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Hot Takedown Profile

Hot Takedown

English, Sports, 1 seasons, 200 episodes, 6 days 15 hours 34 minutes
About
Hot Takedown is the weekly sports podcast from FiveThirtyEight. On it, the crew uses numbers to dissect the week in sports, taking down some silly hot takes in the process.
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Football Is Weird, Part Infinity

In our last Hot Takedown, the team looks at NFL chaos from this week and college basketball chaos to come. Plus: a Rabbit Hole with a curse.
09/11/20211 hour 3 minutes 19 seconds
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Analytics, But From The Gut

Hot Takedown discusses the World Series and a new college football playoff format. Plus: a Rabbit Hole that has all of the sports.
02/11/202154 minutes 30 seconds
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It's Anybody's World Series

Hot Takedown discusses the World Series and the Chiefs' woes. Plus: a RATPOR Rabbit Hole.
26/10/202152 minutes 29 seconds
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Why Our Model (Still) Hates The Lakers

Hot Takedown discusses our NBA predictions and the MLB playoffs. Plus: a Rabbit Hole all about first (and second) wins.
19/10/202154 minutes 2 seconds
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Championships, Random-ships

Hot Takedown discusses this last week in the NFL, MLB, WNBA and College Football and previews the NHL. Plus: A Rabbit Hole for losers.
12/10/202151 minutes 6 seconds
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The Dodgers Need A Reseed

Hot Takedown discusses the MLB playoffs and Cincinnati's CFB playoff chances. Plus: a special guest joins us for a family-themed Rabbit Hole.
05/10/202148 minutes 46 seconds
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Brady vs. Belichick: Round Whatever

Hot Takedown discusses Tom Brady vs. Bill Belichick and the chaos in college football.  Plus: a Rabbit Hole on what's wrong with match play.
28/09/202148 minutes 47 seconds
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Math Nerds (And The Ravens) Win

Hot Takedown discusses the Ravens' win over the Chiefs and the WNBA playoffs. Plus: a Rabbit Hole that's quite the catch(er).
21/09/202147 minutes 41 seconds
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Actually, Week 1 Does Matter

Hot Takedown discusses Week 1 in the NFL and the latest no-hitter in MLB. Plus: a Rabbit Hole that messes with Texas.
14/09/202153 minutes 7 seconds
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How We See The NFL Season

Hot Takedown talks through our NFL predictions. Plus a WNBA at 25 Rabbit Hole.  
07/09/202151 minutes 52 seconds
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Nebraska’s Frost Is Melting

Hot Takedown surveys the college football landscape and the results at the Paralympics. Plus: an immaculate (inning) Rabbit Hole.
31/08/202153 minutes 26 seconds
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Turns Out 500 Is A Lot Of Home Runs

Hot Takedown discusses Miguel Cabrera's 500th home run, the Little League World Series and the fall of Topps in our all-baseball extravaganza. 
24/08/202149 minutes 19 seconds
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Our Expectations Aren’t Being Met By The Mets

Hot Takedown discusses the NL East and the NFL preseason. Plus an interview with author Greg Larson.
17/08/202154 minutes 39 seconds
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A Messi Situation

Hot Takedown looks back at the Tokyo Games and looks ahead to Lionel Messi at PSG. Plus: a Rabbit Hole on the comeback of the eephus pitch.
10/08/202152 minutes 54 seconds
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Simone Biles Beams Back

Hot Takedown looks at the MLB trade deadline and Olympic Gymnastics. Plus a record-setting track Rabbit Hole.
03/08/202152 minutes 7 seconds
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Big Trouble For The Big 12

Hot Takedown discusses the latest college football conference realignment and mental focus in the Olympics. Plus: a team name Rabbit Hole in honor of the Cleveland Guardians.
27/07/202150 minutes 3 seconds
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So The Olympics Are Still Happening?

Hot Takedown discusses the Tokyo Olympics and the NBA Finals. Plus: an expansion draft Rabbit Hole.
20/07/202155 minutes 8 seconds
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All NBA Finals Takes Are Possible

Hot Takedown looks back at Game 3 of the NBA Finals and the MLB All-Star break. Plus: A rant about English soccer, as a treat.
13/07/202153 minutes 13 seconds
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The Suns vs. The Bucks vs. Injuries

Hot Takedown previews the NBA Finals and the controversies ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.
06/07/202156 minutes 14 seconds
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MLB Tries To Get A Grip

Hot Takedown discusses MLB's crackdown on sticky stuff and the NBA conference finals. 
29/06/202152 minutes 9 seconds
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SCOTUS 9, NCAA 0

Hot Takedown discusses the implications of the Supreme Court ruling in NCAA v. Alston and the NBA Conference Finals. 
22/06/202152 minutes 34 seconds
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The Enemy Of My Enemy Roots For The Islanders

Hot Takedown looks at the Stanley Cup playoffs and the Brooks-Bryson rivalry ahead of the U.S. Open. 
15/06/202151 minutes 24 seconds
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A Fair Trade For Julio Jones

Hot Takedown looks at Julio Jones’s move from Atlanta to Tennessee and checks in on the NBA Playoffs. 
08/06/202150 minutes 19 seconds
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Everyone Lost In The French Open Fracas

Hot Takedown discusses Naomi Osaka’s exit from the French Open and the NBA playoffs. 
01/06/202152 minutes 14 seconds
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Can You Have Too Many No-Hitters?

Hot Takedown looks at no-hitter trend in MLB and the success of older athletes like Phil Mickelson. 
25/05/202152 minutes 7 seconds
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Playoffs And Play-Ins

Hot Takedown looks at the start of the NHL and NBA playoffs. Plus: a Rabbit Hole that puts age before beauty in MLB.
18/05/202151 minutes 57 seconds
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It's Hard To Leave MLB Gracefully

Hot Takedown reflects on Albert Pujols exit and previews our WNBA predictions. 
11/05/202152 minutes 53 seconds
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Draft Grades Are Meaningless But Also A+ Fun

Hot Takedown reviews NFL draft grades and discusses the NBA play-in tournament. Plus a Rabbit Hole about the past (and future) of tanking.
04/05/202154 minutes 34 seconds
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This NFL Draft Class Still Has Some QB Questions

Hot Takedown discusses the top quarterbacks, after Trevor Lawrence, in the NFL draft as well as the hype around the Knicks. 
27/04/202151 minutes 23 seconds
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A Super League Super Fight

Hot Takedown looks at how a Super League would change European soccer and the state of the NBA MVP race. 
20/04/202154 minutes 33 seconds
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Can We Keep Our Early Baseball Takes Cool?

Hot Takedown looks at the start of the baseball season and previews the WNBA draft. 
13/04/202153 minutes 15 seconds
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An End To The Madness

Hot Takedown surveys the NCAA Tournament results and previews The Masters. Plus special guest Harry Enten brings an MLB Rabbit Hole.
06/04/202153 minutes 48 seconds
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All Hype Is Good Hype

Hot Takedown looks at the NCAA tournament’s Elite Eight and previews the baseball season. 
30/03/202153 minutes 41 seconds
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The NCAA Is Bad At Capitalism

Hot Takedown looks at the NCAA's mistakes in this year's women's tournament and big upsets in the first two rounds of the men's tournament.
23/03/202153 minutes 41 seconds
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Let’s Pick Our Brackets

Hot Takedown looks at both NCAA tournament brackets and picks our Men and Women's Final Four.
16/03/202153 minutes 55 seconds
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A Year Of Pandemic Sports

Hot Takedown looks back at how sports adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus: a 16/16 Rabbit Hole.
09/03/202152 minutes 4 seconds
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Why's Everyone Writing Off The Jazz?

Hot Takedown discusses where Tiger Woods’ legacy goes from here and the surprising (regular season) success of the Utah Jazz. 
02/03/202151 minutes 8 seconds
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Osaka's Rise Doesn't Mean Serena Is Done

Hot Takedown talks through the results of the Australian Open and previews March Madness. Yes, it is almost March.
23/02/202152 minutes 29 seconds
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Grading The NHL's Start On And Off The Ice

Hot Takedown looks at the start of the NHL season and the current state of sports video games. Plus: an MLB free agency Rabbit Hole. 
16/02/202152 minutes 20 seconds
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How The Bucs Sunk The Chiefs

Hot Takedown breaks down Super Bowl LV: how the Buccaneers dismantled the Chiefs’ offense and what this win means for Tom Brady’s legacy. 
09/02/202153 minutes
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Baby GOAT vs. Grizzled GOAT

Hot Takedown previews Super Bowl LV and discusses the tensions between MLB owners and players. 
02/02/202151 minutes 22 seconds
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The Analytics On Being Aggressive

Hot Takedown discusses the NFL conference championship games and the Baseball Hall of Fame. 
26/01/202152 minutes 23 seconds
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One Super Bowl Win Isn't Enough Anymore?

Hot Takedown discusses Drew Brees' legacy and James Harden's first days with the Brooklyn Nets.
19/01/202150 minutes 31 seconds
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Alabama Was The Unstoppable Force AND The Immovable Object

Hot Takedown reflects on Alabama's title win and how sports will keep intersecting with politics after Trump.
12/01/202152 minutes 17 seconds
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Ohio State Made The Committee Look Good, And Bad

Hot Takedown discusses the College Football Playoff finals and the NFL super wild card round. Plus: a Steph Curry-flavored Rabbit Hole.
05/01/202151 minutes 12 seconds
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Let's Stuff 2020 Down A Rabbit Hole

Hot Takedown closes out the year with three different Rabbit Holes: QB picks, 2020 chalk, and games played on odd weekdays.
29/12/202054 minutes 13 seconds
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New Year, New RAPTOR

Hot Takedown breaks down our NBA predictions this year and everything wrong with the college football playoff. Plus: A Negro Leagues Rabbit Hole. 
22/12/202056 minutes 44 seconds
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Along Came A (Cleveland) Spider

Hot Takedown discusses the Cleveland Baseball team’s name change and the College Football Playoff. Plus: A Rabbit Hole 11 seasons in the making. 
15/12/202054 minutes 17 seconds
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The Jets' Tank Is Empty

Hot Takedown looks at tanking in the NFL and the Wall-Westbrook trade in the NBA. Plus: a chaotic good Rabbit Hole. 
08/12/202053 minutes 3 seconds
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Hard To Play Football Without A Quarterback

Hot Takedown looks at the NFL’s uneven attempts to manage the pandemic and a historic first for college football. 
01/12/202057 minutes 21 seconds
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College Basketball Tries To Stay Positive (And COVID-Negative)

Hot Takedown looks at the challenges ahead for the upcoming college basketball season. Plus: a Rabbit Hole inspired by Theo Epstein. 
24/11/202053 minutes 47 seconds
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The NBA’s Not-Normal November

Hot Takedown covers the big trades ahead of the NBA draft and Kim Ng's hiring as GM of the Miami Marlins.
17/11/202054 minutes 23 seconds
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What's Wrong With The NFL's Best Teams?

Hot Takedown breaks down the top five NFL teams according to our model and talks about the prospects for the College Football Playoffs.
10/11/202055 minutes 19 seconds
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All Podcasts Are Political

In an election special, Hot Takedown explores the influence of politics on sports, and how money from sports makes its way into politics.
03/11/202055 minutes 53 seconds
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Belichick Is Fresh Out Of Magic

Hot Takedown discusses the World Series so far and the divergent fortunes of the Patriots and the Buccaneers.  Plus: a sartorial tour through championship patches in the Rabbit Hole.
27/10/202056 minutes 16 seconds
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More Moneyball, More Problems?

Hot Takedown discusses all things World Series: how the Dodgers and the Rays got here and who we think will win.
20/10/202053 minutes 40 seconds
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The Lakers Burst The Heat's Bubble

Hot Takedown discusses the NBA finals and the MLB postseason. Plus: a Rabbit Hole with its own mascots. 
13/10/202053 minutes 50 seconds
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Bill O'Brien Set His Own Hot Seat On Fire

Hot Takedown talks about the teams struggling in the NFL and about the excellent WNBA finals. Plus: a championship ring Rabbit Hole.
06/10/202054 minutes 28 seconds
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MLB’s Sweet Sixteen

Hot Takedown previews baseball’s unusual postseason as well as the NBA finals. Plus: a southern-fried hockey Rabbit Hole.
29/09/202053 minutes 45 seconds
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Week Two Of The NFL Hurt

Hot Takedown looks at this week's wave of injuries in the NFL and why our predictions still discount the LA Lakers. Plus: a Padres Rabbit Hole 14 years in the making. 
22/09/202058 minutes 44 seconds
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From Wentz They Came

Hot Takedown unpacks Week 1 in the NFL and the Rockets’ exit from the NBA playoffs. Then, a single-elimination Rabbit Hole. 
15/09/202052 minutes 28 seconds
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Are We Ready For Some Football?

Hot Takedown previews the return of both the NFL and the English Premier League. Then, an interview with author Reid Forgrave.
08/09/202054 minutes 39 seconds
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The NBA Strike Was Personal

Hot Takedown discusses the initial results of the NBA strike and previews the college football season, such as it is. 
01/09/202053 minutes 5 seconds
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Emergency Podcast: Sports On Strike

Hot Takedown discusses the strike for racial justice that began in the NBA.
27/08/202020 minutes 30 seconds
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"Processing" The Sixers' Loss

Hot Takedown looks at the Celtics’ and the Raptors' first round sweeps, and gives out our MVP awards at MLB’s month-long midseason. 
25/08/202052 minutes 12 seconds
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A Tale Of Two Bubbles

Hot Takedown discusses the start of the NBA and NHL postseasons. Plus: a division sweeping Rabbit Hole.  
18/08/202053 minutes 23 seconds
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The Slow Fall Of Football

Hot Takedown discusses the impending cancellation of college football and then draft our World Series picks. Plus: a wide open Rabbit Hole.
11/08/202055 minutes 24 seconds
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Will College Football Fail Its First Exam?

Hot Takedown discusses the friction between college athletes, the Power Five, and the NCAA, and celebrates the return of live sports. 
04/08/202054 minutes 30 seconds
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MLB's "Plan" Didn't Pan Out

Hot Takedown discusses baseball’s spike in positive coronavirus cases, the return of hockey, and an extra innings Rabbit Hole. 
28/07/202056 minutes 6 seconds
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Ready Or Not, Here Comes Baseball

Hot Takedown previews the return of MLB and the semi-finals of the NWSL Challenge Cup. Plus, a trail running Rabbit Hole. 
21/07/202051 minutes 50 seconds
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College Football Makes A Conference Call

Hot Takedown talks about the Big 10 and Pac-12’s change to conference-only play, Manchester City’s appeal to be allowed to play in the Champions League, and a team (re)naming Rabbit Hole.
14/07/202056 minutes 53 seconds
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What's In A Team Name?

Hot Takedown discusses the renewed push to change the name of Washington’s NFL team, our new NBA forecast, and a batting stance Rabbit Hole. 
07/07/202054 minutes 41 seconds
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New(ton) England

Hot Takedown discusses the Patriot's newest MVP QB and the latest examples of athlete activism. Plus, a Rabbit Hole about pumping iron(s)
30/06/202048 minutes 26 seconds
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Flattening The Curveball

Hot Takedown discusses MLB's restart plan and how multiple leagues are coping with COVID-19. Plus, an NBA coaching Rabbit Hole.
23/06/202054 minutes 42 seconds
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NBA Players Hit Pause

Hot Takedown discusses some NBA players' reservations with the league's restart logistics and previews the Premier League's return.
16/06/202055 minutes 44 seconds
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Was Drew Brees's Fourth Apology The Charm?

Hot Takedown assesses the NFL's rapid evolution on player protests and the NBA's plans to reopen in Disney World. Plus, a Rabbit Hole on fake players.
09/06/202052 minutes 44 seconds
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What Can Sports Do?

Hot Takedown discusses the sports world's response to the ongoing protests against police brutality towards black Americans.
02/06/202042 minutes 35 seconds
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Show Me The Money(ball)

Hot Takedown looks at the negotiations between MLB players and owners, and examines why golf has already made a successful comeback. Plus one last "Last Dance" Rabbit Hole.
26/05/202049 minutes 40 seconds
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Shall We Last Dance?

Hot Takedown unpacks how truthful, and useful, the Michael Jordan docu-series is and debates some potential NFL diversity hiring incentives. Plus, a cricket-themed Rabbit Hole
19/05/202052 minutes 54 seconds
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Live Sports? In This Economy?

Hot Takedown covers a new poll about what fans need to feel safe at live sporting events and discuss how it applies to the NBA. Then, an NCAA bribery Rabbit Hole, as a treat.
12/05/202047 minutes 59 seconds
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U.S. Soccer's Big Day In Court

Hot Takedown talks to The Athletic's Meg Linehan about the latest news in the USWNT's lawsuit, and surveys which American leagues might be closest to reopening.
05/05/202053 minutes 13 seconds
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Jordan Love Is A Battlefield

Hot Takedown covers the results of the NFL draft, Twitter drama about sports drafts, and a classic games Rabbit Hole.
28/04/202049 minutes 40 seconds
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Bringing Down The Krause

Hot Takedown discusses where the NFL draft will get interesting, what's interesting about the new Michael Jordan documentary, and a rules-lawyering Rabbit Hole.
21/04/202052 minutes 58 seconds
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Time To Get Weird, Sports Leagues

Hot Takedown talks prospects for the WNBA draft this week and prospects for the NBA generally. Then, author Brad Balukjian joins for a special baseball Rabbit Hole.
14/04/202049 minutes 57 seconds
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Going The Social Distance

This week we discuss whether the president can help U.S. sports leagues restart and wrap up our NCAA tournament, then special guest Emily Scherer tackles the Rabbit Hole.
07/04/202049 minutes 5 seconds
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Reality TV Is Our Only Hope For Hoops

Hot Takedown talks about how the NBA might end its hiatus, the NCAA extending eligibility for student athletes, and an iRacing (i)Rabbit Hole.
31/03/202048 minutes 5 seconds
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Olympic Flame-Out

It's been another big week of cancellations in sports, so the Hot Takedown team reacts to the postponement of the Olympic Games.
24/03/202046 minutes 26 seconds
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2020: A Sports-Less Odyssey

Hot Takedown looks at the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on both leagues and fans, and our Rabbit Hole remembers when sports were stopped in the past.
17/03/202049 minutes 17 seconds
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Live from Sloan: How Has RAPTOR Done So Far?

Last week, Nate Silver joined Hot Takedown on stage to discuss how RAPTOR has performed this NBA season. Plus, a Rabbit Hole on the unconventional way some players get paid.
10/03/202050 minutes 50 seconds
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"Anybody Can Make The Final Four"

Hot Takedown discusses the chaos in men's college basketball and who our model believes should be NBA Rookie of the Year. Plus, a Rabbit Hole from spring training.
03/03/202058 minutes 34 seconds
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"The Great 8 Is Better Than The Great One"

In Sara's absence, Neil and Geoff discuss too much hockey and debate the merits of era adjusting records. The Athletic's Meg Linehan unpacks the latest in the USWNT lawsuit.
25/02/202054 minutes 44 seconds
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"They Fixed The NBA All-Star Game"

Changes to the NBA All-Star Game were well received but we have a few more ideas to improve the weekend. Plus, Manchester City's scandal and a Rabbit Hole on NFL dynasties.
18/02/202051 minutes 49 seconds
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Kobe Bryant: On and Off The Court

Hot Takedown examines the full scope of Kobe Bryant's legacy and our Rabbit Hole celebrates some very bad hockey teams.
11/02/202047 minutes 10 seconds
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"The Niners Choked"

A close look at the Chiefs' Super Bowl comeback, why the Red Sox might trade Mookie Bets and a Rabbit Hole on improbable brawls.
04/02/202055 minutes 8 seconds
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"Will Jimmy Garoppolo Be The Hero?"

Our Super Bowl Special! What to expect from the 49ers and the Chiefs this Sunday, the next frontier of football analytics and a Rabbit Hole on an unconventional champion.
28/01/202055 minutes 35 seconds
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Sign Stealing: Worse Than Steroids!

The Astros sign-stealing scandal is back in the headlines and we're still not convinced it's worth the hype. Our Rabbit Hole examines the limitations of the Rooney Rule.
21/01/202058 minutes 29 seconds
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"The Ravens Always Choke"

The Titans pulled off the largest NFL playoff upset (according to Elo), social media is transforming how we cover the NBA and a Rabbit Hole on what the NHL is doing right.
14/01/20201 hour 2 minutes 53 seconds
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"No One Believed In Us, And Rightfully So"

The NFL had a genuinely wild, wild-card weekend and Joe Burrow may be the most efficient college quarterback ever. Plus, Vince Carter's unique role in the NBA.
07/01/202059 minutes 32 seconds
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A Decade In Sports

Hot Takedown explores the past 10 years in sports by assessing statistical changes, unlikely champions and new world records.
31/12/201944 minutes 3 seconds
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STAT SCHOOL: From Box Scores to RAPTOR

Hot Takedown unpacks the evolution of statistics in the NBA.
24/12/201956 minutes 45 seconds
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Bonus Episode: The Fullback Comeback

An interview from the ESPN Daily podcast that featured FiveThirtyEight's Josh Hermsmeyer. Josh recently wrote about the resurgence of fullbacks in the NFL.
19/12/201914 minutes 25 seconds
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Cheating In Sports: What Really Matters?

Hot Takedown develops a rubric for assessing cheating scandals. Plus, a Rabbit Hole on the impact of hockey superstars.
17/12/20191 hour 39 seconds
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"The Russia Ban Isn't Enough"

Did WADA's ban on Russia (but not its athletes) from global competition go far enough? A non-controversial College Football Playoff and the secret of the NFC West.
10/12/201952 minutes 37 seconds
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MLB Is A Soap Opera, NFL Is Game Of Thrones

A deep dive into MLB free agency and how the Patriots shape the narrative of the NFL. Plus, a Rabbit Hole on the late Brad Gobright and the evolution of rock climbing.
03/12/201948 minutes 16 seconds
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"Baseball Needed A Villain"

Are the Astros cheating or is sign stealing just baseball as usual? Plus, chaos in the College Football Championship and a Rabbit Hole on the demise of iconic nicknames.
26/11/201952 minutes 33 seconds
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"Kaepernick won't play in the NFL again"

A quantitative approach to Colin Kaepernick's NFL hopes. Mike Goodman joins to discuss a surprising EPL table. Our Rabbit Hole assesses MLB Hall of Fame candidates.
19/11/201954 minutes 13 seconds
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Let's Blame Analytics: Load Management Edition

The role of analytics in load management and how we propose to fix the NBA regular season. Plus, recent NCAA eligibility decisions and a Rabbit Hole on rag-tag teens.
12/11/201950 minutes 7 seconds
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"Steph's Broken Hand Is A Blessing"

How Curry's injury affects the Warriors strategy and the merits of tanking across leagues. Plus, what to expect in college basketball and a Rabbit Hole on paper champions.
05/11/201954 minutes 22 seconds
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Our 2020 (Super Bowl) Draft

Our mid-season NFL check-in leads to a lively Super Bowl draft. The crew unpacks the Astros front-office scandal and our Rabbit Hole discovers another Rabbit.
29/10/201957 minutes 39 seconds
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Jalen Rose Is Mad At Us

It seems our NBA projections upset some pundits. On today's show, the crew backs them up, forecasts the World Series and argues over which rules the NFL should change.
22/10/201951 minutes 28 seconds
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"Blame It On The Juice"

The crew discusses allegations that MLB deadened the ball. Lyndsey D'Arcangelo joins to reflect on the WNBA season and a Rabbit Hole on Simone Biles and USA gymnastics.
15/10/201950 minutes 13 seconds
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We're Unleashing Our New NBA Metric

Nate Silver dives under the hood of our new NBA metric: RAPTOR. Chris Herring joins to unpack the NBA/China controversy and a Rabbit Hole on the Twins.
08/10/201959 minutes 17 seconds
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"Lopsided Is MLB's New Normal"

This week, the show reflects on a season of extremes in MLB and an eventful first month of college football. Our Rabbit Hole defends a disrespected St. Louis Blues.
01/10/201942 minutes 20 seconds
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"The NBA Missed The Point"

How the NBA's new tampering rules will affect the league. What to watch for in the final week of MLB regular season and a Rabbit Hole for Survivor fans.
24/09/201945 minutes 54 seconds
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"The Saints Will Survive. The Steelers Are Done."

The lasting impact of quarterback injuries from the NFL's second weekend. Lyndsey D'Arcangelo joins to discuss the WNBA Playoffs. Our Rabbit Hole marks the end of an era.
17/09/201943 minutes 1 second
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"Antonio Brown Orchestrated His Exit"

Hot Takedown reacts (but not overreacts) to Week 1 of the NFL season and break down what happens now with the Antonio Brown situation. Plus, a Rabbit Hole on Wes Helms?
10/09/201953 minutes 56 seconds
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NFL Predictions: Truth Hurts For The Minnesota Vikings

A preview of our 2019-20 NFL prediction model and Kent Blackstone from the Atlantic League joins to discuss new tech headed for MLB. A Rabbit Hole tribute to fight songs.
03/09/201950 minutes 31 seconds
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Andrew Luck: Brave or Millennial?

What Andrew Luck's early retirement and Mike Trout's ring-less dominance says about their leagues. A Rabbit Hole celebrating the 20th anniversary of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater.
27/08/201957 minutes 27 seconds
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"The Youths Have Taken Over Baseball"

A breakdown of young players dominating the MLB, a look ahead to the 2019 college football season and a Rabbit Hole on the Little League World Series.
20/08/201954 minutes 49 seconds
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"Nothing Says 'Fantasy' Like Risk Management"

Hot Takedown unravels the logic behind fantasy football and weighs potential outcomes for the 2019-20 EPL title race. Plus, a Rabbit Hole on historic baseball upsets.
13/08/201945 minutes 46 seconds
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The Whole Show's A Rabbit Hole

A better approach to EPL Fantasy, the density of champions in the WNBA, a search for NASCAR road course ringers and an appreciation for X Games events, past and present.
06/08/201953 minutes 53 seconds
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"Mets In Perpetual Chaos"

Hot Takedown looks at the MLB trade deadline and Lyndsey D'Arcangelo from The Athletic joins to discuss the WNBA. Plus, a Rabbit Hole on temper tantrums.
30/07/201955 minutes 27 seconds
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"Zeke Should Hold Out"

The role of analytics in the depreciation of NFL running backs and a Rabbit Hole that might make you wary of your ballpark seat assignment.
23/07/201944 minutes 1 second
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"Good Luck Betting On The 2019-20 NBA"

Nate Silver joins to discuss our 2019-20 NBA model. We look ahead to the British Open and dive into the unlikely tie break scenarios at Wimbledon and the Cricket World Cup.
16/07/201958 minutes 33 seconds
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"We Want Infinite All-Star Rosters"

The team assesses the MLB All-Star Game and is joined by Travis Sawchik to discuss his new book, The MVP Machine. Plus, a Rabbit Hole on New York ticker-tape parades.
09/07/201948 minutes 37 seconds
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"The Knicks Need To Grow Up"

This week, Hot Takedown discusses all the drama around NBA free agency, the merits of competitive eating and changes to World Cup scoring.
02/07/201942 minutes 22 seconds
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"Is The USWNT As Good As We Thought?"

This week our crew looks at the quarterfinal matchup between the USA and France in the Women's World Cup, NBA free agency and a Rabbit Hole into sports boardgames.
25/06/201947 minutes 30 seconds
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"Survival Of The Takiest"

We dive into the hottest takes of the NBA finals and analyze our Women's World Cup model. In the latest edition of "Get Off My Field", Sara demands more glowing objects.
18/06/20191 hour 1 minute 26 seconds
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The Warriors' Incredible Win And Horrible Loss

Hot Takedown unpacks Game 5 of the NBA Finals and previews Game 7 of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals. Plus, a Rabbit Hole featuring Sara's Minnesota Twins fandom.
11/06/201946 minutes 31 seconds
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"Serena Should Win Every Slam"

Hot Takedown discusses the upsets in the women's French Open and the strategies of the convoluted MLB draft, and our Rabbit Hole champions the Women's College World Series.
04/06/201948 minutes 26 seconds
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"#WarriorsIn4"

Nate Silver joins to discuss why our model favors Toronto in the NBA Finals. Plus, Tottenham's improbable road to the Champions League final and a Rabbit Hole on figurines.
28/05/201947 minutes 11 seconds
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"Bottom Line: Pay Women The Same"

Hot Takedown talks to author Caitlin Murray about USWNT's lawsuit for equal pay in advance of the Women's World Cup. Also, we get lost in disastrous baseball.
21/05/201939 minutes 48 seconds
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"The Raptors Need To Be Better"

This week, Hot Takedown evaluates the NBA and NHL conference finals. Plus, our Rabbit Hole tracks the players who made the most rosters over their careers.
14/05/201941 minutes 16 seconds
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"The Red Sox Should Be Fine"

The crew examines promising performances by the Red Sox and a tight Premier League title run with Mike Goodman of StatsBomb. Plus, our Rabbit Hole explores good luck totems.
07/05/201939 minutes 26 seconds
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"The Giants Drafted A Backup QB"

Hot Takedown checks the data behind Giants controversial no. 6 draft pick. ESPN's Kirk Goldsberry joins to discuss his new book, SprawlBall. Plus, a Rabbit Hole on horses.
30/04/201942 minutes 8 seconds
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"The Rockets Can Beat The Warriors"

Nate Silver joins the podcast to talk about the second round of the NBA playoffs. We also discuss Kyler Murray and the NFL draft and Nate rants about home runs in the MLB.
23/04/201935 minutes 52 seconds
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"Tiger Will Catch Jack"

The Hot Takedown team gathers to assess upsets in the NBA playoffs, Tiger's historic win at the Masters and our Rabbit Hole dives into other great comeback stories.
16/04/201932 minutes 11 seconds
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"Giannis Is Clearly The MVP"

Hot Takedown gathers to discuss the end of March Madness and debate who will become the NBA MVP. Plus, it's Masters week and our Rabbit Hole goes back to 1908.
09/04/201944 minutes 21 seconds
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[AUDIO FIXED] Michigan State Beat The Best

Our upload earlier this week made Geoff sound like he was in a tunnel of sound. This fixes that. We talk NCAAM, MLB opening weekend, and our Rabbit Hole of the week.
03/04/201946 minutes 24 seconds
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"Michigan State Beat The Best"

Hot Takedown is buzzing with reactions to the March Madness Final Four. Plus, MLB opening weekend brought surprises and our Rabbit Hole of the Week has us feeling old.
02/04/201946 minutes 24 seconds
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"Get That Extension While You Can"

The Hot Takedown crew reacts to a flurry of MLB extensions and make our predictions for the season. We debate NBA prospects for Williamson and Morant, plus an ode to Gronk.
26/03/201938 minutes 10 seconds
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"Conference Tournaments Are Meaningless"

This week, Hot Takedown previews the NCAA tournaments and make our Final Four picks. We also take stock of the NFL free agency and discuss strange NCAA mascots.
19/03/201945 minutes 50 seconds
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Episode Zero

The podcast where the hot sports takes of the week meet the numbers that prove them right or tear them down.
13/03/20192 minutes 39 seconds
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"The Steelers Are Better Off Without AB"

Hot Takedown is back! This week, we tackle Antonio Brown's trade to the Raiders, the Mets going for it in the NL East and our Rabbit Hole of the week.
12/03/201931 minutes 35 seconds
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WWJD (What Will James Do?)

We're in The Lab to wrap up the season while discussing what makes these Warriors different from other NBA "dynasties" and where LeBron James should play next season.
11/06/201848 minutes 53 seconds
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Get Your Brooms Ready

The whole gang is back in the Lab to discuss what a potential sweep will do for the Warriors "dynasty" and LeBron's legacy. We also re-evaluate Finals MVP candidates and more.
07/06/201842 minutes 46 seconds
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These Are The Warriors At Their Curry-Fueled Best

With the Finals shifting to Cleveland, Neil and Kyle are in The Lab to discuss Curry's Finals MVP-worthy performance and wonder which player could step up to help LeBron.
04/06/201830 minutes 58 seconds
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About That Block

Neil and Kyle are in The Lab to dissect the crazy ending to Game 1. We discuss JR's blunder, highlight what the Cavs did right and wonder what more LeBron has to do.
01/06/201823 minutes 4 seconds
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Run It Back...Again...And Again...

First, we're in The Lab to break down what went wrong for Houston and Boston and then we look ahead to Cavaliers vs. Warriors: Part IV.
29/05/201845 minutes 15 seconds
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UPDATED: LeBron Is Tired. The Rockets May Soon Be Too.

The episode we posted earlier was incomplete. Listen to this one! The crew discusses the NBA conference finals and how the NFL's anthem policy differs from the NBA's.
24/05/201844 minutes 19 seconds
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LeBron Is Tired. The Rockets May Soon Be Too.

The crew discusses the NBA conference finals and how the NFL's new anthem policy differs from the NBA's in fewer ways than you'd think.
24/05/201844 minutes 19 seconds
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What Do All These Blowouts Mean?

Neil and Kyle discuss why all the teams in the two remaining series have been so dominant at times, and terrible at others.
21/05/201834 minutes 38 seconds
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Breaking Down Each Game 1

The Celtics limited LeBron James -- is that a sign of things to come? The Warriors ran away with the end of the game -- are the Rockets doomed to be in the Warriors' shadow?
15/05/201842 minutes 18 seconds
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Previewing The Conference Finals

Neil and Kyle preview both conference finals matchups, and say goodbye to the eliminated teams.
10/05/201848 minutes 19 seconds
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35: Rockets Grounded

The crew is in The Lab to break down Utah's impressive win in Houston, the continued problems for the Raptors, Curry's return and more.
03/05/201822 minutes 12 seconds
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34: Eight Teams Left

The playoffs continue marching on and we're back in The Lab to break down the conference semi-final matchups in the East and West.
30/04/201846 minutes 28 seconds
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33: Thunder Fight On

The playoffs keep marching on and we're back to discuss the Thunder's epic comeback against the Jazz, preview the Warriors-Pelicans second round series and more.
26/04/201835 minutes
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32: Best Of Three

Neil and Kyle break down the weekend playoff action and discuss the three 2-2 series in the Eastern Conference. For the Raptors, Celtics and the Cavs, who should be worried?
23/04/201827 minutes 20 seconds
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31: All Tied Up

We're back in the Lab to dive into the playoff series that are tied at 1-1 heading into Game 3. Is OKC in trouble? Can the Cavs get one back in Indiana? Should Embiid return?
19/04/201842 minutes 14 seconds
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30: Game 1s In The Books

We're in The Lab to look back on the opening weekend of the NBA playoffs. We discuss Dipo and the Pacers, wonders what the Blazers can do to stop AD, and more.
16/04/201826 minutes 56 seconds
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29: Eastern Conference Playoffs Preview

And now onto the Eastern Conference! We're back to preview all four first-round matchups in the East and offer our predictions for which teams will move on.
13/04/201838 minutes 32 seconds
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28: Western Conference Playoffs Preview

Playoffs are finally here! We're in The Lab to preview the matchups in the Western Conference and compare our predictions with those of FiveThirtyEight's CARM-Elo predictions.
12/04/201835 minutes 58 seconds
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27: We The North

This week, we're in The Lab to break down the Eastern Conference leading Toronto Raptors and their chances in this year's playoffs, Embiid's injury, Oladipo and more.
05/04/201845 minutes 39 seconds
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26: Warrior Down

This week on The Lab, the crew dives into the impact of Steph Curry's injury on the Warriors' playoff run, touch on Kyrie's knee procedure and more.
29/03/201840 minutes 53 seconds
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25: Is Utah A Small-Market Model?

This week in The Lab, we discuss the Jazz and their impressive re-build project this season, ask once again how legit the Rockets are, break down the problems in OKC and more.
21/03/201842 minutes 23 seconds
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24: Talking Cavs With David Griffin

Former Cavaliers GM David Griffin joins us in The Lab to discuss LeBron James, the Cavaliers and more.
14/03/201857 minutes 45 seconds
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23: Wild Wild West

This week in The Lab, the crew discuss the red hot Blazers, the intense playoff race happening out West and more.
08/03/201835 minutes 43 seconds
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Curling Special: Team USA Gold

Neil Paine and Nate Silver sit down with the USA curling team to talk about stats in curling and what it was like to win gold at Pyeongchang.
05/03/201834 minutes 11 seconds
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22: The Great NBA Tank-Off

The whole crew is back in The Lab to discuss Jimmy Butler's injury, AD's performance after Boogie went down and the worst teams in the NBA.
01/03/201846 minutes 45 seconds
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21: Restructuring The Playoffs With Brian Windhorst

Brian Windhorst joins us in The Lab to discuss possible new NBA playoff seedings. We also answer listener All-Star questions, discuss Toronto's surprising bench play and more.
22/02/201837 minutes 33 seconds
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20: All That Jazz

Nate Silver is back in The Lab to help us try to fix the All-Star Game. Plus, we tackle the Utah Jazz's surprising winning streak, the fit for the new Cavaliers and more.
15/02/201848 minutes 19 seconds
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19: Cleveland Rocks The NBA Trade Deadline

Nate Silver joins The Lab crew to discuss the new-look Cleveland Cavaliers and wonders which players will have the biggest impact on their new teams.
08/02/201850 minutes 48 seconds
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18: Injuries, Injuries And More Injuries

The Lab touch on the Blake Griffin trade and dive into the injuries that have plagued the league, from Kevin Love to John Wall and more.
01/02/201849 minutes 18 seconds
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17: Where Is The Love?

The Lab investigate brewing problems in San Antonio and Cleveland and dive into where the Milwaukee Bucks can go now after firing head coach Jason Kidd.
25/01/201836 minutes 56 seconds
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16: Talking Wizards with Candace Buckner

Washington Post reporter Candace Buckner joins The Lab to discuss the Washington Wizards. We also dive into Kawhi's injury, NBA fights and more.
18/01/201848 minutes 56 seconds
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15: Are The Timberwolves For Real?

We're in The Lab this week to discuss Curry's return, Ball and the Lakers and the new and improved Timberwolves.
11/01/201844 minutes 36 seconds
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14: Stat Sheet Stuffing

We're back for the new year to discuss IT's return, the strange lack of crazy stat lines this season and Andre Drummond, the point guard?
04/01/201834 minutes 5 seconds
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13: Holiday Mailbag

What's our most surprising team so far? Who's on our All-Rookie team right now? What should the Bulls do? We answer these and other questions from our listeners this week.
27/12/201754 minutes
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12: The Progress Of The Process

The Lab give their takes on #8 or #24, check in on what's going right or wrong in The Process and more.
21/12/201749 minutes 28 seconds
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11: When The Cat's Away, The Mice Will Play

We're in the Lab to discuss why OKC's outcasts are thriving and winning on their new teams and try to figure out how the Timberwolves are winning these close games.
12/12/201740 minutes 23 seconds
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10: Keeping Up With The Jameses

Neil, Kyle and Chris discuss LeBron James and the Cavs' recent win streak, the MVP caliber season of James Harden and more.
07/12/201738 minutes 21 seconds
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09: Memphis Blues

Neil, Kyle and Chris chat about David Fizdale's firing and discuss the potential impact of Blake Griffin's latest injury.
30/11/201738 minutes 54 seconds
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08: Everything OK In OKC?

Neil, Kyle and Chris are in The Lab to break down the problems with the OKC Thunder and discuss Lonzo's continued shooting woes.
22/11/201736 minutes 13 seconds
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07: The Return Of Al Horford

The Lab is back to discuss the Celtics' surprising winning streak and wonders how long they can keep winning like this.
16/11/201733 minutes 26 seconds
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06: Mood...

The Lab welcomes ESPN's Baxter Holmes to talk about NBA scheduling and tired players. Plus, Neil and Kyle discuss the Cavs situation and wonders if they should be worried.
08/11/201739 minutes 28 seconds
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05: Battle Of Power Forwards

Neil, Kyle and Chris are back in the Lab to discuss the transformation of Blake, KP and Aaron Gordon this season.
02/11/201738 minutes 13 seconds
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And-1: Interview with Rich Cho

Before the season started, Chris Herring sat down with Hornets GM, Rich Cho, to discuss the new season, Dwight Howard and food.
27/10/201730 minutes 7 seconds
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04: The Greek Freak

Neil, Kyle and Chris are back to discuss what is going on in Phoenix and what we can decipher from Giannis' crazy start to the season.
25/10/201734 minutes 57 seconds
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03: Boston Without Hayward

Where do the Celtics go from here? Chris, Neil and Kyle are back to discuss what the Gordon Hayward injury means for Boston and more impressions from the NBA's opening night.
18/10/201726 minutes 12 seconds
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And-1: Interview with Jeanie Buss

Chris Herring sits down with Jeanie Buss of the Los Angeles Lakers to discuss why family and basketball don't always mix and what to expect from Lonzo Ball this season.
17/10/201741 minutes 35 seconds
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02: Eastern Conference Previews

The Lab, FiveThirtyEight's new NBA podcast, is back! Neil, Chris and Kyle break down the good and the not-so-good teams in the East.
11/10/20171 hour 1 minute 7 seconds
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01: Western Conference Previews

FiveThirtyEight's new NBA podcast! Neil, Chris and Kyle discuss what to expect from each team in the West. Next week: the East.
04/10/20171 hour 5 minutes 46 seconds
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The Hottest Takes

On our final show, the Hot Takedown crew breaks down what we've learned and says farewell with a Hall of Fame hot take.
26/09/201745 minutes 16 seconds
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Historical Bias

The HTD crew discusses Eli Manning's latest woes and debates whether the quality of play in the NFL is as low as it seems. Plus, a sig dig on baseball.
19/09/201736 minutes 31 seconds
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September Streaks

The HTD crew discusses Sloane Stephens' U.S. Open triumph and dissects the Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Dodgers' recent streaks in the MLB.
12/09/201744 minutes
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Staying Power

The HTD crew is joined by ESPN's Mina Kimes, who drops by to discuss her Aaron Rodgers profile and helps us preview the start of the NFL season. Plus, a sig dig on tennis.
05/09/201730 minutes 53 seconds
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The Cavs-Celtics Swap

Neil Paine, Chris Herring and Kyle Wagner break down the megadeal between the Celtics and the Cavaliers, and talk about how the teams will play next season.
30/08/201746 minutes 28 seconds
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A Tricky Deal

The HTD crew previews college football and discusses parity and which metrics matter most. Plus, the Lakers' latest woes and a significant digit on Felix Hernandez.
22/08/201729 minutes 58 seconds
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Hot And Cold

The HTD crew discusses Ezekiel Elliott's suspension, whether momentum in sports really exists, and a significant digit on the MLB's long and getting longer games.
15/08/201741 minutes 3 seconds
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One Direction Or Another

The HTD crew is joined by Mike Goodman for an all soccer show that touches on the Neymar deal, previews the EPL, and questions if MLS is a Ponzi scheme.
08/08/201732 minutes 53 seconds