Le Batard & Friends Network Lebatard & Friends

Today’s word of the day is ’anticipation’ as in the Pittsburgh Pirates as in Paul Skenes. His time has come. He throws gas. He could be the next great. Why are the Pirates calling him up now? Why not wait? (11:20) Ippei Mizuhara will plead guilty to federal crimes. He used $17 million of Shohei Ohtani’s money to pay off gambling debts. What a wild case this has been. (19:30) The New York Knicks have done it again! 2-0 series lead. Playoff basketball. Jalen Brunson is a bad man! And Nikola Jokic has won his 3rd MVP. Wasn’t even close. (24:11) NPPOD. (31:46) Review: Inglorious Basterds. (36:00) It’s time to talk streaming bundles. Another day, another bundle. When will it end? (45:20) The WNBA is going to have chartered flights for players. It’s a new thing for them. Good for them.
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On the court, the Minnesota Timberwolves are making an astounding NBA Finals run, as Anthony Edwards becomes the next Michael Jordan before our very eyes. Behind closed doors, though, the sale of this skyrocketing franchise has devolved into civil war, as would-be owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore get betrayed by a "bumbling" and "diabolical" 83-year-old incumbent. Pablo's month-long investigation gives a rare glimpse at a soap opera within the most exclusive club of American life — one that is equal parts Game of Thrones, Succession and Fargo... and straight-up torture for Wolves super-fan Zach Harper.
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Amin and Charlotte think players have been suspended for less than what Jamal Murray did at his recent game against the Timberwolves, where he threw a towel and ice pack on the court. The "We Want Boston" chants went silent as the Celtics beat the Cavs by 30 points, and Charlotte couldn't be happier. Amin feels the young OKC team is giving the Mavs a run for their money as they blow past them in game 1. We preview game two of the Pacers vs the Knicks, but nothing seems to be stopping Jalen Brunson when he's been this hot. We also do your favorite segment of Bet the Show, where Amin and Charlotte's favorite bet is whether someone will break MJ's 63-point record during the 2024 playoffs. 
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Today’s word of the day is ’prophetic’ as in the Houston Astros as in dynasty as in Dana Brown as in when is it time to move on. The Astros have been bad this year. Pitching has been horrendous. Verlander is getting rocked. 11 games under .500. 0-5 vs the Yankees this season. Bu the GM says the team is too good to sell! (11:00) Shota Imanaga and Yoshinobu Yamamoto have found their grooves. Let’s talk about the contracts. Let’s talk about how good they have been. (18:12) MLB draft talk! The league sent memos to teams about draft dodging. Huh!? (32:20) We have 2 new tour dates! (35:40) Review: The Long Game. (38:05) NPPOD. (42:50) Commissioners met with the media to discuss what’s going on with gambling. In the fallout of Jontay Porter it’s all about integrity of the game.
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The Knicks eked out a win over the Pacers, and the Nuggets are now down 2-0 against the Timberwolves as the series heads to Minnesota. Amin and Charlotte are excited about Mavericks vs Thunder, but the real question is: Is it time for the Clippers to shake up their team with some trades? The Cavs might get swept, or at least that's what Charlotte is hoping for. However, the Cavs might have something up their sleeve, and his name is Donovan Mitchell. NBA Awards are here, and the nominees are stacked with great players. Victor Wembenyana won Rookie of the Year, but should he also get votes for Defensive Player of the Year? The head coach of the Lakers, Darvin Ham, was fired, and it's safe to say Amin doesn't think JJ Reddick should take over after recently partnering with Lebron James on their podcast “Mind the Game.” 
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Today’s word of the day is ’preordained’ as in determined as in fate as in the Knicks won another thrilling finish against the Pacers in Game 1. The officiating was very questionable. The calls were very close. Some of them seemed like a joke. Is the NBA behind this? (9:20) The Timberwolves crushed the Nuggets. What a defensive effort. The reigning champs are down 2-0 now. Woof. (12:31) Pat Riley gave his end-of-season presser on the Heat. He had some things to say about Jimmy Butler. Will Butler get an extension? Will the Heat make big changes? (23:00) So You Wanna Talk to Samson!? Someone asked me about Bally’s CEO on John Fisher’s attempt to relocate the Athletics. What did he have to say? (35:00) Review: The Idea of You. (40:00) Walker Buehler returned for the Dodgers yesterday after missing all of 2023. 2nd Tommy John surgery. Dodgers need him to be good, can he ever be great? (42:00) We have a new college football bowl game sponsor! (48:00) What is going on at college campuses? 
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