This week on The Restart, The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor gives you two sleeper teams that could win the NBA championship in Orlando: the Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors. Kevin breaks down how Luka Doncic evolved into a top-five NBA player and why his game is built for playoff basketball. Then he explains how under Nick Nurse the Raptors remained a defensive juggernaut after the departure of Kawhi Leonard, and why the elevated play of Pascal Siakam could lead Toronto to a repeat title. Plus, a brief look at the start of the NBA bubble and some other teams to keep an eye on.
The Latest
High Hopes for the Phillies Season. And Who’s Currently the Best Athlete in Philadelphia?
James Seltzer and Jack Fritz join to talk Bryce Harper’s return, Trea Turner’s potential run for MVP, and the best athletes in Philadelphia
Goldberg Is a Free Agent
David and Kaz also talk about Kenny Omega vs. El Hijo del Vikingo and Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns’s face-off on ‘Raw’
Chad Finn on the WEEI Controversy, and Pete Abraham on Yoshida Hype. Plus, All In on Lamar Jackson!
Brian also touches on Tom Brady’s media future and Finn’s new book about the Red Sox
UWCL, X-Factor, and ‘Ted Lasso’
Flo Lloyd-Hughes is joined by Becky Taylor-Gill and Stadio’s Ryan Hunn to discuss the quarterfinal first legs in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and more
How NBA Star Status Impacts Playoff Pressure, Bucks GM Jon Horst, Plus a Sweet 16 of “the Worst Guys”
Jon Horst joins to talk building a team around Giannis, the MVP race, a look back at the Jrue Holiday trade, and more
The Joyful XI
Musa and Ryan pick a men’s XI, with substitutes, who have been joyful to watch this season