Chris Vernon and David Jacoby discuss all the news, trends, and transactions happening in the NBA. They also offer their on-court analysis, and occasionally get into heated debates.
Verno and Jacoby return to give their most interesting players to watch heading into the 2026-27 NBA Season. Welcome to The Mismatch! (1:17) MISMATCH ALL-INTERESTING TEAM (2:17) IMMANUEL QUICKLEY: KAWHI EFFECT (9:02) FRED VANVLEET: BACK AND BOMBING (14:14) STEVEN ADAMS: KING OF THE GLASS (18:56) WALKER KESSLER: LAKERS’ BIG BET (23:45) AUSTIN REAVES: BRIGHTER SPOTLIGHT (29:43) VJ EDGECOMBE: SIXTH MAN SCORER? (35:26) JAYLEN BROWN: LEADING MAN NO MORE (40:23) CALEB WILSON: HIGHS AND LOWS (43:54) GIANNIS: STILL ELITE WHEN HE PLAYS (49:51) JALEN WILLIAMS: THUNDER’S X-FACTOR (52:31) DYLAN HARPER:…
Verno and Jacoby return to give their early observations from this week’s preseason games. From LeBron’s rumored argument with Joel Embiid to Tyrese Haliburton’s return, they discuss it all. Welcome to The Mismatch! (01:32) Cam Boozer vs. Magic: 16 points, six rebounds in 22 minutes (10:22) Aday Mara is 15-for-15 from the field in the preseason (15:59) Joan Beringer didn't touch a basketball until 2021 (21:33) Mike Breen walks back story about LeBron scolding Embiid (26:35) Sixers' Ariel Hukporti out indefinitely with torn Achilles (27:45) LeBron is commuting to Sixers practice by helicopter…
Verno and Jacoby run through every team's media day story line, so it's next question, next question. LeBron didn't leave his family to lose in the second round, Jay-Z hexed the Spurs, Giannis meets an iguana, and the young Nets want to golf shirtless. Plus, the Kings' hot mic, and Verno proves he's the opposite of a hypocrite. Welcome to The Mismatch! (1:51) Sixers: LeBron, Embiid and the Jaylen Brown "alpha" question (15:33) Warriors: Porzingis out with "health issue" as Curry agrees to 2-year, $116M extension (20:39) Pistons: Jalen Duren skips media day, still unsigned (22:02) Nuggets:…
Verno and Jacoby return to discuss some of the latest news around the league, including the contract extensions for Ausar Thompson and Keyonte George, Henri Veesaar's season-ending injury, and more. With the offseason coming to an end, media days around the corner, and preseason games coming soon, the guys dive into their full offseason loves and loathes. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (07:13) Ausar Thompson and Keyonte George sign contract extensions (13:45) Doc Rivers to join NBC’s NBA broadcast (15:52) The Hawks’ Henri Veesaar tears ACL, will miss the whole season (17:05) Jalen Brunson…
Verno and Jacoby return as they react to Steve Ballmer’s statement accepting his punishment for the NBA’s investigation into the Clippers. They discuss what the expectations are for the Clippers next season as well as what impact Kawhi Leonard will have with the Raptors now that the trade has been made official. Next, they discuss Mark Williams’s surgery, Jalen Brunson hosting 'Saturday Night Live,' and the ongoing contract negotiations between Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons. Lastly, the guys have three questions each, ranging from the impact of new head coaches to artificial…
Verno and Jacoby return as they discuss the NBA’s punishment on the Clippers for circumventing the salary cap with Kawhi Leonard. They then discuss Amen Thompson’s contract extension, Ben Simmons’s return to the league, and the latest with Jalen Duren. Next, the guys have five questions ahead of next season. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:41) League slams the hammer on the Clippers for circumventing the salary cap with Kawhi Leonard (17:11) Is the Kawhi Leonard signing the worst signing ever? (21:39) Amen Thompson signs a five-year, $208 million contract extension with the Rockets…
Verno and Jacoby return to go through the players they are most looking forward to seeing in action with a new team. They break it all down by each selecting a star, a role player, a once-upon-a-time star, and an "I still believe in them" player. Then they discuss which star is most likely to win their first championship, which small offseason move will net the biggest result, and which scandal they care about the most going into the season. Also, they briefly discuss some of the recent signings around the league, the Wolves' ownership change, and Shaedon Sharpe’s injury. (00:00) Welcome to…
Verno and Jacoby are joined by The Athletic’s Dan Woike to help break down the entire Lakers situation. They discuss Mark Walter's shocking decision to sell the Lakers to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, the not-so-shocking Buss family drama since the Lakers were flipped by Walter, how the new ownership could affect Luka Doncic, and more. They also discuss how the Lakers' offseason acquisitions fit next to Luka, expectations for LeBron James on the Sixers, and Dan’s thoughts on the Clippers-Aspiration investigation. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (2:16) Initial reaction to the Lakers' sale to…
The NBA has finally released the schedule for the 2026-27 season, and Verno and Jacoby react by discussing the Christmas Day games, which team has a surprising amount of national TV games, debate who’ll get booed when returning to their former team, and more. Also, the guys share some of their fond memories of Russell Westbrook after he announced his retirement. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:23) NBA releases the full 2026-27 schedule (3:41) Opening Day schedule (10:51) Christmas Day schedule (17:06) Nationally televised games (32:13) Homecoming games (39:02) Trying to make sense of…
Verno and Jacoby return with the offseason edition of Loves and Loathes! (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (2:32) Verno loves: The power shift of the Eastern Conference (10:38) Jacoby loves: Still riding the high of the Knicks' championship (16:59) Verno loathes: The second apron (22:56) Jacoby loathes: Victor Wembanyama taking a pay cut (26:00) Verno loves: Underrated acquisitions of the offseason (29:38) Jacoby loves: The Chicago Bulls (32:06) Verno loathes: The neverending Clippers-Aspiration saga (and a bonus side story on Verno competing against Joey Chestnut) (38:21) Jacoby loathes: The…
It finally happened! LeBron James is taking his talents to Philadelphia after signing a two-year deal with the 76ers last week. Verno and Jacoby share their thoughts on LeBron signing with Philly before discussing some of the other news around the league since LeBron's signing, including Mario Hezonja’s rabid interest before joining the Cavs, Nuggets matching the Thunder’s offer sheet for Spencer Jones, and more. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (3:15) Still in shock about LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers (7:37) Should the Sixers trade Joel Embiid? (10:58) The Bob Myers angle…
Verno and Jacoby are back as they go through five observations from the NBA's summer league in Las Vegas. They then discuss some of the latest news around the league including a second sponsorship deal investigation surrounding Kawhi Leonard, Victor Wembanyama’s contract extension, and more. Also, Jacoby shares his experience of going to 'The Odyssey' premiere in New York. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (2:44) Jacoby going to 'The Odyssey' premiere (11:18) Summer league observation no. 1: Top four picks exceeded expectation (19:14) Summer league observation no. 2: Rookie standouts (28:17)…
Verno and Jacoby return to discuss the Celtics trading Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers and debate Brad Stevens's reasoning for trading him away at this point in time. Next, they discuss Giannis Antetokounmpo’s comments since being traded to the Miami Heat, their latest ideas on where LeBron James will end up, and the most recent free agency news. Also, a brief conversation about Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson, and the early slate of NBA summer league games. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (4:01) Brad Stevens and the Celtics front office speak on trading Jaylen Brown to the 76ers…
Free agency is here as Verno and Jacoby react to all the news, starting with the reporting that LeBron James is set to move on from the Lakers and join a new team next season. They then debate whether Kawhi Leonard’s return to the Raptors actually moves the needle for them or the Clippers, and Verno then shares his disappointment with how Ja Morant’s time in Memphis ended. Also, they discuss the ongoing awkwardness between the Celtics and Jaylen Brown, and the weird restricted free agency market surrounding Walker Kessler and Jalen Duren. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (2:42) LeBron James…
Verno and Jacoby are back, as they discuss the blockbuster trade between the Hornets and Timberwolves that sent LaMelo Ball to Minnesota and Naz Reid to Charlotte. They take a look at the trade from both sides, debate whether either team is finished making moves and if the trade will inspire LaMelo to take his game to a different level. Next, Verno shares his absolute excitement for Isaiah Stewart’s arrival in Memphis, whether or not the Celtics will actually trade Jaylen Brown, and the surprising lack of a market for Ja Morant. Also, the rumors of Kawhi Leonard being open to signing an…
Verno and Jacoby react to the first round of the NBA draft, beginning with Verno’s thoughts on the Grizzlies drafting Cameron Boozer and a debate on whether Ja Morant will get traded at all. They then dive into the rest of the top 10 picks. They also discuss how college basketball has evolved when it comes to scouting for the NBA, the lack of surprises and shocking moments from the first round, and how the new anti-tanking rules will affect future drafts. Next, the long-awaited return of the Prospector, who shares the picks he did not like from the first round and which players he likes…
Verno and Jacoby return to discuss everything that went down during yesterday’s Knicks championship parade, including all the wild viral moments. The guys then turn the page to next week’s NBA draft and discuss how the top four could go. They also debate if Giannis Antetokounmpo will finally get traded, where will LeBron James sign, and other potential moves leading up to the draft. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:23) Jacoby details his experience going to the Knicks championship parade (8:33) Viral parade moments (17:29) Jalen Brunson’s parade speech (23:17) New York was still popping…
Verno and Jacoby return to celebrate the New York Knicks' first championship in more than 50 years. Jacoby describes his day leading up to Game 5 as well as the aftermath in the city. The guys also share 10 thoughts from the Knicks' Finals victory. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (2:36) Jacoby describes his day leading up to Game 5 (7:28) Hitting the New York streets after the Knicks' win (14:46) Will Jalen Brunson remain underrated? (21:13) Brunson is a wartime consigliere (27:00) Comparing these Finals to the tortoise and the hare (31:34) Shout-out to the Spurs (33:38) Shout-out to Leon…
The Knicks pulled off the impossible in Game 4 and are now one win away from their first championship in 53 years. Verno and Jacoby discuss just how the Knicks were able to beat the Spurs after being down 29 points. Jacoby recaps his night watching the game and his belief that the Knicks were always going to win, as well as the impact plays from both the Knicks and Spurs. They also briefly discuss their issues with Knicks celebrity row, why the Spurs aren’t playing Dylan Harper more, OG Anunoby’s block and game-winning tip-in, and their predictions for Game 5 on Saturday. (00:00) Welcome to…
Verno and Jacoby react to the Spurs holding off the Knicks in Game 3 of the NBA Finals as Victor Wembanyama bounces back after missing a game-winning shot at the end of Game 2 to help give the Spurs their first win of the series. The guys discuss what went wrong for the Knicks, how the referees influenced the game, Wemby’s push on Jalen Brunson, as well as the big and small picture for the Knicks for the rest of the series. Also, they debate whether the Knicks were relying on Brunson too much, Jacoby’s dislike for Wemby, and whether Game 4 will determine the eventual winner of the series.…
Verno and Jacoby break down a wild Game 1 from every angle—including Jacoby's upper-deck view from inside the Frost Bank Center. Jalen Brunson went into the tunnel and came out a closer, dropping 13 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter when it mattered most. KAT bullied Wemby all night long, and Wemby shot just 6-of-21 in his NBA Finals debut. The Knicks stole one in San Antonio—but is this series really over? Not even close. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (2:04) Jacoby drops $888 to take in the moment of a Knicks Game 1 win (8:32) Inside the arena: San Antonio's kindness vs. New York's…
Verno and Jacoby are back to break down how a remarkably poised Spurs squad knocked off Oklahoma City in seven—then turn their full attention to the Finals. They dig into the tactical chess match of stopping Victor Wembanyama, why Josh Hart is the Knicks' X-factor, and whether Mitchell Robinson can be effective with a busted finger. Plus, the regular-season history between these two teams, MVP odds, and why New York City is already losing its mind before tip-off. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (2:14) Dissecting the WCF–What impressed you most about the Spurs-Thunder series? (4:24) Is the…
Verno and Jacoby return to react to the Spurs' Game 6 win over the Thunder and give their keys to Game 7. Then, they discuss the news of Mitchell Robinson breaking his pinkie finger and the new draft lottery rules. Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:00) Thunder-Spurs: WCF headed to Game 7, Spurs defeat Thunder 118-91 (5:32) Rim protection: Spurs held Thunder to 91 points (lowest playoff output) (11:58) Flip-flopped series: Spurs turn the tables on Thunder (18:08) Spurs-Thunder: Both teams have shown non-competitive moments (23:00) Distractions behind the benches: Nuns and boobs (29:13)…
Verno and Jacoby return to react to the Knicks returning to the NBA Finals after sweeping the Cavs in the Eastern conference finals and preview Game 5 of Spurs-Thunder. Then they are joined by Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor to discuss the issues with the Cavs’ roster, the Knicks’ chances in the NBA championship, and the new NBA lottery rules. Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:00) Knicks destroy Cavs 130-93, punch ticket to NBA Finals (2:22) Knicks run out opponents with 11 straight playoff wins (12:29) Gotham stands tall: first NBA Finals since 1999 (19:10) Cleveland lame: Knicks’ average margin of…
Verno and Jacoby return to react to the Knicks' Game 2 win over the Cavs and recap Spurs-Thunder Game 2. Then, they preview the remainder of each series, dissect the Giannis trade rumors, and look at the NBA All-Rookie teams. Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:00) Knicks-Cavs: NY takes Game 2 with 109-93 victory, Josh Hart 26 pts (09:31) Wave of Knicks fandom throughout the five boroughs (11:53) Ice-cold Cavs: Shooting woes continue, 35 percent FG in Game 2 (17:13) Knicks-Cavs: Worst of the conference finals, series ends in five (24:10) Thunder-Spurs recap: Physical WCF battle, turnovers kill…
Verno and Jacoby return to react to the classic Game 1 of the Western Conference finals and give their thoughts on Game 2. They also preview the Eastern Conference finals featuring the Knicks and Cavaliers. Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:00) Spurs-Thunder: “Harwood Classic,” Spurs win Game 1, 122-115 (2OT) (6:40) Alex Caruso has the game of his life: 31 pts to keep Thunder in the game (10:15) Wemby with an MVP performance: 41 pts, 24 reb with a logo 3-pointer (17:15) Thunder need some soul searching after Game 1. SGA 24 pts, Chet 8 pts (24:28) Small market atmosphere in Oklahoma City and San…
Welcome to The Mismatch! Verno and Jacoby return to react to the Spurs and Cavs taking a 3-2 lead in their respective series and give their thoughts on the pivotal Game 6s on Friday. Plus, they give their Loves and Loathes for the past week and remember Brandon Clarke. Welcome To The Mismatch ! (2:02) Cavs-Pistons Game 6 preview: Cleveland leads series 3-2 (9:48) Spurs-Wolves Game 6 preview: San Antonio leads series 3-2 (16:30) Jacoby Loves: Tony Brothers (the no-call and the Finch fight) (20:11) Verno Loves: Ajay Mitchell scoring 22.5 PPG and a playoff career high of 28 points (28:24)…
Verno and Jacoby return to react to Monday’s playoff matchups. The Thunder remain undefeated as they sweep the Lakers, and the Cavs tie the series at 2 with the Pistons. They also preview Game 5 between the Spurs and the T’Wolves and examine the Knicks' run and the NBA Draft Lottery. Welcome to The Mismatch! (2:05) Thunder-Lakers: Lakers fought hard in a 115-110 loss (7:41) Thunder Dominate playoffs, Sweep Suns and Lakers (10:11) Lebron Swept: Time to take a pay cut or retire? (16:20) Pistons-Cavs: Mitchell drops 43 pts in 112-103 Win, series tied 2-2 (25:44) Knicks Sweep Sixers 4-0:…
Verno and Jacoby return to react to Thursday’s playoff matchups. The Pistons stay hot, James Harden's issues continue, and the Thunder take a 2-0 series lead over the Lakers. Then, they preview Game 3 of the Knicks-76ers and Wolves-Spurs series. Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:36) James Harden has issues: 10 pts, 3-13 FG, 4 TO (2:52) Cavs-Pistons: Detroit up 2-0 with 107-97 victory (6:26) Cade Cunningham: 25 pts, 15th game of 20+ pts in playoffs (8:48) Evan Mobley: Limited impact with 9 pts (13:52 ) Tobias Harris: 21 pts, 7 reb, 7th game of 20+ pts in playoffs (17:27) Lakers-Thunder: Lakers…
Verno and Jacoby return to react to Monday’s playoff matchups. Minnesota takes the first game in San Antonio, and the Knicks continue to click on all cylinders. Then they preview the Lakers-Thunder and Cavs-Pistons series. Welcome to The Mismatch! (0:23) Wolves-Spurs: Wolves Steal game 1, Champagnie misses last-second shot (1:37) Timberwolves with early series road victory 104-102 (3:42) Randle Double-Double: 21 pts, 10 Reb, Clutch buckets in the 4th (11:06) Anthony Edwards Return: 18pts (8/13 FG) 4th Quarter Heroics (13:57) Wemby 12-Block Night: Playoff Record not enough in defeat (20:47)…
About The Mismatch
Chris Vernon and David Jacoby discuss all the news, trends, and transactions happening in the NBA. They also offer their on-court analysis, and occasionally get into heated debates.
The Mismatch is a English sport podcast from The Ringer. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
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