Dustin and Sage reunite for the 446th episode of Holy Backboard to preview the upcoming NBA season and rank the Western Conference from 1–15 based on projected regular-season finish.

The guys factor in injuries, load management, roster construction, depth, and each team's incentives heading into the season. They start at the bottom of the West, including Sacramento, before breaking down the outlooks for the Clippers, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Jazz, Mavericks, and Warriors.

They debate whether the Suns can establish themselves as a solid playoff team, question the Lakers' offseason moves and defense, and spend plenty of time figuring out where the Portland Trail Blazers belong. How much will the coaching changes matter? Can Portland's guard rotation hold up defensively? And just how important are the Blazers' depth and Robert Williams III's health?

At the top, Dustin and Sage have Oklahoma City and San Antonio leading the West. They also take a quick look at the Eastern Conference, pick their favorite League Pass teams for the season, and close with early MVP considerations and how the NBA's new officiating points of emphasis could impact the league.

Who's too high? Who's too low? And which Western Conference teams are the hardest to predict?

Dustin and Sage return for the 445th episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast to break down the latest news surrounding the Portland Trail Blazers.

They discuss the recent approval of $573 million in public funding for arena renovations and why the agreement provides more confidence that the Trail Blazers are staying in Portland for the long haul.

The guys also look back at Summer League, including Yang's development. While he showed flashes of being able to dominate lower-level competition, he remains a multi-year project who needs to improve his lateral movement, strength, rebounding, and defense while adjusting some of the habits he developed playing in the CBA.

Dustin and Sage then dive into Portland's guard-heavy roster, how coach Micah Nori could distribute minutes, and why playing time needs to be earned rather than determined by draft position or reputation. They also discuss the health of several key players and how injuries could impact the rotation.

Plus, they explain their optimism about Ja Morant's potential impact as a playmaker, Portland's flexibility with its future draft assets, and what moves could still be ahead.

Finally, they break down the 2026-27 Trail Blazers schedule, including a brutal early stretch of road games, 14 back-to-backs, and plenty of matchups against elite competition.

Dustin and Sage jump on an emergency episode of the Holy Backboard Podcast after the stunning news that the Portland Trail Blazers have acquired 26-year-old All-NBA guard Ja Morant. The duo breaks down the reported trade that sends Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to Memphis, explaining why they view it as a "Moneyball" move to land a superstar talent at a bargain price.

They discuss how Morant immediately addresses Portland's biggest weaknesses with his elite ballhandling, rim pressure, playmaking, and star power while weighing the risks surrounding his outside shooting and off-court history. They also examine how Morant's contract aligns with the Blazers' competitive window alongside Damian Lillard and Deni Avdija.

The conversation shifts to the basketball fit, including the challenges of pairing Morant with an aging Lillard returning from an Achilles injury, potential defensive concerns, staggered rotations, and how Scoot Henderson could thrive in more off-ball opportunities. Finally, Dustin and Sage look ahead to free agency, discuss Jrue Holiday's role as Portland's most likely trade chip, and explain why they believe this blockbuster is only the beginning of a busy offseason for the Blazers.