant, discussing whether a true reset could be coming and what teams would...

This week on The Baseline NBA Podcast, we break down the highs and lows shaping the NBA right now — from major injuries impacting contenders to historic performances that continue to redefine greatness. First , as injuries take center stage around the league. Jalen Suggs suffers a Grade 1 MCL contusion and is out indefinitely, while Jonas Valančiūnas is sidelined with a right calf strain and will be re-evaluated in four weeks. Combined with Nikola Jokić’s knee injury, the Nuggets’ frontcourt ta...

The new year brings new priorities across the NBA, and we kick things off by laying out our 2025 NBA New Year’s Resolutions — bold calls on teams and stars at pivotal crossroads, from roster resets and superstar futures to the mindset shifts we want to see from the league’s top talent. Then, ESPN NBA analyst Kevin Pelton joins the show for an in-depth breakdown of the NBA’s renewed anti-tanking push in the wake of recent gambling investigations. Pelton walks us through the league’s updated inju...

🎙️ Former NBA Vet Anthony Marrow Joins The Baseline NBA Podcast 🏀 This week on The Baseline NBA Podcast, we’re bringing in a special guest with real league experience — Anthony Marrow, a 10-year NBA veteran and co-host of the Charlotte On The Scene...

This week, we preview the Emirates NBA Cup matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks, breaking down key matchups, X-factors, and what’s at stake as both teams look to make a statement. Then we nerd out on “Did You Know?” NBA stats, highlighting some of the most uncanny, unexpected, and eye-opening numbers from around the league this season. From surprising efficiency to bizarre trends, it’s a fun mix of hoops analysis and basketball trivia you didn’t know you needed. Become a ...

In this week’s episode, we examine two franchises that many expected to struggle — but instead are delivering some of the most impressive early-season performances in the NBA. The Los Angeles Lakers are showing surprising cohesion, unlocking new lineup combinations, and getting strong production from emerging players while navigating a retooled system. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics are exceeding preseason expectations with efficient two-way play, improved depth contributions, and a renewed cla...

In this week’s episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we welcome Paul Landono, Associate Producer of Drink Champs Sports, to break down the Miami Heat’s surprising early-season success. We dive into what’s driving Miami’s hot start, whether their formula is sustainable, and how the team continues to evolve behind the pillars of Heat Culture. Landono gives his insight on Bam Adebayo’s two-way leap, Tyler Herro’s expanded role, and Jimmy Butler’s ability to set the tone without overextending early....

This week on The Baseline NBA Podcast, we’re joined by the always insightful Jabari Davis for one of our favorite segments: Talk Shit or Abandon Ship. We break down the latest storylines surrounding the: Milwaukee Bucks Toronto Raptors Orlando Magic Phoenix Suns Rookie of the Year Race and we discuss the biggest name we believe could be moved as trade talks begin to heat up. If you’re looking for sharp analysis, bold takes, and high-level NBA insight, this episode delivers. Tap in and ride with...

In this week’s episode, we dive into the Western Conference’s most troubled teams — four franchises that are far off the pace in the 2025–26 NBA season: New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings, LA Clippers, and Dallas Mavericks. New Orleans Pelicans has stumbled out of the gate with a 2–10 start, the worst record in the West so far. Their offense ranks near the bottom of the league at just 108.8 points per game, while their defense is hemorrhaging points — allowing 121.6 per game, giving them a ...

Join us for a special edition of FaceTime with The Baseline featuring best-selling author and cultural commentator Shea Serrano. Hosted by co-host Warren Shaw, this episode dives into Serrano’s latest book, Expensive Basketball, a captivating exploration of basketball’s unquantifiable magic beyond the box-score. Shea opens up about his journey — from middle-school science teacher to four-time New York Times bestseller author (including hits like Basketball (and Other Things). He shares how Expe...

In this week’s episode of The Baseline, we hit the court running with News and Notes, as Trae Young goes down with a sprained MCL expected to sideline him for four weeks and Ja Morant headlines a dramatic start to the 2025-26 NBA season. Then, in our featured segment “Impress Me,” we spotlight the teams and players making noise early — the Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, and San Antonio Spurs have each turned heads with strong starts, fueled by rookie impact performances and veteran leadersh...