Ryen Russillo’s List of True NBA Contenders | The Ryen Russillo Podcast

Ryen Russillo shares his list of current NBA contenders that he would not be surprised to see win the NBA title this year, runs down their strengths and weaknesses, and then shares which teams on the “write off” list just barely missed the cut.
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[@missinglinq]

Warriors and Laker fans have left the chat.

[@colezee7640]

LeFraud is finished

[@blazekaizer9000]

​@@colezee7640Legonnacontinuetoplay

[@peterbuchel3205]

LeMickey is done

[@blazekaizer9000]

@@peterbuchel3205 Lemickey the toughest chip

[@samweltan3353]

Good they're both washed

[@slow_Jo]

I didn't realize the Wolves played the hardest schedule so far this season. They're supposed to have the easiest schedule the 2nd half of the season, being able to play more of the terrible and under .500 teams who they've dominated so far. There's a real chance the Wolves top 60 wins as a result, barring any major injuries.

[@wyotriumphrider]

Everybody in the West had a difficult schedule. Denver had the 5th most difficult schedule.

[@slow_Jo]

@@wyotriumphrider when the toughest division is the Northwest, yes, it's going to be difficult all year.

[@Jacob-gm4hq]

@@wyotriumphrider How is this a good response? Wolves had a toughest, as in tougher than the others in the west. Toughest, not tough. There is reason to think things are going to get better for them.

[@zachs1723]

Conleys being slept on this year unreal shooting splits and his 3 point numbers r elite

[@japethegrape1146]

Plus 3rd in the league in AST/TO ratio

[@Corey-s3o]

The Jokic shooting thing is this: When his team is dominating he doesn't shoot much (They win). When his team is in a tight game or down (He shoots more to get them back in it (usually a loss)

[@kb5509]

Tbf, I think it's also motivation. In the playoffs he takes more threes and is almost always lights out.

[@shorewall]

@@kb5509 Yeah, during the season, he wants to get his teammates involved. He isn't insecure and needing to score himself all the time. In the Playoffs, he does what is necessary to win. He isn't a slave to the NBA Media Machine.

[@kam_12_]

⁠@@kb5509yeah i watch him play and sometimes it seems like he doesn’t want to do “too much”.. idk if it’s motivation, i think its more the media narratives and such to where he’s fine letting joel or anyone else get mvps, i think he just wants to coast and win games until the playoffs where he ALWAYS turns it up

[@nickpayne2181]

His passing is also so good that's why they don't shoot as many fts the guys are wide open on layups or taking a 3

[@robshelden4670]

@@Kardu3When? Oh, you think a regular season road game in Philly proves somethin…Get outa the second round, win games that actually matter.

[@Weebei]

Ryen Russillo knows ball! Right behind Tim Legler as one of the best national journalists for NBA analysis!

[@DeeMan17]

I really only see four sides a genuine winning chance - Bucks, Celts, Nuggets, Clips.

[@nicolasstaudt5714]

Phoenix Russillo? Phoenix? Come on Russillo. Come on man.

[@ljutko7]

😂 narrative bro.... they toast for sure

[@BeMoreFunny]

Right now, I'd say it's absurd... And I say that as a Suns fan. But with the big 3 finally getting playing time together, there's a reality where they could be a threat. Just not convinced with injury history that we're going to get that reality.

[@jammer9941]

I mean they have been trending in the right direction and could end up to 5th with a good week so while idk if I personally would put them there but they have started to worm their way into the conversation

[@ki2726]

@@ljutko7Suns are 19-12 when Booker plays. What you talking about 😂

[@ljutko7]

@@ki2726 lol don't, ppl gonna laugh at you 😂😆😭

[@japethegrape1146]

McDaniel’s has actually had to create a lot of shots recently (step backs, fades, pull up midrange) and they’ve been falling. Conley is shooting the best from 3pt he ever has. NAW has to be our most slept on player, lockdown defender as well as a guy that can step up and make big shots

[@heyjoethomas]

Naz Reid.

[@ljutko7]

To bad Denver didn't go full on him, but i think Conley don't do it but my god Denver would 3peat with him i have no doubt

[@BIGMONEYPLAYER1]

Naz reid

[@David-iv6je]

Siakam to the Pacers just happened, for Bruce Brown, Nwora and three first rounders to TOR. Does this have the potential to push the Pacer s into contention? Nicely balanced roster with Halliburton a start Point, Turner at Center, and now a 20 ppg wing in Siakam.

[@sweney7103]

na there’s still 4 teams better than them in the east

[@PapiWaron]

gives them contender upside but they need everything to go right

[@jeffreyware7808]

It set them up nicely for 1 more trade or big free agent addition away from truly belonging in that conversation

[@jamesk1245]

Ryen we have followed your voice everyday for years. Before podcasting. You got us throw work on 710espn and we all appreciate it. Just cuss man. It’s FAR worse to check your Fbombs every time you say them because of 1 Listeners feedback. Nobody else out here cares unless you APOLOGIZE every time.

[@RolandoEsprit]

Gotta mention how many back to backs Denver has played compared to every other team

[@michaelcoco3913]

My Guys doing fashion now too.

[@ryanrobinson5638]

Wolves down 2 starters, arrived in the state hours before tip-off, less than a day removed from their previous game: "An exhausted ant being doubled because 40% of their starters were out (most importantly the PG), and him not nailing it is concerning to me"....wat?

[@jacksonpeed984]

Classic Rusillo not knowing anything about the wolves

[@raneynewman8315]

The Jokic more shots a game in losses I think is driven by him not really trying to score against bad teams (games they win)

[@weights250]

The Timberwolves overtime loss was not because ANT didn't have help when Celtics double-teamed him. The loss was because of ANTs unwillingness to get off the ball when double-teamed. We were up 9pts w/ 3min remaining and ANT turned the ball of 4x. He has plenty of help and high IQ teammates in those moments -- specifically Conley SlowMo & Gobert, which is why we have been winning 90% of clutch games this season -- its BECAUSE OF his teammates not in spite of his teammates. When ANT goes tunnel vision ISO in the final minutes we actually almost always lose. When he gets off the ball quickly and trusts Conley & Co we almost always win.

[@ricardodominguez2883]

When Miami is in the conference finals I want everyone to know I can’t believe people still count them out. oh and also, I called it.

[@ricardodominguez2883]

Also before people agree w Russillo on the Heat being flukey, i’ll refer you to the multiple ECF and finals appearances since acquiring Jimmy Butler. Speaking of whom, had missed like 10 games in a row. and lastly, miami has had the most different starting lineups this year and have won the same amount of games as the cavs, magic, knicks, & pacers who people are infatuated with this year. so come play off time, we’ll see how his take ages.

[@tjpreble1313]

I can’t wait for it to happen again, but then Russillo can just call it fluky again and take no credit for being wrong

[@David-iv6je]

Those Bastards in Miami never look good enough to do it and then by god they do it. I mean ffs they got a rookie in Jaquez who is scoring 14 ppg and 8 guys scoring in double figures. That just ain't fair. Might as well just pencil them in.

[@tj-23]

@@David-iv6jethey look pretty good this year being injured and still winning games

[@DeeMan17]

Regardless, they won’t win the whole thing. We’ve seen that movie b4, they need another scorer.

[@nineteenct]

Absolutely agreed on the Sabonis point , he constantly gets triple doubles but doesn’t feel like a top 25 player imo

[@nikolakrstic8079]

he doesn't really play make, they just use him as a hub on offense so he gets most of the assists because of that. Steven Adams can do that too if he was used like that and that much. In short, Sabonis is not as good as his numbers may suggest

[@ljutko7]

He is not fs

[@BetleyIsland36]

Yeah I've always felt like the stats never tell the full story with him

[@nedschneebly5424]

MINNESOTA BABY LETS GO WOLVES!!!!

[@ljutko7]

Take it easy bro win some rounds for start my god 😂

[@BIGMONEYPLAYER1]

​@@ljutko7hell nah

[@David-iv6je]

Can we talk about Russillo's hoodie? What's going on here? Vomit in a gutter? A deconstructed pizza? A Jackson Pollack? Camo for microbes?

[@David-iv6je]

Immune cells in action?

[@Warrentertainment]

I ain't mad at it, but I ain't happy about it either

[@edged1001]

Did he lose a bet?

[@ineedsaltplease620]

A guy who is trying to deny being almost 50

[@lwrncschmchr]

Hard for the Steph, LeBron, KD stans to realize their teams don't got it anymore.

[@keithjordan7805]

Wow, Cavs are 4th in the East, ahead of the Knicks, have played a month without their 2nd and 3rd best players and they don't get a mention. Interesting.

[@jumelhopkins1353]

Easiest schedule outside of the bucks

[@user-sl7mt9no1f]

There was literally no analysis of the Sixers strengths and weaknesses, just went out of your way to bash Embiid as not as good as Jokic and weirdly assume Sixers fans are lying to themselves about who’s better and who we would rather have. First, it doesn’t matter who is better. It’s a team sport. Either guy is capable of winning a championship talent-wise. Jokic has been more durable. I would prefer Embiid. Jokic has enjoyed better coaching, better and more complimentary role players, and as I mentioned better health.

[@pleaserewind295]

I get you, but I think with Joker, you have a better shot at multiple titles and his game aging better.

[@aron.gortman]

Jokic is better. Embiid has always had better teammates. Jokic has never played with another all star. If embiid didn't start all the racism and divisive talk people wouldn't be so fervent in comparing them.

[@DeeMan17]

Nah Embiid has had a plethora of star running mates. He hasn’t shown up enough in the post season yet and being injury prone can also come down to preparation.

[@jammer9941]

My problem with Embiid is I can't think of a time in the playoffs where his team was against the wall and he went out and willed his team to a series win. Like look at the other teams in the east who have consistently made the conference finals. Miami you have had series like the Milwaukee one where Jimmy goes off to beat them, Milwaukee giannis winning finals mvp and a monster close out game, and Boston Tatum dropping 50 in game 7 against the 76ers while embiid gives you 15. Like as great as Embiid is in the regular season we just haven't seen it in the playoffs. We can blame injuries and teammates and what have you which certainly haven't helped, but I need some big time moments in the playoffs when his team needs him the most that I just haven't seen.

[@kmsideout]

Comment did not age well.

[@jtschida33]

The Wolves taking the Celtics to OT with no Conley or Gobert should concern the Cs more than the Wolves tbh. Porzingis out as well but he was pretty ineffective in their first matchup.

[@KK-pm7ud]

It's the regular season

[@jtschida33]

@@KK-pm7ud tell that to the players. You could have put a Finals graphic on the scoreboard and it wouldn’t have looked out of place.

[@KK-pm7ud]

@@jtschida33 No. It's the regular season. Show me in the playoffs and we can talk.

[@1WhoSeesAll]

@@KK-pm7udshow Miami first😂

[@jammer9941]

I mean they have went to OT in both the games they have played so idk if concern is really the word especially since it would be a finals appearance against them where who can say how it would go.

[@Jaywrites23]

9:36 worst part was Zu was out!

[@Von199X]

Bruce Brown to the T Wolves would be interesting

[@ryanmahon1]

He'd be great for them. Def would match their culture

[@Jsch23]

i dont know how ryen doesnt see that the nuggets are just in cruise control in order to save their legs for another title run, hes reading way too much into the stats at the halfway mark. they arent taking the regular season as seriously as they usually do this year though and its obvious. murray and jokic both go up a level when the playoffs start every year... although im always a bit worried that the murray playoff magic might wear off cause hes an entirely different player in the regular season. i have a feeling that come march they'll start to ramp things up and start to dominate a bit more and they'll be in the mix in late may and june no matter what their regular season offensive, defensive, or net ratings are.

[@jacobmcklowski4428]

He wants to somehow include the "dangerous" Lakers in there im sure

[@RKGrizz]

Jokic is the answer.

[@haroldfloyd5518]

Good stuff as usual. What this analysis doesn’t address is which team has the next Steve Kerr at the helm to transform one of these younger teams like OKC or the TWolves into bonafide champions?

[@BuMPiHD]

Great vid

[@paxromana1982]

I’m a laker fan, LA San Fernando valley born and raised… we aren’t winning again until Lebron leaves, then we have a decade of crap because LeGM is not a good GM.

[@jackkaestner7424]

Ironic to say you don’t like Gobert with the spacing and then bring up the Celtics game where without him they were able to double ANT late

[@discowolf25]

😂💯. Typical dumbazz celtics fan delusion.

[@esohny]

Conley didn't play either. Gee, I wonder if that might have affected the outcome.

[@codyhuesers]

@@esohnyGobert has had limited effectiveness in the playoffs his entire career. Min could win 60+, I would still be shocked if they made the finals. I don’t trust Gobert, and to some degree KAT as well.

[@TheRulersBack18]

putting curry on your 'players who can always create good offense' this season and not lebron is certainly a choice

[@firuBR]

exactly my thoughts here. classic ringer stuff

[@Jack-jx6ln]

The 2015 warriors had made the playoff a few times before. This is the first playoff run for the Thunder. This is the big difference people miss

[@jimdorsey8891]

Joel # 1 scorer all time per 36 minutes Gets to line twice as much = Bonus sooner Superior D Jokic better passer Took Boston to game 7 Harris Melton 5 pts with a torn kneecap Broken face .Prior years their 2nd best player missed Boston series Simmons with mental issues vs Atlanta Joel is double and often tripled Two great players but if healthy it’s not that close

[@santivalenzuela14]

When was the last time PHI made it out the second round? I’d be hella surprised if they win

[@nicko3896]

Yeah that wolves take was kinda cap. Conley has made and hit big time plays for us. Any given night anybody can be the second scorer.

[@Joshuatribe]

wild hoodie RR, fresh -- are those donuts, asteroids, skeet?

[@joeknapp9162]

Fire hoodie

[@WheresWaldo05]

Wolves were on 2nd night of a bsck to back when we lost to the celtics in overtime. We got gassed. The fact we took it to overtime speaks volumes. And we already beat them once earlier as well. I love our chances in the finals against them.

[@discowolf25]

5:31 me too Ryan, me too 😔

[@RoyZemach6]

Looks like someone raided Jesse Pinkman's wardrobe

[@dwaynelee1789]

Love the passion with Russillo he is definitely plugged in, but putting Phoenix on the list cmon now. We all know there will be another Suns injury in 3 2 1....

[@melvinjoseph952]

OKC is awesome, but if that team somehow wins the championship this year, I will 100% be shocked

[@denigster]

we all know that someone from the east has to make it but besides miami no one of these chookers desevers to be called a contender

[@denigster]

lol what phoenix ?????? wolves ?? okc ? are you nuts and cant remember your own rules

[@k_hack9441]

Besides Miami?! Stop man. It’s a miracle they got by the choking Bucks and Celtics. They only beat the Sixers in 2022 when Embiid tried to play through a fractured skull by Siakam. I appreciate their grit, but they’re not real.

[@DeeMan17]

I assume you mean choker’s, regardless I don’t think the Bucks can be considered that. They’ve won it all and we haven’t seen this version with Dame play out yet.

[@k_hack9441]

@@DeeMan17 the Bucks have choked more than maybe anyone but the Celtics. Up 2-0 on Kawhi raptors in 2019 and lose. Lose to the mediocre Heat in 2020, horrific. Win it all in 2021 bc Giannis gets lucky and hits FTs for once, hasn’t happened since. Lose in 2022 to the lesser Celtics up 3-2. Lose to the Heat again in 2023 first round, 4-1! I know Giannis had a back thing but it was minor. He got scared.

[@TrxieHEARTS]

We can't just let that hoodie go unaddressed and pretend it's no big deal.

[@gpauldejesus]

we’re once again underestimating how much experience and knowing to slow down the game matters in that playoffs, im not saying LAL and MIA are title contenders right now but they’re definitely good enough as currently constructed to spoil multiple parties, like Bron teams almost always go through this shit but the difference now is that this is actually still a good roster who just needs a trade and for Ham to finally figure it out and stop overthinking things, especially when it comes to rotations and schemes, which are both terrible rotations have been absolutely mess and with the trade deadline looming its tough for some of these dudes to get comfortable or consistent, once thats done with i think they’ll make another run

[@mattbedrosian5298]

Depends how you define a title contender. Miami and LA both made deep playoff runs last year yet both of them got smoked by Denver. 4-0 for LA and 4-1 for Miami. I think Lakers could maybe beat OKC in a playoff series, but if they get paired up at the 1-8 or 2-7 matchups with Denver they are getting smoked. If Denver was the 2 seed last year and not the one seed, and they got the LA matchup round one, LA's outlook after last season would have been much more grim than it was because of seeding luck.

[@gpauldejesus]

@@mattbedrosian5298 i mean yeah not being contenders means they’re not good enough to beat Denver or Boston

[@jammer9941]

I think Miami with the coaching and experience can certainly upset some teams, but it's hard to say contender with them because at some point the talent disparity ultimately dooms them. Now idk when exactly that is maybe its Boston beating them like a couple years ago, maybe they get back to the finals and lose to a team like Denver again, but they just are missing something to get there that while they have been successful with their core they haven't been able to get that piece that gets them there.

[@curtislinden9297]

SGA passed Tatum as playoff scorer without any playoff series wins, crazy. That finals loss really haunts him

[@RobberStormfire]

What metric are you using? SGA averages 15 and JT is nearly at 24 for career in the playoffs. Total points is not even worth mentioning as he has 2000+ more

[@jacobmcklowski4428]

SGA has never played a playoff game in his life

[@Jack-jx6ln]

It's wild to me how many people are assuming Shai will play at his regular season level in the playoffs

[@Flip-qy5ms]

My God RR - could you possibly pay attention? Two starters were out vs. Boston - Conley and Gobert. Ant is a kid who needs some guidance. That's Conley - the brain. Gobert is the backbone of the defense. Yes KP was out. Those two teams would be a fun finals match-up.

[@jammer9941]

We can argue who was and wasn't there but they have went to OT in the 2 games they have played so whatever it is they seem to play each other tight.

[@davidtheiss1311]

Where does Hoodie Ryen rank all time

[@Jack-jx6ln]

It still shocks me how SGAs playoff production is being assumed. We've seen so many players struggle to transfer their game to the playoff, especially for the first time and the number one option. But for SGA he's already in the upper echelon of playoff performers for some reason.

[@jakobe2454]

I watched this dude solo the Entire US team in the bronze medal game of fiba not long ago. That was enough for me to know he’s big time

[@Jack-jx6ln]

@@jakobe2454 that's a single elimination tournament. It's very different when you have to beat the same team 4 times.

[@jakobe2454]

@@Jack-jx6ln I guess but I’d argue big time players show up for big time games. Essentially a game 7 and he showed up and showed out over ANT, Brunson, Haliburton, etc. I think the calm demeanour he carries is perfect for the playoffs as well. Never too high never too low. Lastly I don’t see how teams scheme him out if the rest of OKC is gonna be playing as well as they currently are. Especially if J dub stays like this

[@Jack-jx6ln]

@@jakobe2454 again, the playoffs are a different breed. Shai has limited playoff experience and none as a first option. Dorts played one playoff series. JDub, Chet, Giddey, Cason Wallace and the rest of their key guys have never played on that stage. I think you're taking for granted how tough the playoffs are and assuming that they will play at the same level as the regular season

[@jakobe2454]

@@Jack-jx6ln You'll see when the time comes. they are for real.

[@rickyisme1230]

I think because of Jokic is so god damn unstoppable offensive force which if you give him the ball come playoffs time in crunch time you can guarantee a great shot if you double him you will get smoked if you use single coverage he will get a 60 % midrange shot or like a hook shot which is devastating for defense let alone he can let Jamal handle the ball if Jamal get hot which he will you can do nothing about it because if you double him that means Jokic leading four on three which is over . Unless you can blow out the Nuggets or you will find yourself in a tough situation which Denver will generate better offense than you because they have such a smart team and a basketball genius and they also can at least play solid defense. If no significant injuries I think Denver is safer bet to a title .

[@krypticnonsense4246]

Celtics getting banner 18 this year

[@613Gamer]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@denigster]

and tatum will get mvp - larry bird conference finals mvp 😀😀😀

[@k_hack9441]

Choke to the Heat coming in 3, 2, ….

[@KtonV]

Celtic fans been saying this since the beginning of the first Obama administration🤣

[@kmsideout]

@@k_hack9441🙂‍↔️

[@Trablaz]

I hope and pray Embiid stays healthy in the playoffs. Lots of these "Embiid is a playoff dropper" narratives are going to look really silly.

[@dmoney5466]

Sga hasn’t played a playoff game in 4 years and Zubac didn’t play Tuesday.

[@bradbrunoehler4095]

This analysis is as hot as that sweater DAMN

[@ScribblesAndHighlights]

Buddy needs to give a thread of that sweater to a girl and walk away.

[@longshot0610]

We're lying to ourselves if we wouldn't take Jokic over Embiid? What a bizarre comment to make. Ryen Russillo and Stan Van Gundy cut from the same cloth.

[@Youralwayswhining4367]

Alot of bias in that statement

[@Jack-jx6ln]

In a playoff setting you'd be insane to choose Embiid over Jokic

[@longshot0610]

@@Jack-jx6ln another odd statement. insane? what if I'm a longtime sixers fan attached to my blue chipper? we're talking about the reigning mvp here not no scrub.

[@davidpingitore6563]

As soon as Embiid wins a chip all that talk goes out the window. He has to show out..

[@Jack-jx6ln]

@@longshot0610 and Jokic is clearly the better playoff performer.

[@demirg1421]

You can leave the OKC out of this list, I guarantee it

[@markrico5096]

What abt the HEAT????

[@Dcshyt]

Russi got that shyt on huh!

[@carsonwilliams4029]

Anyone know what he is wearing? Lol.

[@mfhc9772]

Yes - I would be upset if Embiid was traded for Jokic.

[@nikolakrstic8079]

delulu

[@k_hack9441]

Same. Throw in a Jamal Murray and we’ll talk. Jokic carried a team to a 6 seed. He needed playoff Jamal. In contrast, Embiid needs a playoff Jamal equivalent instead of the two biggest chokers at guard over the past 5 years.

[@aron.gortman]

@@k_hack9441 You need to sharpen up your trolling, lil bro.

[@mfhc9772]

@@nikolakrstic8079nah he’s better at basketball

[@Kodreanu23]

Am I the only guy who perceives this as obvious? I mean, he named like 7-8 contenders ... The only cut is Lakers, Heat and Warriors... So, what makes this talk smart or insightful?

[@kmsideout]

Hmm. RR for the win. Comment didn’t age well.

[@KK-pm7ud]

The Heat should be on the list.

[@kmsideout]

cHeat can’t beat healthy teams.

[@jacobmcklowski4428]

I've got $100 this guy claims the Lakers are contenders. Am i wrong?

[@kmsideout]

Yes, you are. RR didn’t name the Lakers. Lakers didn’t matter in the playoffs.

[@brownsfan3]

Not even a mention of Cleveland what a bum

[@BOY_NAME_]

I'm sick and damn tired of hearing embiid needs "just one more piece". Bullshit! Man shut the hell up. Embiid can't be the center piece of a championship team. He can't! He's Kevin Durant at center. Sure he's the best scorer in the league but he's far from the best player. Guy just doesn't have what it takes to lead a team to a championship. Think about this- he had prime Jimmy Butler and and Ben Simmons. Bounced out. He had James harden and some great pieces. Bounced out. He needs to be with Curry. That's the only way he'll ever win a championship. Curry's the only player in this league that can win a championship with embiid. Embiid doesn't need one more piece. He is the piece.

[@Pump-rq2uf]

What an idiotic comment😂😂 No way ur using ben simmons and a post prime james harden as elite help😂

[@BOY_NAME_]

@@Pump-rq2uf who does he need then? Your telling me Jimmy Butler wasn't a lock for the chip? I've heard for 6 years after they're bounced out 2nd round "ooh he's only one piece away..." Well in those 6 years he had multiple good pieces and before he was knocked out everyone said "this was the year". Heard the same thing about Durant. He couldn't get it done until he joined Curry. Embiid won't get it done either. He needs to join a team like the pacers, thunder, heat, or warriors. That's the only way he'll win a championship. He's never going to get the pieces he "needs" because he will never win a championship while he's the unequivocal team leader- like Durant. Sure he will probably be finals MVP but it's going to be curry, haliburton, or giddy with 15 assists a game and 5 wide open threes. You know I'm right. Embiid isn't built to be the unquestionable team leader. Neither is Durant. Curry is, Giannis is, Jokic is, Butler is. Embiid is not.

[@emersonlake9302]

I love Russillo.. when he is talking about the NBA. Anything else… I can’t bear to listen. The life advice preachy segments, no thank you. Work out regularly, that’s it. Nothing else matters. The “I’m the cool guy playing both sides, look at me at my NFL take” stuff, nope. The guy clearly knows his basketball. I wish he would just stick to it.

[@garrettareiss]

With the nuggets, murray hasn't been near as good and that's most of the reason they haven't been great yet. Idk if murray can turn it on like he has in the past or not but if he does we have a good chance again.

[@Justme-jq2np]

You said this before the game against Boston. He gave you your answer

[@garrettareiss]

@@Justme-jq2np yep. If Murray plays like the second best player on the count then it’s really hard to beat the nuggets.

[@nicolasbouchard9222]

Love the show man, but the fuck are you wearing bruh?? Am I watching Ryen Russillo or Lil’ Durk?

[@SharpwithanE]

For the algo

[@richi1235]

Dark Horse Mavs

[@KtonV]

Anyone who thinks the thunder actually have a real chance to win the title as of now aren’t paying attention. Yeah their record is good but that team as currently constructed is not ready for a deep playoff run let alone a finals championship run. If the lakers got in and played them in the first round they’d win in 5 or 6 probably.

[@boortsy12]

people are underestimating a lebron james led team. haven’t they seen that, when he turns it up to playoff mode, they can beat anyone in a 7 game series? lakers should be favourites

[@FSVR54]

what a joke. they will lose in the play-in tournament

[@shorewall]

They got swept last year.

[@denigster]

you mean we underestimate the power of the nba referees and that they will call them to at least the wc finals again^^

[@KtonV]

Yeah I’m with you. It’s funny Russilo considers the thunder such contenders but I guarantee you if the lakers and thunders match up in the playoffs they’d beat the thunder in 5 or 6

[@pleaserewind295]

Is this a joke? They literally can't beat several teams in a series. They won't be playing against a hurt Grizzles or Warriors this year.

[@kingdraco7127]

How do these Boston groupies continue to forget that the Miami Heat have ran Eastern conference the past 3/4 years. Heat have been unhealthy all year and are still a top 5 seed in the east as of this day. Can’t wait for them to beat the Celtics again so I can listen to these Boston losers cry… AGAIN!

[@jammer9941]

I mean the Celtics beat the heat 2 years ago so it's not a foregone conclusion that they will win. Every series have gone a minimum of 6 games with the last 2 being 7 game series. You are talking like the heat swept them every time they have played. It also doesn't help that Miami outside of weirdly enough the year they lost where they were tye 1 seed don't play like a team that ends up the champion as all but a handful of teams were a top 3 team in the regular season whereas Miami has floated 4-8 a lot of the time and just don't always look dominate. Could they win the east again, yea maybe, but they usually wear themselves out getting there and lack the firepower to actually win it all. Whereas the ones typically listed as contenders are consistently are top 3 seeds and have a potential theoretical ceiling higher than Miami, but don't always reach that.

[@aubm713]

If you been watching Phx while healthy they’re top 3 favorites to win the championship

[@phamawa]

Too small a sample size.

[@aubm713]

@@phamawa fair. But they look very good right now

[@FSVR54]

Bucks being a contender is straight laughable. Tired of Yannis fans and the league allowing him to travel and push off on all his drives. Manufactured, no actual finesse ball skills "star".

[@liamnicol9390]

Think critically

[@FSVR54]

@@liamnicol9390 look into a mirror as you utter that statement

[@juicethreetwo]

I'm not a heat fan but...they keep making the nba finals, so wtf how r they not "true contenders".

[@carlpeterson8279]

Cross out Minnesota and Oklahoma City. Edit: the classic outro music is back!

[@ruivicente9146]

Easy. 3 on the East...and whoever can face up the Nuggets.

[@christineryan6564]

That hoodie needs to be retired.

[@k_hack9441]

Let’s be real. The west is weak, Nuggets benefited from an easy path last year and took advantage.

[@pleaserewind295]

I wanna agree, but Miami beating everyone in the East makes that hard to say.

[@aron.gortman]

So did lebron on Miami, easiest run in sports history.

[@DeeMan17]

Nah, Jokic is having a hall of fame career. How strong was the East then? Miami?

[@k_hack9441]

@@pleaserewind295 no, the Bucks and Celtics choked, but were clearly better teams. Hell the Sixers kinda choked against the better Celtics being up 3-2 and up 83-81 late in gm 6. Both things can be true.

[@k_hack9441]

@@aron.gortman not true. Lebrons heat were the best team in the league then. The 2023 Nuggets were the 4th best team that got a lucky path.

[@SalCali123]

Fakers fans are not happy right now 😂

[@ssjohnson23]

phx has no shot - can’t win a ship without a point guard

[@kmsideout]

Booker is fire at point BUT Beal is a big step backwards. Imagine Caruso and Naz Reid on this team.

[@dakkarocka]

Solid list, a couple would be big surprises (PHX and OKC) but not out of left field shit.

[@David-iv6je]

We doubt OKC because they're young. But they have a good road record! PHX I'm not buying. But hey, maybe they gel when they are all healthy. MIN hasn't shown anything yet, but I'm glad that trade won't go down as the worst ever..

[@tylerjacobson4300]

​@@David-iv6je The Wolves have beat OKC, Boston, Denver, The Clippers, The Bucks, the 6ers, the Lakers, Magic. What exactly do they need to do to "show something"

[@ljutko7]

​@@tylerjacobson4300lol win second round for begining 😂😅

[@KtonV]

Yeah OKC are not true contenders. Everyone would be shocked if that team won it all. I’d bet my house that they don’t win it all. More likely to be a second round exit.

[@David-iv6je]

@@tylerjacobson4300 Win in the playoffs. It almost always takes a team some failure before they win it all. They will be beaten by a more seasoned team.

[@charleslaw8214]

Look at this 50 year olds hoodie

[@FreshHiu2024]

Why is it that every writer/podcast/NBA expert always say they can't look at the Clippers as legit because of their past failures? This is the only team that I have every hear where they compare their past to what is happening now. Luck(Health) plays the biggest role to win a title with any of these teams. PHX, MN, OKC have never won a title but are considered favorites because of their record? Talent? Youth? PHX had Barkley, MN had Big Ticket, OKC had Harden/KD/Russ and all never won. Philly has Embid but not won with him due to...Harden failing?...Embid hurt?...Very little chance Philly wins with this team any more than Clippers unless luck(health) plays a role.

[@AnthonyMonda]

OKC vs PHI would be such a fun finals

[@deeprhymes]

The thunder are not contenders imo