Its a packed midweek show as the NBA season tips off on NBC for the first time since 2002. Larry recaps an opening night full of drama — Oklahoma City’s double-overtime banner-raising thriller, Draymond Green’s big debut for Golden State, and the league’s nostalgia overload with the return of Roundball Rock.

Then, Erik Anderson of Heavy.com joins the show to break down early NBA storylines: the Thunder’s quest to repeat, Denver’s depth around Jokic, Golden State’s veteran window, and Giannis’ uncertain future in Milwaukee. They also discuss how the Pacers and Celtics can survive major injuries, what’s next for Cooper Flagg’s Mavericks debut, and which young teams — like Orlando and Utah — could be the next breakout franchises.

Later, Producer Tony Cordaro joins Larry for his much-anticipated “Contenders and Pretenders” list in the NFL. From Buffalo’s collapse and San Francisco’s injury woes to Indianapolis’ resurgence behind Daniel Jones, Tony breaks down who’s real and who’s fading fast.

The show wraps with Larry’s Moment of Awe — tracing the origins of baseball’s first players’ union in 1885, connecting it to today’s billion-dollar salaries ahead of the Dodgers–Blue Jays World Series opener.

TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

• NBA Opening Night: Thunder edge Rockets in double OT; Warriors top Lakers

• The $77 billion NBA media deal and NBC’s Peacock strategy

• Erik Anderson on the Thunder’s dynasty potential and Denver’s offseason moves

• Golden State’s aging core and Steve Kerr’s veteran management

• Giannis’ future and trade rumors swirling in Milwaukee

• How injuries reshape the East: Halliburton out for Indiana, Tatum sidelined in Boston

• Early Rookie Watch: Cooper Flagg’s Dallas debut

• Tony’s NFL “Contenders & Pretenders” — Buffalo, San Francisco, and more

• Dodgers vs. Blue Jays World Series preview

• Moment of Awe: The birth of baseball’s first players’ union

QUOTES OF THE DAY

“NBC’s playing Roundball Rock so much, I’m hearing it when I flush the toilet.” — Larry Smith
“The Thunder are so young, so deep — it’s scary how much better they can still get.” — Erik Anderson
“Buffalo’s defense is a train wreck. The safeties might be the worst duo in the league.” — Tony Cordaro
“If the Colts keep that offensive line together, this is no mirage — they’re for real.” — Tony Cordaro