The Kevin O'Connor Show

Kevin O'Connor is joined by JE Skeets to react to the biggest news from the weekend including Yaxel Lendeborg's massive game against the Clippers, the Lakers' high-scoring victory against the Raptors, the Thunder dealing with yet another injury as Chet Holmgren is out for several weeks and more. Plus, which teams have surprised so far this season, whether for good or bad?

Up next, KOC is joined by Steve Ceruti for a deep dive into the Orlando Magic's season so far. Does the team have a personnel problem or does head coach Sean Sweeney just need more time to put the pieces together? Later, Kevin shares his latest Power Rankings now that the first two weeks of the 2026-27 NBA season are in the books.

(0:24) Yaxel scores 37 points
(9:09) Lakers beat Raptors
(18:59) Chet Holmgren out with injury
(28:19) Pacers struggle without Haliburton
(34:13) Surprise teams so far this season
(43:17) Orlando Magic check-in
(56:54) Southeast division updates
(1:21:23) NBA Power Rankings version 1.0

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, https://yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Kevin O'Connor and Steve Jones react to the latest news including the Miami Heat finally earning their first win of the season against the Atlanta Hawks and AJ Dybantsa making his NBA debut with the Washington Wizards. The pair react to the Mavericks' blowout win against the Thunder, celebrate Cooper Flagg's spectacular performance and speculate if OKC might bring back a former player to fill the gaps that injuries have left on their roster.

KOC & Steve also break down Brandon Miller's recent leap for the Hornets, review the gameplay of rookies Keaton Wagler and Mikel Brown Jr. and a vintage Steph Curry performance against the Timberwolves.

(0:38) Heat beat Hawks for 1st win this season

(13:04) AJ Dybantsa NBA debut

(18:52) Mavs hand OKC 1st loss this season

(31:10) Brandon Miller taking a leap for Charlotte

(40:00) Rookie Review: Keaton Wagler

(44:23) Rookie Review: Mikel Brown Jr.

(48:43) Steph Curry vs. Wolves

(51:42) Injuries abound early in NBA season

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, https://yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Kevin O'Connor & Tom Haberstroh recap the latest NBA news starting with injuries to OKC stars Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace. The duo dives into the drama in Denver with Jokic’s friction with fans and whether the Nuggets are slipping as contenders. KOC & Tom also react to Cooper Flagg’s incredible performance against the Miami Heat and the news that Kawhi Leonard will miss several weeks with a knee injury.

Later, they share their rookie first impressions spotlighting big names like Cameron Boozer and Darryn Peterson as well as more under-the-radar players like Allen Graves, Trevon Brazile and Meleek Thomas.

(1:15) OKC injury updates
(8:50) Jokic claps back at Nuggets fans
(15:46) Cooper Flagg vs. Miami
(20:22) Jaren Jackson Jr. & Markkanen injured
(23:46) Rookie first impressions
(43:09) Kawhi out for several weeks
(45:58) Rookie first impressions continued

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, https://yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Kevin O'Connor & Slightly Biased to unpack the biggest storylines from the NBA’s opening week. They begin with Jalen Williams’ devastating injury and what it means for OKC’s title hopes before exploring the unexpected resurgence of the Houston Rockets and whether Victor Wembanyama’s early-season struggles are cause for concern.

The duo also breaks down the Bam Adebayo–Giannis Antetokounmpo fit in Miami, Minnesota’s transformation with LaMelo Ball, if Luka Doncic should be the favorite for NBA MVP, Ty Jerome leading the league in scoring and more.

(1:13) Jalen Williams gruesome injury
(10:04) Wagner best fit to lead Orlando?
(16:16) LeBron & Steph load management
(26:44) Has Wembanyama plateaued?
(31:06) Are Rockets contenders?
(34:24) Early impressions of Dusty May
(41:03) Knicks & Heat are 0-3
(47:26) Timberwolves are 3-0
(52:52) Should Luka be MVP favorite?
(56:55) Ty Jerome leads NBA in scoring
(1:01:30) Have Pistons solved 3PT shooting woes?
(1:04:17) Darius Acuff time of possession

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, https://yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Kevin O'Connor is joined by Amin Elhassan to break down all the action from Wednesday's NBA season openers from Anthony Edwards’ explosive 45-point game with LaMelo Ball and the Timberwolves to Ty Jerome’s incredible 45-point outburst against the Jazz. They also react to Giannis' first game with the Heat and share early concerns over Miami’s supporting cast.

The pair also unpacks the Warriors’ uncertain future, Yaxel Lendeborg's on-court and off-court battles with Luka Doncic, the return of Tyrese Haliburton and Damian Lillard and more.

(0:37) Wolves beat Heat
(6:42) Grizzlies beat Jazz
(14:13) Giannis' Miami debut
(23:08) Lakers beat Warriors
(30:41) Warriors exploring Porzingis trades
(40:14) Haliburton returns for Pacers
(47:11) Ja & Dame comebacks begin
(50:48) Ty Lue dedicates Clippers win to Steve Ballmer

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, https://yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Kevin O'Connor & Andrew Sharp break down every game from NBA opening day. The duo dives into why the Thunder look like true title contenders and what’s holding Wembanyama and the Spurs’ offense back. KOC and Andrew also react to the 76ers spoiling the Knicks' banner night and Detroit’s gritty comeback against the Celtics.

Later, Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg sits down with Kevin O'Connor ahead of his NBA debut to get real about building chemistry with Steph Curry, adapting to NBA-level defensive schemes with Draymond Green and more. Plus, KOC & Yaxel nerd out about the upcoming release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.

(0:41) Thunder beat Spurs
(16:42) 76ers beat Knicks
(30:16) Pistons beat Celtics
(56:40) Yaxel Lendeborg joins the show

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, https://yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Kevin O'Connor is joined by Grant Liffmann of NBC Sports ahead of NBA opening night to break down their biggest questions before the 2026-27 season. They dive into the brutal East playoff race, players who look like future All-Stars, Wembanyama's outlook for the season, the Knicks' contract concerns and more.

The duo also spotlights breakout candidates, debates which stars are under the most pressure and asks which franchises are most likely to blow up their core by season’s end.

(0:49) Cason Wallace re-signs with OKC
(6:15) Ben Simmons torn achilles
(7:52) Franz Wagner right shoulder injury
(18:43) Which East teams miss the playoffs?
(22:58) Which team confuses you the most?
(31:48) Which coach is on the hottest seat?
(35:34) Will Knicks contract situation hurt the team?
(43:54) Which star is under the most pressure?
(51:01) Which team is most likely to blow it up?
(54:00) Which preseason development are you buying?
(59:50) Who will be a future All-Star?
(1:04:22) Will the majority consider Wemby the best player in the world by April?
(1:07:06) NBA Finals predictions
(1:11:29) What opinion will you walk back by Christmas?

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, https://yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

KOC shares five must-watch NBA preseason trends, from Jalen Duren’s outstanding performance and the evolution of big men shooting threes to deep dives into changing shot distributions in Dallas, Houston and Philadelphia. Plus, are Giannis Antetokounmpo’s MVP odds way too low? And is there a Rookie of the Year sleeper in Oklahoma City?

Kevin O'Connor is then joined by NBA shooting coach Chris Matthews, known as Lethal Shooter, as he shares experiences from training NBA stars like Jaylen Brown, Anthony Davis, AJ Dybantsa and more. The conversation dives into Lethal Shooter’s creative content and collaborations and how he pushed NBA stars to the limit of what is possible with their shot.

(1:27) 5 Preseason trends to track
(18:58) Lethal Shooter joins the show
(24:05) Training Jaylen Brown
(26:27) Zion Williamson shooting 3s
(35:33) How to fix Ben Simmons' game?
(38:33) Does Wemby shoot too many 3s?
(42:58) Most exciting teams this season
(47:48) Expectations for AJ Dybantsa & Wizards
(51:59) Importance of the midrange
(53:26) Chris Matthews' journey to social media stardom

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, https://yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Kevin O’Connor welcomes special guest Chris Vernon to go all-in on their “semi-bold” NBA predictions for the upcoming season. They debate who will bottom out harder in the West—Warriors, Kings, or Clippers—and whether the Celtics should be a lock for the East’s top spot.

Verno breaks down Denver’s sneaky-good additions and the Lakers’ real chances in a loaded Western Conference. The pair also predict All-Star picks, breakout rookies, why this season could be the best yet with the NBA's revamped anti-tanking rules, and more.

(1:12) Verno's Warriors prediction
(6:19) KOC's Kings prediction
(8:01) Verno's Nuggets prediction
(12:51) KOC's Celtics prediction
(19:13) Verno's Lakers prediction
(24:11) KOC's Coby White prediction
(26:51) 2025-26 semi-bold predictions recap
(29:08) Verno's prediction for second-tier stars
(39:54) KOC's Mavericks prediction
(41:26) What to expect from the West
(50:00) Who will be the first coach fired?
(56:55) Verno's league-wide prediction
(1:03:50) KOC's prediction for SGA & Ant

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, https://yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Kevin O'Connor dives into early NBA preseason insights including Tyrese Haliburton’s much-anticipated return, Minnesota’s evolving offense with LaMelo Ball and what Zion Williamson’s new 3-point shot could mean for the Pelicans. KOC also explores the Knicks’ bumpy start after their Finals win, the Sixers’ intriguing rotation options (now without Ariel Hukporti), why OKC’s roster shakeup makes them a dark horse for the championship and more.

(0:57) Tyrese Haliburton returns

(2:08) LaMelo's impact on Minnesota

(3:32) What's going on with the Knicks?

(5:05) 76ers standouts vs. New York

(7:50) Zion Williamson shooting 3s

(9:42) Standout rookie performances

(14:46) KOC Show mailbag

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, https://yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Kevin O'Connor is joined by Ku Khahil to preview the Detroit Pistons now that Jalen Duren's contract extension is finally official. What can Pistons fans expect from Duren this season and how will Detroit's other offseason additions impact their lineups and team chemistry? Later the pair also reacts to Karl-Anthony Towns' commentary that his deal with the New York Knicks is nowhere close to being done.

Kevin is then joined by Dan Titus to preview the 2026-27 Fantasy Basketball season. Dan shares several sleepers and potential breakout stars you'll want to have on your roster. Speaking of Fantasy, KOC welcomes Justin Boone to the show to celebrate his Patriots beating Justin's Bills in Week 4 of the NFL season.

(0:38) Ku Khahil talks Detroit Pistons
(28:38) KAT & Knicks 'not close' to extension
(34:59) Fantasy Basketball advice with Dan Titus
(1:04:50) Patriots vs. Bills recap with Justin Boone

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, https://yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Kevin O’Connor and Tom Haberstroh dive into the hottest moments from NBA media day, from on-court chemistry questions, to rookie standouts to watch and surprising trends for the postseason. They react to Cooper Flagg's growth spurt, compare 3-guard lineups in OKC and San Antonio and share the latest on the Jalen Duren contract drama in Detroit.

The duo also unpacks how Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball’s new pairing could unlock the Timberwolves’ offense and whether GTA 6 release week will really impact NBA player performance in November.

(2:18) De'Aaron Fox talks Spurs lineups
(7:12) Ant Edwards + LaMelo Ball
(10:04) Evan Mobley's new 'go-to' moves
(13:35) Derrick White's shooting improvements
(16:06) Steven Adams GTA
(21:49) Jokic signing with Nuggets next year
(23:50) Cooper Flagg's height
(34:55) Who is the alpha in Philly?
(37:12) Kings media member caught on hot mic
(41:43) Jalen Duren contract drama update
(58:24) Non-top 10 rookies to watch this season

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, https://yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Kevin O'Connor & Jonathan Macri break down the Knicks’ championship outlook, Detroit’s Jalen Duren contract standoff and the shifting power in the Eastern Conference. They highlight the Knicks' standing after Mitchell Robinson’s move to Boston, how Andre Drummond could fill in and whether Karl-Anthony Towns’ contract extension is a big deal or just business as usual.

Later, they break down which teams are the biggest threats to New York, including the Pacers, Sixers and Raptors.

(0:55) Jalen Duren drama continues
(11:12) Karl-Anthony Towns contract stalemate
(16:42) How will the Knicks replace Robinson?
(21:48) Brunson & Knicks appearance on SNL
(31:34) Biggest threats to the Knicks in the Eastern Conference?

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, https://yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Kevin O'Connor reveals his Preseason Power Rankings for the 2026-27 NBA season, with every move, surprise and question mark across the league dissected. From the fall of Giannis’ Bucks to the upside of the young Utah Jazz, KOC shares insights into rebuilding teams, superstar trades and headline-making contract drama.

Later, Tom Haberstroh joins to challenge Kevin's rankings, digging into team chemistry, roster depth and which front offices nailed or fumbled the offseason. The episode also dives into the Jalen Duren contract saga and what it means for the Detroit Pistons’ future.

(1:26) Power Rankings teams 30-21
(15:05) Power Rankings teams 20-11
(28:50) Power Rankings teams 10-1
(43:12) Rankings Tom disagrees with
(1:15:40) Jalen Duren contract drama

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, https://yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Kevin O’Connor welcomes YouTuber and independent sports journalist Joon Lee for a wide-ranging conversation on analytics and their impact on modern sports. Joon shares insights on why teams like the Thunder and Dodgers are ahead of the curve, and why Boston Celtics fans might be frustrated by the team's data-driven strategies.

The duo also covers how to quantify clutch performance, their fantasy football philosophies, and the Patriots win against the Steelers on Sunday.

(0:44) Takeover of analytics in sports
(17:01) Boston Celtics shooting strategy
(21:32) Potential NBA rule changes
(27:34) MLB talk
(37:17) Patriots beat Steelers + Fantasy Football update

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, https://yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Kevin O'Connor & Tom Haberstroh draft the teams they believe will make the NBA Playoffs in 2026-27 from the pool of teams that missed last season. Are the Indiana Pacers a safe bet to make it with the return of Tyrese Haliburton?

What can Will Hardy do with a Utah Jazz team that finally isn't tanking? And can the Washington Wizards & New Orleans Pelicans stay healthy enough to overcome their long odds?

(0:47) Bad team playoff draft
(1:40) KOC - #1
(8:39) Tom - #2
(15:46) Tom - #3
(23:32) KOC - #4
(32:18) KOC - #5
(39:55) Tom - #6

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, https://yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Kevin O'Connor & Marcus Thompson react to Steve Ballmer's apology after the NBA's investigation found the Clippers guilty of cap circumvention. They also unpack the Clippers-Raptors Kawhi Leonard trade saga and what behind-the-scenes negotiations may be holding the deal up.

The duo continues KOC's 'Entertainment Ranking' with the new-look Timberwolves—featuring LaMelo Ball, Jonathan Kuminga and Anthony Edwards—might be the NBA’s most combustible and entertaining teams this season. Plus, they recap the Philadelphia 76ers’ blockbuster offseason moves and explain why this coming season is a 'social experiment' for the league’s newest superteam.

Later, Warren Sharp joins KOC to recap an exciting first week of the NFL season.

(1:15) Steve Ballmer issues apology

(3:35) NBA Entertainment Rankings: Minnesota Timberwolves

(14:22) NBA Entertainment Rankings: Philadelphia 76ers

(37:54) NFL 6 Points! Week 1

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, https://yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

For today's Kevin O'Connor Show, KOC is joined by Raj Chipalu from Lakers Screen & Roll to continue the NBA Entertainment rankings with Luka Doncic's Lakers. Who's the fifth starter for Los Angeles? Can Luka win MVP with this roster?

Then, KOC reviews the young Spurs, fresh off a Finals appearance. What will they do with Dylan Harper?

Plus, EV + tech guru Sawyer Merritt joins to talk about Tesla's new Cybercab.

01:01 Entertainment Rankings No. 4 with Raj Chipalu: Los Angeles Lakers
28:26 Entertainment Rankings No. 3: San Antonio Spurs
37:42 Inside Telsa Cybercab with Sawyer Merrit

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, https://yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Brady Hawk to break down the Miami Heat, covering the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade and big questions about shot creation and roles for new additions like veteran Klay Thompson and rookie Ryan Conwell. Later, Kevin discusses the Denver Nuggets and the five big questions they face at every position in their starting five.

Then, Kevin does a re-draft of the 2016 NBA Draft class, spotlighting some of the biggest risers and hardest fallers including Jaylen Brown, Pascal Siakam, Ben Simmons and Jamal Murray.

(0:31) NBA Entertainment Rankings: Miami Heat

(26:59) NBA Entertainment Rankings: Denver Nuggets

(36:34) 2016 NBA re-draft

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, https://yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Sam Amick to continue his NBA Entertainment Rankings, diving deep into offseason moves, title expectations and chaos potential for the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Knicks. They break down Houston’s all-or-nothing gamble on veterans like Kevin Durant, OKC’s roster flexibility and subtle strategy shift and the Knicks’ shot at a championship repeat amid new roster dynamics.

(0:29) Entertainment Rankings: Rockets
(06:38) Entertainment Rankings: Thunder
(15:16) Entertainment Rankings: Knicks

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, https://yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube