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Kevin O’Connor welcomes special guest Chris Vernon to go all-in on their “semi-bold” NBA predictions for the upcoming season. They debate who will bottom out harder in the West—Warriors, Kings, or Clippers—and whether the Celtics should be a lock for the East’s top spot.
Verno breaks down Denver’s sneaky-good additions and the Lakers’ real chances in a loaded Western Conference. The pair also predict All-Star picks, breakout rookies, why this season could be the best yet with the NBA’s revamped anti-tanking rules, and more.
(1:12) Verno’s Warriors prediction
(6:19) KOC’s Kings prediction
(8:01) Verno’s Nuggets prediction
(12:51) KOC’s Celtics prediction
(19:13) Verno’s Lakers prediction
(24:11) KOC’s Coby White prediction
(26:51) 2025-26 semi-bold predictions recap
(29:08) Verno’s prediction for second-tier stars
(39:54) KOC’s Mavericks prediction
(41:26) What to expect from the West
(50:00) Who will be the first coach fired?
(56:55) Verno’s league-wide prediction
(1:03:50) KOC’s prediction for SGA & Ant
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry stands on the court during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in San Francisco, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
(Jed Jacobsohn)
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