Mo Dakhil joins Zach (1:54) to talk about the dominance of the Thunder and Nuggets and how they’ve separated themselves from the rest of the league. Next, they look toward the bottom of the standings to discuss five disasters happening out West (25:43). Who’s got the biggest issues right now? What about going forward? And is choosing the worst disaster worse than going on 'Fear Factor'? Finally, some happy surprises across the NBA, including the Raptors (56:37), Suns (01:04:12), and Hawks (01:10:42). Plus, some end-of-game coaching dilemmas, a classic “who says no” fake trade, and a whole lot more! Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Mo Dakhil Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach ventures to Minneapolis, Minnesota, for his FIRST live show ever (0:00), and he begins by power ranking the Western Conference with Rob Mahoney (2:23). Where did the hometown team come in? Next, The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski (20:18) hops onstage to go through the most pivotal moments in Timberwolves franchise history: everything from big draft picks to the big-balls dance. Then, Chris Finch (37:03) and Donte DiVincenzo (58:28) join the show before they close it out with some Q&A from the audience (1:14:25). Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Rob Mahoney, Jon Krawczynski, Chris Finch, and Donte DiVincenzo Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

J. Kyle Mann joins Zach to react to today’s news of Nico Harrison’s firing (2:09) and sift through the wreckage of the Dallas Mavericks, going from the 2024 NBA Finals all the way to the present. What does it mean for the rest of the team, the front office, and the fans? All that, plus a slew of fake Anthony Davis trades (18:14) and much more. Host: Zach Lowe Guest: J. Kyle Mann Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fred Katz of The Athletic joins the show to power-rank the entire Eastern Conference (1:50). Who’s last? Where did the surprising Bulls come in? How about the disappointing Magic (26:26)? Then, as the list goes on, an unexpected team cracks into the top five (48:35) and a consensus on no. 1 emerges (1:05:49). Lastly, some rapid-fire things out in the West, including issues for the Clippers (1:22:29) and incredible play from the Spurs (1:32:15). Come for the basketball breakdowns, stay for the story of Zach's date from Friendster! Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Fred Katz Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What up, Beck (1:43)?! Howard joins Zach to first react to some of Wednesday’s notable action in the NBA, including Dallas losing its third straight, the Lakers taking down Wemby (16:03), the Thunder dropping their first game (24:05), and more. Next, they discuss some news and notes around the league (29:30) before they hit on some of the breakout role players (53:42) and disappointing starts (1:13:44). All that, plus a wild Trae Young trade idea, old movie jokes, and Zach’s insights into mediocrity! Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Howard Beck Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, Jonathan Frias Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available This episode is sponsored by Anthropic, the team behind Claude. Try Claude for free today at Claude.ai/LOWE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach begins by talking about the state of the Grizzlies with Chris Vernon (1:39): What does Ja Morant’s suspension mean for his future, and how much does he mean to the city of Memphis? Next, Michael Pina joins (25:23) to first discuss some fake trades involving Ja, as well as a potential disaster looming in New Orleans. Then, a trip around the Western Conference, with first impressions of Luka and the Lakers (44:12), the Nuggets (50:25), the Blazers (56:21), the Clippers (1:02:54), and the Wolves (1:10:44). All that plus some injury news, and where Game 7 of the World Series ranks among the all-time nerve-wracking games in sports (1:25:03)! Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Chris Vernon and Michael Pina Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, Jonathan Frias Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. This episode is sponsored by Anthropic, the team behind Claude. Try Claude for free today at Claude.ai/LOWE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Ryan joins Zach to start the show and revel in the good vibes around this 76ers team (1:51), talking about their young backcourt and what their new nickname should be! Then Mo Dakhil hops on to talk about who’s better or worse than we thought (22:31): The Bulls? The Bucks (44:55)? The Magic (50:24)? The Warriors (57:58)? Come for Noah Clowney’s gross highlight, and stay for Zach’s Oscar the Grouch costume! Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Chris Ryan and Mo Dakhil Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, and Jonathan Frias Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available This episode is sponsored by Anthropic, the team behind Claude. Try Claude for free today at Claude.ai/LOWE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach and Kirk Goldsberry dive into the opening week of the season with their first impressions, overreactions, and random questions (2:21): How close is Wemby to being the best player already? Which second-tier star is making the most impressive leap (18:52)? And is the Rookie of the Year race more open than we thought (30:30)? Next, alarming rotation holes in Atlanta and Minnesota (40:36), worries in Orlando and Dallas, and depressing gap years in Boston and Indiana (1:06:23). All that, plus their latest thoughts on the NBA’s gambling scandals (1:11:05), an Anthony Edwards injury update, and much more! Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Kirk Goldsberry Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, and Jonathan Frias Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available This episode is sponsored by Anthropic, the team behind Claude. Try Claude for free today at Claude.ai/LOWE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A loaded Zach Lowe Show begins with a huge announcement about how to see Zach LIVE and IN PERSON (0:00). Then it’s on to the latest breaking news from the gambling world (2:19) as David Purdum joins the show to tell us everything we need to know. Next, Blake Griffin hops on (27:55) to discuss what he and Zach have been seeing in the first few games: from the loaded West to the unbelievable Wemby! Finally, Trajan Langdon joins (1:13:45) to talk about his young Pistons team, his baseball career, and his enthusiasm for Halloween. Host: Zach Lowe Guests: David Purdum, Blake Griffin, and Trajan Langdon Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, and Jonathan Frias Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Learn more and join waitlist at ScoutMotors.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach begins by reacting to some of the latest extensions handed out in the NBA (1:49) before rejoining Rob to go through part 2 of their League Pass Rankings, starting where they left off at number 15 (11:34) and going all the way down to 1. Who will grab the top spot? Who’s the biggest surprise in the top 10? What jerseys do they hate now? And who will Guerschon Yabusele dunk on this season?! Plus, where did the Lakers clock in (54:25), is Steph Curry on a heater still the best show in the NBA (1:09:07)? And a Wemby-Jokic face-off for league pass supremacy (1:22:18). Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Rob Mahoney Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, and Jonathan Frias Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the first time ever in podcast form, Zach Lowe unveils his annual League Pass Rankings! In Part 1 (1:52), Rob Mahoney joins to go through teams 30-16. Who’s last? Who do they disagree on? And who does Zach imagine Rob trying to talk to people about at a dinner party?? What to make of the 76ers (34:16), and where does the first good team check in (40:37). Come for the courts and jerseys analysis, stay for Zach’s Steve Ballmer impression! All that and much more on Part 1 of the League Pass Rankings. Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Rob Mahoney Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, Jonathan Frias Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Learn more and join waitlist at ScoutMotors.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach begins by reacting to a few late-breaking news items (0:00) before welcoming Steve Nash to get his media feet wet by talking about some of the other stories around the league (4:52), including Westbrook’s latest team, LeBron’s injury, and more. Then, the two run through their picks for NBA awards this season (28:32), followed by their picks for the NBA Finals (54:30). Lastly, Aaron Nesmith hops on with Zach (1:13:35) to look ahead to this coming Pacers season, as well as look back on their magical playoff run. Not to mention some board game talk, training camp secrets, and a whole lot more! Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Steve Nash and Aaron Nesmith Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, and Jonathan Frias Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Learn more and join waitlist at ScoutMotors.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Woike comes on to react to the news that LeBron James will miss the start of the season (1:56). What’s the concern level for the Lakers? How much will it hurt them in the standings? And who will start in LeBron’s place? Plus, Zach’s plea to get on Hot Ones, curse words from the former Yugoslavia, and Zach’s capture the flag game against fifth graders! Then, Nekias Duncan comes on to talk about a handful of teams, including the Bucks (36:51), Pelicans (46:14), Hornets (57:57), Bulls (1:11:03), and Grizzlies (1:21:49), before closing the show with a look at the Sixth Man of the Year race this coming season (1:29:58). Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Dan Woike and Nekias Duncan Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, and Jonathan Frias Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Learn more and join waitlist at ScoutMotors.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach welcomes Ian Begley to break down the latest reports that the Knicks and Bucks have discussed a Giannis trade (2:07). Should New York be hesitant about this? What are some fake trades that make sense? What dream did Zach have, and how does it relate to Michael Kay?!? Next, Mo Dakhil comes on for a deep dive on the San Antonio Spurs (38:39), discussing Wemby’s ceiling, his connection with De'Aaron Fox, and what to expect from Dylan Harper. Finally, the pair give you reasons to watch the dregs of the NBA—Brooklyn (1:06:36), Utah (1:16:22), and Washington (1:27:32)—while talking about Lauri Markkanen’s future, whether the Hornets belong in this category, and some jokes about LeBron’s “decision” along the way. Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Ian Begley and Mo Dakhil Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, and Jonathan Frias Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach welcomes in John Hollinger for their annual look at which teams confuse them the most (1:58). Along the way, the pair discuss the Spurs (12:28), Celtics (17:19), Raptors (21:55), and Rockets (30:41). Which team do they agree on? And which team did Hollinger change Zach’s mind on? They also touch on the Mavericks (37:01), Pacers (52:01), Suns (57:18), some baseball talk, and a whole lot more. Host: Zach Lowe Guest: John Hollinger Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, and Victoria Valencia Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach and Kirk Goldsberry begin by discussing the Jonathan Kuminga contract signing (2:11): What does it mean for the Warriors' outlook, and what does it mean for a possible trade? Next, some news and notes from various media days around the league (27:01), including honest comments from Giannis and starting lineups in L.A. Then, it’s time to pick some awards (40:11), starting with, of course, MVP. Who will win? But also, who’s an under-the-radar candidate who could crack the top four? The two also run through their thoughts on possibilities for Coach of the Year (52:09). Last but not least, Sean Fennessey joins to wallow in Mets misery (1:06:24) with a postmortem on their favorite baseball team after they failed to make the playoffs. Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Kirk Goldsberry and Sean Fennessey Producers: Jesse Aron and Jonathan Frias Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On another loaded show, Zach begins with the biggest news from the weekend, including the Warriors' transactions (1:39). Then, Fred Katz joins to discuss the most interesting rookie deal extensions (8:25). What will the Hawks do with Dyson Daniels? What about the two Denver guys? And they take a closer look at who might have cap space next summer. To close the show, comedian Gary Gulman stops by to talk life (55:46): Come for the discussion on childhood and anxiety, stay for the 'Price Is Right' and 1981 Eastern Conference finals takes! Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Fred Katz and Gary Gulman Producers: Jesse Aron and Victoria Valencia Get started today at HubSpot.com/AI Unfold more with the new Galaxy Z Fold7. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach begins by reacting to a few news and notes from the basketball world (1:52) before quickly pivoting to a late-night Mets Corner with Sean Fennessey (9:52) as the team’s playoff hopes hang in the balance. Then, Zach is joined by a special guest, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle (32:05), for a wide-ranging conversation as training camp draws near: They talk about his reflections on Game 7 of the NBA Finals, his expectations for this year, and his place in coaching history. Plus, along the way, the two discuss the zoo around games, WWE, and the time Carlisle fought a TV … and the TV won?  Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Sean Fennessey and Rick Carlisle Producers: Jesse Aron and Jonathan Frias Get started today at HubSpot.com/AI Unfold more with the new Galaxy Z Fold7. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Ryan joins Zach, and they pick up with the latest intel he’s heard on the Fred VanVleet injury (1:41) before hitting the major topics coming out of training camp, including Anthony Edwards working on his post-up game (10:52). Plus, what are the issues in New York and Philly (18:07)? Then, time to go down memory lane as the pair draft their favorite non-Finals teams of the last 15 years (24:57), covering everything from almost champions to the final Process Sixers to Grit-and-Grind Grizz to whatever the Wizards were! Lastly, everyone’s favorite: Zach Remembers Some Guys (1:02:23). Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Chris Ryan Producers: Jesse Aron and John Richter Get started today at HubSpot.com/AI. Unfold more with the new Galaxy Z Fold7. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach and Sam begin with the news surrounding Tyler Herro’s injury (1:51) and talk about what it means for the Heat and how it might affect a possible extension for the seventh-year guard. That leads to a discussion about some of the more interesting veteran extension candidates out there, including KAT (11:55), KD (21:16), Lu Dort (32:11), and much more. Then, a big discussion on Trae Young (37:00): both his extension candidacy AND pseudo-feud with Pat Bev! Finally, Zach welcomes in UConn head coach Dan Hurley to talk about everything covered in his new book, including (51:07): What happened with the Lakers, his intensity on the sideline, and his struggles with mental health over the years. Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Sam Amick and Dan Hurley Producers: Jesse Aron, Victoria Valencia, Steve Ceruti Get started today at HubSpot.com/AI Unfold more with the new Galaxy Z Fold7. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices