The NBA season has finally tipped off, and Ryan and Fred are back with their signature blend of banter, insight, and rivalry. In this episode, the boys roll out a new segment called “Let’s Not Pretend” where they drop a few uncomfortable truths about some of the league’s biggest names and early-season surprises.
Then things take a sharp turn — the conversation dives deep into the dark side of sports gambling. Coaches, players, the media… no one’s off limits. Expect some heated takes, a powerful throwback to Blue Chips, and a few moments that might just make you rethink what’s happening around the league.
Welcome back to the Best of Enemies podcast! After a well-earned offseason break, Ryan and Fred are back to break down all the wild moves from around the league and get ready for the 2025–26 NBA season.
We’re kicking things off with a brand new segment — “Hype or Pipe” — where we separate the real contenders from the dreamers. From the Knicks’ shake-up to the chaos in the East, and the champs out West trying to run it back, nothing is off-limits.
Then, we turn up the fire with “Get That Hatred Outta Your Heart,”, as Fred finally confronts his feelings about a certain NBA legend making headlines again (you can probably guess who 👀).
And to wrap things up, Fred takes a victory lap in “Purple Reign on the Parquet” — a not-so-humble look at Boston’s off-season fallout that Ryan may not be ready for.
New segments, bold takes, and a few surprises — it’s the Best of Enemies like you’ve never heard before.
Game 7 Heartbreak, Halli’s Injury, KD to Houston, Celtics Blowing it Up ?
We had it all this week an underwhelming Game 7, a devastating Halliburton injury, the rise of Shai, massive trades, and the Draft just hours away.
Ryan and Fred reflect on an unforgettable Finals with an unforgettable ending for all the wrong reasons.
We break down OKC’s rise, Halli’s Achilles, Boston’s fire sale KD’s shocking move to Houston, and preview the next wave of stars coming in through the Draft.
This one’s packed.
The best two words in sports: Game Seven!
We break down Indiana’s blowout in Game 6, Halliburton’s bounce-back, Siakam’s early takeover, and why OKC looked like deer in headlights.
Fred calls out Caruso, Chet, and Dort for disappearing, while Ryan wonders if the Thunder's youth finally caught up to them.
Plus: Game 7 preview will home court matter, can SGA bounce back, and will Halli channel his inner Hoosier?
We talk TV ratings, small market bias, and make bold predictions for an epic finale.
Game 5 Recap + Game 6 Preview
OKC take control of the series 3-2 behind a huge Jalen Williams performance and a silent night from Tyrese Haliburton.
We break down what went wrong for Indiana, whether Carlisle should’ve ridden McConnell longer, and why Halli’s calf strain raises big questions.
Our Game 6 preview
Also, Lakers sold for $10 billion!, and KD-to-Boston rumours won’t go away.
All that and our Game 6 predictions in an all-time Finals battle.
Shai Takes Over Late!
OKC pulls off a huge Game 4 win behind SGA’s clutch heroics and some key Daigneault adjustments.
We break down the rotations, the physicality, and whether the refs are calling two different games for OKC and Indy.
Plus: KD trade rumours heat up, Orlando makes a bold move for Desmond Bane, and is Memphis heading for a full rebuild?
All that and our Game 5 predictions as the Finals head into a pivotal swing game!
The Mathurin Game!
Indy takes Game 3 behind Benedict Mathurin’s breakout performance and a huge night from the Pacers bench.
e break down Carlisle’s adjustments, McConnell’s game-changing steal, and what OKC needs to do to bounce back in Game 4.
Plus: Boston trade rumours heat up, the Second Apron Era’s impact on team building, and the Knicks coaching search turns into a circus.
Thunder strike back!
We break down OKC's bounce-back win in Game 2 behind Caruso and Wiggins, and look ahead to a pivotal Game 3.
Plus: why Indy’s late-game magic might be running out, Finals viewership continues to plummet, Boston’s tough offseason decisions, KD trade rumours, and injuries starting to pile up.
Is Halliburton's mystery injury something to watch?
Halli for the win!
We dive into the Pacers’ shocking Game 1 comeback against OKC, Haliburton’s clutch gene, and what it all means for Game 2.
Plus, we break down the least watched Finals opener in history, Siakam’s quiet dominance, and Thibodeau’s shock Knicks exit.
Out West, Thunder’s defense dazzles, but can Ant-Man evolve and lead the Wolves further next year?
Was that the greatest choke ever?
We break down the Pacers' meltdown at MSG, Nembhard and Nesmith catching fire, and the Knicks' heartbreak.
Out West, OKC rolls as Ant-Man limps off, and we discuss what Jayson Tatum’s injury means for the Celtics’ future.
Plus, is NBA parity finally real? T
une in for takes, banter, and basketball brilliance.
Game 7 buzzer beaters, first-round exits, and rising stars – this week’s episode has it all.
We break down the epic Nuggets-Clippers finish, Draymond’s antics, and the Lakers’ historic early exit.
Plus, is Heat Culture dead? What’s next for Giannis and the Bucks?
We also look ahead to second-round matchups, spotlighting Brunson’s superstar turn and the looming Knicks-Celtics showdown.
Tap in and hit that bell – you won’t want to miss this one.
The regular season finale delivered chaos and drama worthy of an HBO series.
Fred breaks down the Lakers' rollercoaster ride to the 3rd seed, while Ryan keeps it classy with a calm and collected Celtics season review.
We talk:
🟣 Lakers' highs, lows & JJ Redick’s playoff readiness
🟢 Celtics’ steady excellence and PP’s breakout year
🔥 First Round West matchups – Clippers' streak, Dubs vs Rockets, and Kawhi’s Finals form
🗽 Knicks vs Pistons – 90s beef revived in MSG
⚡️ Shoutout to OKC’s historic 68-win season
🎯 Bonus: Josh Giddey’s half-court dagger to beat the Bulls
Playoff predictions, bold takes, and a Black Mirror vs West Wing metaphor war—this one's loaded.
Like, subscribe, and we’ll see you after Round 1.
Episode 21 — NBA Playoff Push
Episode 20: The All-Star Game
In this episode, we break down NBA All-Star Weekend — from the chaotic Rising Stars format to the underwhelming main event.
We debate what went wrong with the Skills Challenge, give props to Tyler Herro in the 3-point contest, and question whether G-League players are saving the Dunk Contest.
We also dig into the disappointing final game, the players' lack of effort, plus, we brainstorm ideas to save All-Star Weekend — from a Team USA vs. World showdown to merit-based selections.
If you’ve been frustrated with the state of the All-Star Game, this one's for you.
Best of Enemies - Episode 19: The Trade Deadline
Massive Trades, Big Moves, and the Future of the NBA?
The NBA trade deadline shook up the league, and after the blockbuster Luka deal, we're diving into the next biggest moves.
What do these trades mean for their teams, and how will they impact the league's balance of power?
Fox to San Antonio – The Spurs get their star! But is Fox worth the massive extension?
Jimmy to Golden State – Can Playoff Jimmy carry the Warriors, or is this a desperate move for a fading dynasty?
Kuzma to the Bucks – A fresh start for Kuz, but does this really make Milwaukee a contender?
Mark Williams’ rescinded trade – What went wrong with his Lakers deal, and how does this impact L.A.?
And finally, we explore a potential NBA competitor league backed by global investors. Could LeBron and Luka lead a true rival to the NBA? What happens when the league built on star power faces a mass exodus?
Tap in as we break it all down! Follow us on Spotify and hit the bell icon for updates.
Episode 18: LUKA DONCIC IS A LAKER!!!
Luka Doncic. A Los Angeles Laker. How did this blockbuster trade happen? Why would the Mavs give up their franchise player? And what does this mean for the NBA?
The Trade
Luka is in purple and gold, but at what cost? Did the Lakers just pull off the heist of the decade?
How Did This Go Down?
Years of tension in Dallas, a power shift to the front office, was this trade inevitable?
What This Means for Luka & the Lakers
Luka joins LeBron’s legendary franchise, but will he thrive in LA?
What This Means for the Mavs
With AD now in Dallas, is this a rebuild or a retool? Can they win without Luka, or is this the start of something bigger?
The Ripple Effect
This trade shakes up the entire league. Who benefits? Who’s panicking?
Final Thoughts (8:00)
Did the Mavs just make the worst trade in NBA history? Or is Luka exactly what the Lakers need to reclaim their throne? Let’s break it all down!
Welcome to episode 17
Brief overview of topics: Lakers vs. Celtics, Jimmy Butler’s trade saga, league hot streaks, and shoutouts to OKC and Cleveland.
Lakers vs. Celtics Recap
Breaking down the rivalry game
Celtics’ disappointing performance. Lakers’ defensive intensity and statement plays.
Celtics’ Midseason Slump
Can they bounce back?
Analyzing Boston’s performance drop-off. Challenges in catching the Cavs. Championship hangover comparisons.
The Jimmy Butler Saga
Heat drama and trade possibilities
Butler’s suspensions and potential destinations. Speculation on Miami’s roster changes and Pat Riley’s legacy.
Winning Streaks Around the League
Who’s hot right now?
Cavs, Knicks, Bucks, and OKC streaks analyzed. The impact of recent team moves on standings.
OKC and Cleveland – Team Building Done Right
How they’ve redefined success
The evolution from three-superstar teams to cohesive lineups. OKC and Cleveland’s key rebuilding moments. A deeper dive into their strategic pivots and successes.
Welcome to Best of Enemies Episode 16! We’re diving into Christmas Day NBA action, the NBA Cup, Lakers trades, and checking in on Fred’s Celtics.
Christmas Day Viewership & NBA Cup
Did the NBA finally “own” Christmas with 8 million viewers for Bron vs. Steph, or is the NFL still king? And if no one watched the Bucks win the NBA Cup, will Adam Silver make changes?
Lakers Trades
Does Dorian Finney-Smith fix the Lakers’ wing issues, or is this trade just another flop? Will the Lakers’ playoff hopes improve after the All-Star break?
Celtics on the Decline?
Can the Celtics win it all without homecourt? Is Kristaps Porzingis worth the injury risk? And is Boston’s reliance on threes their biggest flaw?
Trade Rumours
Jimmy Butler, Zach LaVine, or someone else—who’s the next big star on the move? Could the Heat, Bulls, or even Brooklyn make a splash?
Is Pelinka the Worst GM?
Does Rob Pelinka deserve the hate for the Westbrook trade, or does bringing in LeBron, AD, and a title redeem him?
What’s behind the NBA’s declining viewership, and which teams have been the biggest letdowns this season? And, of course, what’s the latest on the Celtics and Lakers?
The Lakers?
Are the Lakers already bouncing back from their rough patch—or is this just a mirage?
Is LeBron’s slump officially over, and can Anthony Davis maintain MVP-level play?
What about Coach Reddick—has his debut season proven he’s better than Coach Ham, or are their records basically the same?
NBA Viewership in Decline
Why has NBA viewership dropped 28%—is it load management, too many threes, or something deeper?
Is focusing on teams, not players, the key to keeping fans engaged? Could the NBA take a page out of the NFL’s playbook, or is it too late to make that shift?
And with players shooting more threes than ever, has analytics taken the soul out of basketball?
Disappointments
Is it time for Philly to blow it up, or can Embiid turn the Sixers' season around? And has their relationship with the city been permanently damaged?
Did the Pacers overachieve last season—or are they proof the East is just weaker?
As for the West: What’s behind the Timberwolves’ inconsistency? Are Ant’s shocking comments about his team’s mentality a wake-up call?
And the Pelicans—are injuries the only excuse, or is there something deeper going wrong in New Orleans?
Is Zion the next “street clothes,” and could the Pels regret the Dyson Daniels trade?
CELTICS
Are the Celtics the poster child for everything wrong with the modern NBA?
Do they shoot too many threes at the expense of better opportunities?
NBA Cup
Is the NBA Cup already overrated—or do fans just need time to embrace it? What game are we looking forward to and who will win it all?
Welcome
In store on the podcast this week..
Could the NBA Cup become as big as the All-Star Game?
Which teams are surprising us this season?
And what’s the latest with the Celtics and Lakers? Follow us on Spotify, and don’t forget to hit the Bell icon for updates on new episodes!
NBA Cup
Is the NBA Cup creating career-defining moments for players?
What lasting impact has it had on teams like the Lakers?
Should teams take pride in winning the NBA Cup—or is it just another banner?
Could the NBA Cup grow into a legacy-defining event for the league?
NBA Cup vs. All-Star Game
Why does the NBA Cup feel like a win, while the All-Star Game seems to be losing its shine?
What’s the NBA planning for the All-Star Game’s future? Could changing All-Star criteria—like rewarding players from winning teams—bring back its prestige?
Teams Punching Above Their Weight
In the East, is Detroit set to break out after years of struggle? How are the Magic thriving without Paolo Banchero?
Can Dyson Daniels turn Atlanta into a defensive powerhouse?
In the West, are the Warriors proving their depth is their secret weapon?
Could Houston’s balanced attack make them a serious threat in the NBA Cup?
Celtics Update
Can the Celtics dominate without some of their stars?
Are the Cavs really contenders, or are they just pretenders?
Lakers Update
Are the Lakers the hottest team in the league right now?
Can Dalton Connect keep lighting up the scoreboard?
Is AD finally playing at an MVP level—or is it just another tease?
With LeBron running the point and AD shooting lights out, could this Lakers squad be the best in the West?