Game 82 and the Dodgers on a Roll

Host Grant Mona breaks down a high-stakes Sunday in Los Angeles as the NBA regular season reaches its fever pitch. We look at the diverging paths for the Lakers and Clippers on Game 82, before shifting to Dodger Stadium, where the bats stayed hot on a Saturday night in April. Segment One: The Final Countdown | Lakers, Clippers & The Play-In Trap It all comes down to today. With the 2025-26 NBA season concluding, the hierarchy in Los Angeles is split between a team resting for a deep run and a team fighting for their postseason life. The Lakers’ 3-Seed Lock: After clinical wins to close out the week, the Los Angeles Lakers (52-29) have officially secured the 3rd seed in the Western Conference. Grant discusses why JJ Redick is likely to rest the stars tonight against the Utah Jazz, with a first-round home-court advantage already in the bag. Clippers’ Play-In Reality: Over at the Intuit Dome, the situation is far more dire. Following a deflating loss to Portland on Friday, the LA Clippers (41-40) are currently tied for the 8th spot with the Trail Blazers. Tonight's matchup against the Golden State Warriors is effectively a playoff game. The Stakes: A win tonight keeps the Clippers in the "two-chance" Play-In tier. A loss, coupled with a Portland win, could drop them into the "win-or-go-home" 9th vs. 10th seed bracket. Grant analyzes the tension in the locker room and whether Kawhi Leonard can find one more "vintage" performance to save the season. Segment Two: Lone Star Lockdown | Dodgers Handle the Rangers The Los Angeles Dodgers moved to 11–3 on the young season with a methodical 6-3 victory over the Texas Rangers on Saturday night at Dodger Stadium. Early Offense: Grant reacts to a 4-run 3rd inning that put the game out of reach early. Shohei Ohtani continued his torrid start with a two-RBI double, while Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman combined for four hits at the top of the order. Sheehan’s Growth: Emmet Sheehan earned the win, scattering five hits over six innings. Grant breaks down why Sheehan’s improved command of his slider has made him a legitimate weapon in the middle of this "Super-Rotation." Roberts’ Postgame Take: We hear from Dave Roberts, who praised the team's "relentlessness." Despite a late Rangers rally, Roberts highlighted the defensive stability and the bullpen's ability to shut the door in the 9th. Produced by: Grant Mona Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.