Two Crazy Play-In Games, and 2026 NBA Awards Picks With Kirk Goldsberry and Joe House

Key Takeaways

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  Deni Avdija's performance impacts All-NBA award voting

  “Traditionally, our votes would have been due by now. Instead, we're watching these games and they have given us another set of games to reevaluate our choices and rethink things. But, yeah, Denny, obviously, playing one of the games of the year for him, and making us rethink where he should be in these awards. Unbelievable. He was awesome.”

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  Portland's elite defense makes them dangerous play-in contenders

  “But, yeah, this is the twenty third ranked offense since the all star break, but it's the third ranked defense. They're gonna be tough to score on. And if the one of the things I'm worried about as a Spurs guy is the ability for these young guards to shoot, their threes. We've both been really positive about them as the season's gone on about getting better. But the playoffs have a way of making teams cool off.”

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  The Phoenix Suns face a significant talent deficit crisis

  “What really kinda revealed itself is the this overachieving Suns team. They just they have a talent deficit, and that's not a knock. Like, this was supposed to be kind of a transition rebuilding year to wash out the horrendous taste that was left in their mouths from what they tried last year. And it turned out that, like, chemistry matters. The secret that I learned from the book of basketball is that chemistry matters.”

• •

  Jalen Green's high shot volume hindered Phoenix's offense

  “I'm fine with Jalen Green taking 29 shots in a world where Devin Booker is hurt. But in a world where Devin Booker is fine, I wanted him to take... whoever wins that that nine, ten game in the West should feel pretty good about their opponent in Phoenix. It's a team that I thought the wrong guy took 29 shots.”

• •

  Bill Simmons finalized his fluctuating MVP award pick

  “So if you care about who I pick for MVP, something I changed my mind on 430 times over the weekend, that is at the tail end of the podcast. Saved it for last, like a big fat dessert. So that is coming up next. We're gonna take break and then bring in Pearl Jam and then Kirk and House late night Tuesday after two play games.”

Episode Description

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Kirk Goldsberry and Joe House to recap the Hornets taking down the Heat and the Trail Blazers securing the West's 7-seed in the first two Play-In Tournament games (3:26). Then, Bill and Kirk break down their NBA awards picks for the season (57:13). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Kirk Goldsberry and Joe House Producers: Chia Hao Tat and Eduardo Ocampo Shop your favorite local grocers on Uber Eats! https://www.ubereats.com/brand/kroger 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