Tag / NBA 2025 season

by Alex Fischbein

Trendon Watford Masterclass, Nico Harrison Disasterclass

Welcome back to The Atlantic Files! In Episode 325, Alex dives into another wild week around the NBA — including a full recap of Week 3 in the Atlantic Division, Karl-Anthony Towns’ unbelievable stat line, Trendon Watford’s first career triple-double, and the latest drama surrounding the Brooklyn Nets and Dallas Mavericks front office.

This episode is packed with analysis, stats, and some hot takes you won’t want to miss.

🏀 Atlantic Division Week 3 in Review

Week 3 gave us plenty to talk about across the Atlantic Division. The Sixers continue to impress behind Tyrese Maxey’s rise, while the Knicks are proving they belong in the top half of the East. The Celtics are still trying to figure things out, the Raptors’ young core is finding its footing, and the Nets… well, they’re a whole other story this week.

Topics Discussed:

  • Updated standings and trends from the past week
  • The most impressive wins and most disappointing losses
  • Which Atlantic team looks like the biggest threat in the East so far

📈 Karl-Anthony Towns’ Historic Efficiency

Karl-Anthony Towns made NBA history this week with one of the most efficient stretches ever seen — combining elite rebounding numbers with near-perfect free throw shooting. Alex breaks down what makes Towns so unique as a big man and whether his consistency could put him in All-NBA conversation this season.

🔥 Trendon Watford’s First Career Triple-Double

Trendon Watford has officially arrived on the scene with his first career triple-double! We talk about his performance, what it means for his development, and how he’s quietly becoming an underrated bright spot this season.

Talking Points:

  • Watford’s rise as a versatile role player
  • His potential fit on a contender
  • Why his all-around game is catching attention

🤔 What Are the Nets Doing with Their Rebuild?!

The Brooklyn Nets remain one of the most puzzling teams in the league. Alex dissects what’s going wrong with their rebuild, the direction of their front office, and what the future holds for players like Cam Thomas and Michael Porter Jr.

Key Topics:

  • Evaluating the Nets’ long-term plan (or lack thereof)
  • Player development and coaching concerns
  • Whether the team should commit to the rookies

💼 Nico Harrison’s Job on the Line?

Reports suggest Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison’s time could be running out, with many insiders calling his firing “a matter of when, not if.” We break down the Mavericks’ struggles, the questionable roster decisions, and how front office instability could affect Luka Doncic’s future in Dallas.

Join the conversation:

  • Should the Nets play all of the rookies?
  • Is Karl-Anthony Towns finally living up to his potential?
  • What’s next for Dallas if Nico Harrison is gone?

Subscribe to The Atlantic Files on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for new episodes every Monday and Wednesday, and follow us on social media for more NBA talk and reactions.

by Alex Fischbein

Ja Morant Losing Joy and Zion Williamson Hurt Again

Welcome back to The Atlantic Files! In Episode 324, Alex is breaking down all the latest action from the NBA’s Atlantic Division, plus two major storylines shaking the league — Ja Morant’s emotional comments about losing his joy for basketball and Zion Williamson’s latest injury setback in New Orleans.

This episode dives deep into the week’s games, key performances, and what’s next for two of the NBA’s most polarizing stars.

🏀 Atlantic Division Recap: Sunday Through Tuesday Games

The Atlantic Division has been buzzing with storylines early in the season, and this week didn’t disappoint. The Sixers continue to roll behind Tyrese Maxey’s all-around play, while the Knicks are showing strong defensive chemistry. The Celtics and Raptors are still searching for rhythm on offense, and the Nets’ young roster continues to gain valuable experience through tough losses.

😔 Ja Morant Lost His Joy

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant recently shared that he’s been struggling to find joy in the game he once dominated with energy and flair. Alex discusses what may have led to this emotional revelation — from off-court issues to the pressure of being the face of a franchise.

Discussion Points:

  • What Morant’s comments mean for his future in Memphis
  • Whether a change of scenery could revive his career
  • How other NBA stars have handled similar struggles

🚨 Zion Williamson Hurt Again — Should the Pelicans Restart?

It’s become a frustratingly familiar storyline: Zion Williamson is hurt again. The former No. 1 overall pick has once again been sidelined, raising questions about his long-term future and the direction of the New Orleans Pelicans organization.

Alex debates whether it’s finally time for the Pelicans to hit the reset button and start over — or if they should continue to build around Zion.

Join the conversation:

  • Is Ja Morant’s time in Memphis nearing an end?
  • Should the Pelicans move on from Zion?
  • Which Atlantic Division team impressed you most this week?

Subscribe to The Atlantic Files on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for new episodes every Monday and Wednesday, and follow us on social media for more NBA coverage and discussions!

by Alex Fischbein

MVP Tyrese Maxey, Mavericks sinking fast!

Welcome back to The Atlantic Files! In Episode 323, Alex and Dennis break down everything happening across the NBA through Week 2 — with a special focus on the Atlantic Division. From Tyrese Maxey’s hot start to the Chicago Bulls’ playoff chances, this episode is packed with analysis, predictions, and reactions you don’t want to miss.

🏀 Atlantic Division Week 2 Recap

The second week of the NBA season brought plenty of excitement — and questions — for the Atlantic Division. The Sixers continue to roll behind Maxey’s breakout performances, while the Knicks and Celtics battle for early-season momentum. Meanwhile, the Raptors are finding their identity under a new-look rotation, and the Nets’ rebuild looks quite miserable.

🔥 Can the Chicago Bulls Make the Playoffs Outright?

Despite mixed expectations, the Bulls are showing flashes of life. Alex and Dennis debate whether Josh Giddey, Nikola Vucevic, and Matas Buzelis can push Chicago into the playoff picture without relying on the Play-In Tournament — or if changes are still needed in the Windy City.

🏆 Can Tyrese Maxey Realistically Win MVP?

Tyrese Maxey’s incredible start to the season has the basketball world buzzing. We take a serious look at his MVP chances, how his efficiency and leadership stack up against the league’s elite, and what he needs to sustain that level all year long.

📊 Week 2 NBA Power Rankings

Our Week 2 Power Rankings are in — and a few surprises made big jumps (and drops). From top contenders like the Thunder and Nuggets to rising threats like the Bulls and 76ers, we evaluate where each team stands after two weeks of play.

Key Rankings Talked About:

  • Who’s emerging as early favorites?
  • Most overrated and underrated teams so far
  • Which teams are trending up or down

😬 Should the Dallas Mavericks Be Worried?

It’s been a rough start for Anthony Davis and the Dallas Mavericks. We dig into what’s going wrong — defensive struggles, rotations, and chemistry — and whether this early stumble is cause for concern or just a temporary blip.

Subscribe to The Atlantic Files on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for new episodes every Monday and Wednesday, and follow us on social media for more NBA coverage and discussions!

The Atlantic Files episode 321 thumbnail
by Alex Fischbein

Illegal Poker Games and VJ Edgecombe Szn!

The NBA season is finally underway, and The Atlantic Files crew is back to break it all down! After the first full week of action, we’re delivering our Top 10 Power Rankings and diving deep into every Atlantic Division storyline that’s heating up early.

The New York Knicks have started strong at 2-1, and the vibes are sky-high in Madison Square Garden. Are the Philadelphia 76ers finally back to contender form, or are fans getting ahead of themselves? Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors are showing serious potential thanks to their promising young core — could this be the beginning of something big in the North?

On the flip side, the Brooklyn Nets are entering a tough rebuild that’s starting to look even uglier than expected, and we’re asking the hard questions about their direction. And in Boston, could this be a rare “gap year” for the Celtics, or are they simply pacing themselves for another deep playoff run?

We also react to the breaking news that’s shaking up the NBA world — a massive illegal gambling and poker scandal reportedly involving Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups, and Damon Jones. What does this mean for the league’s reputation, and how far could this investigation go?

Tune in for all that and more as we kick off another exciting NBA season with power rankings, hot takes, and in-depth analysis across the Atlantic Division and beyond!

🎧 Listen to Episode 321 now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.