It's no secret the NBA's Western Conference has been better than its Eastern Conference for some time now, but how big is that imbalance? Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine kick off this week's Big Number with a shocking stat: the East could win their next 1,318 consecutive games vs. Western Conference teams and STILL not be .500 vs. the their opponents in their head-to-head record since 2000.

Tom argues that the East vs. West power imbalance is greater than ever and that it might send one LeBron James seeking a trade or some sort of move back to his hometown in Cleveland to put the final chapter on his Hall of Fame career. Tom even brings a crazy four-team trade to the table that would make it all work!

Later in the show, Dan shares some little numbers around the Chicago Bulls without Lonzo Ball (which they should get used to now that he's on Cleveland), the Knicks starters' minutes per game vs. the Western Conference, the Orlando Magic's offensive rating against the West and the Atlanta Hawks defensive efficiency in the Trae Young era.

Also, Mike Brown will be reportedly the next coach of the New York Knicks. The guys react to the news live & share a touching get well soon message for the one and only Red Panda.

(1:30) - 1,318: West's head-to-head advantage over the East since 2000

(5:40) - Why East vs. West talent disadvantage could send LeBron back to CLE

(17:25) - Why Chicago will struggle more without Lonzo Ball

(23:35) - Knicks roster minutes per game vs. West

(29:10) - Breaking: Mike Brown to New York Knicks

(35:40) - Orlando's offensive rating vs. West

(39:30) - Atlanta's defensive efficiency in the Trae Young era

(45:30) - Get well soon to Red Panda & Jaren Jackson Jr.

(48:30) - Unpacking Milwaukee's move from Lillard to Turner

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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine unearth the data that proves the Oklahoma City Thunder dynasty could reign supreme for a long while, starting with going back-to-back next season. But contenders do exist — the 5 teams that could stifle OKC's plans, and why. Plus, Tom & Dan analyze Jrue Holiday's fit with the Portland Trail Blazers. All ahead on this episode of The Big Number.

(1:10) - Thunder are favorites to win 2026 Finals

(12:35) - How much does KD help Houston Rockets' Finals chances?

(18:10) - Can Cleveland Cavaliers take advantage of chaotic East?

(23:15) - Where's the Golden State Warriors' ceiling with Jimmy Butler?

(29:25) - Should New York Knicks be a Finals sleeper even without a head coach?

(33:10) - Are the LA Lakers Finals odds too low?

(40:05) - Trail Blazers acquire Jrue Holiday

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Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine break down the electric 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers by spotlighting the record-setting intensity measured by 38.4 miles run in each game this series. They dive into why this series marks a HUGE shift in playing styles, Pascal Siakam’s transformative two-way play for Indiana and Jalen Williams’ historic 40-point game at just 24 years old. Plus, the pair debates whether Desmond Bane is the missing piece Orlando needs to become true contenders in the Eastern Conference.

(1:27) The Big Number: 38.4 miles per game

(21:07) Little Numbers: Thunder open shots in NBA Finals

(24:36) Little Numbers: OKC & IND 3-point shooting

(29:29) Little Numbers: Siakam’s impressive averages

(33:25) Little Numbers: points scored in transition

(39:02) Grizzlies trade Desmond Bane to the Magic

Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:

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📢 Check out the entire Yahoo Sports podcast network