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The Crossover NBA Show

Gambling Controversies & Bucks/Celtics

·40 min·3 clips
Shohei Ohtani's interpreter is linked to an illegal gambling scandal, raising questions about sports integrity.
The episode begins with hosts Chris Mannix and Rohan Nadkarni introducing the show's topics, including gambling controversies and NBA playoff races. They start with the developing story of Shohei Ohtani's interpreter being involved in an illegal gambling scandal, linking it to broader issues in sports. Clips from Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton and Cleveland Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff are played, where Haliburton feels like a prop to gamblers and Bickerstaff recounts receiving threatening calls. The hosts discuss the NBA's embrace of sports gambling, with Nadkarni criticizing NBA League Pass for adding in-game betting before improving basic features. Mannix predicts a future scandal involving players or referees in gambling corruption. The conversation shifts to basketball, analyzing the Milwaukee Bucks' close game against the Boston Celtics without Giannis Antetokounmpo, highlighting Chris Middleton's improved play. They debate whether Jason Tatum is clutch, with both hosts defending his playoff performances. Next, they evaluate the New Orleans Pelicans' strong season, noting Zion Williamson's resurgence and the team's depth. Finally, they discuss Anthony Edwards' rising stardom and comparisons to Michael Jordan, urging caution in such comparisons. The episode wraps with a look at the competitive Western Conference playoff matchups.

As heard by us

Milwaukee's close call with Boston gives the episode its clearest playoff tension.

The Crossover NBA Show starts with the Shohei Itani gambling scandal involving his interpreter and treats it as a reminder of how fast betting can move from the margins to the middle of a major sport.

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Why you'd press play

You want to know whether Milwaukee can really trouble Boston before the playoffs make the argument for you.

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