Locked On NBA – Daily Podcast On The National Basketball Association

Houston Rockets surge after a standout preseason—could Amen Thompson and Fred VanVleet turn them into a Western Conference contender? Sharp takes on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder, Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs, and the evolving Miami Heat dominate the conversation as teams’ stock rises and falls. Key names like Ja Morant, Scoot Henderson, and Jaden McDaniels generate buzz, with hosts scrutinizing rookie leaps, coaching intensity, and preseason overreactions.
Wes Goldberg, Matt Moore, and Hayes debate bold predictions: Will Cam Boozer become the first rookie since Oscar Robertson to post a 10-10-5 stat line? Are the Detroit Pistons poised to shock the East? With Most Improved Player sleepers, the Indiana Pacers’ urgent identity, and fan expectations clashing with preseason performances, this episode sets the stage for the NBA regular season’s biggest surprises.
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This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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On this edition of Locked On NBA Game Night, Danny Cunningham (Locked On Cavs) and David Ramil (Locked On Heat) break down how the New York Knicks snap preseason skid, edging the Toronto Raptors 122-120 in a tightly contested matchup. With Jalen Brunson posting 20 points and Karl-Anthony Towns showcasing his impact as the offensive hub, the Knicks offered fans a preview of their retooled attack. The episode raises crucial questions about how New York plans to replace Mitchell Robinson’s irreplaceable presence on the glass—can Andre Drummond fill the void, or will the Knicks have to adapt their identity?
Houston Rockets flex their revamped roster with a 116-89 rout over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jackson Gatlin spotlights Fred VanVleet’s influence and Amen Thompson’s athleticism, as the Rockets debut improved ball movement and depth. Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggles to lift an undermanned OKC squad. The discussion turns to the annual GM survey—are the Spurs and Thunder legitimate favorites for the 2027 NBA Finals? Who truly controls the balance of power in the East after a flurry of bold predictions?
Image Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Check out Danny’s Substack, The Inside Shot: https://theinsideshot.substack.com/
Email the show: LOCavsmailbag@gmail.com
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KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)



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Are Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs about to TAKE OVER the NBA? The league's annual GM Survey is out, and NBA executives are overwhelmingly backing San Antonio to win the 2026-27 championship. Wes Goldberg, Matt Moore and Haize break down the biggest surprises from the survey on Locked On NBA Daily. With 50% of general managers picking the Spurs to win the Finals and 77% predicting Wembanyama will win MVP, are expectations getting out of control?

Then, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson unveils a fascinating new starting lineup featuring De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell and Wembanyama. Can San Antonio's three-guard experiment become a championship-winning formula?
Plus, the Philadelphia 76ers receive overwhelming praise for their offseason, and Giannis Antetokounmpo's move to Miami gets recognized as a potentially transformative acquisition. Finally, are the Houston Rockets becoming the NBA's most overlooked contender? The guys explain why Houston deserves more attention in the Western Conference championship race.
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KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Giannis Antetokounmpo dazzles for the Miami Heat with a dominant 20-point, 15-rebound, 9-assist preseason performance, raising questions about the Heat’s ceiling in a revamped Eastern Conference. Experimentation rules as the Boston Celtics deploy a bold double-big lineup featuring Mitchell Robinson and Neemias Queta, while Payton Pritchard’s playmaking sparks sixth man debates.

Jalen Duren returns in style for the Detroit Pistons, dropping 24 points in just 15 minutes, but can he maintain All-NBA form? Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle anchor the San Antonio Spurs’ suffocating defense, stirring hype for their young core. Injury concerns cloud the Denver Nuggets after Julian Strawther goes down, while odd rotation strategies generate buzz for the New Orleans Pelicans. Hosts Tony East and Ryan Blackburn break down key preseason developments, rookie standouts, and the creative wrinkles shaping contenders as the regular season looms.
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Square
Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod

KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Kawhi Leonard is back with the Toronto Raptors, and their defense could be TERRIFYING. Meanwhile, Walker Kessler just made his Los Angeles Lakers debut and showed exactly why he could transform their championship hopes.
Wes Goldberg, Matt Moore and Haize break down the biggest takeaways from Tuesday night's NBA preseason action on Locked On NBA Daily. First, Kawhi Leonard plays his first game in a Raptors jersey since 2019. Could a defense built around Kawhi and Scottie Barnes make Toronto a legitimate Eastern Conference contender? And how will the two stars coexist offensively?
Then, Walker Kessler makes an immediate impact against the Golden State Warriors. The Lakers already have Luka Doncic to lead their offense, but can Kessler's rim protection and rebounding finally give them a championship-caliber defense? Plus, the NBA's newest contract trend: mutual options. Why are players like Payton Pritchard, Brandin Podziemski and Keon Ellis signing deals with a contract structure that barely existed in the league for decades?
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Square
Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod

KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.