Episodes

  • Week 1 of the NBA Season: What We've Learned & What We Haven't
    Oct 29 2024

    0:00 Intro

    2:02 Bruce provides his instant thoughts on Monday night’s Bucks/Celtics game before tipping off our Boston discussion!

    7:21 Is there cause for concern in Milwaukee?

    12:20 Are the Cavs for real?

    16:43 A review of the New York Knicks as they continue to gel

    21:03 Are the LA Lakers off to the most surprising start this season?

    25:57 The Oklahoma City Thunder somehow might be exceeding expectations out of the gates

    31:08 Don’t sleep on the Orlando Magic!

    34:39 James Harden is leading the LA Clippers to success thus far

    38:44 Should we pump the brakes the Golden State Warriors good start?

    42:38 The Houston Rockets haven’t taken lift off just yet

    46:52 Is it too early to hit the panic button on the Denver Nuggets?

    50:35 The Kings are yet to light the beam this season

    54:58 Final Thought on the Dwyane Wade statue

    57:29 Bruce ends the show with a very special birthday message

    Show more Show less
    58 mins
  • 48 Minutes: Opening Week Preview and Individual Award Predictions
    Oct 22 2024

    0:00 ... Ross hello and welcome .... and introduces the panel

    0:38 ... Episode #127 is dedicated to Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, who both averaged "27" points per game last season.

    0:55 ... Bet OnLine live commercial read from Ross

    1:36 ... We preview Tuesday night's opening games on TNT.

    1:51 ... Bruce starts it off with a preview of Knicks vs Celtics, including some historical facts about their renewed rivalry. World B reminds Bruce that the Knicks actually won game 7 of that 1973 eastern finals on Boston's home court. World B also pointed out that the Knicks played more pre-season minutes together than any other starting five in the NBA.

    6:14 ... Ross points out that Boston will have a target on its back like all champions.

    6:53 ... Ross asks Bruce if he thinks Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla will use more players off the bench and Bruce feels that Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman will give him good minutes at center in relief of Al Horford until Kristaps Porzingis returns from injury.

    8:23 ... World B points out that NY is very thin up front with Precious Achiewa and Mitchell Robinson on the shelf to start the year. Ross is looking forward to seeing Mikal Bridges' and his new jump shooting form.

    10:50 ... In the second game on opening night, the Lakers host the Timberwolves and World B feels Minnesota has a solid collection of players and that Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo make the Wolves formidible.

    12:24 ... Bruce is looking forward to seeing how TNT handles its coverage in the final year of their contract. Will Charles Barkley and Shaq stir things up? As for the Lakers/Wolves matchup, will JJ Redick throw Bronny James out there against an elite team in his first NBA game? Ross feels that he'll get Bronny out there pretty quickly just to put it to bed.

    14:46 ... Ross asks World B if he'd be shocked to see LA win the opener against a great Minnesota team. World B says Anthony Davis will shoot a lot more threes this season.

    17:25 ... The Thunder vs Nuggets game on Thursday provides OKC with a chance to make a statement against the 2023 champs on Thursday night. Ross feels OKC is young and talented but World B thinks Christian Braun really needs to step up for Denver this season.

    21:49 ... The Pacers vs Knicks on Friday will be another key first week matchup as they meet right away after having played each other in a 7 game playoff series last season. Bennedict Mathurin's return gives Indiana a huge boost.

    24:21 ... Ross is excited for the Suns/Clippers matchup at the new Intuit Dome in LA. He also thinks James Harden may try to revert to his Houston days and become a volume scorer again. Coach Mike Budenholzer is expected to really help Phoenix become a solid defensive team to complement their great offensive players.

    26:51 ... Ross tees up our segment on postseason awards predictions. We begin with the MVP race. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic are getting love from our crew.

    29:57 ... All three guys have different choices for Rookie of the Year. Bruce likes Stephon Castle of the Spurs. World B likes Zach Edey of Memphis. Ross has the biggest eye opening choice in Tidjane Salaun of Charlotte.

    33:50 ... Bruce considered Victor Wembanyama for two awards: Defensive Player of the year and Most Improved Player but he settled on Wemby as the top defensive player. All three panelists agreed.

    36:18 ... The Coach of the year discussion centers on Ime Udoka of Houston and Jamahl Moseley of Orlando.

    39:10 ... The Most Improved Player Award is a three-way race between Cade Cunningham, Wembanyama, and Jalen Williams. World B feels that this award has settled into a very predictable pattern with a good player who becomes a first-time All Star almost always winning the award in recent years.

    42:29 .... Bruce predicts a Celtics/Thunder NBA Finals matchup with Boston winning and Jayson Tatum winning Finals MVP. World B feels the Timberwolves will win the west but that Boston will be the eventual champion while Ross is on the OKC bandwagon and believes they'll use draft capital to bolster their team and ultimately win it all.

    49:38 ... Ross says goodbye and see you next week!

    TRT 50:06

    Show more Show less
    50 mins
  • Top Line Thoughts On Every NBA Team!
    Oct 15 2024

    0:00 Intro

    1:43 Bruce gives a quick shoutout & then explains the concept of tonight’s show

    3:01 Atlanta Hawks

    4:50 Boston Celtics

    7:15 Brooklyn Nets

    8:59 Charlotte Hornets

    11:05 Chicago Bulls

    12:45 Cleveland Cavaliers

    14:59 Detroit Pistons

    17:07 Indiana Pacers

    19:45 Miami Heat

    21:45 Milwaukee Bucks

    24:33 New York Knicks

    27:46 Orlando Magic

    30:38 Philadelphia 76ers

    34:11 Toronto Raptors

    36:03 Washington Wizards

    38:25 Dallas Mavericks

    40:23 Denver Nuggets

    42:57 Golden State Warriors

    44:58 Houston Rockets

    47:27 LA Clippers

    49:22 LA Lakers

    52:16 Memphis Grizzlies

    55:10 Minnesota Timberwolves

    58:16 New Orleans Pelicans

    1:00:58 OKC Thunder

    1:03:31 Phoenix Suns

    1:06:22 Portland Trail Blazers

    1:09:45 Sacramento Kings

    1:12:01 San Antonio Spurs

    1:15:16 Utah Jazz

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 18 mins
  • 48 Minutes season preview with PJ Carlesimo of ESPN Radio
    Oct 8 2024
    0:00 ... Ross welcome and introduces the panelists 0:46 ... Episode #125 honors Doc Rivers, who wore #25 during his entire NBA career 0:55 ... Bet OnLine live read 1:42 ... Bruce introduces PJ Carlesimo and points out his many attributes, including his ability to convince Italian restaurants all over the country to keep their kitchens open late when he is in town doing a game. 3:03 ... PJ on the "new look" New York Knicks and how Tom Thibodeau will deploy his new guys like Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges. 5:43 ... PJ says that with Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo headed to Minnesota and Towns coming to New York, this trade will be great for both teams. 7:30 ... As for the Boston Celtics, both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have chips on their shoulders heading into the season. Bruce asks PJ if Joe Mazzulla will be able to channel some of that beef into positive energy that will fuel a long playoff run and possible repeat championship. PJ feels Mazzulla is up to the challenge. 14:42 ... The 76ers are also loaded now that Paul George has joined Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey for a new "Big Three" in Philly. Ross wonders if Nick Nurse should ignore the 65 game minimum for his oft-injured stars (PG and Joel) and make sure they're well rested for the playoffs. PJ says he thinks Nurse should play them more than 65 games, which he feels is important in order for them to be ready to perform at a higher level in the postseason. 19:17 ... Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers hired Rajon Rondo as an assistant coach and Michael asks if PJ thinks he has what it takes to be a head coach in the league. PJ has a lot to say about the Bucks and how Giannis needs to step up and do a better job on the court. PJ said there was a lot of finger pointing in Milwaukee, which did not help the team last season. Health is a key for the Bucks with Giannis and Khris Middleton needing to stay on the court. PJ appreciates Rondo's hoop IQ and say he has a chance to be a great coach but there's more to being a head coach than what many people think. 25:40 ... PJ sees a dark horse team in the east and feels Indiana has been undervalued and explains that if they stay healthy, they're a dangerous team. The east is deeper than it has been in years and nobody is going to waltz through the conference this season. 28:09 ... It's now "Wemby's World" although he's still too young to drink red wine with head coach Gregg Popovich. PJ discusses the Spurs culture that Pop and RC Buford have built. Pop is great with "X's and O's," but his real strength is the relationships he builds with his players. 31:10 ... While the Spurs were lucky to get him, PJ feels that Victor Wembanyama is also lucky to be playing in San Antonio where there is less of a spotlight on his every move. PJ says he always watches Victor because you will eventually see him do something that you just can't believe. PJ shares a story about a game he did with Marc Kestecher on ESPN Radio last season where Wemby made a move that he couldn't even describe. 37:21 ... Michael asks for PJ's take on the relatively young Oklahoma City Thunder and whether they are seasoned enough to come out of the west this season. Chet Holmgren will be bolstered by Isaiah Hartenstein's presence and their rebounding will be much improved. But PJ describes the western conference as a "bloodbath" with so many strong teams competing on a nightly basis. 41:48 ... Ross asks about PJ's dark horse teams out west. Golden State isn't quite there yet but Phoenix will benefit from their new coach (Mike Budenholzer) and upgraded point guards. Kevin Durant is still the best closer in the league and never misses free throws. Devin Booker and Bradley Beal will be guys he has his eyes on. 44:52 ... Bruce wonders if Bronny James will flourish alongside LeBron. PJ feels kind of bad for Bronny because of the shadow cast by LeBron. PJ hopes he can be evaluated as a player and not as LeBron's son. 46:45 ... JJ Redick is now coaching the Lakers and the pressure in LA is always "win a title or the season is a failure." With Anthony Davis and LeBron, the rest of the guys need to really step up and that is JJ's mission. 49:04 ... PJ on Duke freshman Cooper Flagg and whether he is a "can't miss" player. PJ says he is the real thing and is totally convinced that he will live up to the hype. PJ got some Luka Doncic vibes watching him play. 52:53 ... PJ says Flagg doesn't really remind him of any other previous players. But he competed against MEN and more than held his own. The Olympics players will all say "he IS that good." 54:42 ... Ross thanks PJ for joining the show and says goodbye ... TRT 55:32
    Show more Show less
    56 mins
  • Remembering Dikembe Mutombo, Knicks/Wolves Star Trade Breakdown, Derrick Rose retires, Zach Lowe out at ESPN, & Our favorite storylines heading into the new season
    Oct 1 2024

    0:00 Intro

    1:35 Bruce pays tribute to Dikembe Mutombo who lost his battle with brain cancer

    4:06 Karl Anthony-Towns traded to the New York Knicks

    6:07 Is KAT the correct big swing for New York?

    8:14 Does KAT’s style of play mesh with Tom Thibodeau’s style?

    9:47 Knicks offensive spacing might look very similar to the Celtics

    11:07 Can KAT handle all the pressure that comes with playing in New York with the Knicks?

    12:45 Does KAT have the killer instinct?

    15:24 Julius Randle’s fit with the Minnesota Timberwolves

    17:28 Any ball sharing or ball movement concerns in Minnesota?

    20:46 Derrick Rose announces his retirement

    25:40 Kawhi Leonard will not be starting Clippers Training Camp 100%

    29:18 Zach Lowe out at ESPN

    37:45 The top storylines we’re looking forward to heading into the new season!

    37:57 How the 76ers & Knicks try to compete with the Boston Celtics

    40:30 Can the Boston Celtics repeat as NBA champions

    42:46 Vince Carter set to have his jersey retired with both the Brooklyn Nets & Toronto Raptors

    Show more Show less
    47 mins
  • 48 Minutes: Western Conference Over/Under Predictions
    Sep 26 2024

    0:04 ... Opening Animation and Welcome to the show. Ross introduces the 48 Minutes crew of Bruce Bernstein and Michael "World B" Freer.

    0:40 ... Show #123 is dedicated to Lou Williams

    1:10 ... Ross Live commercial read for BetOnline

    1:48 ... Joel Embiid signs a three year contract extension for $192.9 million and everyone feels he has earned it and is deserving of the pay day.

    5:48 ... Mitchell Robinson of the Knicks will miss the first few months of the season and coach Tom Thibodeau will need to use all of his creativity in order to fill the void he leaves.

    10:17 ... With Boston's Kristaps Porzingis also missing the first three months, Embiid and the Sixers could bust out of thre gate and build a nice cushion in the Atlantic Division.

    13:25 ... Western Conference Over/Under Win Predictions ... Phoenix Suns

    15:42 ... Sacramento Kings

    18:24 ... Golden State Warriors

    20:36 ... Los Angeles Lakers

    24:04 ... LA Clippers

    26:46 ... Oklahoma City Thunder

    30:13 ...Minnesota Timberwolves

    33:29 ... Denver Nuggets

    35:30 ... Utah Jazz

    38:03 ... Portland Trailblazers

    41:49 ... Dallas Mavericks

    44:26 ... Memphis Grizzlies

    47:53 ... New Orleans Pelicans

    50:48 ... Houston Rockets

    53:06 ... San Antonio Spurs

    55:50 ... Ross pays tribute to Phoenix Suns play-by-play announcer Al McCoy who passed away this week at the age of 91.

    56:36 ... Bruce follows up with some thoughts on how long-time play-by-play announcers bond with the fans in a much different way than the players. Legendary announcers like Chick Hearn, Marv Albert, McCoy, and others like Mike Gorman become part of the lives of the fans of the teams.

    58:04 ... Ross says goodbye

    TRT 58:19

    Show more Show less
    58 mins
  • Burning Questions & Intriguing Prop Bets Heading into the NBA Season
    Sep 17 2024

    0:00 Intro

    2:02 Burning Questions leading up to the NBA Preseason

    2:12 Which playoff teams from last season are most likely to have a drop off this season?

    18:09 Which team out East outside of the playoff field last season is most likely to be in the playoffs this season?

    23:22 Which players should fans be on alert to take the leap into stardom next season?

    34:19 Which team out West outside of the playoff field last season is most likely to be in the playoffs this season?

    40:08 Ross’s Best Bets: A look into some early preseason prop bets!

    40:24 James Harden to average 20 ppg next season

    41:15 Paul George to average 23 ppg next season

    42:44 Brandon Miller to average 23 ppg next season

    44:17 Tyus Jones to average 6 apg next season

    45:19 Immanuel Quickley to average 20 ppg next season

    46:35 Final Thoughts

    Show more Show less
    51 mins
  • 2024-2025 Eastern Conference Over/Under Team Win Projections!
    Sep 10 2024

    0:00 Intro

    1:42 Bruce asks Ross to provide a recap of Giannis Antetokounmpo's wedding in Greece

    05:02 An Eastern Conference Focus on team Over/Under Win Projections

    05:20 Boston Celtics

    08:49 New York Knicks

    11:23 Philadelphia 76ers

    14:23 Toronto Raptors

    17:40 Brooklyn Nets

    20:55 Milwaukee Bucks

    24:19 Cleveland Cavaliers

    27:25 Indiana Pacers

    30:39 Chicago Bulls

    33:46 Detroit Pistons

    37:23 Orlando Magic

    40:18 Miami Heat

    42:41 Atlanta Hawks

    45:33 Charlotte Hornets

    48:23 Washington Wizards

    Show more Show less
    53 mins