CLE Season Outlook 2026-27 with Chris Fedor + MIN Season Outlook 2026-27 with Jon Krawczynski
Dunc'd On Basketball NBA PodcastShow Notes
Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com joins to preview the Cleveland Cavaliers, from the lessons of last season’s playoff run to the fit of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. They examine Evan Mobley’s next steps, Peyton Watson’s arrival, and the shooting, depth and defensive questions that will shape Cleveland’s championship hopes.
Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic joins to preview the Minnesota Timberwolves after their major offseason overhaul, including LaMelo Ball’s fit alongside Anthony Edwards, Jonathan Kuminga’s opportunity, and Jaden McDaniels’ expanding offensive role. They examine Minnesota’s new playing style, concerns about frontcourt depth and shooting, and whether the changes can help the Wolves contend in the Western Conference.
0:22 — Lessons from the playoff run and Cleveland’s defensive concerns
9:59 — Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and the offensive ceiling
18:13 — Evan Mobley’s development and the fit with Jarrett Allen
27:41 — Peyton Watson’s fit and the new starting lineup
35:24 — Mario Hezonja, backup ballhandling and the bench rotation
43:15 — Jaylon Tyson’s development and earning playoff minutes
47:36 — Team strengths, weaknesses and shooting questions
55:39 — Season predictions and Cleveland’s place in the East
1:04:19 — Looking back at last season and Minnesota’s offseason overhaul
1:07:27 — LaMelo Ball’s fit, defensive challenges and the future alongside Anthony Edwards
1:18:34 — The faster offensive approach and Jonathan Kuminga’s role
1:26:31 — Jaden McDaniels’ development and expanded offensive opportunities
1:30:15 — Joan Beringer, Rudy Gobert and concerns about frontcourt depth
1:36:42 — Terrence Shannon Jr., Ayo Dosunmu and the rest of the rotation
1:44:55 — Closing lineups, shooting, Donte DiVincenzo’s return and team strengths and weaknesses
2:01:51 — Season predictions and Western Conference playoff matchups
More from Dunc'd On Basketball NBA Podcast
Nate and Danny Leroux discuss every game from tonight’s 11-game NBA slate, including Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball’s partnership, Anthony Davis in Washington, Tyrese Haliburton’s return, and Warriors–Lakers. They break down new-look lineups, key rotation decisions, and early-season questions around the league, plus Kristaps Porziņģis’ uncertain future with Golden State.
Nate and Danny Leroux break down extensions for Cason Wallace and Jaden McDaniels.
Nate and Danny Leroux make their 2026–27 NBA predictions, working through all 30 teams’ regular-season outlooks before picking conference finalists, a champion, and the teams most at risk of relegation. They also debate Victor Wembanyama’s next step, the MVP race, coaching honors and the hot seat, defensive breakout candidates, Sixth Man of the Year, and the top rookies and sophomores. 1:15 — Eastern Conference standings and tiers. 10:13 — Charlotte, Washington, and the bottom of the East. 14:10 — Western Conference standings: Oklahoma City, San Antonio, and the next tier. 22:07 — Western Conference depth concerns, the play-in race, and the lower tiers. 33:50 — Relegation predictions and leaguewide win totals. 35:55 — Which teams qualify as championship contenders? 40:25 — Conference finals predictions and a potential Thunder–Spurs showdown. 46:04 — Eastern Conference playoff matchups and the biggest threats to the Knicks. 49:02 — NBA Finals and championship picks. 49:40 — Victor Wembanyama’s next step and the MVP race. 58:54 — Coach of the Year. 1:02:28 — Who will be the first coach fired? 1:07:37 — Defensive Player of the Year. 1:09:52 — Defensive breakout candidates. 1:12:57 — Sixth Man of the Year. 1:15:57 — Rookie of the Year. 1:18:56 — Sophomore of the Year.
Jared Weiss of The Athletic joins to preview the San Antonio Spurs, including the three-guard lineup, Dylan Harper’s development, and Victor Wembanyama’s next steps after the Finals. They examine the shooting and rotation tradeoffs, how Tobias Harris and Carter Bryant fit, and the matchup with Oklahoma City in the race for the West.
Kostya Medvedovsky, creator of DARKO, joins Nate to explain how his projections work, what we can learn from preseason, and where his team and player evaluations differ from conventional wisdom. They also explore aging curves for the NBA’s veteran stars, the impact of tanking reform, and which player profiles translate best to the playoffs.