This week on The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine react to the NBA's opening night. They discuss Alperen Sengun's impressive three-point shooting to open the season. What kind of impact could this have on the Houston Rockets' season, and could Sengun be an MVP candidate? The duo also share their takeaways from the Golden State Warriors' win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Are the Warriors title contenders? What do the Lakers need to do to improve their defense? Plus, does Reed Sheppard fit in Houston's system after struggling in the opener?

Then Tom and Dan share their thoughts on Michael Jordan's sit down with Mike Tirico for the debut of "MJ: Insights to Excellence." What do they expect going forward?

(2:05) The Big Number: Alperen Sengun's 3-point shooting

(24:14) - Little Numbers: Warriors title contenders?

(28:25) - Little Numbers: Lakers defensive struggles

(32:19) - Little Numbers: Rockets unique defensive approach

(36:37) - Little Numbers: Does Reed Sheppard fit in Houston

(44:56) - "MJ: Insights to Excellence" debuts

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This week on The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine make the case for their top five 2025-26 NBA MVP candidates. Can Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio win enough games in the Western Conference this year to propel him into the MVP conversation? Can Jokić earn a fourth league MVP boosted by an improved Nuggets roster? The duo also discusses the MVP arguments for SGA, Giannis & Steph Curry.

Plus, Russell Westbrook signed a deal with the Sacramento Kings and is expected to join the team later this week. But where exactly does Westbrook make sense on this Kings roster?

(1:20) The Big Number: Victor Wembanyama MVP case
(21:40) Little Numbers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander MVP case
(24:37) Little Numbers: Nikola Jokić MVP case
(29:13) Little Numbers: Giannis Antetokounmpo MVP case
(32:55) Little Numbers: Steph Curry MVP case
(38:44) Russell Westbrook signs deal with Sacramento Kings

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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive into the stats to determine if the Milwaukee Bucks should trade Giannis Antetokounmpo after he revealed that the trade rumors surrounding him this summer were not only true, but that he has a preferred destination in mind: the New York Knicks. Is now the right time for the Bucks to consider moving Giannis in order to set themselves up for success in a future without him? And if so, how can the Knicks realistically make a move for Giannis when they only have one first round pick to offer?

Plus, the duo reacts to Ja Morant's 'week-to-week' sprained ankle injury and how it will impact the Memphis Grizzlies starting lineup just days away from opening night.

(1:56) The Big Number: Should Bucks trade Giannis?

(18:12) Little Numbers: Wins Above Replacement Bucks lost this offseason

(22:57) Little Numbers: When will Bucks control their own 1st round pick?

(29:24) Little Numbers: Knicks tradable 1st round draft picks

(33:56) Little Numbers: OG Anunoby & Mikal Bridges trade offers

(38:06) Ja Morant week-to-week with ankle sprain

Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:

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🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv