The Mismatch

Verno and Jacoby recap the latest string of free agency news, including Paolo Banchero’s contract extension, where Jonas Valanciunas will play, and more. Next, they discuss which offseason moves they think will turn out disastrous and which moves are perfect fits.

(0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!
(0:50) Summer League Takeaways
(4:20) Reaction to the Norm Powell-John Collins Trade
(8:55) Expect Jonas Valančiūnas to Play for the Nuggets?
(13:53) Paolo Banchero Signs Extension with Magic
(17:08) Grizzlies Trade Away Jay Huff, Sign Jock Landale
(23:50) Why is Malik Beasley Still Unsigned?
(28:15) More Free Agency & Trad...

Free agency is here! Join Verno and Jacoby as they recap the day-one deals and discuss everything from the Rockets refueling for a championship run with Kevin Durant to their hopes for a competitive Hornets team. They also discuss the Hawks' impressive first day, the Nuggets trading away MPJ and signing Bruce Brown Jr., and the Grizzlies' aggressiveness to start free agency. They also debate whether the Lakers would actually trade LeBron James.
(0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!
(0:22) NBA Free Agency Reactions
(0:43) Rockets Extensions + Sign DFS and Capela
(11:18) Nuggets Trade MPJ for Cam Johnson + Sign Bruce...

Verno and Jacoby recap the NBA draft by discussing their biggest winners and losers from the two-day event, as well as Verno’s excitement for the Grizzlies, who drafted Cedric Coward from Washington State; the odd timing of Masai Ujiri’s departure from the Raptors; and their favorite prospect from the second round.

(0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!
(0:28) NBA Draft Recap
(2:25) Pick of Destiny: Cedric Coward to the Grizzlies
(6:45) Our Draft Winners & Losers
(10:45) Masai Ujiri Out As President of Raptors
(14:30) Verno's Draft Winner: WINGSPAN
(18:40) Jacoby's Draft Winner: Brooklyn Nets
(22:08) Verno's Draf...

Verno and Jacoby congratulate the Oklahoma City Thunder on winning Game 7 and defeating the Indiana Pacers, as the guys discuss the sour experience of watching the game after Tyrese Haliburton went down with his injury, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Game 7 performance, lessons learned from these Finals, and what to expect for OKC’s future. They also give kudos to the Pacers for their resilience throughout the playoffs, Rick Carlisle’s influence, expectations for the Pacers next season without Haliburton, and how his injury affects the rest of the Eastern Conference. Next, the guys debate whether Kevin Durant can be the differ...

The Pacers take Game 6 and force a Game 7 back in OKC, so Verno and Jacoby discuss the Pacers' dominant performance and their expectations for the first Game 7 in the Finals since 2016. They discuss the performances by T.J. McConnell, Obi Toppin, and Tyrese Haliburton; the difference a small-market home crowd makes; which Thunder players they trust to perform; and their overall excitement for a decisive Game 7. Next, the guys discuss the impact of the Lakers being sold, the expected extension of Ime Udoka (and the unexpected extension of Billy Donovan), what’s going on with prospect Ace Bailey, and mo...

The Thunder are just one win away from an NBA championship after an all-time performance by Jalen Williams. Verno and Jacoby break down the Game 5 Thunder win and expectations for Game 6 back in Indianapolis. Will Tyrese Haliburton show up after an awful performance in Game 5? Or will OKC lift the trophy on Indy’s home court? Next, the guys discuss the latest trade rumors around Kevin Durant and debate whether he will warm up to playing in Minnesota or go to one of his preferred destinations. Also, Verno passionately explains why the Grizzlies are not going to tank after tr...

Verno and Jacoby discuss the exciting Game 3 that saw the Pacers go up 2-1 on the Thunder. They praise Rick Carlisle’s game plan and the defense versus SGA before discussing the near-perfect performances from the entire Pacers roster, expectations for Game 4, and whether fans on either side should be concerned about their team. Next, Jacoby shares his disappointment with how the Knicks' head coach search is going, and the guys debate whether a Kevin Durant trade would really move the needle anymore.

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(0:25) Pacers Take Game 3: 116-107 (IND 2-1)
(32:28) Expect th...

Verno and Jacoby discuss the expected Game 2 Thunder victory and how Game 2 was the best of the best of the Thunder and the worst of the worst of the Pacers. They discuss how the media is viewing Tyrese Haliburton and why the narrative around him might be misconstrued. They then dive into their expectations for Games 3 and 4 in Indianapolis, as well as the series going forward. Next, the guys examine what the injuries to Zach Edey and Darius Garland could mean for the Grizzlies and Cavs, respectively; what Atlanta’s front office changes signal; and whether Jason Kidd might en...

Verno and Jacoby recap a wild NBA Finals Game 1 that saw the Pacers come back yet again to beat the Thunder and take a 1-0 series lead. They go through all the stats and numbers and try to figure out how the Pacers came back, as well as how they continue to have these impressive wins in the playoffs. Is it time to finally put some respect on the Pacers? What adjustments will OKC make for Game 2? Next, the guys briefly discuss the fallout from the Knicks firing head coach Tom Thibodeau.

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The Pacers beat the Knicks over the weekend to reach the Finals, where they will meet the Oklahoma City Thunder! Before discussing the Finals, Verno questions Jacoby regarding the next steps for the Knicks after a disappointing ending to their season. Is it time for Thibs to go? Does this core stay intact for another year? Next, the guys make the case for a Pacers upset and discuss what it'll take to pull that off, as well as their hope for a competitive series. Lastly, the guys discuss Devin Booker's involvement in the Suns' head coaching search and the...

Verno and Jacoby react to the Knicks shutting down Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers to survive for at least one more game. Jacoby shares his experience from inside MSG, the Knicks' stingy defense, as well as the hot-and-cold playoff performances from Tyrese Haliburton. Have the Knicks figured out how to contain the Pacers? Next, the guys congratulate the Thunder for beating the Wolves in five games to reach the NBA Finals. They discuss the Thunder’s dominance for most of the series, SGA’s consistency, and what has been missing from the both conference finals.

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Verno and Jacoby go through the Wolves nearly tying their series against the Thunder in Game 4. They discuss the need for Anthony Edwards to exert himself into the game, the Thunder’s resilience, the Wolves’ bench production, Chet Holmgren’s performance, and more. Next, the guys discuss the Knicks-Pacers series, and Jacoby shares his confidence level with the Knicks heading into Game 4 on Tuesday night.

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(01:13) Thunder Defeat T-Wolves: 128-126 (OKC 3-1)
(08:55) Is Chet Holmgren the New Prototype?
(24:22) Ready to Accept the Thunder as the Finals Favorite?
(32:10) ECF: Pacers Up 2-1...

The Thunder continue their dominance to take a 2-0 series lead over the Timberwolves, as Verno and Jacoby recap Game 2 and debate what it’ll take for the Wolves to try to make this a series. They discuss how the Thunder’s Big Three of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren performed, Julius Randle’s disappearance, Mike Conley’s influence, and how the Thunder exploited the Wolves defense. Next, Jacoby shares his feelings after Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers came back to take Game 1 from the Knicks. Did the Knicks collapse, or was it a matter of a hot shoo...

Verno and Jacoby return to break down the Nuggets' Game 7 loss and preview the start of the Western Conference finals between the Timberwolves and Thunder. They discuss how the Thunder can continue their championship run, debate whether people are still not giving enough credit to the Wolves for making back-to-back conference finals, and talk about who the best player in this series will be. Next, the guys discuss the rapidly growing rivalry between Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers and Jalen Brunson and the Knicks as they eagerly await Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. They discuss Karl-Anthony Towns’s ro...

Verno and Jacoby react to the Nuggets taking Game 6 over the Thunder to force Game 7, preview the Celtics-Knicks Game 6, and discuss contract-year Julius Randle leading the T-Wolves past the Warriors and into the Western Conference finals.

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(1:11) Nuggets Defeat Thunder: 119-107 [TIED 3-3]
(21:45) Game 7 Preview: Nuggets vs. Thunder [-8]
(23:20) T-Wolves Defeat Warriors: 121-110 [MIN 4-1]
(36:05) Pacers Advance to ECF for Second Straight Season
(46:47) G6 Preview: Celtics vs. Knicks (-2.5) [NYK 3-2]
(1:00:50) Better WCF Matchup...

Verno and Jacoby react to the Knicks taking a 3-1 series lead over the Celtics, Jayson Tatum's injury, the Mavericks winning the right to draft Cooper Flagg, Anthony Edwards's superstar performance, and more!

Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! (323) 389-5091

(0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!

(1:20) Timberwolves Defeat Warriors: 117-110 (MIN 3-1)

(11:55) Knicks Defeat Celtics: 121-113 (NYK 3-1)

(33:30) Reaction to the Mavericks Winning the Draft Lottery

(43:35) What's Next for Giannis?

(52:25) Game 5 Preview: Pacers vs. Cavs (IND 3-1)

(57:35) Game 5 Preview: Nuggets...

Verno and Jacoby break down the Timberwolves' win on Thursday night, which ties up their series with the Warriors; the Knicks' incredible second comeback over the Celtics; and the Cavaliers' collapse versus the Pacers. Then they preview Thunder-Nuggets Game 3.

Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! (323) 389-5091

(0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!

(1:13) Timberwolves defeat Warriors: 117-93 (tied 1-1)

(18:34) Knicks stun Celtics AGAIN (NYK 2-0)

(46:13) Nuggets steal home-court advantage from Thunder (tied 1-1)

(56:02) Cavs collapse vs. Pacers (IND 2-0)

<...

Verno and Jacoby break down Monday night's action, with some HUGE upsets. The Nuggets and Knicks took Game 1 over the Thunder and the Celtics, respectively. Plus, reacting to the Warriors' Game 7 win over Houston, previewing their series against the Timberwolves, and analyzing the Pacers' win over the Cavs in their series opener.

Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091

(0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch!

(1:21) Nuggets Defeat Thunder: 121-119 (DEN 1-0)

(24:06) Knicks Defeat Celtics: 108-105 (NYK 1-0)

(52:17) Pacers Defeat Cavs: 121-112 (IND 1-0)

Verno and Jacoby break down Thursday night's action with the Clippers forcing Game 7 against the Nuggets, the Knicks advancing to play Boston, the Lakers turning Rudy Gobert into Wilt Chamberlain, and previewing the conference semifinals.

Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091

(0:00) Welcome to The Mismatch

(1:25) Clippers Defeat Nuggets: 111-105 (TIED 3-3)

(11:00) Knicks Defeat Pistons: 116-113 (NYK 4-2)

(22:35) Semifinal Preview: Boston Celtics [-1000] vs. New York Knicks [+660]

(30:42) T-Wolves Defeat Lakers: 103-96 (MIN 4-1)

(47:35) Rockets Defeat Warriors: 131...

Verno and Jacoby break down Monday night’s playoff action starting with the Warriors’ thrilling 109-106 win over the Rockets to take a 3-1 series lead (01:18). They then debate how real the Cavs are after a complete beatdown of the Heat as well as their expectations in the next round (16:05). With the news of Damian Lillard’s injury, where do the Bucks go from here? As an older team with aging vets, the guys debate if its time for Giannis to walk away from Milwaukee (21:37). They then discuss the Wolves-Lakers series and the performance of Anthony Edwards as well as Naz...

Verno and Jacoby get together after the Grizzlies lose both Ja Morant and a 29-point lead to the Thunder, who are in prime position to get the sweep over the weekend (01:35). Verno shares his experience being inside the arena after Ja went out and discusses whether Lu Dort deserves any blame for the injury. Next, the guys go over the Clippers' dominance over the Nuggets and why they should really be up 3-0 in the series (20:31). Also, they discuss KAT’s performance in the Knicks' win over the Pistons to take a 2-1 series lead, as well as the we...

Verno and Jacoby break down the exciting pair of games from Monday night starting off with the unbelievable performance by Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers as they even up their series against the Nuggets (01:25). Next, Jacoby shares his experience watching the Pistons get their first playoff win since 2008 to even up their series against the Knicks from inside Madison Square Garden (18:37). Verno then begrudgingly discusses what it’ll take for the Grizzlies to take a win a game in their series against the Thunder after losing by 51 over the weekend (38:30). Also, they discuss the need for Dame to return to...

Verno and Jacoby briefly discuss tonight’s round of play-in games, starting off with the Heat and Hawks, before turning their attention to the Mavs and Grizzlies matchup (01:25). Which of these four teams would make for the most exciting 8 vs 1 seed in the first round? Next, the guys each share four things that they are looking forward to in the first round of the NBA playoffs (15:12).

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Verno and Jacoby break down tonight’s play-in games, starting with the Hawks-Magic matchup (01:44) and the Grizzlies-Warriors matchup (07:14). They then discuss tomorrow’s play-in matchups before debating the best possible scenarios that could come out of the play-in (16:32). Next, they get into the news of David Griffin’s firing in New Orleans (30:15) and Mike Budenholzer’s firing in Phoenix (36:37). With Joe Dumars expected to take over Griffin's role with the Pelicans, what will they do with Zion Williamson? Does Kevin Durant deserve to take some blame for the Suns’ disastrous season? Finally, the guys briefly preview the playoff matchups that have...

Verno and Jacoby discuss the scorching-hot Timberwolves, who beat the Grizzlies last night 141-125 after scoring a league season-high 52 points in the third quarter and 44 points from Anthony Edwards (01:08). They also discuss the goofiness around Ja Morant’s new celebration. Next, they detail why they think the Nuggets cleaned house and fired head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth (18:42). Are the Nuggets the biggest wild card in the playoffs now? The guys then discuss why last night's Knicks-Pistons game wasn’t as important and will likely be the same as tonight’s Lakers-Rockets matchup, Pacers clinching home-court advantage, and wh...

(RECORDED BEFORE THE NEWS OF MICHAEL MALONE AND CALVIN BOOTH’S FIRING)

Verno and Jacoby congratulate Florida on beating Houston in the NCAA basketball championship (01:10). Will fans remember this game or the Duke collapse more? Next, the guys discuss the Lakers’ impressive win against the Thunder and why they showcased their true ceiling in this huge win (07:25). They also discuss the Rockets’ win over the Thunder from Friday night and why they are poised to be a tough out in the playoffs (14:57). How far can the Nuggets really go without Jamal Murray, whose availability for th...

Verno and Jacoby go through last night’s Warriors win over the Lakers and discuss the takeaways from both teams' perspectives (01:25). They highlight the importance of the role players for each team and why the performances of those role players are key for any kind of deep run. They then discuss the Grizzles' much-needed win against the Heat before focusing their attention on the hypocrisy from the NBA regarding players using the finger-guns gesture after hitting 3-point shots (15:10). Why has the NBA singled out Ja Morant when there’s clear evidence that other players use the gesture? After Giannis’s 20 a...

Jacoby is back as he and Verno discuss the fallout from the Taylor Jenkins firing in Memphis and how the Grizzlies have responded in the two games since Jenkins dismissal (05:14). Did Ja Morant know or have any influence in the decision to let Jenkins go? Next, the guys discuss how the Clippers’ strong defense will be troublesome for any team that faces them in the playoffs, as well as their disappointment in Ime Udoka’s decision to bench Jalen Green toward the end of the game in a loss against the Lakers (24:05). Finally, as we enter the final two week...

(NOTE: SHOW WAS RECORDED BEFORE THE NEWS OF TAYLOR JENKINS'S FIRING)

Verno and Kirk Goldsberry (who’s in for Jacoby) break down Josh Giddey’s half-court game-winning shot against the Lakers and why this will be the turning point for Giddey and the Bulls (02:59). They also discuss the struggling Grizzlies after another loss to the Thunder and why the Clippers and Warriors have a chance to steal a top seed (12:35). Next, Verno prepares eight questions for Kirk (30:21). They discuss everything from the most underrated teams, top seeds who are in danger of a first-round exit...

Verno and Jacoby discuss last night's game between the Warriors and Raptors, which Golden State survived after Steph Curry went down with an injury and Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green turned in subpar performances (0:45). They next discuss the recent sale of the Boston Celtics to a group led by Bill Chisholm, who is a managing partner at Symphony Technology Group (10:11). They break down why keeping co-owner Wyc Grousbeck around for another few years is the smart business move and ensures success for the franchise moving forward. Finally, from Kawhi’s dominant performance to the Knicks' back-to-back losses against the Sp...

Verno and Jacoby go through last night’s games, especially looking at teams that are either resting or full-on tanking (1:06). The guys debate how long the league will allow this to continue and what needs to change to prevent teams from tanking and resting starters who are healthy. They also discuss Tony Allen's jersey retirement ceremony over the weekend, the nonexistent Heat Culture, and the standings in both conferences (25:45). Next, the guys debut a new segment on the show called How Does That Sound?, where they each fire off a take and debate it. They discuss the Rockets' chances of...

Verno and Jacoby go through the Bucks' blowout win against the injury-riddled Lakers and talk about why size is still important when facing certain teams (0:53). They then discuss some of the positive takeaways from the Thunder’s win against the Celtics on Wednesday night before congratulating Steph Curry for hitting 4k 3-point shots(12:30). The guys debate whether anyone could catch up to Steph's 3-point record and how much the Warriors could climb in the West (16:52). As we inch closer to the playoffs, the guys take a closer look at the standings in both conferences (26:10). Next, they dive into their lo...

Verno and Jacoby go through last night’s slate of NBA action starting off with Nikola Jokic’s otherworldly performance against the Thunder and the chances of Jokic surpassing SGA to win his fourth MVP (0:35). They then discuss Ja Morant's improved performance during the Grizzlies’ three-game win streak (16:25). After LeBron’s groin injury, the guys discuss the health of players on the teams in the West and how it could shape the playoff matchups (27:40). Next, the guys share three random NBA questions.The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming (42:20).

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Verno and Jacoby discuss the Lakers' thrilling OT win over the Knicks and how their defense was the true highlight of the game, not Luka and LeBron's performance (00:31). They also discuss the importance of Jimmy Butler’s impact for the Warriors outside the stat sheet and why Steve Kerr’s comparison to Andre Iguodala is valid (16:25). Next, the guys dive into their loves and loathes from the week that was (27:13).

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Verno and Jacoby go through a string of bad luck for the Grizzlies, who’ve lost their past three games at home in the final seconds and are now without Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr (01:11). They then discuss Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who dropped 51 points against the Rockets; the reports coming out of Phoenix that the Suns could potentially move on from Kevin Durant in the summer; and the drama between Devin Booker and Mike Budenholzer (12:19). Next, they discuss the impact of Kyrie Irving' ACL tear and the Sixers' decision to finally shut down Joel Embiid (30:09). The guys then ask ea...

Verno and Jacoby discuss Steph Curry’s historic night after he dropped 56 points in Orlando and also talk about the Lakers' win against the Wolves despite an off night from Luka Doncic, who's continued to struggle with his shot since arriving in L.A. Despite the struggles, the Lakers have looked strong with Luka, and the Warriors are 6-1 with Jimmy Butler and are currently on a five-game win streak heading into the weekend. Now that they have Jimmy and Luka, is it time to seriously consider the Warriors and Lakers championship contenders? Next, they give out their loves an...

Verno and Jacoby go through some of Monday’s NBA action, starting off with the Wolves' encouraging comeback win against the Thunder in OKC. They then discuss the hot Pistons, who are riding a seven-game win streak; the Sixers, who got blown out by the Bulls; and the Nuggets' bounce-back win against the Pacers. Next, from Cade Cunningham’s superstar status to Lu Dort’s Defensive Player of the Year chances, the guys share things that they believe will soon become true around the league.

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Verno and Jacoby are back as they discuss where the Spurs go from here after it was announced that Victor Wembanyama’s season is ending due to injury, in addition to the continuous struggles from the Suns (04:51). Then, they discuss if there is any way for the Lakers to hide Luka Doncic on defense, why Shams is absolutely right when it comes to Giannis’s situation with the Bucks, and the Grizzlies' worrisome loss to the Pacers (21:46). Next, they discuss the Nuggets’ nine-game winning streak, as well as the tight MVP race between Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Karl Anthon...

Verno and Jacoby share their low-key excitement for this year's NBA All-Star Weekend festivities (01:41). They discuss how the new format could bring more competitiveness, and their disappointment that Steph Curry isn’t involved in more All-Star events in his home city. From playoff positioning to impactful rookies, the guys next share four predictions for after the All-Star break (21:54).

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Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby

Producer: Jessie Lo...

Verno and Jacoby recap Luka Doncic’s Laker debut and explain how Luka and LeBron can successfully coexist (00:46). Mark Williams is headed back to the Hornets after the Lakers failed his physical, but the guys debate whether the failed deal could actually be beneficial to the Lakers (08:10). They then discuss the massive amount of bad luck that Mavs have gotten since trading away Luka (22:53), and how Jimmy Butler has impacted Steph Curry and the Warriors since his arrival in the Bay Area (31:17). Next, Verno shares why he was extremely impressed by the Thunder after they blew out the Grizzlies ov...