48 Minutes: "Circled" Games, Significant Signings, Gambling Updates, and Riles in Bronze

0:00 ... Ross hello, welcome, and introduces the panel 0:35 ... Episode #196 honors Don "Duck" Ray, a member of the old "Tri Cities Blackhawks" who wore uniform #96 back in the 1949-'50 season. 0:53 ... Friday's matchup between the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs is a battle for bragging rights in Texas.  Will Houston's three headed monster at center be able to wear Victor Wembanyama down? 5:11 ... Saturday's matchup between the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers will be a good measuring stick for the up and coming Bulls, who have started the season on a hot streak.  Can the banged up Cavs move closer to the Bulls in the standings? 8:50 ... The Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic play twice this weekend on Friday and Sunday with both games in Orlando.  While the Magic are playing better than the Celtics as of late, it's never easy to beat the same team twice in two days. 12:16 ... Final Thought: Bruce admits he may have been wrong about Doc Rivers using Giannis Antetokounmpo to bring the ball up and initiate the offense for the Bucks. 13:35 ... Final Thought: World B thinks the Oklahoma City Thunder have a legit chance to win 70 games this season. 15:30 ... Final thought: Ross wonders about unsigned free agents Malik Beasley and Ben Simmons and what their status is.  Could Simmons simply be quietly retiring without a formal announcement? 16:54 ... Ross wraps it up TRT 17:12   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

6 Nov 17min

0:00 ... Ross hello, welcome, introduction of the panel. 0:36 ... Show #195 is dedicated to the late Anthony Mason who played for the Knicks in 1995 under Pat Riley. 1:34 ... The Chicago Bulls continue their strong early season run and the guys break down what has been going to well.  Josh Giddey has been leading the way for Billy Donovan's team even though their forwards are not grabbing many rebounds. 6:20 ... The matchup between the Bulls and 76ers on Tuesday night will feature a fascinating matchup between guards Tyrese Maxey of Philly and Giddey.  The winner of the game will also take over the top spot in the east. 9:08 ... The New York Knicks have not been firing on all cylinders early in the season as they adjust to new head coach Mike Brown.  The Knicks are shooting a lot more 3 pointers than they did last season but there does not appear any reason to panic in New York.  Bruce feels that Jordan Clarkson's impact will eventually be felt as he competes for the 6th man of the year award. 14:10 .... The Orlando Magic have also been shaky out of the gate with their first four games all on the road.  Desmond Bane came over from Memphis to shoot 3 pointers but so far has shot mostly blanks.  Bruce feels their defense and rebounding will carry them to greater success and Bane will eventually remember how to make threes.  Ross is very concerned about the free throw shooting by the Magic which is only around 75% right now 19:10 ... The Oklahoma City Thunder have started the season 7-0 and our guys predict when their first loss may take place.  Bruce and Ross see it coming in a day or two while World B feels they'll remain undefeated into next week. 21:44 ... The Portland Trailblazers have responded well to new coach Tiago Splitter who replaced Chauncey Billups when the gambling scandal sidelined him.  Jrue Holiday, Jerami Grant, and Donovan Clingan have all excelled in the early going.  World B credits their aggressive defense and insane hustle as huge factors in their success.  Once Scoot Henderson returns from his injury, their defense should improve even more. 27:11 ... Trae Young of the Hawks will miss at least a month with an MCL injury.  His shooting has been terrible but maybe the mental break due to injury might help him to reset things when he returns.  World B has some stats supporting the Hawks' offensive improvement with Young sidelined.  Ross points out that with no other point guards on the roster, Atlanta will have to run their offense in a non-traditional way. 30:39 ... Ja Morant is also creating a mess in Memphis with his poor attitude.  He was suspended for insubordinate behavior and it won't be long before the trade rumors start up in earnest.  Simply put, he needs to GROW UP. 35:07 ... "True or False"  The guys check in on whether the San Antonio Spurs will win 50 games and finish in the top 4 in the west. 38:05 ... "True or False"  Everyone checks in on whether Nikola Jokic will set the single season record for triple doubles (currently 42 by Russell Westbrook). 40:17 ... The final "True or False" question ... Someone other than Stephen Curry will lead the league in 3 pointers made. 42:05 ... Ross says goodbye TRT 42:18     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

4 Nov 42min

0:00 ... Bruce and Ross have some issues with the "Tournament" label on the NBA Cup, which started on Friday.  They believe the games are just as important as regular season games than as "Tournament Victories."  The timing and format of the "Tournament" are also a bit puzzling. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1 Nov 2min

0:00 Intro 0:37 Fun NBA Weekend Matchups We’re Looking Forward Too! 1:17 New York Knicks at Chicago Bulls 3:48 Dallas Mavericks vs Detroit Pistons 6:24 Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers 9:51 Bruce shares his rant on the NBA Cup 12:29 A Way Too Early Over Reaction 12:42 Bruce on the Houston Rockets 14:55 Ross on AJ Green of the Milwaukee Bucks Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

30 Okt 17min

0:00 Intro 01:14 Our Reactions to the NBA Betting Scandals 6:45 Bruce & Ross share their thoughts on all of the different NBA network productions so far 14:45 Victor Wembanyama’s Monster 1st Week 19:20 Just Slow Starts or A Long Year Ahead? 19:25 Boston Celtics 21:24 Indiana Pacers 23:05 New Orleans Pelicans 25:30 Phoenix Suns 27:31 Dallas Mavericks 30:54 Red Hot Rookies Around the League 34:50 The 50 Ball Club is already forming early this season, who’s next to join? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

28 Okt 41min

0:00 ... Ross introduction and dedicates episode #192 to Detlef Schrempf. 0:54 ... Weekend preview ... We begin with Celtics vs Knicks on Friday at MSG. 5:18 ... Saturday's top matchup: Thunder vs Hawks in Atlanta. 9:38 ... Teams we'll be watching this season: The Spurs, Warriors, and Clippers. TRT 16:13 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

23 Okt 16min

0:00 ... Opening animation ... Ross introduces the crew 0:43 ... Ross dedicates Show #191 to Scott Skiles, the first coach Ross ever worked for in the NBA 0:58 ... Bruce introduces Tim Legler of ESPN and ABC, "the best hoop analyst in the business."  Legs reacts immediately with a story about Scott Skiles and his record breaking 30 assist game. 2:53 ... Bruce finishes the Legs intro and compares him to the great LeBron James.  Legs reacts to the great complement and explains how his work ethic and desire to teach has always been present. 4:30 ... Legs reacts to winning the Long Distance Shootout in 1996 and how it affected his future in the sport.  Legs finally found himself with a team and a coach that allowed him to flourish and validate himself. 8:00 ... Bruce asks Legs how he will handle being on the number one broadcast team for ESPN and ABC ... Legs plans to do the same things he has done in the studio, but will do them in "real time" on the game broadcasts. 11:50 ... Legs is doing a series for NBA TV where he interviews a number of high profile coaches and breaks down their favorite plays.  Legs says it was an amazing experience to spend time with so many great coaches. 15:00 ... World B asks about Nikola Jokic and if his even keeled demeanor is held against him.  Legs feels that Denver has made itself a championship contender this season and that will help Joker in this year's MVP race. 18:19 ... Is Cooper Flagg going to be a "lock" in the "Rookie of the Year" race?  Legs' answer was pretty surprising and he pointed out that the award tends to be stat driven, which might work against Flagg. 21:40 ... If Jayson Tatum returns late in the season and is healthy and effective, can the Celtics make a serious playoff run? 24:33 ... Legs shares which teams he feels could maybe come out of the east in a season where the conference appears to be wide open. 26:52 ... Ross asks about the Milwaukee Bucks and if they stand a chance in the east.  Legs is concerned about their defense. 29:13 ... Three point shooting has become far more prevalent than it was when Legs played in the 1990s.  He feels like the right number of threes taken by a team should be in the 30's. 32:05 ... Bruce asks about the unique skill set of Victor Wembanyama and Legs has an incredible breakdown of things Wemby can do that nobody else can do, especially on defense. 35:17 ... Can an aging Clippers team make noise in the western conference?  Legs thinks they can actually finish as high as #3 in the west.  Kawhi Leonard could be poised for a strong season. 38:09 ... Michael asks Legs about an "under the radar" team and he loves Orlando's intensity and what they are capable of this season.  The Magic added a great three point shooter in Desmond Bane, which was their weakness last season. 40:29 ... LeBron James begins his 23rd season and Legs explains some of the things he'll need to do in order to stay healthy and effective for the playoffs. 43:13 ... Legs is asked about a team that may have been overhyped but might not be "all that."  Atlanta in the east and San Antonio in the west are his choices. 46:22 ... Trae Young of the Hawks has not signed for next season and that can affect the team if it drags on endlessly, but at the start of the season it's not a factor. 49:44 ... The Jonathan Kuminga saga in Golden State created a lot of summer drama.  Legs calls it "the longest audition" since he still isn't considered an indispensable player.  But Legs feels like most of the issues surrounding him have already been dealt with over the years. 53:48 ... Legs played with some of the greatest players in the history of the sport.  Legs cites one former teammate that stood out above them all. 55:35 ... Ross thanks Legs and wraps it up ... TRT 56:23           Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

21 Okt 56min

0:00 Intro 1:16 Rookie of the Year 3:25 Defensive Player of the Year 5:20 Sixth Man of the Year 7:44 Coach of the Year 10:41 Most Valuable Player 13:53 Most Improved Player Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

17 Okt 14min