The Zach Lowe Show

Zach is joined by Kirk Goldsberry to discuss Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham gaining postseason awards eligibility and recap the play-in games and predict winners for the final playoff spots. Then, they go through each set playoff series and rank them in terms of watchability.

(0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show!

(2:12) Kirk Goldsberry joins the show!

(10:58) Luka and Cade ruled eligible for postseason awards

(17:22) Biggest crisis among play-in losers?

(21:47) Warriors-Suns preview

(26:14) Hornets-Magic preview

(31:38) Ranking playoff series by watchability, starting with MIN-DEN

(42:54) Hawks-Knicks

(52:08) Trail Blazers-Spurs

(58:52) Rockets-Lakers

(1:06:20) 76ers-Celtics

(1:15:19) Raptors-Cavaliers

Host: Zach Lowe

Guest: Kirk Goldsberry

Producers: Mike Wargon, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil

Social: Keith Fujimoto

When you need your fit to deliver, we’ve got you. Shop Men's Wearhouse.

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

Zach is joined by Chris Ryan and Adam Mares to run through the final day of the season, dive into play-in predictions, and debate which first-round matchups matter most. There’s plenty of Nuggets talk, including how this team stacks up historically, what to expect against Minnesota, and why Nikola Jokic continues to redefine dominance. Later, Tim Hardaway Jr. hits the stage to talk about his time in Denver, playing alongside Jokic, stepping up when it mattered most, and key moments from the season.(0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show!(2:09) Zach gives out his award winners(20:15) All-NBA teams(31:00) Denver live show(37:48) Around the NBA, last day of the regular season(38:08) Adam Mares joins(54:06) Breaking down Nuggets-Timberwolves matchup(01:25:59) Tim Hardaway Jr. joins(01:45:20) NBA Finals predictionsHost: Zach LoweGuest: Chris Ryan, Adam Mares, Tim Hardaway Jr.Producers: Mike Wargon, Jonathan Frias, and Billy GilSocial: Keith Fujimoto

#ULTRACourtside could get you closer to the game! https://michelobultra.com/courtside MICHELOB ULTRA COURTSIDE ’25 to ’26. No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 21 plus. Begins on October 1, 2025 and ends on June 30, 2026 Multiple entry periods. See Official Rules at https://michelobultra.com/courtside for free entry, entry deadlines, prizes, and details.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

Zach is joined by Stan Van Gundy to preview the upcoming playoff matchups, hand out some awards, and discuss how to fix tanking. Plus, they debate whether James Harden or Dwyane Wade had the better career and discuss how their Finals picks have evolved as the season has gone on.

(0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show!

(2:09) Stan Van Gundy joins the show!

(7:33) What playoff series that isn’t set yet is the most interesting?

(15:46) What did we learn from SA-DEN?

(26:26) Stan’s award picks

(38:08) Cooper Flagg has taken on a huge role for the Mavs

(46:01) What tanking solution do you like the best?

(59:39) Who had the better career: James Harden or Dwyane Wade?

(1:04:56) Who was your Finals pick to start the season, and what is it now?

Host: Zach Lowe

Guest: Stan Van Gundy

Producers: Mike Wargon, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil

Social: Keith Fujimoto

This episode is sponsored by State Farm®️. Like a good neighbor, State Farm®️ is there with the Assist.

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

Zach is joined by Rob Mahoney to discuss how Victor Wembanyama's and Luka Doncic’s injuries affect postseason awards and the Western Conference playoffs. Plus, they dissect what’s gone wrong in Chicago, dive into the Bucks-Giannis dysfunction, and compare their all-rookie teams.

(0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show!

(2:09) Rob Mahoney joins the show!

(3:14) Victor Wembanyama leaves game with bruised rib

(11:37) All-defense team picks

(18:48) All-NBA team picks

(38:21) No timetable for Luka’s return

(43:27) How to navigate the Western Conference playoffs

(54:22) Inside the Bucks and Giannis dysfunction

(1:07:04) Chicago Bulls disarray continues

(1:17:52) All-rookie teams

Host: Zach Lowe

Guest: Rob Mahoney

Producers: Mike Wargon, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil

Social: Keith Fujimoto

#ULTRACourtside could get you closer to the game! https://michelobultra.com/courtside MICHELOB ULTRA®️ COURTSIDE ’25 to ’26. No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 21 plus. Begins on October 1, 2025 and ends on June 30, 2026 Multiple entry periods. See Official Rules at https://michelobultra.com/courtside for free entry, entry deadlines, prizes, and details.

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

Zach is joined by Michael Pina to break down the East and share their picks for most improved player. Then, Jaime Jaquez Jr. comes on to discuss his improvement, Jimmy Butler leaving, and being part of Bam’s historic night. Finally, Sean Fennessey joins for the first Mets Corner of the season.

(0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show!

(2:21) Michael Pina joins the show!

(4:31) Jaylen Brown continues to impress

(12:50) Jalen Duren feels like a lock for All-NBA

(18:30) What is our Cavscon level at?

(24:03) Are the Knicks just a weird team?

(41:41) Wemby with another strong game last night

(50:53) Let’s look at the bottom of the East

(56:48) Wizards forced to apologize over April Fools joke

(1:01:43) Most improved player candidates

(1:07:50) Jaime Jaquez Jr. joins the show!

(1:13:38) How do you continue to improve?

(1:21:01) On Jimmy Butler’s departure

(1:23:29) What was it like when Bam scored 83 points?

(1:31:54) Mets Corner with Sean Fennessey!

(1:33:20) The starting pitching has been fantastic

(1:36:14) Bo Bichette’s early struggles continue

(1:52:49) Do you care about Soto and Lindor’s relationship?

Host: Zach Lowe

Guests: Michael Pina, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Sean Fennessey

Producers: Mike Wargon, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil

Social: Keith Fujimoto

Visit https://neweracap.com for 20% off, exclusions apply.

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