Episodes

We break down the shocking details behind the FBI’s Operation Nothing But Bet and Operation Royal Flush, a gambling scandal shaking the NBA to its core. With over 30 arrests tied to organized crime, insider betting, and underground poker rings involving figures like Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and Damon Jones, this case has rewritten the conversation around integrity in professional basketball. Then, in our “Do It or Don’t” segment, we shift focus from off-court chaos to on-court stakes — ...

It’s award season on The Baseline Podcast! Cal, Shaw, and special guest Jabari Davis break down their 2025-26 NBA Award predictions — from Rookie of the Year to MVP — and debut a few exclusive Baseline Awards you won’t hear anywhere else. 🏆 Official NBA Award Picks: Rookie of the Year: Cal – Cooper Flagg | Shaw – Ace Bailey | Jabari – Cooper Flagg Most Improved Player: Cal – Amen Thompson | Shaw – Matas Buzelis | Jabari – Amen Thompson Defensive Player of the Year: Unanimous pick – Victor Wem...

In this episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we deliver our 2025-26 NBA Western Conference Preview — breaking down all 15 teams into four tiers: Contenders, Middle of the Pack, Play-In Hopefuls, and Lottery Bound squads. While many believe it’s OKC Thunder’s conference to lose, the West is as tight as ever, with razor-thin margins separating playoff locks from the lottery line. We debate where every team stands, highlight breakout candidates, and predict how this year’s Western Conference hierar...

The Baseline NBA Podcast is back with a full-court Eastern Conference preview! Hosts Cal Lee and Warren Shaw are joined by Dan Favale of Hardwood Knocks to break down all 15 teams in the East — from the Eastern Elite contenders to the Playoff Powerhouses, Play-In Pack, and those chilling in Lottery Lane. Who’s rising? Who’s rebuilding? And who’s ready to run the East in 2025-26? We’ve got predictions, hot takes, and sharp analysis on every franchise that matters. Tune in for your definitive N...

On this week’s Baseline NBA Podcast, Warren Shaw takes us inside Miami Heat Media Day with nsights, reactions, and storylines coming out of South Beach as the Heat gear up for its most challenging season yet. Then we go Around the League with a jam-packed slate of headlines: Nikola Jokić reveals his plans to retire as a Denver Nugget — what this means for the franchise’s long-term identity.? The Houston Rockets face a major challenge after the devastating loss of Fred VanVleet to injury — can ...

The NBA is buzzing with controversy and big storylines. The league has launched a high-profile investigation into Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers, probing a reported $28 million “no-show” endorsement deal that could bring major salary cap penalties. We also break down Cam Thomas’ bold decision to sign a one-year qualifying offer with the Brooklyn Nets, setting up a critical contract year that could reshape his future. Plus, we look back and celebrate the 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame Class—fea...

We break down which rising stars could capture their first MVP award in the next 3–5 years. From favorites like Luka Dončić, Victor Wembanyama, and Anthony Edwards, to strong contenders such as Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, Anthony Davis, and Jayson Tatum, we evaluate their cases for becoming the face of the league. We also spotlight intriguing dark horses—Tyrese Haliburton, Cade Cunningham, Paolo Banchero, Evan Mobley, Cooper Flagg, and Zion Williamson—and debate what it would take for each ...

This week, we break down the players entering fresh situations with something to prove. Will their new teams and roles spark a comeback season, or are we selling the hype? Join us as we discuss who’s primed for redemption and who might be headed for disappointment. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.

We sit down for some FaceTime with the Baseline featuring none other than Jordan Hinds — one of the brightest stars rising out of the college hoops scene. CIAA 2024–2025 Player of the Year Leading Scorer in the CIAA CIAA All-Conference Selection Atlantic Region Player of the Year HBCU Division II Player of the Year Jordan chops it up with us about his unforgettable college career and takes us behind the scenes of a grind-heavy summer that saw him ball out in the Miami Pro League, try out for t...

We’re joined by NBA cap expert Yossi Gozlan from the Third Apron Podcast to break down all the biggest trades, signings, and surprises from the NBA offseason. Who made power moves? Who overpaid? And who's quietly stacking wins? Tap in for sharp insights, salary cap breakdowns, and offseason winners and losers. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.

Game 7. All on the line. We break down the epic NBA Finals showdown between the Indiana Pacers and OKC Thunder — clutch plays, defining moments, and what this means for both franchises going forward. 🎙️ Don’t miss our raw reactions and expert insight. #NBAFinals #Game7 #ThunderUp #Pacers Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.

Hold. UP. NBA fans, you absolutely have to hear this! The Indiana Pacers just pulled off the impossible, forcing a decisive Game 7 in the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder! In a stunning Game 6 performance, Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton put on a clinic, denying Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams their shot at an early championship celebration. This isn't just a recap; this is a deep dive into how the Pacers clawed their way back against all odds. We're breaking dow...

n this week's episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we delve into the highly anticipated 2025 NBA Finals matchup between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. This series features two of the youngest teams in NBA history competing for the championship, showcasing a clash between the Pacers' high-octane offense and the Thunder's elite defense. We analyze the Pacers' fast-paced offensive strategies, led by their dynamic young core, and how they plan to penetrate the Thunder's formidable...

In this week’s episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we dive deep into our ongoing Autopsy Report series, breaking down the shocking and unceremonious playoff exits of the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. Once considered title contenders, both teams now face serious questions about their future with financial pressures looming and roster changes on the horizon. We analyze: What went wrong for the Celtics and Cavaliers Impact of injuries, coaching decisions, and star performances Potenti...

The stage is set for an electric showdown in the 2025 NBA Western Conference Finals as the Minnesota Timberwolves face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder. In this special episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we deliver a full breakdown and preview of what’s sure to be a hard-fought battle between two of the league’s most dynamic young teams. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support .

s the 2024–2025 NBA season concludes, we turn our analytical lens to two teams that showcased promise: the Orlando Magic and the Houston Rockets. In this installment of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we dissect their seasons, evaluating whether their performances were fleeting successes or indicators of sustained growth. Orlando Magic: With a roster brimming with young talent, the Magic made significant strides this season. We delve into their defensive prowess, player development, and what strateg...

In this week’s episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we dive into seismic news out of San Antonio Spurs territory: Gregg Popovich retires as head coach, closing the book on one of the most legendary careers in NBA coaching history. With Mitch Johnson...

In this week’s episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we continue our Autopsy Report series, taking a deep dive into the Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat. Both teams were knocked out of the NBA Playoffs in convincing fashion—dispatched by the top-seeded...

As the NBA Playoffs heat up, we’re taking a hard look at the teams already sent packing. In this week’s episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we roll out The Autopsy Report, evaluating the 2024 NBA season for three teams that fell short: the Dallas...

In this episode, we break down all the 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament matchups, evaluating which teams are built to survive the win-or-go-home grind. Then we dive into the most compelling First Round playoff series, including the 3 vs 6 seed showdowns...

his week on The Baseline NBA Podcast, we’re joined by ESPN NBA reporter Kendra Andrews for a power-packed episode you don't want to miss. Right as the news broke that the Denver Nuggets fired head coach Michael Malone, Kendra jumped on with us to give...

Dive deep into the NBA's off-season autopsies with our latest episode of the 'Autopsy Report.' We dissect the shattered seasons of the Charlotte Hornets and Utah Jazz, examining what went wrong and forecasting their future outlook. From questionable...

Dive into the ultimate 'What If' scenario this week's episode! We're breaking down and bringing the basketball banter as we dissect the NBA PLAY IN Tourney scenario.  So what would the Play In truly look like if the season ended today, predicting...

Was Draymond's 'soft' accusation against KAT fact or fiction? We dissect the fiery exchange that ignited the internet! Plus, the Kings' season hits a wall as Fox is sidelined – are the Spurs now officially tanking? Memphis honors the 'Grindfather'...