The Control Room with Esrael Yohannes

Esrael Yohannes
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Welcome to The Control Room! This show breaks down NBA basketball using stats researched by graphics producer, Esrael Yohannes, providing a fresh take on the league through objective data and analysis. Special guests include fellow sports broadcasters, former professional athletes, and members of the Hall of Fame, where you will also learn about their careers in the sports broadcasting industry. If you know ball, or you want to know ball, this is the pod for you. This is an independent project and is not associated with the NBA, FanDuel Sports Network, or any other sports network.

  1. 10/28/2025

    S03E01 - The 2025-26 NBA Season Outlook + Cooper Flagg, Kawhi & Aspiration, and the NBA's Gambling Scandal

    The Control Room returns for Season 3! The Oklahoma City Thunder have won the 2025 NBA Championship, and Esrael breaks down their dominant season led by their MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He also looks at who their potential challengers could be this season, as the last 7 seasons have featured 7 different champions. Then, he gives an outlook on the Dallas Mavericks, who selected Cooper Flagg with the 1st overall pick. Finally, Esrael provides the latest on the controversial deals between Kawhi Leonard, the LA Clippers, and Aspiration, as well as the gambling scandal that rocked the NBA Thursday morning.   Pablo Torre Finds Out (Aspiration Investigation - Full Playlist): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp43H6Vt_yDoUarxNb_fVK9_6bSiA2aHo&si=2w_m-8Sd2cDIc6RB

    57 min

  2. 06/23/2025

    S02E12 - The Best Two Words In Sports...Game 7

    The 2025 NBA Finals have gone to a seventh game! Esrael breaks down the numbers from the playoffs and Finals for the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. He'll make his case for how each team can finish the job and win the 2025 NBA Championship.   *Disclaimer: This episode was recorded before Game 7 began. Tyrese Haliburton unfortunately suffered an injury in the 1st quarter. Sending my best to him and wishing for a major comeback.

    29 min

  3. 06/06/2025

    S02E11 - The 2025 NBA Finals Preview - Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers

    The 2025 NBA Finals are set between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. Esrael returns to break down how OKC and Indiana reached this point through their successful styles of play. He also gives his prediction of who will be crowned the 2025 NBA Champion.

    28 min

  4. 04/19/2025

    S02E10 - Why Luka's Return Was Better Than Wilt's + Pacers & Haliburton, Bulls' Finish & Final Play-In Games

    In this episode, Esrael breaks down Luka's historic return to Dallas and why he thinks ESPN missed out on a massive statistical opportunity. He also talks about how Luka's presence has helped the Lakers with their 3-PT shooting and overall offense. Then, he dives deep into the Indiana Pacers' surge since mid-December involving Tyrese Haliburton's improved play, as well as lays the Chicago Bulls to rest with a recap of their run in March & April. Finally, he gives his stats to watch for the final Play-In Tournament games before the 2025 NBA Playoffs are set.

    48 min

  5. 04/04/2025

    S02E09 - The Lakers' Brilliant Backcourt + Knicks' Minutes Problem & The Pistons' Arrival

    In the mad month that is March, the NBA had massive performance after massive performance. In this episode, Esrael breaks down the numbers for the high-scoring backcourt duo on the Los Angeles Lakers. Later, he looks to solve the mystery of why the New York Knicks are heavily relying on their starters, and he then embraces the arrival of the Detroit Pistons, led by newly-named All-Star Cade Cunningham.

    35 min

  6. 02/27/2025

    S02E08 - Luka Dončić is a Laker + Ramadan Kyrie & AD

    The loss of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers still stings, and Esrael breaks down how Luka has come into form in his most recent outings with LA. Then, he talks about what the Mavericks need to do to stay in the playoff race, if the legend of Ramadan Kyrie is real, and what Anthony Davis brings to the table.

    30 min

  7. 02/04/2025

    S02E07 - Nico Harrison, Dallas's Public Enemy #1

    After what is considered to be the worst trade in NBA history, Esrael briefly gives his two cents on Nico Harrison, the general manager of the Dallas Mavericks, and why he believes Harrison was wrong to trade Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers.

    13 min

  8. 12/26/2024

    S02E06 - Mavs Are Clicking On Both Sides + 2024 NBA Cup Recap

    The Dallas Mavericks have had a month to remember, and Esrael has the stats to back it up. He breaks down how the Mavs are balancing both their paint and perimeter offensive attacks and how their defense has held up to get them wins. He will also recap the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup, highlighting the resurgence of the Milwaukee Bucks and the dipping efficiency of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Then, he'll give a standings update and the NBA Christmas Day schedule. Merry Christmas!

    26 min
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About

Welcome to The Control Room! This show breaks down NBA basketball using stats researched by graphics producer, Esrael Yohannes, providing a fresh take on the league through objective data and analysis. Special guests include fellow sports broadcasters, former professional athletes, and members of the Hall of Fame, where you will also learn about their careers in the sports broadcasting industry. If you know ball, or you want to know ball, this is the pod for you. This is an independent project and is not associated with the NBA, FanDuel Sports Network, or any other sports network.

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