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

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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine are back with this week's big number: 1 million dollars. That's how much Jay-Z allegedly wagered and then lost, when he placed a milly on OKC to win the Finals in 5 games. Indy won Game 3, which rendered that bet moot -- and Indy added another victim to its pool of people that doubted them. Don't miss the guys break down the stats that prove Indy may very well be the better team, both offensively and defensively. Plus later in the show, Tom wonders if Kevin Durant could return to Oklahoma City — especially if the Thunder get packed up in 5 games!

(1:10) The Big Number: $1,000,000 wager on OKC in 5

(18:14) Little Numbers: Pacers record in first 25 games

(23:50) Little Numbers: Indiana’s MPH

(29:15) Little Numbers: Pacers passes per game

(32:41) Little Numbers: Indiana’s defensive rating

(37:14) Best landing spots for KD in trade

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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine are well aware that the Oklahoma City Thunder are LIKELY to win this year's NBA title. But what is Indiana's path to a championship, and just how viable is it? The Big Number has unearthed the key stats that prove how the Pacers could walk away with the Larry O, as improbable as it may seem. It would have to start with Tyrese Haliburton becoming ultra aggressive, which will be easier said than done against his #1 kryptonite: Lu Dort.

(1:23) The Big Number: Haliburton scoring vs. OKC

(11:59) Little Numbers: Pascal Siakam points produced in postseason

(16:21) Little Numbers: Thunder corner 3’s

(19:41) Little Numbers: What happened last time OKC lost a series?

(23:50) Little Numbers: Thunder vs. zone defense

(28:54) Knicks fire Tom Thibodeau

(38:50) Suns hire Ott as head coach

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Dan Devine and Tom Haberstroh break down the historic matchup between the Indiana Pacers & Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals. With only a 1% chance of this pairing at the start of the season, the hosts dissect why both teams surged to the top, challenging long-held NBA assumptions about youth, roster continuity, and midseason trades. The conversation spotlights star performances from Tyrese Haliburton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, plus the impact of strategic additions like Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso. The episode explores why these Finals are one of the most improbable in recent memory, what sets each team apart, and what this means for the future of team-building in the NBA.

Don’t miss the discussion on what’s next for the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks, and the unique blend of clutch play, defense, and team chemistry fueling this unlikely Finals.

(1:10) - Pacers & Thunder defy all odds to face off in the NBA Finals

(20:40) - Why Thunder excel at avoiding turnovers

(26:15) - Caruso & Hartenstein fuel OKC's defensive engine

(31:50) - Pacers: clutchest team in the NBA?

(34:50) - Pacers & Thunder have both dominated in 2025

(43:20) - What's next for the Timberwolves?

(50:00) - What's next for the Knicks?

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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine have uncovered the jaw-dropping truth: the Oklahoma City Thunder now possess "the best defense in Playoff history." The guys explain what OKC is doing to make things so uncomfortable for their opponents, and how the juggernaut defense likely won't be solved any time soon.

(1:05) - Is the Thunder defense best in postseason history?
(10:05) - Numbers behind Thunder's suffocating defense
(15:20) - Live-ball turnovers forced by Thunder defense
(19:10) - How Thunder stifled Anthony Edwards
(22:40) - Thunder shut down Wolves' corner threes
(28:10) - How will SGA's MVP win be remembered?

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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine have unearthed the data that shows Indiana is NOT to be messed with. The Big Number guys explain how the Pacers laid waste to the #1-seed Cleveland Cavaliers, and likely won't be stopped anytime soon. Plus the guys ask the question, would Nico Harrison ever, shockingly, consider trading the #1 overall pick? What caliber of superstar would need to be offered to the Mavs' GM for him to come off of Cooper Flagg?!? The guys think Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks may convince Nico to do the unthinkable (again)!

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