Who will WIN the 2026 NBA Title? | Plus KD, Blazers’ Camara/Sharpe Extensions | Game Theory Podcast
In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon react to some of the latest NBA news topics, from Kevin Durant’s extension, the Grizzlies recent injuries, LIVE reaction to the Blazers extending Shaedon Sharpe & Toumani Camara & much more. Then, they give their team-based predictions for the 2025-26 NBA season, specifically best offense/defense, surprise conference finalist, NBA Finals predictions and more!
Sam Vecenie, a Senior NBA Writer at The Athletic, joins Bryce Simons and talks all about basketball. From the NBA, to the NBA Draft, to college hoops and even some high school, Vecenie has you covered in this show.
0:00 Intro
2:17 Kevin Durant extends with Houston Rockets
17:55 Brooklyn Nets waive Kobe Bufkin, Haywood Highsmith hurt, what’s up in Brooklyn?
23:00 Toumani Camara extends with Portland Trail Blazers, 4/82M
33:10 Memphis Grizzlies injured
36:40 Mizzen and Main!
38:49 Momentous!
40:40 Who has the best offense in the NBA this year?
57:30 Best Defense in the NBA?
1:08:00 Surprise Conference Finalist?
1:16:30 Shaedon Sharpe extends with Portland Trail Blazers 4/90M
1:35:00 Eastern Conference Winner
1:41:00 Western Conference Winner
1:45:00 NBA Title Winner Prediction
1:51:00 Outro
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16 Comments
KD said he wants to retire in Houston, one of the reasons for the team friendly contract.
wow no chapters
No knowledge on the Bucks whatsoever. Mentioned a 5 man lineup for offensive rating and then says that Kuzma is starting 😹😹
KPJ
Trent
AJ Green
Giannis
Myles
This is going to be the starting 5 and I wouldn't be surprised if they're top 5 in offensive rating with this weak East.They are shooting a lot more 3s and playing way faster in pre season. Plus, the bench unit is GOOD. Cole Anthony with Rollins in the backcourt, with Prince spacing and Kuzma slashing a lot and going to the rim at will as the 4 in the second unit. The team is going to be way better than people think
Blazers gettin’ deals done! I like both of these for them.
They great offense is a lie , cause their offense in the postseason is mid
No shots at the podcasters, they are awesome and only speak facts but it’s crazy how people want to talk about SGA defense but no one with this type of platform, who claims Joker or Luka being so otherworldly, ever talks about their defense. I find it very funny 😂😂
Love Shaedon. I think the potential is finally going to get proven the next few seasons.
I'm really enjoying listening to the two of you doing the pods. Do a decent bit of driving. Like you guys, excited for actual season start.
I would’ve traded Kuminga for Monk and a protected 1st in a heartbeat. Unless Kuminga goes off, which I doubt, I don’t think the Warriors are getting more than that.
You all give the Blazers so much love and attention compared to other pods. Thank you for your service.
If this is an overpay for Sharpe, the Blazer rebuild is in trouble.
Hawks vs Spurs…NBA finals prediction. Both teams will make significant trades at the Feb deadline!
Do you guys realize Denver hasn't beat Minnesota since game 5 in the playoffs 2 years ago?
The odds of OKC being a historic defense 2x in a row is are low
Great insights on Hou… as a side note no team is better positioned to trade for Ant at some point in the next 18 months than them. They have young talent, unprotected future draft capital via Phx & Bkn, and contracts. I think this is Stone's long game
I think the Warriors may be one of the worst interior defenses in the league overall