The Mismatch

Chris and Kevin dive into the emerging story lines in the league, starting with how James Harden and KD played together against the Bucks on Monday (1:00), how CJ McCollum’s injury, in conjunction with Nurkic’s injury, will affect Portland’s playoff aspirations (12:15), and Jamal Murray’s disconcerting step down from his bubble play in contrast to Paul George’s step up (16:45). Then they talk about whether the Suns are getting the most out of Devin Booker (29:00), how the Grizzlies are playing with Ja Morant back in the fold (37:00), and the Warriors’ win over the Lakers on Monday (50:30). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Chris and Kevin discuss the details of the intricate and wide-reaching James Harden trade on Wednesday (0:40). Then they get into a conversation about what the nature of Harden’s trade request says about the changes that have occurred across the NBA and NBA coverage, including player empowerment, the media boom, and shifts in fandom (12:30). They cap it all off with a conversation about the specific on-court and off-court chemistry concerns for the Nets with their new star-studded roster (40:30). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Since it’s still early in the season, Chris and Kevin play a game of “Do You Believe..?” to discuss emerging trends across the NBA. Do you believe that the season will go on without having to take a long stoppage or delay for a period of time? (3:10) Do you believe that the Nets are not going to be able to reach their best? (8:20) Do you believe that the Raptors can get it together? (17:59) Do you believe LaMelo Ball will run away with Rookie of the Year? (20:46) Do you believe Jerami Grant is proving he’s more than a role player? (26:56) Do you believe that Zion Williamson will ascend to superstardom like we thought? (32:21) Do you believe that Bradley Beal could be moved? (40:48) Do you believe that Cade Cunningham from Oklahoma State is the guy and there will be no argument about who will go no. 1 in the draft? (46:08) Do you believe that 1 percent of NBA fans could name the Oklahoma City Thunder coach? (51:02) Do you believe that Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, and Jimi Hendrix are the three best guitarists ever? (54:21) Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Chris and Kevin take a look at how the COVID-19 protocols are working after Seth Curry’s positive test (5:07) and at the massive leak from the Hawks’ locker room reported by The Athletic (13:14). Then they get into the biggest surprises of the NBA season so far, including the Brogdon-and-Sabonis-led Pacers glow-up (31:43), Lou Dort’s stellar 3-point shooting (37:43), Julius Randle’s Knicks (47:14), and more. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Chris and Kevin go through all the big games and story lines in the NBA, kicking it off with a discussion about Tom Thibodeau’s 4-3 Knicks and their win over the Hawks on Monday (0:39). Then they get into Steph Curry’s incredible performance over the past couple of games and what the Warriors need to do to reach the postseason (15:30), the Kings’ abysmal start to the season (27:31), and Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum’s tag-team takedown of the Raptors (36:16). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Verno and KOC talk about 10 observations they've made in the early part of the season, including impressive showings from rookies Precious Achiuwa (18:18) and Tyrese Haliburton (34:45), hot starts by the Cavs (50:30) and Hawks (7:55), and much more. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Verno and KOC go through the slew of extensions and deals that have and haven’t closed over the past week (0:36). Then they get into the 10 teams in each conference they think will make the playoffs and play-in (29:25) as well as their awards predictions (1:04:46). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

After Verno attends his first live basketball game in person since March, the boys get into the Grizzlies-Hawks game (0:47) and the Twitter kerfuffle last night about Ben Simmons potentially being available in a trade for James Harden (6:50). Then Nick Wright of ‘First Things First’ joins Verno and KOC to talk about how he got into the industry (20:19), the Harden situation (42:22), the Clippers' demise (50:43), the best teams in the Western Conference (57:46), and the bets he’s put down for the 2020-21 season (1:22:58). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Guest: Nick Wright

Before the show, KOC gives his instant reactions to Giannis' brand new shiny contract with the Bucks (0:01). Then Verno and KOC get into the new Pelicans offense under Stan Van Gundy (5:52), Talen Horton-Tucker’s breakout preseason with the Lakers (13:32), the challenging conditions for rookies this season (25:34), the fun and fancy-free LaMelo Ball (32:27), the Bucks’ new roster (44:47), and much more. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Verno and KOC start with Paul George’s shiny new contract with the Clippers (0:41), what in the world the Rockets can do with Harden (8:33), and Kyrie’s $25,000 fine levied by the NBA (18:40), before they get into the teams playing on the first day of preseason games (41:27). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Bill Simmons joins Verno and KOC on the brand-new feed to talk about James Harden skipping training camp in favor of the strip club (0:45), the Brooklyn Nets (23:24), teams Bill is higher on and lower on than everyone else (29:18), KOC’s Rookie of the Year pick (40:22), and more. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Guest: Bill Simmons

Verno and KOC get into the nitty gritty of the Westbrook-Wall trade (3:00), then talk over the latest news around the league, including the LeBron and AD signings (42:30), Paul George’s recent comments about his role on the Clippers, and the NBA season schedule. Thank you for listening to 'The Mismatch'! If you haven't already, please subscribe to this new feed and we'll have episodes for you every Tuesday and Friday. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

That's right, NBA fans! 'The Mismatch' now has its very own feed, where you can find Verno and KOC getting in fights and making up, as they always do. Welcome to 'The Mismatch.' Follow on Spotify or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.