Episodes
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On this episode of The Big Number Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine preview the 2025 NBA All-Star weekend and make the case for several All-Star MVP candidates. Could it be hometown host & hero Steph Curry? Or will Damian Lillard win a second-straight MVP? There’s also a strong case for LeBron James who’s playing with a new pep in his step now that Luka Doncic has joined the Lakers. Plus, what if Victor Wembanyama takes revenge on Steph Curry after losing to Team USA in the Olympics to steal the MVP award from him on his home turf?
Tom & Dan update the scoreboard on their over/unders competition and take a look at the hottest draft prospect in the country, Cooper Flagg. The pair discuss which teams are currently in position to land Flagg and just how scary certain franchises could become if they manage to ‘capture the Flagg.’
(1:24) The Big Number: 15
(4:29) Steph Curry for All-Star MVP?
(10:49) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for MVP?
(13:00) Damian Lillard for MVP?
(17:45) Anthony Edwards for MVP?
(21:27) LeBron James for MVP?
(24:50) Victor Wembanyama for MVP?
(29:05) Over/unders update
(30:58) Who will land Cooper Flagg?
Subscribe to The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:
🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VIUwwp
🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/49En2Fc
📢 Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT
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This week on The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine are all-in on Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets. Despite being only 22 years-old, Thompson's stock is rising at a seemingly improbable pace. With numbers that put him at the All-Star level even now, does Amen Thompson have the potential to become an MVP-caliber player such as Jimmy Butler or Kawhi Leonard? And, if so, would the Houston Rockets DARE to trade him away at the deadline?
Dan brings in his four Little Numbers to showcase the similarities between Amen Thompson and NBA icons such as Alex Caruso, Paul George, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and more.
The duo also talk a few trades as the NBA trade deadline approaches on Thursday evening, including the Milwaukee Bucks trading Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma. WHY would the Bucks trade for Kuzma when his recent play has been dismal at best? Or is this the trade before the real trade for Milwaukee?
(1:37) The Big Number: 21
(9:07) Is Amen Thompson un-tradable?
(13:49) The Little Numbers: 2.5 & 3
(17:49) The Little Numbers: 80
(21:41) The Little Numbers: 0.764
(26:56) The Little Numbers: 0
(30:45) Over/unders update
(32:15) Bucks trade Middleton to Wizards for Kuzma
(39:34) Thunder acquire Theis from PelicansSubscribe to The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:
🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VIUwwp
🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/49En2Fc
📢 Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT
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Missing episodes?
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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine crunch the numbers to explain why this season could have more triple-doubles recorded than any NBA season in history. One of the big reasons is Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic who is currently averaging a triple-double this season. But it’s not all Jokic, as the NBA has increased this season in pace and spacing, making it easier for players to score in a greater amount of possessions.
Dan digs up four more interesting stats concerning triple-doubles including the astounding win percentage for teams with a player scoring a triple-double. The pair also chat about the origin of the triple-double, bench players with triple-doubles, and players who’ve recorded their first career triple-double this season.
Tom and Dan update the score of their over/unders competition and make picks on whether Paolo Banchero, Joel Embiid and LaMelo Ball will notch a triple-double before the season ends. Plus, an update on the De’Aaron Fox situation with the Sacramento Kings after Fox made it clear he wants to leave Sacramento for San Antonio.(1:12) The Big Number: 154 triple-doubles
(12:53) Origin of term 'triple-double'
(15:01) The Little Numbers: .756
(19:42) The Little Numbers: 1
(20:13) The Little Numbers: 5
(24:07) The Little Numbers: 40
(27:35) The Little Numbers: 0
(28:39) Over/under scoreboard update
(30:59) Triple-doubles over/unders
(38:40) De’Aaron Fox wants out of Sacramento
Subscribe to The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:
🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VIUwwp
🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/49En2Fc
📢 Yahoo Sports podcast network:
https://apple.co/3zEuT
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It’s an All-Star-centric episode of 'The Big Number' as Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine make the case for their Western Conference starters, headlined by Victor Wembanyama. Despite playing for a San Antonio Spurs team with a losing record, could Wemby become one of the youngest All-Star starters in NBA history?
The pair use this week’s Little Numbers to make a case for the remaining Western Conference starters including Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors and more. Can Luka Dončić be named a starter in spite of how few minutes he’s played? And who will Dan & Tom choose between Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis and Sacramento Kings clutch performer Domantas Sabonis?
To wrap, Tom & Dan give an update on their over/unders competition and make two new picks concerning Victor Wembanyama’s free throw attempts and shot distance.(1:22) The Big Number: 8
(6:05) Should Wemby start in All-Star game?
(13:40) The Little Numbers: Nikola Jokić
(18:10) The Little Numbers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
(20:33) The Little Numbers: Anthony Davis
(22:45) The Little Numbers: Domantas Sabonis
(27:21) The Little Numbers: Luka Dončić
(28:29) The Little Numbers: Steph Curry
(33:20) Victor Wembanyama over/unders
Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts
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‘Top 10’ and ‘Detroit Pistons’ are not two words you hear together often, but Cade Cunningham has led the Pistons to a 21-19 record and a near top-10 offense so far this season. Third most in the NBA in triple-doubles, and improving statistically in several major categories from last season, does Cade Cunningham deserve a shout for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award? Or does a player finally meeting his potential three years after being drafted no.1 not qualify for something like ‘most improved?’ Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine answer these questions and more with this week’s Big Number.
Dan brings four more numbers to the table to ask which came first in Detroit’s success this season: Cade Cunningham’s improved shooting or the Pistons surrounding him with multiple 3-point shooters? The chicken or the egg? Perhaps it doesn’t even matter, just as long as the Detroit Pistons are eating eggs for breakfast in Motor City.
To wrap, the pair checks in on their over/unders competitions and make two, new Detroit-centric picks.
(1:49) The Big Number: 7
(5:05) Should Cunningham win Most Improved Player?
(15:30) The Little Numbers: 113.5
(20:24) The Little Numbers: 8.1
(24:04) Cade Cunningham minigame
(26:22) The Little Numbers: 37.6
(30:24) The Little Numbers: 5.9
(37:32) Detroit Pistons over/undersCheck out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts
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The Sacramento Kings are on a five-game win streak with the latest two victories coming with De’Aaron Fox on the sidelines. With this in mind, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine reveal this week’s Big Number and evaluate if the Kings are better off WITHOUT De’Aaron Fox on the court and, if so, should they trade him before the deadline?
Dan brings in four Little Numbers that explain what’s going right and what’s still wrong with Sacramento this season including Keon Ellis’ rising star and Keegan’s Murray’s drop in production. Dan also dives deep into the Kings’ offensive possessions in transition and compares their expected total wins this season with their actual win total.
The pair give an update to their over/unders competition and wrap by sharing their latest Yahoo Sports stories on Victor Wembanyama & potential first-time NBA all-stars.(1:21) The Big Number: -5.2
(12:55) The Little Numbers: 8.9
(17:21) Keon Ellis minigame
(21:16) The Little Numbers: .513
(25:51) The Little Numbers: 14.6%
(29:59)The Little Numbers: -2.8
(36:29) Over/under scoreboard update
(37:49) Tom & Dan's recent Yahoo Sports stories
Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts
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On this week's episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dig deep into a stellar rookie season for Memphis Grizzlies big man Zach Edey. They help paint the picture of why Edey leads the discussion for Rookie of the Year in the NBA.
They cover how Edey has heavily outperformed expectations and made an efficient impact on Memphis this year. Specifically, they discuss Edey's impact as an offensive rebounder and how the Grizzlies currently sit atop multiple efficiency statistics in the NBA.
(2:30) The Big Number: 15
(12:24) Little Number 1: 40%
(19:23) Little Number 2: +23.59
(25:51) Little Number 3: 18.3%
(33:51) Little Number 4: 1
(44:28) Over/Unders
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Just how rare is San Antonio Spurs budding star Victor Wembanyama? Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive deep into the numbers to illustrate how much of a unicorn the French big man is becoming in the NBA.
They specifically analyze the rare rate at which Wemby is blocking shots and nailing three pointers, especially for a player of his size. They also discuss the future expectations for the San Antonio Spurs for this season and beyond.
(1:48) The Big Number: 1
(12:38) Little Number 1: 9.9%
(18:34) Little Number 2: 48.6%
(25:58) Little Number 3: 55
(30:25) Little Number 4: 64
(39:43) Over/Unders
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As trade rumors circulate about whether or not the Miami Heat could trade Jimmy Butler, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine reveal this week’s Big Number to explain why now is the perfect time for a trade despite Miami’s recent success.
Dan gives us four more numbers, each which makes the case for a different NBA team that could be interested in trading for Jimmy Butler including the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Tom & Dan give a scoreboard update on their over/under picks and take a look back at their Oklahoma City Thunder picks from several weeks ago. The Thunder are living up to expectations this season, but do they have what it takes to keep that momentum going through the postseason?(1:01) The Big Number: +3.6
(15:39) The Little Numbers: 24.5
(26:04) The Little Numbers: 102.4
(34:14) The Little Numbers: 1,205
(40:06) The Little Numbers: 0.232
(46:38) Over/unders update
(47:43) Oklahoma City Thunder look legit
Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts
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This week the Big Number is 50.3 which is the combined scoring average of Jalen Brunson & Karl-Anthony Towns. Are they the best duo in Knicks history? Even better than Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire? Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive deep into several stats that prove just how dominant and efficient Brunson and KAT have been this season.
Dan backs up the Big Number with 4 more numbers that prove just how hot the New York Knicks offense is this season including the impact of Brunson + KAT pick and rolls, the Knicks’ offensive rating in half-court, points per game created via assist, and more.
Tom and Dan give an apology for cursing LeBron James with his coldest 3-point shooting spell for the Los Angeles Lakers and end with their picks on some Knicks-centric over/unders.
(1:35) The Big Number: 50.3
(13:47) The Little Numbers: 1.314
(18:42) The Little Numbers: 109.4
(22:22) The Little Numbers: 70.8
(26:58) The Little Numbers: 11th
(31:41) Over/unders scoreboard update
(35:13) Apologies Lebron James...
(38:57) New York Knicks over/unders
Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts
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On today's episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devin dig into the shooting statistics that illustrate how elite the Boston Celtics are on offense this season.
Specifically, they analyze the ridiculous rate at which they are launching threes, and how it's setting them up for another NBA Championship run. They also praise Derrick White for his precision and resume that is strong enough for him to be an All-Star.
(2:16) The Big Number: 910
(15:12) Little Number 1: 12.4%
(21:13) Little Number 2: .635
(26:14) Little Number 3: 4.7
(31:57) Little Number 4: 8.33
(37:50) Over/Unders
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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine get together, along with five of their favorite stats, to see if this is the most impressive season in LeBron James' awe-inspiring career. Also, would making dunks worth 3 points fix the NBA?
(2:05) The Big Number: 826
(17:34) The Little Numbers: 47.3
(19:54) The Little Numbers: 49.2%
(22:37) The Little Numbers: 1.19
(27:32) The Little Numbers: +15.5
(32:49) Over/unders scoreboard update
(33:37) Should the NBA make dunks worth 3 points?
On this episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive deep into the numbers to try to figure out how 39-year-old LeBron James is having such a great season for the Los Angeles Lakers.
The guys start with the big number, which is 826 this week. That's the number of 3-point shots LeBron James has made since joining the Lakers. If you don't think that's a lot, tune in to hear which Hall of Fame players never made that many 3-point shots in their entire career.
But it's the efficiency of LeBron's season that has really caught the eye of both Tom and Dan. He is currently posting career highs in points created per 36, points scored on plays where LeBron is in the pick-and-roll and percentage of his baskets that are assisted.
The success of the 10-4 Lakers, as well as the success of rookie forward Dalton Knecht, can be directly attributed to the increased efficiency and proficiency of LeBron James, who turns 40 in about six weeks. That's crazy. Is there a case to be made that he's having his most impressive season?
Finally, Tom wrote a piece for Yahoo Sports wondering if making dunks worth three points would shift the NBA back to offensive diversity and away from every team trying to copy the Boston Celtics. He talks it out with Dan to see if it would be viable and, if not, what other plans might make sense.
Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts
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On the latest episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine look at Steph Curry’s incredible offensive impact on the Golden State Warriors. With just as much offensive dominance both on and off the ball, is Steph the greatest offensive player since Michael Jordan? Even more so than LeBron James?
But it’s not just Steph Curry giving the Warriors the boost they need to be title contenders—Golden State is over a dozen players deep with other stars with as Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins which Dan highlights with four more numbers.
Tom & Dan end the show with some over/under predictions for Golden State throughout the rest of the NBA season.
(2:00) The Big Number: 124.2
(15:39) 4 stats that prove Golden State are title contenders
(30:11) Warriors over/unders
Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts
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On this week's episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive into the numbers on the Oklahoma City Thunder. OKC has a team of DAWGS on defense that create chaos all over the court and that defensive prowess might just give them the edge to be title favorites.
Dan counters Tom’s bullish attitude toward the Thunder with a few other teams who could best OKC like the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors & Phoenix Suns.
The two wrap with some Oklahoma City over/unders worth keeping an eye on.
(1:10) THE BIG NUMBER: 85(15:13) The Number Crunch
(15:40) The Number Crunch: Boston Celtics
(18:29) The Number Crunch: Golden State Warriors
(21:55) The Number Crunch: Cleveland Cavaliers
(24:46) The Number Crunch: Phoenix Suns
(28:13) OKC over/unders
Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts
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The Big Number this week is about Russell Westbrook, but it says much more about the Denver Nuggets' offense and championship window. Join Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine as they go through all the stats and make bold predictions.
(03:50) - THE BIG NUMBER: 87.5
(05:45) - Will the Nuggets make the playoffs?
(09:30) - Denver's lack of depth
(14:50) - Russell Westbrook's age
(20:10) - Nuggets need more from Murray & MPJ
(27:10) - Has Russ lost his burst?
(30:55) - Has the Nuggets championship window closed?
(36:15) - Over/unders
On this week's episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dig into the stats and make bold predictions about the Denver Nuggets.
To start, Tom is very concerned with how bad the Denver offense has been with Russell Westbrook on the floor. He's starting to worry about their ability to make the playoffs this year.
Tom compares Westbrook at 35 to other similar guards to show how unique he is to still be playing in the NBA at this age, while Dan points out that the Nuggets have bigger problems in their starting lineup.
Dan came with a stat of his own, showing that Westbrook might finally be losing enough of his trademark burst and athleticism for it to be a problem. Meanwhile, Tom worries if the Nuggets have any way to get back into contention if their highest paid players don't start playing better.
Finally, as they did last week, the guys finish the show by picking sides on some fun over/unders.
Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts
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On the very first episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh digs into the numbers with Dan Devine to find out if centers shooting 3s in the preseason will translate into the regular season and beyond.
(01:30) - The Big Number: 79%
(04:00) - Which centers have improved their 3pt attempt rate?
(08:10) - Why Bam Adebayo's 3pt shooting might be real
(15:50) - Why Anthony Davis' 3pt shooting might be real
(18:45) - Will Isaiah Hartenstein shoot more 3s with OKC?
(27:30) - Why DeAndre Ayton's 3pt shooting might be real
(31:00) - PREDICTIONS: Which centers will shoot more from distance?
On the very first episode of The Big Number, Yahoo Sports contributor Tom Haberstroh digs into the numbers with Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine to find out if centers shooting 3s in the preseason will translate into the regular season and beyond.
According to Tom's big number, only about 20% of the centers that greatly increase their three-point attempts in the preseason carry that over to the regular season and beyond. But will the success of the Boston Celtics change that this year?
Tom and Dan discuss four players (Bam Adebayo, Anthony Davis, Isaiah Hartenstein & DeAndre Ayton) who have seen increased volume from long range this preseason and pour over the numbers to see if there is any sign that those guys will shoot more once the games really matter.
The guys finish the show by setting over-unders for the guys discussed and planting their flag on whether they think each guy will increase their three-point attempt rate dramatically this season.Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts
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THE BIG NUMBER with Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine premieres Thursday 10/24. Subscribe and listen on all podcast platforms!
Each week, Tom Haberstroh pours over the data and digs through the stats to come up with THE BIG NUMBER – the one metric that defines the NBA that week. Tune in as he and Dan Devine put Tom’s big number to the test and explain the one thing from the world of basketball that was hidden in plain sight. Listen to THE BIG NUMBER for a fun conversation filled with jokes, stats that you won’t hear anywhere else and become a smarter NBA fan in the process.
