Episode 286: Russell, Diggs and the Sweet 16

Opening 

• 00:00 – 01:55
  Chris and Greg discuss the arrival of the Sweet 16, the start of the MLB season, and the wild Sixers season. Greg joins a fantasy baseball league for the first time in years and shares his skepticism.

🏈 NFL Free Agency Moves

• 02:39 – 09:30

• The Eagles signed OL Kendall Lamm.

• Russell Wilson signs with the New York Giants on a one-year deal; Greg is thrilled.

• Chris speculates Rodgers to Pittsburgh and hopes for Carson Wentz to get a shot in Cleveland.

• Stefon Diggs signs with the Patriots (3 years, $69M). They discuss his injury history, age, and fit with Drake Maye.

🏀 NBA Talk: Injuries & Tanking

• 09:33 – 15:17

• Damian Lillard diagnosed with DVT (blood clot).

• Miami Heat had lost 10 straight before rebounding vs. the Warriors.

• NBA tanking is rampant: teams like the Sixers and Raptors rest young players.

• Sixers now play deep bench guys (e.g. Jeff Dowtin, OShae Brissett), making the product unwatchable.

🏀 Sixers Lottery & Draft Talk

• 15:17 – 19:10

• Chris fears the Sixers will lose their top-6 protected pick to OKC.

• They discuss top prospects like Dylan Harper, Jared McCain, and how that would impact Philly’s already guard-heavy roster.

🏀 NCAA Hypothetical: NBA Players on 16-Seeds

• 19:10 – 21:12

• Chris recalls a comment from Alex Caruso: “15–20 NBA players could carry a 16-seed to a national title.”

• They debate how many elite NBA players could realistically do it..

🏀 Villanova Coaching Rumor

• 20:09 – 22:12

• Chris mentions a report that Villanova will hire Richard Pitino, and Donovan Dent may transfer with him.

• Greg prefers Oklahoma’s Porter Moser but admits Dent is a big addition if true.

🏀 Sweet 16 Game Previews (March Madness)

Thursday Games

• 22:12 – 30:09
  – BYU vs. Alabama – Alabama is more talented, but BYU could cover.
  – Maryland vs. Florida – Greg praises Florida, says Maryland is scrappy but expects Gators to cover.
  – Arizona vs. Duke – Duke is dominant; Greg predicts a Duke cover.
  – Arkansas vs. Texas Tech – Despite bracket bitterness, Greg respects Arkansas but favors JT Toppin and Texas Tech.

Friday Games

• 30:09 – 41:06
  – Mississippi vs. Michigan State – MSU needs a fast start; Greg thinks Ole Miss covers, but MSU wins.
  – Kentucky vs. Tennessee – Kentucky has beaten them twice; Greg believes they’ll do it again.
  – Michigan vs. Auburn – Tough matchup for Michigan’s bigs; Auburn gets the edge.
  – Purdue vs. Houston – Purdue can score, but Houston’s defense prevails (Purdue covers, Houston wins).

🏀 Final Four Predictions

• 41:06 – End
  Greg’s picks:

• Michigan State over Auburn

• Florida over Texas Tech

• Duke over Alabama

• Kentucky over Houston