Aces look to sweep Mercury, Southeast division preview & Lakers without LeBron in October

Nekias Duncan & Steve Jones react to Game 3 of the WNBA finals and break down the Southeast Division ahead of the 2026 NBA season.

Nekias Duncan & Steve Jones kick off this Friday podcast reacting to the Las Vegas Aces' 90-88 last second win over the Phoenix Mercury to go up 3-0 in a WNBA Finals series that may end tonight in Arizona. The guys break down A'ja Wilson's impressive 34 point performance and what the Mercury can do to avoid a sweep on Friday night. They also break down the recently announced WNBA All-Defensive Teams which A’ja Wilson, Alanna Smith, Alyssa Thomas, Napheesa Collier & Gabby Williams nominated to the first team.

Later in the show, Nekias & Steve break down the NBA's Southeast division heading into the 2025-2026 season. Will the Orlando Magic take advantage of a wounded Eastern Conference and elevate deeper into the playoffs with Desmond Bane joining Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and company? Are the Miami Heat able to get out of the muddled middle or will they be a trade deadline seller?

Finally, the guys break down some injury news affecting both conferences. First and foremost, LeBron James will miss at least the first 2-3 weeks of the season with a right sciatica. For the first time ever, LeBron will miss a season opener, which will just feel strange all around. How will Lakers fans and the league as a whole react? 

Also, the hits just keep on coming for the Indiana Pacers as T.J. McConnell will also miss at least 4 weeks to start the season with a right hamstring injury. With Tyrese Haliburton already out with an Achilles injury suffered in last June's Finals Game 7, can the Pacers backcourt catch a break?

(0:00) - Aces take Finals Game 3, what will happen in Game 4?

(23:45) - Orlando Magic season preview

(39:05) - Atlanta Hawks season preview

(50:40) - Miami Heat season preview

(1:03:00) - Charlotte Hornets season preview

(1:11:10) - Washington Wizards season preview

(1:18:50) - LeBron James to miss opening 2-3 weeks of season

(1:23:10) - Indiana Pacers injuries keep stacking up

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Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young and Orlando Magic F Paolo Banchero are two of the brightest stars in the Southeast Division heading into the 2025-2026 NBA season. (Photos by Sam Hodde/Getty Images; David Jensen/Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young and Orlando Magic F Paolo Banchero are two of the brightest stars in the Southeast Division heading into the 2025-2026 NBA season. (Photos by Sam Hodde/Getty Images; David Jensen/Getty Images)
Photos by Sam Hodde/Getty Images; David Jensen/Getty Images)

Category: General Sports