RotoWire Fantasy Basketball Podcast artwork

RotoWire Fantasy Basketball Podcast

672 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 362 ratings

Listen to Nick Whalen, James Anderson, Shannon McKeown, Ken Crites, Alex Barutha and NBA team beat writers from around the league talk fantasy basketball throughout the season.

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Episodes

Bucks vs. Nets Inevitable, Lakers & Nuggets up 2-1

May 28, 2021 16:57 - 43 minutes - 39.4 MB

Ken, Shannon and Alex discuss the latest playoff news before going over some strategy for Friday's DFS slate.

Clippers in BIG Trouble, Lakers Pull Even

May 26, 2021 21:09 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MB

Nick Whalen is joined by Alex Barutha for a full recap of Tuesday night's playoff games, headlined by the Clippers falling behind 0-2 to the Mavs and the Lakers evening their series against the Suns. The guys discuss the Clippers' lack of identity, Dallas' red-hot three-point shooting, and what comes next should LA lose the series. Then, it's time to dissect Lakers-Suns Game 2. The Lakers head back to Los Angeles  with a chance to take control of the series, but should they still be concerne...

Bucks and Nets on a Collision Course in Round 2

May 26, 2021 00:41 - 1 hour - 61.3 MB

Alex Barutha joins Nick Whalen to  take a series-by-series look at the first three days of the NBA Playoffs. The guys break down Milwaukee's rout of Miami, Denver evening the series against Portland, the Jazz falling into an 0-1 hole without Donovan Mitchell and much more.

Wizards Make the Playoffs + Fantasy Postseason Discussion

May 21, 2021 16:58 - 49 minutes - 45.7 MB

Ken, Shannon and Alex discuss the Wizards making the playoffs and the Warriors vs. Grizzlies game going down Friday night. After that, the three talk about the fantasy postseason draft they recently took part in. Finally, DFS suggestions for Friday and Saturday.

Fantasy Postseason Discussion + Rookie Card Values

May 14, 2021 17:23 - 39 minutes - 35.7 MB

Shannon and Alex navigate a slow news day by discussing the value of various NBA rookie cards due to the unprecedented boom in the market. What's worth more: a Killian Hayes or Isaiah Stewart card? How much does an autographed Giannis card go for? After that, some too-early fantasy postseason talk followed by DFS.

Round 1 Matchups, Playoff Plotlines + Lottery Scenarios with James Anderson

May 12, 2021 18:42 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MB

Nick Whalen talks with James Anderson about the upcoming NBA Playoffs, including the most appealing first-round matchups, the wildcard Lakers, teams with the most on the line, and whether this is Chris Paul's best and final chance to win a title. Then, the guys discuss the heap of teams vying for draft position and debate which lottery outcomes would be the most and least fun.

Play-In Scenarios + Should the Lakers want the 8 Seed?

May 12, 2021 02:57 - 43 minutes - 39.8 MB

Nick Whalen is joined by Alex Barutha to discuss the play-in scenarios as the regular season comes to a close. Should the Lakers intentionally try to get the eighth seed in hopes of matching up with Utah and avoiding the Clippers? The guys also discuss Kristaps Porzingis' mounting injury concerns, the Celtics' suddenly shaky future and which of Portland, Dallas and Denver could make the most noise in the postseason. Finally, Nick and Alex discuss the conversation around James Wiseman and whe...

Most Disappointing Players, Lessons Learned

May 07, 2021 16:36 - 43 minutes - 39.5 MB

Shannon and Alex discuss postseason chances of the Lakers, Nets and Mavericks before diving into the most disappointing players of this season, plus some lessons the two learned throughout the year. Then, waiver wire options and DFS talk.

Play-In & Lottery Scenarios + What is Russell Westbrook's Legacy?

May 05, 2021 04:27 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MB

Nick Whalen and Alex Barutha discuss what LeBron's ankle means for the Lakers' playoff path before debating how another monster statistical season impacts Russell Westbrook's legacy. Then, the guys talk about the teams most likely to fall into the play-in tournament before discussing the most intriguing draft lottery scenarios. 

James Harden Who? Kevin Porter Posts 50 and 10

April 30, 2021 16:47 - 43 minutes - 39.5 MB

Ken and Alex are joined by a special guest: RotoWire contributor and Bulls fanatic Mike Barner. If you read RotoWire's Yahoo NBA DFS articles Monday-Friday, you're familiar with Mike's work. The trio discuss the latest news in the Association, including Kevin Porter Jr. becoming the youngest player ever to post 50 points and 10 assists. After news, there's waiver wire discussion and DFS suggestions for Friday's slate. Ken and Alex also learn the correct pronunciation of Alize Johnson's first ...

Timberwolves, Bulls... What's the Plan?

April 28, 2021 03:30 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MB

Alex Barutha joins Nick Whalen to discuss Anthony Davis' first three games back, as well as the slumping-at-the-wrong-time Portland Trail Blazers. Then, the guys discuss the futures of the Bulls and Timberwolves, who could each lose their protected first-round picks, before debating which bottom-feeders have the best chance to make the playoffs in 2022.

Anthony Davis returns, Trae Young sidelined

April 23, 2021 16:40 - 50 minutes - 45.9 MB

Ken, Shannon and Alex discuss the latest NBA news, including Anthony Davis' return and Trae Young's injury. Then, the Three Amigos discuss fan questions before getting to waiver wire suggestions. Finally, some suggestions for Friday's seven-game DFS slate.

Under-the-Radar Fantasy Players for 2021-22 with James Anderson

April 22, 2021 21:57 - 46 minutes - 42.1 MB

James Anderson joins Nick Whalen to trade lists of under-the-radar players who could emerge as top-150 fantasy assets in 2021-22. From Jaden McDaniels to Terance Mann to Isaiah Stewart, the guys hit on a number of (mostly young) players who've caught their eye this season and may be ready to make a leap.

All-NBA Debate + How Much Do Missed Games Matter?

April 21, 2021 03:59 - 49 minutes - 44.9 MB

Nick Whalen is joined by Alex Barutha to talk about James Harden's setback, LaMelo Ball's imminent return and the playoff picture in both conferences. The guys discuss the Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year and MVP races before debating how much missed games will impact the 2020-21 All-NBA teams.

AD's imminent return, LaVine out 10-14 days

April 16, 2021 16:52 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MB

Ken, Shannon and Alex discuss the news, including LaMarcus Aldridge's retirement, Anthony Davis nearing a return, Zach LaVine in COVID protocols, and James Wiseman's surgery. After that, Fan Feedback and Waiver Wire suggestions like Tomas Satoransky, Nerlens Noel and Hassan Whiteside . Finally, the three amigos wrap up with DFS advice, Ken's Old Man Rant and mispronounced names, featuring Malachi Flynn.

Aldridge Retires + Preseason Over/Unders Revisited

April 15, 2021 22:56 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MB

Nick Whalen and Alex Barutha reflect on LaMarcus Aldridge's career, including whether he has a legitimate case to make the Basketball Hall of Fame. Then, the guys pull up some win percentage over/unders from December and discuss the teams dramatically outperforming -- and underperforming -- their preseason numbers. 

Nuggets Lose Murray + Previewing the Play-In

April 14, 2021 02:50 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MB

Nick Whalen is joined by Alex Barutha to discuss Jamal Murray's torn ACL and what it means for the rest of the Nuggets' season. Then, the guys take a look at what lies ahead for the Lakers and whether they can avoid falling into the play-in tournament. The guys finish out by discussing which teams are most likely to compete for the 7th and 8th seeds, as well as which scenarios would make for the most fun play-in matchups.

Oladipo's Knee Injury, Waiver Targets

April 09, 2021 16:44 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MB

Ken, Shannon and Alex discuss the latest news, including the potential seriousness of Victor Oladipo's knee injury. Then, the crew answers a pair of fan questions before diving into waiver wire targets. Finally, Friday DFS advice, questions about the pronunciation of Kenrich, and Ken's Old Man Rant.

The 10 Worst Draft Picks of the Last Five Years with James Anderson

April 08, 2021 19:07 - 1 hour - 62.9 MB

James Anderson joins Nick Whalen to debate and discuss their individual lists of the 10 worst draft picks from the last five drafts. The guys discuss the thought process behind their rankings and run through where and why each pick went wrong. Nick's list: Marvin Bagley Jerome Robinson Markelle Fultz Luke Kennard Kevin Knox Deandre Ayton Dragan Bender T.J. Leaf Josh Jackson Jalen Smith   James' List: Marvin Bagley Deandre Ayton Jaxson Hayes Jalen Smith James Wiseman Anthon...

Debating the Top 25 Players Under 25

April 07, 2021 00:45 - 1 hour - 56.2 MB

Nick Whalen and Alex Barutha run through some minor news items -- including the Pelicans signing Isaiah Thomas and DeMarcus Cousins joining the Clippers -- before diving into ESPN's list of the top 25 NBA players under 25 years old. The guys debate who's ranked too high, who's ranked too low, and which players they would personally pick to develop into superstars over the next decade. The list (via ESPN): Luka Doncic (22.0 years old) Zion Williamson (20.7) LaMelo Ball (19.6) Donovan Mit...

Special Guest: ESPN's Andre Snellings

April 02, 2021 16:59 - 46 minutes - 43 MB

Ken and Alex welcome former RotoWire contributor and current ESPN Senior Writer Andre Snellings to the show. The trio discuss recent news items, waiver wire options and how the top players in fantasy might fare next season. You can find Andre on Twitter @ProfessorDrz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bulls' Future, Harden for MVP, KD's Elite Supporting Casts

March 31, 2021 04:20 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MB

Nick Whalen and Alex Barutha discuss Nikola Vucevic's first two games in Chicago and what the Bulls need to do to take the next step. The guys also discuss Andre Drummond in Los Angeles, LaMarcus Aldridge in Brooklyn, James Harden's MVP case and the Coach of the Year race. Finally, it's time to answer the question: Has Kevin Durant had the most-talented supporting casts of any player in recent history? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trade Deadline Special: Reacting to Every Deal

March 25, 2021 22:39 - 43 minutes - 40 MB

Shortly after the passing of the 2021 NBA trade deadline, Alex Barutha joins Nick Whalen to break down all of the relevant deals, including Victor Oladipo to Miami, George Hill to Philly, Delon Wright to Sacramento and the Orlando Magic's all-time fire sale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Previewing the Trade Deadline

March 24, 2021 00:14 - 1 hour - 60.2 MB

Nick Whalen is joined by Alex Barutha to discuss the biggest-name players who could be on the move this week, including Lonzo Ball, Aaron Gordon, Andre Drummond and Victor Oladipo. Then, the guys go rogue to debate Allen Iverson vs. Kyrie Irving, as well as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Donovan Mitchell. They finish out with a breakdown of the updated MVP and Rookie of the Year odds following injuries to LaMelo Ball and LeBron James. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com...

Waiver Targets: Who is Moses Brown?

March 19, 2021 16:37 - 50 minutes - 46.9 MB

Ken, Shannon and Alex highlight waiver pickups including Moses Brown, Kelly Olynyk, Will Barton, Robert Williams and Matisse Thybulle. The three amigos also discuss recent news and, finally, get to Friday's loaded 10-game DFS slate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 10 Best Draft Picks of the Last Five Years with James Anderson

March 19, 2021 03:25 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MB

Nick Whalen is joined by James Anderson to rank their top 10 draft picks of the last five drafts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

McCollum Returns, Landing Spots for Oladipo & Aldridge + Are the Bucks Back?

March 17, 2021 04:02 - 46 minutes - 37.2 MB

Nick Whalen and Alex Barutha discuss what the return of CJ McCollum (and eventually Jusuf Nurkic) means for Portland's ceiling before getting into potential landing spots for LaMarcus Aldridge, Andre Drummond and Victor Oladipo. The guys also discuss Giannis Antetokounmpo's recent surge and assess where Milwaukee stands among the title contenders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Houston Supplies Waiver Targets

March 12, 2021 17:48 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MB

Ken, Shannon and Alex discuss news before diving into waiver targets for Week 13, which includes plenty of Houston Rockets, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NBA 'Would You Rather...?' with James Anderson

March 11, 2021 22:53 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MB

RotoWire's James Anderson stops by to answer a series of rapid-fire "Would you rather?" questions from Nick Whalen. The guys hit on Morant vs. LaMelo, Nets vs. Lakers, Tyrese Haliburton's ceiling, most likely playoff teams, the 2021 Timberwolves' pick and much more before finishing out with some 2021 NBA Draft chatter heading into the NCAA Tournament. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

KAT Trades, Hall of Fame Decisions, Bad-Team Fantasy Gems

March 10, 2021 05:01 - 55 minutes - 51.5 MB

Nick Whalen and Alex Barutha begin by discussing the Hall of Fame cases for Chris Webber, Ben Wallace, Paul Pierce and Chris Bosh. Then, the guys recap All-Star Weekend before discussing some hypothetical Karl-Anthony Towns trades. Finally, they discuss players who could benefit in fantasy from bad teams looking to improve their lottery odds over the second half of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All-Star Weekend Betting Preview with Ben Zweiman

March 04, 2021 00:47 - 1 hour - 70.1 MB

Nick Whalen and Alex Barutha are joined by Ben Zweiman of DK Nation to break down All-Star Weekend from a gambling perspective. The guys discuss the odds for the Three-Point Shootout, Skills Challenge and Dunk Contest, as well as analyze the rosters for both the All-Star and Rookie-Sophomore Games. Then, they turn their attention toward the futures market, keying in on the best values and most likely winners for MVP, Most Improved Player, Rookie of the Year, and more. Learn more about your ...

All-Star Expectations, Lowry's Future, Forecasting the Playoffs

March 03, 2021 04:46 - 44 minutes - 41.2 MB

Nick Whalen is joined by Alex Barutha to discuss the Hawks' firing of Lloyd Pierce, All-Star Weekend expectations, postseason odds, Kyle Lowry's future and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Week 11 Waivers

February 26, 2021 17:28 - 45 minutes - 42.1 MB

Ken, Shannon and Alex discuss Tobias Harris' and Bam Adebayo's injuries, Malik Beasley being suspended for 12 games and Donte DiVincenzo's strong play before diving into waivers. Week 11 potential adds include TJ McConnell, Saben Lee, Jaylen Nowell, Derrick White, Nicolas Claxton, Danilo Gallinari and Bruce Brown. Finally, some discussion about Friday's DFS slate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Midseason All-NBA Teams

February 25, 2021 22:08 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MB

With the season nearing its halfway point, Nick Whalen and James Anderson compile their midseason First-, Second- and Third-Team All-NBA selections. The guys talk through each of their teams and discuss which players could play their way onto an All-NBA team during the second half of the season.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All-Star Reserves Announced + Live Reaction

February 24, 2021 04:14 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MB

Nick Whalen and Alex Barutha react to Tuesday night's announcement of the seven All-Star reserves in each conference. The guys discuss which players were most and least deserving of their spots, as well as the biggest snubs and toughest decisions. Then, they discuss the struggling Lakers, DeMarcus Cousins' future and the Timberwolves' coaching change before answering the age-old question: Would you rather be the GM of the Cavaliers or the Pistons? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit pod...

Anthony Davis Out 4 Weeks, Waiver Targets

February 19, 2021 18:09 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MB

Ken and Alex discuss: Anthony Davis' injury Nets vs. Lakers Bucks 1-5 without Holiday Jazz still playing great Waiver targets like Wendell Carter, Grayson Allen, Marcus Morris, Jae'Sean Tate, Jae Crowder, Theo Maledon Friday's DFS slate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rest-of-Season Predictions with James Anderson

February 18, 2021 22:24 - 1 hour - 59.9 MB

James Anderson joins Nick Whalen to break down their respective lists of predictions for the rest of the NBA season. Topics include: Contenders for the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft Zion Williamson's All-NBA chances The Nets as favorites in the East P.J. Tucker trades Mike Budenholzer's future in Milwaukee John Collins in Atlanta The Michael Porter Jr. conundrum The Magic's plan for Nikola Vucevic (And much more) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoi...

Blake Griffin's Future + Drummond Trades + Where the T'Wolves Went Wrong

February 17, 2021 04:54 - 57 minutes - 52.5 MB

Nick Whalen is joined by Alex Barutha to discuss the latest news in the NBA, including a wave of COVID-19 postponements, as well as injuries to Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell. The guys discuss how the Timberwolves got to this point and where things went wrong before exploring potential landing spots for both Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Waiver Targets on Losing Teams

February 12, 2021 17:45 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MB

Someone has to score on bad teams. Ken, Shannon and Alex break down waiver targets in this week's special Friday episode of the RotoWire NBA Podcast: The Harvey Grant Edition. Plus, the three amigos talk Anthony Davis' Achilles tendonosis, a three-point record by the Celtics, Tyler Herro back in health and safety protocols, and D'Angelo Russell's continued injury absences. Finally, some DFS talk on a massive 11-game slate filled with value. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastcho...

NBA Prop Betting and Futures with DK Nation's Ben Zweiman

February 11, 2021 22:56 - 1 hour - 72.5 MB

Nick Whalen and Alex Barutha are joined by Ben Zweiman of DK Nation to talk about betting and playing DFS during this unique NBA season. After a brief sulk session about the Green Bay Packers, the guys dive into what's made this season unique, how to decide which teams are actually good, and which teams have been the most difficult to get a read on thus far. Then, they finish out with a full breakdown of the MVP and Most Improved Player races, from a betting perspective. Learn more about y...

2019 Re-Draft, Derrick Rose, Beal's Future and More

February 10, 2021 01:37 - 1 hour - 64.3 MB

Nick Whalen and Alex Barutha break down the implications of the Derrick Rose trade and debate whether Dennis Smith can salvage his career in Detroit. Then, the guys make a plea to Bradley Beal to request a trade out of Washington before discussing the ongoing rise of LaMelo Ball. Finally, they finish out with a re-ranking of the 2019 draft class. Is Zion still the No. 1 pick? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christian Wood Hurt Again, Waiver Targets

February 05, 2021 17:42 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MB

Ken, Shannon and Alex first discuss recent news, including Christian Wood's ankle injury, the All-Star game, Seth Curry's persistent COVID symptoms, and Matthew Dellavedova's possible retirement. Next, they get into waiver targets including DeMarcus Cousins, Thad Young, De'Anthony Melton, Kevin Huerter, Cody Zeller, Theo Maledon, Gary Trent, Jae'Sean Tate and JaMychal Green. Finally, touching on DFS, they discuss Thunder players, Jerami Grant, the Raptors against Brooklyn and Jimmy Butler ag...

2024-25 All-NBA Teams with James Anderson

February 04, 2021 21:31 - 58 minutes - 53.5 MB

Nick Whalen is joined by James Anderson to peer four years into the future and predict which 15 players will make up the three All-NBA teams in 2024-25. The guys run through their most and least confident picks, near misses, high school and college prospects to consider, and the fringe-stars who could force their way into the conversation over the next four seasons. James' Teams: C: Nikola Jokic F: Jayson Tatum F: Jaylen Brown G: Luka Doncic G: Ja Morant C: Anthony Davis F: Giannis A...

All-Stars at the Quarter-Season Mark

February 03, 2021 03:49 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MB

Nick Whalen and Alex Barutha each reveal their 12-man All-Star teams and talk through every player, from the no-brainers to the tough omissions. Then, the guys discuss how next month's All-Star Game might look in the context of the pandemic season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Week 7 Waivers, Excessive Pistons Talk

January 29, 2021 18:49 - 43 minutes - 39.7 MB

Shannon and Alex discuss Blake Griffin and Delon Wright's recent play, Bradley Beal trade rumors and the Most Improved Player odds before jumping into waiver wire discussion. Potential adds ahead of Week 7 include Wayne Ellington, TJ McConnell, Royce O'Neale, Dorian Finney-Smith, Devin Vassell. Finally, Shannon and Alex touch on Friday's DFS slate, noting high over/unders, injuries and potential value plays. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are the Jazz a Serious Contender in the West?

January 28, 2021 23:24 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MB

Nick Whalen is joined by Alex Barutha to talk about the surging Utah Jazz, the top four teams in the West, the Mavs' short-term ceiling, Minnesota's ugly start and a fairly underwhelming 2020 rookie class, fantasy-wise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trade Rumors, MVP Race, Rookie of the Year and More

January 27, 2021 01:24 - 58 minutes - 53.8 MB

Nick Whalen is joined by Alex Barutha to discuss a grab-bag of topics, including: The league's plans to potentially hold an All-Star Game Lonzo Ball trade rumors and potential destinations Kelly Oubre trade rumors The Warriors' future Handicapping the MVP race Tyrese Haliburton vs. LaMelo Ball for Rookie of the Year Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cleveland Still Winning, Waiver Targets

January 22, 2021 17:28 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MB

Ken, Shannon and Alex discuss the Lakers beating the Bucks, Cleveland's recent success, Jordan Clarkson's hot shooting and the Knicks' stellar defense. After that, waiver wire talk including Lu Dort, Darius Bazley, Jeremy Lamb, Taurean Prince, KCP and Kendrick Nunn. Lastly, some DFS discussion on the massive Friday slate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Six Early-Season Takeaways with James Anderson

January 21, 2021 20:33 - 1 hour - 56.1 MB

Nick Whalen is joined by James Anderson to talk about how COVID-19 has impacted the NBA season. Then, the guys run through their individual lists of players or teams to highlight before talking playoff cross-offs. The rise of Collin Sexton and Jerami Grant Pascal Siakam and the middling Toronto Raptors How the Bucks are using Giannis Antetokounmpo Zion Williamson impressions + long-term future Should the Magic explore Nik Vucevic trades? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastc...

Blazers Injuries, Bucks-Nets, Surprise Top-50 Fantasy Players

January 20, 2021 01:10 - 59 minutes - 54.9 MB

Nick Whalen is joined by Alex Barutha to discuss injuries to CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic and what's next for the Blazers. The guys break down the early playoff picture in both conferences before hitting on Monday's Bucks-Nets showdown and some of the more surprising players providing top-50 fantasy production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guests

Mason Ginsberg
1 Episode
Michael Jordan
1 Episode