2026-27 NBA schedule reaction: homecomings, rookie matchups, biggest storylines & more must-watch games

2026-27 NBA schedule reaction: homecomings, rookie matchups, biggest storylines & more must-watch games

Kevin O'Connor reacts to the 2026-27 NBA schedule! KOC shares his favorite homecomings like Trae Young’s return to Atlanta and LeBron James taking the court in Los Angeles on Christmas Day, along with primetime rookie battles you can't miss. Plus, how will the new relegation zone impact competitiveness in the later stages of the season? Later, KOC continues his 'Entertainment Rankings' with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Golden State Warriors. (0:16) Player homecomings (4:00) Playoff rematches (5:44) Relegation zone drama (8:14) Back-to-back games (10:14) Big 4 rookie matchups (13:24) Other notable games (16:33) Entertainment rankings: Clippers (19:57) Entertainment rankings: Warriors Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts [https://spoti.fi/4gDqoKY] 🎧 Spotify [https://spoti.fi/4gDqoKY] 🖥️ YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMBGfmxnWp04mrpA2-K1FVktL6r3fY2Bh] 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, [https://apple.co/3zEuT] yahoosports.tv [https://yahoosports.tv] and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@YahooNBA]

Russell Westbrook retires + Lakers sold in record-breaking deal

Kevin O’Connor and Trey Kirby react to the breaking news of Russell Westbrook’s retirement from the NBA after 18 seasons. Later, KOC and Yaron Weitzman break down the bombshell sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner. The pair unpacks the federal investigation surrounding Mark Walter's finances, speculates on what this means for Rob Pelinka’s future and more. (0:24) Russell Westbrook retires (7:36) Lakers sold for $12 billion Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts [https://spoti.fi/4gDqoKY] 🎧 Spotify [https://spoti.fi/4gDqoKY] 🖥️ YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMBGfmxnWp04mrpA2-K1FVktL6r3fY2Bh] 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, [https://apple.co/3zEuT] yahoosports.tv [https://yahoosports.tv] and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@YahooNBA]

Can Booker bounce back? Pelicans chaos potential, Warriors 'gap year' + will Ben Simmons return?

Kevin O'Connor continues his NBA 'Entertainment Rankings' by breaking down the Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans. Will Devin Booker bounce back to true superstar form? Can Derik Queen improve his defense? KOC also comments on Ben Simmons' apparent attempt at a comeback, the T-Wolves trip to Paris, Don Nelson’s legacy and the Warriors’ “gap year.” (0:30) Entertainment rankings: Suns (7:52) Entertainment rankings: Pelicans (15:52) Could Ben Simmons return? (17:10) Timberwolves in France (18:18) NBA legend, Don Nelson, died Sunday (20:15) Warriors 'gap year' Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts [https://spoti.fi/4gDqoKY] 🎧 Spotify [https://spoti.fi/4gDqoKY] 🖥️ YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMBGfmxnWp04mrpA2-K1FVktL6r3fY2Bh] 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, [https://apple.co/3zEuT] yahoosports.tv [https://yahoosports.tv] and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@YahooNBA]

Is KD delusional? Draymond's future, state of the Bucks & Kings + why Blazers fans are right to worry

Kevin O’Connor & Tom Haberstroh break down the latest offseason storylines, including Kevin Durant’s “delusional” Sixers-Warriors take and Draymond Green's future after not securing a no trade clause. The pair also discuss Anthony Davis’ future with the Washington Wizards, Dillon Brooks’ new deal with the Phoenix Suns and Kevin's evaluation of the Bucks and Kings for the 2026-27 season. Later, Adam Gold joins the show to break down Tom Dundon's tenure as owner of the Carolina Hurricanes and if his controversial ownership style will translate to success in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers. (1:02) KD comments on 76ers roster (13:18) Draymond no trade clause (20:05) Dillon Brooks extends with Suns (23:13) AD & Wizards unlikely to extend (29:35) NBA Entertainment Rankings: Bucks (40:26) NBA Entertainment Rankings: Kings (59:12) Adam Gold talks Tom Dundon Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts [https://spoti.fi/4gDqoKY] 🎧 Spotify [https://spoti.fi/4gDqoKY] 🖥️ YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMBGfmxnWp04mrpA2-K1FVktL6r3fY2Bh] 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, [https://apple.co/3zEuT] yahoosports.tv [https://yahoosports.tv] and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@YahooNBA]

The league's least interesting team + KOC's weekend in NYC

Kevin O'Connor kicks off his NBA entertainment rankings, starting with the Brooklyn Nets, who are coming off a tough 20-win season. Are Mikel Brown Jr. or Egor Demin potential franchise-changers, or is this just another rebuilding year for Brooklyn? KOC also shares stories from his weekend in New York City and expresses concerns for the Denver Nuggets this upcoming season.  (0:35) NBA Entertainment rankings: Brooklyn Nets (6:11) NYC weekend recap (13:52) Time to worry about the Nuggets? Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts [https://spoti.fi/4gDqoKY] 🎧 Spotify [https://spoti.fi/4gDqoKY] 🖥️ YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMBGfmxnWp04mrpA2-K1FVktL6r3fY2Bh] 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, [https://apple.co/3zEuT] yahoosports.tv [https://yahoosports.tv] and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@YahooNBA]