Tag / dallas mavericks

by Alex Fischbein

Pacific, Southwest Division Previews, Joel Embiid’s Health Strategy, Preseason Thoughts | TAF318

Welcome back to The Atlantic Files, where we’re diving headfirst into everything you need to know about the upcoming NBA season. This week, we’re all about breaking down the Southwest and Pacific Divisions, giving our thoughts on Joel Embiid’s rest strategy, and reacting to the most exciting and eyebrow-raising moments from the preseason. Buckle up as we get you ready for the start of the 2024-25 season with the hottest takes and insider insights!

🏀 2024-25 NBA Southwest Division Preview: Can the Mavs Bounce Back?

We kick things off with a deep dive into the Southwest Division, where Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks will try to shake off last season’s NBA Finals struggles and make a statement. Can they get back to the promised land, or will it be another year of “what ifs”? We also break down the Grizzlies’ hopes with everyone healthy again, the Pelicans’ potential with a (hopefully) healthy Zion Williamson, the young Spurs’ outlook with Victor Wembanyama in the fold, and the Rockets’ young core improving.

🏀 Pacific Division Breakdown: The Land of Big Names and High Expectations

Moving on to the Pacific Division, where superstars and drama are always in abundance. Will the Golden State Warriors’ “big two” keep defying Father Time, or will the Clippers finally stay healthy and make some noise? And let’s not forget about the Lakers, who seem to have found the fountain of youth for LeBron James. We analyze all the teams, including the Suns’ championship aspirations with their newly-formed super team and the Kings looking to build on last season’s playoff run. Get ready for some bold predictions and potentially hot takes!

🏀 Joel Embiid to Skip Back-to-Back Games: Smart Move?

Joel Embiid recently announced his plan to sit out some back-to-back games this season, raising questions and a few eyebrows. Is it smart load management for a guy with a history of injuries, or does it set a tone that might frustrate fans? We discuss the impact this decision could have on the Sixers’ regular-season success, as well as what it means for Embiid’s MVP aspirations and the team’s overall strategy. Plus, we touch on the broader implications for the NBA’s ongoing load management debate.

🏀 Preseason Reactions: Who’s Impressing and Who’s Concerning?

The preseason may not count, but it sure does matter for evaluating the state of the league. We break down the biggest takeaways, from standout rookie performances to some early-season chemistry issues. Which teams are looking ready to hit the ground running, and which ones might still be finding their rhythm? Spoiler alert: Some big names have been underwhelming, while a few lesser-known players are turning heads.

🏀 Players and Teams to Watch as the Regular Season Approaches

With the regular season just around the corner, we highlight some of the players and teams you should keep an eye on. From dark horse MVP candidates to squads that could surprise—or disappoint—we’ve got you covered on who’s primed to make waves. Whether it’s a young star set to break out or a team quietly building momentum, find out who’s worth your attention when the games start to count for real.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 intro
00:03:20 Joel Embiid not playing back to backs
00:09:24 NBA News and notes
00:21:55 Karl-Anthony Towns trade analysis
00:47:06 2024-25 Pacific Division Preview
01:03:21 2024-25 Southwest Division Preview
01:11:36 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Caitlin Clark Snubbed From Olympics, NBA Finals Sweep | TAF314

Welcome to episode 314 of The Atlantic Files! In this episode, we delve into two of the most talked-about topics in sports today. First, we discuss the surprising exclusion of Caitlin Clark from the 2024 Olympic roster, a decision that has shocked fans and analysts alike. Then, we provide an in-depth update on the 2024 NBA Finals, where the competition is heating up and every game is critical. Join us as we break down the latest developments and offer expert analysis on these headline stories.

Caitlin Clark’s Olympic Roster Snub: We start the episode with the surprising news that Caitlin Clark has not been named to the 2024 Olympic roster. Clark, a standout star in college basketball, was widely expected to make the team given her outstanding performances and impressive statistics. We explore the possible reasons behind her exclusion, including team dynamics, selection criteria, and potential strategic considerations by the coaching staff. This decision has sparked a lot of debate, and we weigh in on what it means for Team USA and for Clark’s career.

Reactions and Implications: The reaction to Clark’s omission has been swift and strong from fans and analysts. Many are questioning the selection process and whether it reflects the best interest of the team. We analyze the public response, including social media outcry and commentary from basketball experts. Additionally, we discuss the implications for Clark’s future, both in terms of her collegiate career and potential professional opportunities. Will this setback fuel her to achieve even greater heights?

2024 NBA Finals Update: Switching gears to the NBA, we provide an update on the 2024 NBA Finals, which have been nothing short of thrilling. With both teams battling fiercely for the championship, each game has brought intense competition and dramatic moments. We break down the key performances and turning points in the series so far, highlighting standout players and pivotal plays that have shaped the outcomes. Who has the edge as the series progresses, and what strategies might we see moving forward?

Star Performances and Key Matchups: The NBA Finals have showcased some incredible individual performances and intriguing matchups. We focus on the players who have stepped up under pressure and those who have struggled to find their rhythm. From clutch shots to defensive stands, we analyze how these performances are influencing the series. Additionally, we examine the coaching decisions and adjustments that are making a difference in this tightly contested battle.

Looking Ahead: As the NBA Finals continue, we look ahead to the remaining games and what fans can expect. Will the series go the distance, or will one team pull ahead decisively? We offer our predictions based on the trends and patterns observed so far. Furthermore, we discuss the potential legacies at stake for key players and coaches, and how this series might impact their careers moving forward.

Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
03:54 2024 NBA Finals reactions
11:34 Caitlin Clark left off of Team USA

by Alex Fischbein

Caitlin Clark Discourse, Atlanta Falcons Tampering, Doc Rivers Strikes Again | SS11

Welcome to episode 11 of Sideline Specialists! In today’s episode, we have a lineup of sizzling topics from the world of sports. We’ll dive into Caitlin Clark’s surprising omission from the 2024 Olympic roster, the fallout from Spartan’s ban in the HCS, updates on the NHL and NBA Finals, Doc Rivers’ controversial comments about Sixers fans, the Atlanta Falcons’ tampering scandal, and major injury updates across MLB and NFL. Let’s get right into it!

Caitlin Clark’s Olympic Roster Snub: We begin with the stunning news that Caitlin Clark has not been named to the 2024 Olympic roster. Clark, a standout player with impressive credentials, was widely expected to be a key addition to Team USA. We explore the potential reasons behind this decision, its impact on the team, and what it means for Clark’s career moving forward. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing with reactions, and we break down all the angles.

Spartan Banned from HCS Season: In esports news, Spartan has been banned from the rest of the 2024 HCS season. This decision has sent shockwaves through the competitive Halo community. We discuss the circumstances leading to Spartan’s ban, the implications for his team, and the broader impact on the Halo Championship Series. How will this shake-up affect the competitive landscape for the remainder of the season?

2024 NHL Stanley Cup Finals Update: Shifting to the ice, we provide an update on the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Finals. The series has been nothing short of thrilling, with intense matchups and standout performances. We analyze the key moments from the latest games, the strategies employed by both teams, and what to expect as the series progresses. Will the underdogs prevail, or will the favorites clinch the cup?

2024 NBA Finals Update: Next, we turn our attention to the hardwood with an update on the 2024 NBA Finals. The battle for the championship has been fierce, with both teams showcasing their talent and determination. We break down the latest game results, highlight star players, and discuss the critical factors that will determine the ultimate victor. Who will take home the trophy this year?

Doc Rivers Blames Sixers Fans: In a surprising twist, Doc Rivers has blamed Sixers fans for the team’s shortcomings at home. Rivers’ comments have sparked controversy and debate among fans and media. We delve into his statements, the reaction from the Sixers community, and what this means for the team’s future dynamics. Is Rivers deflecting blame, or is there merit to his claims?

Falcons Tampering Scandal: The Atlanta Falcons have been confirmed to be tampering in their attempts to sign Kirk Cousins and Darnell Mooney. This revelation has major implications for the team and the league. We explore the details of the tampering accusations, potential penalties, and how this scandal could impact the Falcons’ season and reputation.

Major Injuries and Absences: Finally, we cover the significant injuries and absences plaguing both the MLB and NFL. Key players across both leagues are sidelined, affecting team performances and fantasy rosters. We provide updates on the most impactful injuries, expected return timelines, and how teams are coping with these challenges. Which teams are best positioned to overcome these setbacks?

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:05:16 2024 NBA Finals reactions
00:12:57 2024 Stanley Cup Finals Reactions
00:19:58 Doc Rivers won’t take blame again
00:35:45 MLB Season update
00:47:05 Injuries across the MLB and NFL
01:05:31 Spart banned from 2024 HCS Season
01:16:16 Catilin Clark deserving of an Olympic roster or not
01:40:28 Atlanta Falcons caught tampering
01:53:06 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Angel Hernandez Retires, NFL Fantasy Outlooks, Butker Doubles Down | #010

Welcome back to another episode of Sideline Specialists! In episode 10, we cover a wide range of exciting topics across various sports and esports. From notable retirements and championship victories to updates on major league playoffs and fantasy football insights, we have all the latest news and analysis you need. Join us as we dive into the world of baseball, esports, hockey, basketball, football, and more. Let’s get started!

MLB Umpire Angel Hernandez Retires: We begin this episode with the news of MLB umpire Angel Hernandez announcing his retirement. Known for his long and controversial career behind the plate, Hernandez has been a polarizing figure in baseball. We discuss his impact on the game, memorable moments, and what his departure means for the future of MLB umpiring.

OpTic Texas Wins Call of Duty League Major: Shifting gears to esports, we celebrate OpTic Texas’s victory at a recent Call of Duty League Major. This win marks a significant achievement for the team, solidifying their status as one of the top contenders in the league. We analyze their journey to the championship, key players, and what this victory means for the future of competitive Call of Duty.

The Aura Surrounding League of Legends and Faker: Next, we delve into the world of League of Legends and the legendary player Faker. Known for his exceptional skills and dominance in the game, Faker continues to captivate fans and competitors alike. We explore the aura surrounding his career, recent performances, and his influence on the global esports scene.

2024 NHL Playoffs Update: Turning our attention to the ice, we provide an update on the 2024 NHL Playoffs. With the postseason heating up, we analyze the key matchups, standout performances, and potential Stanley Cup contenders. From thrilling overtime victories to surprising upsets, we cover all the action and offer our predictions for the remainder of the playoffs.

2024 NBA Playoffs Update: The excitement continues with an update on the 2024 NBA Playoffs. We discuss the latest developments, including standout performances, game-changing plays, and series-defining moments. As teams battle for a spot in the finals, we provide insights into the strategies and players making the biggest impact.

Harrison Butker Doubles Down on Controversial Speech: We address the recent controversy surrounding Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, who has doubled down on his controversial speech. We examine the content of his remarks, the reactions from fans and teammates, and the potential implications for his career and the team’s dynamics moving forward.

Fantasy Football 2024 Season Outlooks: For fantasy football enthusiasts, we provide an early outlook on key players for the 2024 season. From breakout stars to reliable veterans, we analyze the players who could make or break your fantasy team. Get ahead of the competition with our insights and predictions on who to watch and draft in the upcoming season.

Best NFL Games and Free Agent Signings: We wrap up the episode with a look at the best NFL games and free agent signings heading into the new season. From marquee matchups to blockbuster signings, we highlight the must-watch games and the impact of key player movements on the league. Get ready for an exciting season with our comprehensive preview.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro and Beer Names
00:08:52 Angel Hernandez retires!
00:26:16 NHL Conference Finals
00:32:58 NBA Playoffs and Finals matchup
00:46:58 OpTic Texas Win CDL Major III
00:51:55 League of Legends and Faker
01:00:07 Harrison Butker doubles down
01:06:27 2024 Fantasy Football outlooks
01:37:04 Best NFL Games and Free Agent Signings
01:45:09 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Gordon Hayward Complaining, NBA Conference Finals, Cavaliers’ Future | TAF313

Welcome back to The Atlantic Files, your premier source for in-depth NBA analysis and the latest basketball news! In today’s episode, we delve into the heartbreak and drama of the Game 7 losses by the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets, explore Gordon Hayward’s frustrations over his playing time, discuss the future of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Donovan Mitchell, and react to the unfolding excitement of the 2024 NBA Conference Finals. Stay tuned for all the essential updates and expert insights!

Knicks and Nuggets Fall in Game 7: We start off the episode with a recap of the dramatic Game 7 losses suffered by the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets. Both teams fought valiantly throughout their series but ultimately fell short in the decisive games. We analyze the key moments that led to their defeats, the standout performances, and what these losses mean for their future strategies and roster decisions.

Gordon Hayward’s Playing Time Controversy: Next, we turn our attention to Gordon Hayward, who has recently voiced his dissatisfaction with his playing time. Hayward’s comments have sparked a debate about his role on the team and the coaching decisions that have limited his minutes. We delve into the potential implications for Hayward’s future with his current team and explore possible trade scenarios.

Cleveland Cavaliers and Donovan Mitchell’s Future: Shifting our focus to the Cleveland Cavaliers, we discuss the uncertain future of the team and their star player, Donovan Mitchell. After a disappointing playoff run, the Cavaliers face crucial decisions about their roster and strategy. We analyze the potential moves the team could make to build around Mitchell or explore trade options that might better suit their long-term goals.

2024 NBA Conference Finals Reactions: As the NBA Conference Finals heat up, we provide our reactions and insights into the matchups and performances that are shaping this critical stage of the playoffs. From key players stepping up to strategic adjustments by the coaches, we break down the factors that are determining the outcomes of these high-stakes games and predict who might advance to the NBA Finals.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:12:40 Gordon Hayward complains about playing time
00:22:35 What should the Cavs and Donovan Mitchell do?
00:40:30 Knicks and Nuggets lose Game 7s
00:48:50 NBA Conference Finals are set
01:00:33 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Trae Young’s Future, NBA Draft Lottery, NBA Playoffs Heat Up | TAF312

Welcome back to another episode of The Atlantic Files! In today’s show, we’ve got an exciting lineup of topics to cover, including the results of the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, the latest NBA mock drafts, swirling trade rumors involving star players Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, and an update on the ongoing action in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Join us as we delve into the latest news, rumors, and insights from the world of basketball. Let’s get started!

2024 NBA Draft Lottery Results: We kick off the episode with a breakdown of the results from the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery. With the draft order now set, teams are gearing up to make their selections and add promising young talent to their rosters. We analyze the implications of the lottery results for teams at the top of the draft board and discuss potential draft strategies.

2024 NBA Mock Drafts: Shifting our focus to the upcoming NBA Draft, we explore the latest mock drafts and projections for the top prospects in the 2024 draft class. From potential lottery picks to sleeper selections, we analyze the players expected to make waves in the NBA and discuss their fit with various teams.

Trade Rumors Surrounding Trae Young and Dejounte Murray: Next up, we delve into the swirling trade rumors involving star players Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. With speculation mounting about potential trade destinations and package deals, we examine the likelihood of these blockbuster trades and discuss the potential impact on the teams involved.

2024 NBA Playoffs Update: Turning our attention to the postseason, we provide an update on the action-packed 2024 NBA Playoffs. From thrilling matchups to standout performances, we analyze the latest developments and storylines shaping the playoff landscape. With teams battling it out for a shot at the championship, we discuss the key factors influencing playoff outcomes.

Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
03:12 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, Mock Drafts
23:17 Reports on Trae Young and Dejounte Murray
33:51 2024 NBA Playoffs updates
47:26 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Zach LaVine On The Block, NBA Officiating Off The Rails | TAF294

On episode 293 of The Atlantic Files, Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls both have an interest in finding a trade partner for the All-Star guard, NBA Officiating seems to be going off the rails as more techs are handed out and more people are aggravated, James Harden gets obliterated by a Mavs broadcaster, Kelly Oubre Jr. has a scary situation, Zion Williamson doesn’t seem happy in New Orleans, and Jordan Poole is finding out quickly that Washington is not Golden State!

The Chicago Bulls and Zach LaVine are reportedly talking to teams about potential deals to move the All-Star guard to a new team. It’s unclear whether or not this is the start of a full rebuild, but the two sides have a mutual understanding that LaVine is now firmly on the trade block. We take a look at who should make a deal for him.

NBA Officiating has been the topic of many discussions in post-game press conferences, social media, and much more so far this season. There have been game-changing calls, ejections out of nowhere, and even more questionable events that have caused even coaches to say things and get fined for talking about the refs. Is it especially bad this year or just par for the course?

Kelly Oubre Jr. unfortunately experienced a terrifying situation when he was hit by a car as he was just a pedestrian walking around his residence. The good thing is that his injuries are not as severe as originally expected, but after such a hot start, he’ll now be out for a while to heal from broken ribs and other injuries.

Speaking of players that may be on the trade block, Zion Williamson seemed very unhappy with his situation in New Orleans during a post-game press conference. Also, Jordan Poole is finding out very quickly that the Washington Wizards are nothing like the Golden State Warriors and it might be pretty difficult to be the best player on a team.

Finally, we also take a look at the epic rant from a Dallas Mavericks broadcaster that was aimed at James Harden and everything he’s done since leaving Houston.

SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss a new episode!

Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
07:26 James Harden gets roasted
21:43 Zach LaVine on the trade block
30:33 Zion Williamson unhappy in New Orleans?
38:54 NBA Officiating is off the rails
47:40 Jordan Poole and the Wizards are awful
50:41 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Damian Lillard May Go To Toronto?! | TAF287

Editor’s Note: This was recorded before Damian Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks

This week, on episode 287 of The Atlantic Files, reportedly, the Toronto Raptors are the frontrunners to land Damian Lillard all of a sudden, Buddy Hield is now on the trade block with the Dallas Mavericks rumored as the frontrunners, and we finish our divisional preview series with the Atlantic Division.

Damian Lillard‘s trade saga continues but more and more teams keep entering the mix. Now, all of a sudden, the Toronto Raptors are the frontrunners to land the superstar guard. What does that mean for the rest of the league and especially the Miami Heat?! We give our thoughts on whether or not he’ll actually end up in Canada or if it’s just a smokescreen before he lands in Miami.

Speaking of trades, Buddy Hield is now firmly on the trade block. The Indiana Pacers are shopping him and he’s open to a trade to a place where he can sign an extension. Right now, the Dallas Mavericks are the best fit, but it’s unclear whether they have the pieces that the Pacers truly want. We talk about where he should go and if he’ll actually find a new home before the season starts.

Finally, we wrap up our divisional preview series by taking a look at the Atlantic Division. We give our thoughts on all of the deals that went down and which Atlantic team might surprise everyone. With this division, it brings our divisional preview series to an end and we will be posting all of our previews stitched together into one big preview episode later on!

SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss a new episode!

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:04:21 Dennis sets a Christmas scene
00:07:10 New Year Gym struggles
00:12:08 Fantasy Football corner: Week 3
00:26:32 Toronto is the frontrunner for Damian Lillard
00:49:37 Buddy Hield is on the trading block
01:10:09 Atlantic Division Preview
01:21:08 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

James Harden vs Daryl Morey Cage Match! | TAF282

In episode 282 of The Atlantic Files, James Harden calls Daryl Morey a liar and won’t play for him, Daryl Morey isn’t surprised and stands his ground, the 2023 FIBA World Cup starts soon, we do our first divisional preview starting with the Southwest division, Dennis gives his fantasy basketball rankings for points leagues, and more!

James Harden was on tour in China with Adidas and fielded questions after an event where he took the chance to throw some shots at Daryl Morey. He called Morey a liar and said that he will not play for a franchise that Morey is a part of and he repeated a second time to make sure everyone understood. He obviously knew his audience and that people in China aren’t big fans of Morey. This moves the process to a whole new level of confusion.

The 2023 FIBA World Cup starts in a couple of weeks so we look at some of the rosters of the countries that are participating. We give our thoughts on the top rosters and the teams that have the best chance of taking home the gold.

Then, we kick off our divisional preview series as we take a look at the upcoming season for the Southwest Division. The Memphis Grizzlies won’t have Ja Morant for a chunk of the season and the Houston Rockets improved greatly. Will the New Orleans Pelicans finally stay healthy and realize their potential, or will they tank?

Finally, our very own Dennis Clausen put out his rankings for the 2023-24 fantasy basketball season. The rankings are geared toward points leagues so we discuss the top 30 players and whether or not we agree or think others deserve the spot instead.

SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss a new episode!

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:06:54 James Harden calls Daryl Morey a liar
00:34:13 2023 FIBA World Cup thoughts
00:51:32 2023-24 Southwest division preview
01:16:34 Dennis’s 2023-24 fantasy basketball points rankings
01:43:15 Outro

Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, 2023 NBA Playoffs, Atlantic Files, Podcast
by Alex Fischbein

The NBA Playoffs Are Coming! | TAF267

On this week’s episode of The Atlantic Files, we welcome BJ Boyer back to the show as we preview the 2022-23 NBA Playoffs, go over the scenarios some teams need to still make the playoffs or play-in tournament, talk about the crazy rollercoaster of a season that the Los Angeles Lakers have had, go over some things in the new CBA, talk about the downfall of the Dallas Mavericks, and more!

A friend of the show and local Los Angeles Lakers fan, BJ Boyer, joined this week’s episode to explain his feelings on the current iteration of the team and how much of a rollercoaster ride this season was. He even predicted how long this core will last until they finally have to blow it up again.

Then, we got into some of the specifics that have reportedly been included in the league’s new collective bargaining agreement. The CBA has included things from game limits to qualify for regular season awards to some very interesting salary cap rules that will force general managers to play some crazy cap gymnastics. We gave our thoughts on some of the changes and dove into a lot of details.

Finally, we talked about the downfall of the Dallas Mavericks and started to preview the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Which top teams in each conference are more likely to lose in an upset and which ones will actually make the Conference Finals? Should the Philadelphia 76ers want to play against the Milwaukee Bucks instead of the Boston Celtics, or should they just jump in against either one of them? We go in-depth into those questions and more!

SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss a new episode!

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:49 Los Angeles Lakers season explained
00:34:34 The NBA’s new CBA, salary cap, and more
00:57:16 2023 NBA Playoffs predictions and preview
01:39:18 Remember this guy?
01:41:53 Outro