Worldwide Sports Coverage • Fantasy • DFS • Gaming
https://bleav.com/shows/the-sportsethos-washington-wizards-podcast/episodes/is-tre-johnson-a…rookie-ray-allen/
Dave compares Ray Allen’s rookie season to that of Tre Johnson, revisits the 2024 NBA Draft, and discusses a painful loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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The past two weeks have made one thing clear for the Atlanta Hawks. Kristaps Porziņģis is vital to their defensive success. His absence not only altered lineups but reshaped how opponents attack Atlanta on a possession-by-possession basis.
The Hawks dropped seven straight games without Porziņģis in the lineup. Those losses followed a consistent pattern. Opponents comfortably attacked the paint, guards turned the corner with less resistance, and backline rotations arrived a step too slow. The effort level remained competitive, but Atlanta lacked the structural support behind its defense.
Porziņģis’ defensive value starts at the rim. At 7-foot-3-inches tall, his presence alone deters drives and forces offenses to settle for pull-up jumpers rather than shots at the basket. Without him, Atlanta’s defensive margin for error narrowed significantly. Onyeka Okongwu was forced to cover more ground, switching onto perimeter players while still anchoring the paint. That workload stretched the defense thin, especially late in games.
Kristaps Porzingis now ranks as the fifth-most impactful player in the NBA this season with a +6.0 EPM 👀 pic.twitter.com/J1wNJnwDlb
— Kevin Keneely (@KevinKeneely1) January 1, 2026
The Hawks’ seven-game losing streak without Porziņģis highlighted that strain. Defensive possessions became longer. Second-chance opportunities increased. Teams generated cleaner looks late in the shot clock because Atlanta lacked a backline eraser waiting at the rim. Those small breakdowns compounded, turning manageable stretches into decisive runs for opponents.
The contrast was immediate when Porziņģis returned on Dec. 31. Atlanta won both games he played against the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks, and they held New York to a season low 99 points. The defensive tone changed quickly. Ball handlers hesitated at the free-throw line, and help defenders stayed home on shooters. Okongwu was freed to play more aggressive defense away from the rim, knowing there was size behind him in the lineup.
Kristaps Porzingis Defense Tape 1/2 vs NYK
~ 8 Points Allowed
~ Held Opponents to 4/10 FG
– 2 StealsATL On/Off Def Rating w/KP (via @PivotFade)
– 17 Minutes
– On Court Def Rating: 86.8
– Off Court Def Rating: 100Thoughts on his defense tonight? pic.twitter.com/vpVLj0DHcq
— Hoopology (@hoopologyxx) January 3, 2026
Those two wins reinforced how the Hawks are built. This roster is designed to defend in layers. Okongwu provides mobility, switching, and physicality, while Porziņģis gives length, rim protection, and vertical deterrence. Together, they allow Atlanta to pressure the ball without overcommitting and protect the paint without collapsing the perimeter.
That balance was missing against the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 3. With Porziņģis sidelined, the Hawks fell once more. The loss was not about effort or execution alone. It was about defensive sustainability. Toronto attacked downhill, forced rotations, and capitalized on Atlanta’s lack of rim protection, scoring 60 points in the paint.
Defensive possessions define winning basketball late in the season. Over the last two weeks, Atlanta’s defense has shown it can survive without Porziņģis for short stretches, but survival is not the same as consistency. The seven-game losing streak exposed how quickly the defense slips when one piece is missing. The two wins with Porziņģis back underscored how much cleaner everything looks when the frontcourt is intact.
This stretch has clarified the Hawks’ formula. Okongwu raises the defensive floor with effort and versatility. Porziņģis raises the ceiling by eliminating entire sections of the floor. When both are healthy, Atlanta can defend with confidence rather than caution.
In this episode, Tim and Mikey break down the Atlanta Hawks’ 117-134 loss to the Toronto Raptors. The Hawks gave up 60 points in the paint, and their defense struggled throughout the night. An 11-point, seven-turnover fourth quarter sunk Atlanta’s comeback chances. Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the team with 30 and 31 points, respectively.
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Aaron Bruski and Dr. A break down the fantasy basketball week ahead, focusing on schedule advantages, low-volume days, and the streaming decisions that can make or break your matchup. Learn how to avoid common mistakes and put yourself in position to win the week.
Presented by FanDuel
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William is back with every game from Friday, January 2nd breaking down the top waiver adds, players you should consider dropping and the biggest fantasy-impact storylines you need to know before setting your lineups!
Catch Tim and William with the SportsEthos Box Score Breakdown every Monday through Friday, right after the games.
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https://bleav.com/shows/the-sportsethos-washington-wizards-podcast/episodes/block-party-sarr…t-bucks-and-nets/
The Wizards beat both Milwaukee and the Brooklyn Nets this week – and the momentum is picking up! Dave discusses the way the young core is playing, the environment at the booth and the history that Bub Carrington is part of!
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Tim and Chris break down the Hawks’ big 111–99 win over the Knicks, highlighted by a standout night from Onyeka Okongwu. With Trae Young sidelined, Okongwu stepped up in a major way—finishing with 23 points and 9 rebounds, knocking down a pair of timely threes, and bringing nonstop energy on both ends of the floor. The guys also hand out their 3 Keys for the Hawks to secure another win on the second night of a back-to-back as they head to Toronto tomorrow night.
FOLLOW us on “X”: @EthosHawks @Tim_ATL @MRKHoops
The FantasyPass isn’t just for drafts anymore! Come enjoy DAN’S FANTASY ADDS/DROPS IN REAL TIME in our premium Discord… starting at just $6/month! Click to learn more!
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Aaron Bruski and Dr. A unpack the latest fantasy shakeups, highlight Dr. A’s My Guys, break down Bruski 150 performances and explain what fantasy managers should be watching for in tonight’s games.
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Anthony Kates hosts the latest episode of Fantasy MLB Today, “Dynasty Friday: Buy Low Big League Pitchers.” This week on Dynasty Fridays, Anthony talks about his favorite buy-low big league pitchers. He discusses three starters, though only one under the age of 30 years old, and two relievers who have a path towards closing in unsettled bullpens.
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Aaron Bruski & Dr. A highlight the top fantasy adds, players to drop and streamers to target for the next NBA slates, perfect for dominating your lineups this week.
Presented by FanDuel
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In this episode, Tim and Mikey recap the Atlanta Hawks’ 126-102 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Hawks turned in a much-needed dominant defensive performance, holding Minnesota to 43% shooting. Jalen Johnson totaled 34 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists on 15-of-22 from the field to lead Atlanta.
FOLLOW us on “X”: @EthosHawks @Tim_ATL @MRKHoops
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Looking for the Bru and Besbris Secret Shows? The only way to get the URLs when they happen is to jump on the email list by heading here: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/g5c9a0
Manscaped is BACK, baby! Just like the NBA! Use coupon code HOOPBALL20 to get 20% off and free shipping on your purchase at Manscaped.com!
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https://bleav.com/shows/the-sportsethos-washington-wizards-podcast/episodes/the-wizards-top-5-moments-of-2025/
Dave discusses the Wizards Top 5 moments of 2025: big trades, new draft picks and surprising wins on the road.
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Paul Williamson dives into the Angels signing Kirby Yates before he discusses hitters being drafted way too early.
Presented by FanDuel
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Need clarity for the rest of the season? Aaron Bruski breaks down all 30 NBA teams with actionable fantasy analysis covering buy-lows, sell-highs, adds, drops and rest-of-season expectations you can trust.
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It’s the final Fantasy NBA Today episode of 2025. Aaron Bruski and Dr. A react to Nikola Jokic’s injury, break down Dr. A’s My Guys, the Bruski 150 performers, and spotlight the fantasy storylines that could swing leagues tonight.
Presented by FanDuel
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