Matt Stroup, Steve Alexander and Jonas Nader highlight some potential breakout candidates for the upcoming season, including Nic Claxton, Devin Vassell, Alperen Sengun, and Bones Hyland. Also on this episode: the outlook for Jalen Smith in Indiana, and James Wiseman in Golden State. (2:36) OKC's tanking strategy (11:13) Breakout Candidates: Devin Vassell, Alperen Sengun, and more (23:15) Jalen Smith gets an increased role with the Pacers (35:37) Jared Vanderbilt & Patrick Williams (44:40) Other players to watch out for
Matt Stroup, Raphielle Johnson and Zak Hanshew make the case for and against drafting a number of over-30 real-life and fantasy superstars, including Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kyrie Irving and James Harden. Also on this episode: why things could look better for Rudy Gobert as he moves from Utah to Minnesota, and the upside for Damian Lillard coming off a mostly lost season due to injury. (02:45) Kevin Durant outlook (09:22) Kyrie Irving now in his 30's (12:50) Confidence level in Steph Curry (17:05) Paul George's situation (22:45) Jimmy Butler conversation (25:04) Concerns about drafting Chris Paul? (30:10) A look at Demar DeRozan (35:50) Concerns about Jrue Holiday
Matt Stroup, Jared Johnson and Steve Alexander comb through some of the most notable and intriguing position battles in the Western Conference right now, including our expectations for James Wiseman, Tari Eason, John Wall, and Anfernee Simons. Also on this episode: Amid all the hype for Chet Holmgren, can Aleksej Pokusevski fully break out this season in OKC? (03:50) Frontcourt position battle in Dallas (Wood vs. Mcgee) (08:20) Looney vs. Wiseman in Golden State (20:32) Point guard situation for the Clippers (Wall vs. Jackson) (25:20) Position battles in OKC (33:10) Kings have both Kevin Huerter & Malik Monk at shooting guard (41:10) Anfernee Simons shooting guard role safe in Portland?
Matt Stroup, Raphielle Johnson and Ryan Knaus discuss some key position battles in the Eastern Conference, and their fantasy impact, including Cole Anthony vs. Markelle Fultz, Victor Oladipo vs. Max Strus, and Chris Duarte vs. Bennedict Mathurin vs. Buddy Hield. Also on this episode: What's the potential for Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren in the Pistons frontcourt, and will Quentin Grimes finally get his shot with the Knicks? (1:55) Frontcourt minutes in Charlotte (5:40) Position battle with Detroit's bigs (11:44) Pacers' young backcourt (19:11) Wing minutes in Miami (31:16) The Magic's multitude of position battles (38:28) Assembling Washington's lineup
Matt Stroup, Jonas Nader and Steve Alexander discuss the impact of Deandre Ayton staying in Phoenix, and takeaways from the Summer League stat lines of Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero, Keegan Murray and more. Also on this episode: the opportunities on the Jazz if they end up trading away Donovan Mitchell, Jordan Clarkson and Malik Beasley, and why Quentin Grimes could be a huge beneficiary. (4:33) Deandre Ayton will return to the Suns (10:00) Utah Jazz trade rumors (14:40) Injury updates from Denver (19:47) Chet Holmgren (25:20) Paolo Banchero (30:03) Keegan Murray (33:43) Tari Eason and Mark Williams
Matt Stroup, Jonas Nader and Noah Rubin discuss the latest Donovan Mitchell trade rumors, the outlook for Christian Wood in Dallas with a potentially less-than-ideal role, and some Summer League standouts, including Jabari Smith and Josh Giddey. Also on this episode: the case for (and against) Bennedict Mathurin as a fantasy sleeper in Indiana. (03:15) Donovan Mitchell trade rumors (10:02) Deandre Ayton to Indiana? (15:56) James Wiseman's stock (24:07) Bennedict Mathurin conversation
Matt Stroup (@MattStroup) and Steve Alexander (@Docktora) are joined by special guest Danny Pommells (@DPommellsNBCS) of NBC Sports Philadelphia (co-host of the Sixers Talk podcast) to discuss the outlook for James Harden, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris and De'Anthony Melton this upcoming season. Also on this episode: impressions from James Wiseman's long-awaited Summer League appearance, and injury updates on Lonzo Ball and Michael Porter Jr. (2:20) Ben Simmons outlook from Philly perspective (4:37) James Harden returns to the Sixers (10:25) Tyrese Maxey's potential (13:29) Joel Embiid MVP candidacy (16:22) De'Anthony Melton's and Tobias Harris' season outlooks (33:38) Summer League story lines (40:49) Off-season news update
Matt Stroup, Steve Alexander and Raphielle Johnson discuss some fantasy winners and losers from NBA free agency so far, including Jalen Brunson, Christian Wood, Alperen Sengun, and Jalen Smith. Also on this episode: How will the Hawks new-look backcourt balance out between Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, can Tre Jones step into a big role in San Antonio, and is Nic Claxton ready to break out amid all the chaos in Brooklyn?
Matt Stroup is joined by Chris Forsberg (Celtics reporter for NBC Sports Boston) to discuss expectations for Malcolm Brogdon, Marcus Smart, Robert Williams and more. Also on this episode: the one main area where Jayson Tatum could improve, the fallout from Chet Holmgren's stunning Summer League debut, and the outlook for Zion Williamson and Darius Garland after they both signed max extensions. (02:15) Malcolm Brogdon now a Celtic (14:50) Danilo Gallinari playing time in Boston? (18:30) Under the radar fantasy option on Celtics? (29:01) Keegan Murray so far with Sacramento (31:37) The latest on the Nets, including TJ Warren's arrival (38:06) Zion Williamson's fantasy outlook
Jared Johnson (@Jae_Tha_Truth) and Brad Stonebraker (@bradbraker97) discuss the latest free agency happenings around the league, including Orlando's confusing frontcourt, the T. Jones brothers, Lonnie Walker landing in L.A., Victor Oladipo returning to Miami, and one of the more disappointing re-signings north of the border. Plus, Kevin Durant's surprising announcement. All that and more in Friday's Roundball Stew podcast. (0:33) Is Kevin Durant leaving Brooklyn? (2:18) Victor Oladipo stays in South Beach (7:51) Portland's series of moves (17:36) Jaren Jackson Jr.'s injury and other updates for the Grizzlies (23:39) Lakers' free agency additions (29:44) Market for Kemba Walker
Steve Alexander (@docktora), Noah Rubin (@noahrubin22) and Brad Stonebreaker (@bradbraker97) discuss Kyrie Irving opting in with the Nets, Dejounte Murray trade rumors, John Wall becoming a Clipper, Jalen Brunson's likely move to the Knicks and much more on Wednesday's Roundball Stew. (01:40) Analysis of Nuggets/ Wizards trade (06:05) Kyrie Irving staying in Brooklyn (14:02) Where to target Jalen Brunson fantasy-wise for next season? (20:07) Is Dejounte Murray on the move? (25:02) John Wall to the Clippers (33:25) What's next for Miles Bridges?
On Monday's Roundball Stew, Steve Alexander (@Docktora) and Jared Johnson (@Jae_the_truth) recap the NBA Draft and talk about the fluid Kevin Durant/Kyrie Irving/Ben Simmons situation in Brooklyn, as well as look at long-lost players like John Wall, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. as free agency approaches this weekend. (1:23) Takeaways from the NBA Draft (9:34) Trade rumors in Brooklyn (14:19) John Wall on the buyout market? (17:47) Malcolm Brogdon could be on the move (24:05) When will Jamal Murray return? (30:32) Miles Bridges
Matt Stroup, Raphielle Johnson and Brad Stonebraker discuss their immediate takeaways from Thursday night's NBA Draft, including our expectations for Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr. and other top fantasy rookies. Also on this episode: Our favorite fantasy rookie sleepers, and our best efforts to correctly pronounce Bennedict Mathurin's last name. (4:11) Paolo Banchero goes #1 Overall (7:02) Chet Holmgren to OKC (9:51) Jabari Smith heads to Houston (13:17) Sacramento Kings take Murray (21:04) Bennedict Mathurin (27:04) Blazers select Shaedon Sharpe (35:22) Johnny Davis heads to DC
Matt Stroup, Vaughn Dalzell, Raphielle Johnson, Steve Alexander and Noah Rubin break down the NBA Draft from a fantasy and betting perspective, discussing our expectations for where Jabari Smith Jr., Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren and others will land, as well as the latest rumors around Bradley Beal, Deandre Ayton and more. Also on this episode: Will Jaden Ivey or Keegan Murray land with the Kings at No. 4 overall, and what do the Nets do about their Kyrie Irving contract dilemma? (01:40) Odds on the 1st overall pick (12:15) Odds on the 4th overall pick (26:04) Deandre Ayton future discussion (34:03) Knicks aiming for Jalen Brunson (38:10) Bradley Beal's future up in the air
Matt Stroup (@MattStroup), Jonas Nader (@JonasNader), and Zak Hanshew (@ZakTheMonster) react to the Warriors taking their fourth NBA title in the last eight seasons, and explore some intriguing possibilities at the top of next week's NBA Draft. Among the players whose fantasy outlooks we discuss: Paolo Banchero, Keegan Murray, Dyson Daniels, and Mark Williams. (1:04) NBA Finals recap (5:48) Chet Holmgren's fit in the Top 2 (7:01) Paolo Banchero (11:53) Kings' pick and Keegan Murray's potential (20:00) Portland Trailblazers' and Dyson Daniels (27:26) Mark Williams and other big men fits for Charlotte
Matt Stroup, Jared Johnson and Steve Alexander discuss the upside of some of last year's rookie stars, including Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, and Evan Mobley. Also on this episode: a preview of Game 6 of the NBA Finals, and birthday wishes from Steve to some notable NBA players celebrating this week. (03:45) Game 6 Preview (08:40) Cade Cunningham's potential upside (16:30) Evan Mobley discussion (21:40) Jalen Green segment (25:15) Jalen Suggs Year 2 Forecast (29:55) Franz Wagner focus
Matt Stroup (@MattStroup) and Steve Alexander (@Docktora) review the ninth-round fantasy players from this past season, including De'Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Jusuf Nurkic and Keldon Johnson. Also on this episode: What we're watching for from the Celtics and Warriors in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. (5:54) NBA Finals: Game 5 Preview (11:52) Ninth-Round Fantasy Players: De'Aaron Fox (14:51) Jalen Brunson (19:10) Jusuf Nurkic (23:50) Buddy Hield (32:39) Keldon Johnson
Matt Stroup (@MattStroup), Raphielle Johnson (@Raphiellej), and Jared Johnson (@Jae_Tha_Truth) highlight some of their best and worst picks of this past season, including Bradley Beal, De'Aaron Fox, Mo Bamba and Desmond Bane. Also on this episode: a look at what has gone right for the Celtics — and wrong for the Warriors — heading into Game 4 of the NBA Finals. (0:37) NBA Finals: Game 4 Preview (8:08) Biggest fantasy whiffs this past season (16:18) Fantasy whiff: De'Aaron Fox (20:56) Best picks in fantasy: Evan Mobley (25:28) Best picks in fantasy: Tyrese Maxey
Matt Stroup, Ryan Knaus, and Steve Alexander look at the latest news, rumors and fantasy outlook surrounding Deandre Ayton, Rudy Gobert, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook. Also on this episode: disagreement about what's ahead for Zach LaVine, a preview of Game 3 of the NBA Finals, and an unexpected amount of talk about party hats and soup. (05:01) NBA Finals Game 3 (10:04) Deandre Ayton's future (14:40) New Lakers C Darvin Ham on working with Russell Westbrook (25:03) Utah Jazz situation (32:45) Portland possible trade targets
Matt Stroup (@MattStroup) and Dr. A (@Docktora) discuss the latest from the NBA Finals, with Steph Curry and the Warriors evening the series at 1-1, and look at the intriguing eighth-round fantasy options from this past season — including Cade Cunningham, Tyler Herro, and Kyle Kuzma. (6:00) NBA Finals reactions and predictions (9:37) Eighth Round Fantasy options (16:35) Tyler Herro a potential starter? (20:27) Kyle Kuzma's impact in Washington (23:34) Cam Johnson's fantasy value
Matt Stroup is joined by special guest Josh Lewenberg (Raptors reporter for TSN) to discuss the outlook for Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and other Toronto players, including pending free agent Chris Boucher. Then, on part two of the episode, Brad Stonebraker stops by to break down Game 1 of the NBA Finals, marveling at Al Horford's late-career renaissance and the Celtics' remarkable 4th quarter. (03:30) A look at the Raptors (09:45) Scottie Barnes expectations (21:07) Fred VanVleet conversation (35:10) NBA Finals discussion
Matt Stroup is joined by KC Johnson (Bulls Insider for NBC Sports Chicago) to talk about the latest with Zach LaVine's free agency, Lonzo Ball's knee, and more, followed by an NBA Finals preview with Raphielle Johnson and Jared Johnson. Also on this episode: the outlook for Sixth Man of the Year Tyler Herro in Miami after his comments that he wants to join the starting lineup next season.
Matt Stroup, Jonas Nader and Jared Johnson discuss the Warriors return to the NBA Finals — focusing on Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney — and look at the offseason drama unfolding in Brooklyn with Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and Ben Simmons. Also on this episode: the outlook for Zion Williamson after an encouraging update on his foot, and Zach LaVine looks likely to stay with the Bulls. (02:01) Warriors onto the NBA Finals (11:30) Eastern Conference Finals latest (17:02) Brooklyn Nets conversation (23:10) The latest with Zion Williamson
Matt Stroup, Jonas Nader and Brad Stonebraker discuss the latest from the Warriors-Mavs and Heat-Celtics series — including Jimmy Butler's worrisome knee — and break down recent rumors on Zach LaVine, Bradley Beal, Chet Holmgren and more. Also on this episode: Are the Suns and Deandre Ayton potentially headed toward a breakup? (02:15) Conference finals discussion (14:45) Kyrie Irving's future (17:30) Beal likely staying in Washington... in or out on him? (26:30) How Chet Holmgren would fit in the Orlando
Matt Stroup (@MattStroup) and Steve Alexander (@Docktora) react to the latest from the NBA Playoffs — with Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins and the Warriors now up 3-0 over Luka Doncic and the Mavs — and break down the seventh round of fantasy leagues from this past season, with Evan Mobley poised for a potentially monstrous second year. Also on this episode: What's the outlook for D'Angelo Russell, Bradley Beal, and Christian Wood in 2022-23? (2:50) Mavericks down to the Warriors 3-0 (9:40) injury implications for Celtics/Heat (12:54) 7th Round Fantasy Values from the year (36:39) Final Three 7th Round Fantasy Value Pick-Ups (42:59) Dr. A's Tales from the Attic
Matt Stroup (@MattStroup), Ryan Knaus (@RyanKnaus), and Brad Stonebraker (@BradBraker97)react to Marcus Smart's monster Game 2, and discuss whether Luka Doncic and the Mavs can bounce back in Game 2 against the Warriors. Also on this episode: What happens if you try to punt points in fantasy leagues? Is there a path to winning? (Spoiler: No.) However, taking points out of the equation gives us a good look at some players who rely on that one category too much, and we discuss that — and more — in detail, thanks to some serious number-crunching from Ryan. (2:00) Celtics/Heat recap (9:50) Mavericks down 1 game to Golden State (15:59) Punting the Points in Fantasy Leagues (23:00) Players that rely too much on scoring points
Matt Stroup, Jonas Nader and Raphielle Johnson discuss the fallout from Tuesday's NBA Draft lottery, projecting destinations for the top five picks, including Jabari Smith Jr., Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero. Also on this episode: what we're watching for from Luka Doncic in the Mavs-Warriors Western Conference Finals, and is Jimmy Butler convincing us to move him up our fantasy draft boards — despite the lingering injury risk? (02:09) Jimmy Butler monster Game 1 vs. Boston (05:50) Western Conference Finals Preview (11:51) Magic have the #1 pick, projecting destinations (16:30) Smith or Holmgren for Fantasy as a rookie? (22:12) Paolo Banchero thoughts (30:10) Keegan Murray and Detroit a good fit?
Matt Stroup (@MattStroup) and Steve Alexander (@Docktora) react to Sunday's game sevens (including Luka Doncic and the Mavs knocking out Chris Paul and the Suns), plus a review of the sixth round of fantasy leagues — with Jaylen Brown and Jordan Poole among the players we discuss. Also on this episode: Can Clint Capela bounce back from a disappointing season, and are we headed for a Scottie Barnes breakout in year two? (2:33) Reactions to Sunday's Game 7 matchups (9:59) New Finals Predictions (12:05) 6th Round of Fantasy Leagues- Jerami Grant (16:15) 6th Round of Fantasy Leagues- Jaylen Brown (18:54) 6th Round of Fantasy Leagues- Jordan Poole (20:32) Clint Capela: Potential Bounce Back? (23:31) Who is making a Year 2 jump? (37:01) Dr. A's Tales From the Attic
Matt Stroup, Raphielle Johnson and Steve Alexander discuss who's rising and who's falling during these NBA Playoffs from a fantasy perspective, including Tyrese Maxey, Desmond Bane, Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Dillon Brooks. Also on this episode: Is a Jaren Jackson Jr. breakout imminent in 2022-23? (04:12) Fantasy playoff stock watch (11:34) Al Horford = Stock up (23:05) Desmond Bane or Tyrese Maxey in a dynasty league? (28:44) Mike Conley = Stock down
This episode dives into Chris Paul's recent struggles, James Harden's new reality, and Ja Morant's right knee bone bruise. Along the way, hosts Ryan Knaus and Raphielle Johnson dole out DFS advice for all of the Conference semifinals matchups! (01:10) Ja Morant injury (06:12) Steven Adams conversation (10:33) Mavericks/Suns series (18:02) 76ers/Heat series (25:06) Props for Al Horford