Le Batard & Friends Network

The Dallas Mavericks have won the lottery, which means Cooper Flagg is headed to Texas to save Nico Harrison's bacon. We get Amin and Izzy's instant reactions in a new edition of Oddball On The Run, and we break out Stock Watch to see how the playoffs have changed how we think of players and coaches around the league. First up, has Giannis reclaimed Best Player in the World status even after his team got eliminated in the first round? Has Joe Mazzulla's rope run out? What lies in store for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's future? Plus, a double edition of the Iciest Play of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of GoalLess… the guys try to figure out if Barcelona vs Inter was the best ever Champions League semi-final and look ahead to PSG vs Inter. Plus, Witty rants on if Tottenham or Manchester United can argue that they’ve had a better season than Arsenal, Leeds are marching on to the Premier League, and Trent Alexander Arnold gets boo’d in what could be his final (home) appearance at Anfield. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode was recently honored as a unanimous finalist for the prestigious Peabody Awards. But it's been 26 years since he was sentenced to death, and Charles Flores still maintains his innocence — while talking trash, playing fantasy football and making enchiladas on game day. Last fall, correspondent David Fleming visited Inmate No. 999299 at a notorious supermax prison in Texas, to learn about life when there isn't always next year. • Learn more about the case of Charles Flores https://www.freecharlesflores.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘NICO’ as in Nico Harrison as in the Dallas Mavericks as in Cooper Flagg as in Luka Doncic as in the NBA Draft Lottery. What a night. Was it all rigged? Did Adam Silver do this? Fans are furious. Never moved up in the lottery before. Never won the draft lottery. 4th lowest chances ever. It’s crazy! (10:40) Is Giannis on the move? Could he be going to the Spurs? They have the pieces to do something like that. Does Giannis even want out? Can the Bucks build a team around him? (17:20) Knicks Tape took over again. Jalen Brunson is so good. Knicks took a 3-1 lead. Jayson Tatum likely tore his achilles. Bad bad bad. (26:40) The Minnesota Timberwolves are up 3-1 now. Anthony Edwards got it done. Jimmy Butler was nowhere to be found. (31:40) Review: Nonnas. (34:40) Michael Jordan is back in the NBA. No, not like that. On NBC! (42:30) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Are the Dodgers going to sign Kyle Tucker!? (49:20) NPPOD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Knicks shocked the world by taking a 2-0 lead over the Celtics, but after Boston's shooters caught fire in game 3, KAT, OG, and the Nova Knicks are at risk of blowing their lead. When was the last time Madison Square Garden hosted a game this important? Elsewhere around the association: The Cavs are one game away from seeing their dream season go up in smoke, and the Thunder draw even with Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. Plus, Hot Streak! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘unacceptable’ as in the Rockies as in Colorado as in Bud Black as in Dick Monfort as in historic. The Rockies have been so bad this year that this move surprised absolutely nobody. Could they break the record for most losses all-time that was just set last year by the White Sox? This Rockies team lost 21-0 on Saturday! (15:00) The Boston Red Sox ownership group flew to Kansas City to meet with Rafael Devers. Why now? (21:45) Is anyone else as confused as I am in watching the Knicks and Celtics series? Boston hit its shots and won big. Another 20+ point lead for them but held on. (27:25) The Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets are both tired. That’s what Nuggets coach David Adelman said. One of the worst first quarters you’ll ever see. And the Nuggets somehow almost held on, but the Thunder got it done. Back to OKC we go tied up. (32:45) Review: Sacramento. (36:35) Astros starter Lance McCullers was emotional after his last outing after saying he received death threats for his performance. Not just him, but his children were targeted. Disgraceful. (44:20) The NBA Draft Lottery is tonight! Who will get the magic ball? Who has waved the white flag for Cooper Flagg enough? (47:00) NPPOD. (48:20) Bill Belichick and UNC is a nightmare. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘bleeds’ as in blood as in Pirates blood as in Pittsburgh as in what a week as in what a month as in what a season. The Pirates fired Derek Shelton after 28 games into his 6 seasons. Whose fault is this? Shelton? The front office? The players? (12:20) Rafael Devers is furious with the Red Sox. They moved him to DH after signing Alex Bregman, and now they asked him to play first after Casas got hurt. He said no. He won’t move again. Go find a 1B. (20:50) Draymond Green went off on the media for calling him angry. Is it the media’s fault? The Timberwolves tied up the series at 1 a piece. But things were said after that we have to discuss. (33:15) Review: The Penguin Lessons. (36:20) We have an American Pope. And he’s a White Sox fan! We have Americanized the pope position in ways it never has happened in history! (44:10) NPPOD. Can the Celtics come back? Do they have enough? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stugotz, Billy, and Mikey A discuss the George Pickens trade in "Hey, here's a headline" which leads them down the rabbit hole of the 2000 NFL draft and one of the craziest picks ever. Chris Simms joins the show to talk about the family "vote" that prevented Abdul Carter from being able to wear No.11 with the Giants. And more Mikelys asks about repeat champs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Fuentes wonders if it’s ok to laugh at impersonations of cast members from “Love on the Spectrum”, Billy and Chris are wondering if Vinny from the Jersey Shore can be a good stand up comedian, Billy issues an apology and the boys discuss the secret lives of teachers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The real story of Bill Belichick's 24-year-old girlfriend is even weirder than it seemed on the viral CBS interview: Pablo spoke to 11 sources who've dealt with Jordon Hudson directly — and there is deep concern that she is destroying the legacy and reputation of the greatest football coach ever. Plus: Katie Nolan and Michael Cruz Kayne reveal our reporting from Hudson's hometown and her ex-boyfriend's (gulp) unsavory past. That... and the story of the yellow polka-dot bikini. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA draft lottery is on Monday, it’s time to give all the losing teams this year a little hope. The Hornets and Pelicans deserve some good luck, but, Cooper Flagg is supposed to save the NBA, not just a single team. San Antonio has had enough lottery wins, but do they still deserve this more than Atlanta? We're playing Capture the Flagg to answer all the most important questions! Can he be the Washington Wizards’ Captain America? Who has the best karma? Who has the best credit score? Plus, we break down this week’s biggest headlines and catch up with some Odds and Ends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘yogi berra’ as in deja vu as in it happened again as in the Knicks as in the Celtics as in comeback. How did it happen again? The Celtics blew a 20-point 3rd quarter lead again. So many missed threes. Why are the Celtics still doing this? The Knicks just never give up. (13:45) The Thunder smoked the Nuggets. Wasn’t close. More records set. (18:00) Chris Finch and Steve Kerr are complaining through the media about foul calls. Finch says one thing. Kerr says another. It’s the playoffs! Is it let them play or do you want whistle whistle whistle!? (32:30) Review: The Illusionist. (37:00) The Brewers started a Hot Dog Club and fans could get free hot dogs at games. The problem is the team was charging fans for free hot dogs. What!? Let’s talk about what teams do and if it ever works. (46:00) NPPOD. (49:40) Donald Trump wants Nick Saban to save college sports. How fun! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will Forte is responsible for some of the most idiosyncratically bizarre characters in comedy history — and the funniest movie Pablo has ever seen. But to understand Forte's legend, you must peer behind the scenes of "MacGruber" and "SNL" (his mythical audition, included). With a little help from their mutual friends, Pablo goes inside the making of a cult classic... and that time Val Kilmer moved in. • Watch "The Four Seasons" on Netflix https://www.netflix.com/title/81750702 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was a throwback night of hoops and Amin and Izzy break it all down. The Golden State Warriors won, but lost Steph Curry to a hamstring injury. With Steph out, can the Warriors survive this series? Can Jimmy Butler step up and be Batman? Can Ant turn the lights back on and shut Jimmy down? Then, we pick between Tyrese Halliburton and Aaron Gordon’s playoff game winners for the Iciest Play of the Week. The Cavs did everything right (except win) and now the Pacers are up 2-0 and approaching their second consecutive Eastern Conference Final thanks to two improbable comebacks. Is Indiana talented, or just lucky? The Nuggets stole Game 1 from the Thunder and are playing harder for Jokic than Adelman. Plus, Prop-A-Slot! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘energy’ as in Pacers as Tyrese Haliburton as in the Cavaliers as in the road team as in comeback. The Pacers with another historic comeback. How are they doing it? The Pacers went on an 8-0 run in the final minute to win it on a Haliburton 3! (10:22) The Warriors held off the Timberwolves yesterday. But Steph Curry is hurt, and that is bad for the Warriors. Very bad. (14:22) The Pittsburgh Pirates are having a season to forget and it’s only May. Statement after statement after statement. Mess after mess after mess. (26:12) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about the Reds rookie who broke his forearm making a play. (33:45) Review: The Friend. (37:37) Funding for traumatic brain injury could be slashed by Washington. Is this as big of a deal as it appears? (43:00) NPPOD. (46:45) Caitlin Clark is a market mover. It’s official. Going into year 2 of her WNBA career and the ratings are already insane. More people watched her preseason game than Game 1 of the WNBA Finals! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode we preview the Warriors-Timberwolves matchup and revisit Draymond Green locking Rudy Gobert in a chokehold. Is Gobert tough enough to play against Dray? Will Ant's grudge against the Warriors impact his play? Has Buddy Hield taken Jimmy Butler's place as Steph Curry’s Batman? And are the Warriors or T-Wolves good enough to beat the Thunder or the Nuggets? Plus, Giannis trade rumors are swirling and we rank them from good to bad and insane to interesting. Where would he fit best? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘45’ as in the Celtics as in the Knicks as in 3-point shooting as in NBA playoffs. What a game. The Knicks came back from 20 points down to win Game 1 of the Second Round. At what point do the Celtics stop shooting like that? Never? Will they ever miss that many again? (10:20) The Denver Nuggets came back to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder on the back of Nikola Jokic again. He dropped a monster game. And Aaron Gordon dropped the game-winner. (14:30) Justin Tucker was released by the Baltimore Ravens on Monday. We all knew it was coming. But the Ravens statement… what was that? (23:50) The NFL Draft is coming to Washington D.C. Donald Trump, Roger Goodell, and Josh Harris made the announcement together. Hmmmmm. (32:25) Review: Another Simple Favor. (36:05) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about trading Sandy Alcantara. Is his value plummeting with how bad he has been? (45:50) NPPOD. (48:11) The Texas Rangers fired its hitting coach on Sunday. It’s been a bad, bad , bad season for them offensively. In comes Brett Boone to save the day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's a big DOGE hearing on Capitol Hill tomorrow, after a month of yelling from Fox News and threats of a criminal investigation from Trump's cabinet. The cause: an elite female fencer who got punished for taking a knee, in protest of her transgender opponent at an Olympic qualifier. The problem? That story isn't true. Andrew Fischl, PTFO's fencing expert and whistleblower, tells us the real story — and the bizarre scandal in his sport that you should know about. • Previously: Match-Fixing, the Oligarch and the Ivy League — Inside the Most Corrupt Sport at the Olympics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGWZ13gxTxc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Warriors and Steph Curry found a way to take the Rockets down thanks to Buddy Hield and Draymond Green. Jokic and the Nuggets beat Harden and the Clippers, in what Amin dubs a "wet fart" of a game. Can Kawhi keep the Clips relevant? Plus, we break down the MVP contenders in the Nuggets-Thunder series and preview the Knicks-Celtics series. Are Brunson's clutch heroics enough for the Knicks to win? See which game we pick for tonight's matchup when we play Hot-Streak! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s word of the day is ‘2.2 seconds’ as in Winnipeg Jets as in NHL as in hockey as in Game 7 as in madness. What did we just see? The Jets came back from a 2-goal deficit with 1:55 left. Wow. And then win it in 2OT!? Sorry, St. Louis. What could have been! (7:30) Another Game 7 happened but in the NBA. The Warriors did it on the road. Wow. Steph Curry had a huge 4th quarter. Buddy Hield had the game of his life. (15:30) We talked recently about adding another bag at first base will not happen, but should it? Triston Casas is the latest player to be done for the season after suffering a serious injury running to first. (24:10) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about contraction in MLB. What would need to happen for MLB to consider the Rockies or Marlins or Pirates as possible teams to go away? (33:34) Review: Good Night and Good Luck. (42:30) Gregg Popovich is headed to the front office. He was named the preisdent of the Spurs. Sad end to his coaching career, but needed move. The best to ever do it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices