Nate and John Hollinger check in on all 15 Western Conference teams, examining Luka Dončić’s start, Houston and Memphis’ early success, and what we’ve learned about Yaxel Lendeborg, Cooper Flagg, and Cameron Boozer. They also debate San Antonio’s three-guard lineup, the concerns in Denver and Phoenix, Portland’s veteran guards, and how Oklahoma City and Minnesota are navigating injuries.
0:21 — Warriors: Yaxel Lendeborg, evaluating older prospects, and Kristaps Porziņģis’ situation.
5:47 — Jazz: Isaiah Collier’s declined option, frontcourt issues, and Ace Bailey’s defense.
9:35 — Spurs: Balancing Fox, Castle, and Harper around Victor Wembanyama.
11:49 — Grizzlies: Ty Jerome, Zach Edey, Cameron Boozer, and Memphis’ early success.
15:48 — Suns: Point guard options, lineup fit, and the fallout from offseason moves.
20:11 — Kings: Darius Acuff’s start, Domantas Sabonis’ role, and Sacramento’s direction.
23:42 — Lakers: Luka Dončić’s shooting, defensive effort, and the supporting cast.
26:31 — Clippers: Keaton Wagler, Kobe Sanders, Darius Garland, and potential trades.
29:15 — Mavericks: Cooper Flagg’s ceiling and the Kyrie Irving trade dilemma.
32:00 — Rockets: Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet’s return, and Houston’s contender potential.
35:10 — Timberwolves: Joan Beringer, bench production, and navigating Anthony Edwards’ absence.
39:01 — Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, and Deni Avdija’s role.
41:24 — Nuggets: Nikola Jokić’s offensive approach, defensive issues, and bench concerns.
44:22 — Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ajay Mitchell, Aday Mara, and reshaping the rotation.
48:22 — Pelicans: Jeremiah Fears, Herb Jones, Karlo Matković, and rotation choices around Zion Williamson.