Austin and Pausha discuss Russell Westbrook’s latest feat and why veterans like Russ still deserve a place in today's NBA. Then, they get into why the criteria for the Most Improved Player Award should change. Later, the guys talk Josh Giddey’s hot start and debate whether the Bulls are real contenders in the East.

Austin and Pausha discuss Luka Doncic’s scorching start and what it could mean for the Lakers. Plus which NBA teams have a legit shot at dethroning the still-undefeated Oklahoma City Thunder. And the guys had to talk about the drama brewing in Memphis; Is it time for Ja Morant and the Grizzlies to part ways?

(Recorded on 10.30.25) Austin and Pausha are back, talking about why the Sixers are in great shape while Paul George and Joel Embiid work their way back to full strength. With college hoops tipping off, the guys break down what could be a loaded NBA Draft class led by Cam Boozer and AJ Dybantsa. Later, they get into why the Bucks are looking solid early on and toss out some way-too-early MVP predictions.

(Recorded on 10:27.25) Austin and Pausha talk Austin Reaves going off for 51 points—plus, why the Lakers’ Big 3 might not be the best fit for a Championship-contending team. Then they break down Dylan Harper’s early flashes of stardom and explain why the Spurs’ crowded backcourt should not be a concern for them. With Cooper Flagg running the point, Austin makes his case against throwing the top draft pick straight into the fire. And to close it out, they get into why the polarizing Cam Thomas absolutely deserves a new contract.

(Recorded on 10.23.25) Austin and Pausha are back with reactions from the Opening Night and the return of NBA on NBC. They discuss what the Houston Rockets need to work on after their loss to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder and they recap the amazing season opening performances by 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe & Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama. Later, they talk through which American player has the best chance to win MVP.

(Recorded on 10.20.25) As Opening Night approaches, Austin and Pausha take a deep dive into the Milwaukee Bucks as Giannis enters a new chapter, with questions surrounding his supporting cast. They also discuss Russell Westbrook signing with the Sacramento Kings and what factors played a role in his delayed signing. Speaking of Westbrook, Austin gives his take on the various "fake" allegations surrounding a story about LeBron James’ & Russell Westbrook’s tumultuous 2022-23 season. Later, they talk about the Rockets' starting lineup and expectations for Victor Wembanyama in Year 3.

(Recorded on 10.13.25) Austin and Pausha are back! This time as part of the overall NBA on NBC and Peacock coverage. Austin talks through his first day jitters at NBC Sports HQ. Then, they discuss the top storylines from the NBA offseason and dive into some bold predictions for the upcoming season. As Lebron makes the Second Decision, Austin and Pausha take shots at whose next in line to become the superstars of this next generation of NBA players.

Austin and Pausha return to give their winners of the offseason, from Michael Beasley to Kevin Durant. They also discuss John Wall’s basketball legacy. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha HaghighiProducer: Kyle WilliamsAdditional Production Support: Ben CruzSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha return to give their thoughts on what makes for a great scorer, AAU culture, and the reaction to their mount rushmore list. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha return to react to summer news they missed. The two discuss Chris Paul signing with the Clippers, the restricted free agent market, and Luka Doncic’s revamped physique. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha return to give their thoughts on Cooper Flagg’s summer league debut, the state of the Western Conference, Devin Booker’s extension, and the rise in scoring in the NBA. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha return to react to day one of free agency. The two discuss the Michael Porter Jr. trade, how they would rank the teams in the West, and why Atlanta can make a surprising run in the Eastern Conference. Note: This pod was recorded before Damian Lillard was waived and Myles Turner signed with the Bucks. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha return to react to the first-round selections of the 2025 NBA draft and the latest trades and discuss how they affect the arms race in the Eastern Conference. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha return to react to the Thunder’s 103-91 championship-clinching win over the Pacers in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals and break down the seismic Kevin Durant trade to Houston. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha return to react to the Pacers' 108-91 Game 6 win over the Thunder to force a Game 7 in the 2025 NBA Finals and discuss the Lakers' new ownership group. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha return to react to the Thunder's 120-109 win over the Pacers in Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals and break down the shocking Desmond Bane trade to Orlando. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha return to react to the Pacers' 116-107 Game 3 win in the 2025 NBA Finals and break down the latest in the Knicks' coaching search. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha return to react to the Thunder's 123-107 victory in Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha return to react to the Pacers' 111-110 Game 1 win in the 2025 NBA Finals. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha jump into a Finals preview, but before that, they address the impact the Knicks' run had on the NBA and the city of New York (4:44), and discuss Pascal Siakam receiving the conference finals MVP over Haliburton (21:43)! Then, they discuss where this Finals matchup between the Thunder and the Pacers ranks among past years, debate how the lineups measure up against one another, and share their predictions (35:10)! Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices