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PODCAST · sports

Off Guard with Austin Rivers

by Austin Rivers

NBA veteran, Austin Rivers, is joined by one of his oldest friends, Pausha Haghighi, to give you that true insider’s perspective from someone who’s actively playing in the league on anything and everything happening inside the NBA. They hit on the biggest headlines and stories and of course sprinkle in some of the best stories and memories from Austin’s extensive career.

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Episodes

  1. All-Star Surprise: Coach Austin Rivers + Kuminga’s Long-Overdue Trade Demand

    (00:05) Austin studio experience with T-Mac and Vince (4:40) What if T-Mac and Vince stayed together? (9:00) Differences between a modern day fan vs a fan from the 90s (12:10) Austin named ASG Rising Stars Coach (19:10) Giannis’ Reaction to Boos in Milwaukee (23:20) Ja Morant / Vince Williams...

  2. Ja Morant's Future In Question + Ant's Underrated Season

    (00:55) Rehashing the Trae Young Trade (10:00) What Team Is a Good Fit for Ja Morant? (25:45) Is Anthony Edwards Having an Underrated Season? (36:30) Rockets Struggles; Does Houston Need a Trade? (39:15) Working in Studio vs Remote for NBC Sports Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See...

  3. Trae Traded to Wizards + Are Thunder Losing Their Spark?

    (00:45) Dissecting the Trae Trade (16:00) Trade Value for Michael Porter Jr (20:15) What do you want to see from Trae? (23:45) Iso-Scoring vs Team Offense (32:00) Panic in OKC? (45:00) Reaves or Murray for All-Star Game? (46:00) NBA Draft Prospects (50:30) NIL & NCAA Basketball Hosted by...

  4. Sixers Stars Are Aligning + Jaylen Brown’s Superstar Case + The State of NCAA Hoops

    (2:45) Things Are Sunny in Philly (14:45) Tyrese Maxey Comp (18:45) Analyzing Jaylen Brown Superstar Credential's (26:30) The State of NCAA Basketball (39:15) Dillon Brooks Revenge Tour (49:30) The 65-Game Minimum For Awards Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for...

  5. Tyrese Maxey | Eye For the Game with Austin Rivers

    To watch the full video, click here (1:45) The Beginning (3:00) AAU Team: Houston Hoops (4:15) Playing with Cade Cunningham (7:00) Training with Dad (11:30) Playing under Doc Rivers (22:00) Debating MIP Award (24:20) Committing to Kentucky (27:30) Playing with Team USA in High School (29:15)…

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  6. Do Spurs have OKC’s Number? + NBA's Unwritten Rule + Jokic’s Case for Top 10 All-Time

    *This episode was recorded prior to Nikola Jokic's injury* (04:25) Why the Spurs Match up Well Against Thunder (15:40) Giannis & The Unwritten Rules Drama (22:20) Kawhi Turns Back the Clock (25:10) Nikola Jokic Top 10 All-Time Case (33:10) NBA’s Roster Construction Problem (41:30) Draft Strategy:...

  7. LeBron's Christmas Day Comments + the Dynamic Between Opportunity & Development

    (00:30) Optimism for the Charlotte Hornets (07:00) LeBron & Christmas (13:15) Kevin Durant & Bruce Brown’s Altercation (15:30) Opportunity vs Player Development (24:30) Recapping T-Wolves vs Thunder (27:30) Tanking & a Star-Studded Draft Class (32:00) Pausha’s Apology to AJ Dybantsa (37:30)...

  8. Knicks are NBA Cup Champs + Austin on Life as a #1 Prospect

    (01:15) Takeaways from the NBA Cup (12:30) Are the Knicks the Favorites in the East? (23:20) Knicks vs West Contenders (25:30) Fringe All-Stars (30:15) Which Team Would be Hardest To Resurrect as a GM? (32:00) Latest Chris Paul Report, Importance of Culture Building (37:25) Thoughts on a CP3...

  9. Spurs Stop Thunder's Streak + Another LeBron James & Dillon Brooks Altercation

    (00:30) Covering Cade & the Pistons with NBC (02:45) All-NBA First Team Guards (03:30) Donovan Mitchell Appreciation (05:30) Spurs defeat OKC (16:30) Giannis to Spurs Makes No Sense (18:45) Austin's Plea For Doc Rivers (23:30) Pressure For Mitch Johnson (33:15) Wemby’s ‘Ethical Basketball’…

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  10. It’s Time to Start Dylan Harper + Can Spurs Challenge OKC? + League Pass Power Rankings

    (00:15) NBA Cup Preview (01:45) OKC Thunder Dominance (06:30) Clippers Unbelievable (08:00) Evan Mobley, Cavs Not Living Up to Expectations (12:15) Dylan Harper Needs to Start (17:15) Reed Shepperd's Breakout (25:45) AJ Dybantsa is NBA Ready (34:30) What Is the Pelicans Next Move? (38:15) What is...

  11. Shai’s Underrated Stardom, LeBron’s Point Streak & Is Harden a Top 3 SG of All-Time?

    (00:45) Recapping Chris Paul, Clippers Fallout (10:30) Orlando Magic Injuries (16:00) The Desmond Bane Play (20:45) OKC's Roster Construction (25:30) Shai Should Be The Face of League (30:45) Celtics Perform w/o Tatum (34:45) LeBron's Streak Ending (38:15) Where Does Harden Rank Among SGs All…

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  12. CP3, Clippers Messy Split + Giannis & Zion's Uncertain Futures

    (01:21) Clippers cut CP3 (25:25) Is there a future in Milwaukee for Giannis? (34:29) How far can the Celtics go without Jayson Taytum? (37:19) Zion Williamson needs to find a way to stay healthy and on the court (44:45) Weird times in the NBA (45:23) Cade Cunningham the Smooth Operator (49:00)...

  13. Jokic: The Efficiency GOAT, Doc vs Austin & the Evolution of Basketball

    (0:45) Working for NBA on NBC in Orlando (4:30) Jokic's Case as the G.O.A.T. (8:15) Revisiting The Bubble (13:15) Knowing when to kill your Ego or Believe In It (23:30) The Balancing Act for Valuing Potential over Skill (29:10) Nickeil Alexander-Walker Stepping Up (39:50) The Heart & Hustle…

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  14. Ja & Klay Exchange Words, CP3 Gets His Flowers & A Plea to LaMelo

    (01:03) Favorite Thanksgiving Dish (07:11) Dillon Brooks Seg (11:38) Ja Morant/Klay Thompson Beef (23:13) CP3 Fairwell Tour (34:32) Rondo Helping in Milwaukee (36:27) Can OKC break the Warriors regular season wins record? (39:05) Pistons Legit Contenders in the East (42:37) LeBron is back (44:00)...

  15. NBA’s Injury Problem, Revisiting the MPJ-Cam Trade & A New All-Star Game Format

    (06:10) Revisiting the MPJ x Cam Johnson Trade (19:24) Do the Hawks Need Trae Young? (22:55) Can the NBA Prevent Injuries? (34:08) Going Viral on the Bench w/ Doc Rivers (42:53) Steph Curry vs LeBron's Influence on Basketball (49:34) Nuggets vs Rockets: Who Takes 2nd Seed? (52:26) Can Anyone Beat...

  16. Giannis Antetokounmpo | Eye for the Game with Austin Rivers

    (2:58) A Young Antetokounmpo (7:30) Joining the Greek Military (10:30) Greek Pro Basketball with Filathlitikos (19:30) 2013 NBA Draft (22:00) Memories from Rookie Year (26:00) The Journey to Stardom (50:00) The Ability to Lock-In (54:00) Importance of High Character Teammates (1:01:30) What...

  17. The Secret to Steph’s Longevity + Ranking the Greatest NBA Sneaker Lines

    (03:44) Pacers & Thunder may Strike Gold in Next Draft (08:04) Steph’s Longevity (15:06) What do you lose first when aging in the NBA? (18:28) MVP Discussion (20:36) Austin's Starting 5 vs The Monstars (26:06) Cade's Nike Signature Shoe Deal (28:36) Curry's sneaker free agency (36:41) Which NBA...

  18. Cade’s Ascension, Nico Harrison Fired & a Special Draft Class

    (1:47) Cade Cunningham Amazing Performance (6:50) Cade Or Anthony Edwards? (16:00) Nico Harrison Fired (26:02) Why did Harrison Make The Luka Deal? (38:28) Another Setback for the LA Clippers (43:18) 2026 NBA Draft Class could be Special Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See…

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  19. Westbrook's Redemption, The MIP Debate & Are the Bulls Legit?

    (03:00) Michael Porter Jr Leads Nets to 1st Win (04:00) Russ Proves Doubters Wrong with Triple-Double + Win (06:50) NBA Roster Decisions: Veterans vs Potential (21:00) Most Improved Player Revamp (23:20) Do you believe in the Bulls? (26:55) Luka’s Confidence is a Difference Maker (34:50) What are...

  20. Ja Morant & Grizzlies are at a Breaking Point + Luka's Hot Start

    (0:52) Best version of Luca Doncic yet (7:38) The Undefeated Oklahoma City Thunder (11:57) Denver has the best chance to beat OKC (20:02) Benefits of basketball in small markets (23:17) Are the Rockets real contenders? (24:48) Warriors & Spurs round out final West Contenders (32:16) Can any team...

  21. New Era for the Sixers + Cam Boozer, AJ Dybantsa Shine in NCAA Debuts

    (00:20) The NBA's Scoring Surge (01:36) Austin Rivers "On the Bench" (06:57) Is 25 points The New 20? (14:17) Can The 76ers Compete in The East? (26:23) Tyrese Maxey is Underrated (31:06) Is Cam Boozer Ready For the NBA? (37:40) Golf, Getting Angry At Things You Aren't Good At (42:36) The…

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  22. Reaves Scoring Explosion & The Case Against Cooper Flagg at Point Guard

    (0:22) Previewing "On the Bench" With Austin Rivers (4:41) Previewing Pistons-Cavs (9:18) Austin Reaves 50pt Game + Improvement (14:21) Is the Lakers Big-3 Really a Big-3? (25:55) Dylan Harper’s Early Flashes (31:45) Wembanyama Is Still an Alien (34:17) The Case Against Cooper Flagg at PG (42:30)...

  23. First Impressions, Wemby Puts on a Show & VJ Edgecombe's Historic Debut

    (5:25) Thoughts on NBA on NBC “Opening Night” (7:02) First Impressions of the Houston Rockets (26:05) Recapping Shai’s Impressive Performance vs Rockets (32:15) Are all the best players in the world in the NBA? (39:08) VJ Edgecombe’s Historic NBA Debut (49:51) Victor Wembanyama Puts on a Show...

  24. Are the Bucks Contenders?; LeBron's Character Allegations

    (1:55) State of the Milwaukee Bucks (16:14) Sacramento Kings sign Russell Westbrook (25:58) LeBron's Character Allegations (29:51) Houston Rockets' Tall Starting Lineup (39:36) Austin Rivers' Hair Concerns (42:59) Can you wear Jerseys? (51:32) VJ Edgecombe Jr. or Stephon Castle (53:24) Year 3...

  25. Offseason Controversies, Predictions and Next Gen’s Stars

    (0:05) First Day with the full NBA on NBC and Peacock crew (15:50) Will the NBA investigation on Kawhi cloud the LA Clippers? (21:15) A new, uncertain chapter for Giannis & the Bucks (25:45) Houston Rockets ‘Big Ball’ Lineup (40:30) Can Trae Young elevate Hawks into contenders? (52:45) Thunder,...

  26. Winners of the Summer and John Wall’s Retirement

    Austin and Pausha return to give their winners of the offseason, from Michael Beasley to Kevin Durant. They also discuss John Wall’s basketball legacy. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about...

  27. Debunking James Harden Playoff Myths and Attributes Of a Great Scorer

    Austin and Pausha return to give their thoughts on what makes for a great scorer, AAU culture, and the reaction to their mount rushmore list. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad...

  28. Chris Paul Returns to the Clippers and Mount Rushmore Talk

    Austin and Pausha return to react to summer news they missed. The two discuss Chris Paul signing with the Clippers, the restricted free agent market, and Luka Doncic’s revamped physique. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz…

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  29. Flagg’s Summer League Debut and the Rise in 20-Point Scorers

    Austin and Pausha return to give their thoughts on Cooper Flagg’s summer league debut, the state of the Western Conference, Devin Booker’s extension, and the rise in scoring in the NBA. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz...

  30. Michael Porter Jr. Traded, and a Wide-Open Eastern Conference

    Austin and Pausha return to react to day one of free agency. The two discuss the Michael Porter Jr. trade, how they would rank the teams in the West, and why Atlanta can make a surprising run in the Eastern Conference. Note: This pod was recorded before Damian Lillard was waived and Myles Turner...

  31. First-Round Observations and How the Celtics Are Pivoting

    Austin and Pausha return to react to the first-round selections of the 2025 NBA draft and the latest trades and discuss how they affect the arms race in the Eastern Conference. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith...

  32. OKC Wins the NBA Title, and Kevin Durant Gets Traded to Houston

    Austin and Pausha return to react to the Thunder’s 103-91 championship-clinching win over the Pacers in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals and break down the seismic Kevin Durant trade to Houston. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz...

  33. Pacers Force a Game 7, and the Lakers Have a New Ownership Group

    Austin and Pausha return to react to the Pacers' 108-91 Game 6 win over the Thunder to force a Game 7 in the 2025 NBA Finals and discuss the Lakers' new ownership group. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith…

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  34. OKC Takes a 3-2 Lead, and Desmond Bane to Orlando!

    Austin and Pausha return to react to the Thunder's 120-109 win over the Pacers in Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals and break down the shocking Desmond Bane trade to Orlando. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith…

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  35. The Pacers Take a 2-1 Lead, and What Are the Knicks Doing?

    Austin and Pausha return to react to the Pacers' 116-107 Game 3 win in the 2025 NBA Finals and break down the latest in the Knicks' coaching search. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about...

  36. OKC Roars Back! Thunder Take Game 2.

    Austin and Pausha return to react to the Thunder's 123-107 victory in Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

  37. Hali Does It Again! Pacers Steal Game 1.

    Austin and Pausha return to react to the Pacers' 111-110 Game 1 win in the 2025 NBA Finals. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted...

  38. OKC-Indy Finals Preview and Predictions. Plus, Knicks Fever Takes Over the NBA!

    Austin and Pausha jump into a Finals preview, but before that, they address the impact the Knicks' run had on the NBA and the city of New York (4:44), and discuss Pascal Siakam receiving the conference finals MVP over Haliburton (21:43)! Then, they discuss where this Finals matchup between the...

  39. OKC’s Potential New Challenges, Minnesota’s Missing Pieces, and Finals Predictions

    Austin and Pausha revisit the conversation about simplifying the game and Austin shares how these conference finals have shown us the direction the NBA is moving in (1:28). Then, they break down the Pacers’ type of play and discuss what type of star Tyrese Haliburton has been (12:44). Later, they...

  40. Haliburton Makes Basketball Poetry, SGA Foul-Baiting, and the New Age NBA

    Austin and Pausha are back to recap both Game 1s of the conference finals! They jump into the Thunder-Wolves series to discuss how Minnesota can approach Game 2, address SGA’s foul-baiting, and talk through Mike Malone’s media responsibilities with the series (1:12). Then, they hit on the show…

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  41. What’s at Stake for SGA and Conference Finals Predictions

    Austin and Pausha jump into today’s show by recapping Game 7 between Nuggets and OKC. They highlight Aaron Gordon’s next-level competitiveness while playing through his hamstring injury (4:48). Then, they discuss the stakes for each team heading into the conference finals (14:35) before breaking...

  42. Flowers for Julius Randle, Potential SGA-Ant Face-Off, and the Knicks’ Game 6 Pressures

    Austin and Pausha jump into the Round 2 play, giving their sympathies to Jayson Tatum for his Achilles injury (1:25). Then they break down all the pressure that falls on both the Knicks and Celtics as they head into Game 6 in New York (6:07). Then, they discuss the Timberwolves, who are heading...

  43. OKC’s Redemption Win, Knicks Pressure, and Our Draft Lottery Thoughts

    Austin and Pausha kick off the week by addressing the monstrosity that was Cleveland’s Game 4 loss to the Pacers (1:18). They then break down OKC’s big win over Denver and explore where the series could go next (21:48). Austin places his bet on the Knicks-Celtics series and unpacks what a Game 5...

  44. Austin’s Haliburton Admission, Brunson’s Elite Closing, and the Game Plan for the Steph-less Warriors

    Austin and Pausha recap the absolutely ridiculous Round 2 games so far, with Austin starting off by admitting that he was wrong about Tyrese Haliburton (3:07). Then, they dive deeper into the Pacers-Cavs matchup and discuss what Cleveland needs to do to turn things around. They also hit on the...

  45. The Ant-Man and Randle Show, Our Luka Demands, and Where the Bucks and Giannis Go From Here

    Austin and Pausha recap more Round 1 plays, starting with the Timberwolves closing out the Lakers (3:35). They recap the groove that the Timberwolves are settling into and highlight the Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle duo. Then, they address the Lakers side of things and state a few demands…

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  46. KAT’s Absurd Shot-Making, Ant Man’s Playoff Performance, and Flowers for Aaron Gordon

    Austin and Pausha recap this weekend’s slate of Round 1 playoff games and discuss the Knicks-Pistons series, with an emphasis on KAT’s shot-making (7:17). Then, they talk through the Rockets’ potential in the series after losing Game 3 with Jimmy Butler out for the Warriors (9:52), before...

  47. Can the Warriors Survive Without Jimmy? Plus, Breaking Down the Other Game 2s.

    Austin and Pausha are back to recap Game 2, Round 1 of the playoffs! They kick things off by reacting to the Warriors-Rockets series, discussing how an injured Jimmy could affect Golden State’s playoff chances moving forward, and sharing how Jonathan Kuminga could adjust his game to make an…

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  48. The Playoff Learning Curve, the Russell Westbrook Experience, and Our Biggest Takeaways from Game 1

    Austin and Pausha recap Game 1, Round 1 of the playoffs starting with the blowout that was Memphis-OKC (1:42). Then, they jump to the Celtics-Magic series and Austin makes his case not to overreact (10:55), before hitting on the Miami-Cavs (18:27) and the competitive Knicks-Pistons series…

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  49. Round 1 Playoff Predictions: ANT-Luka Rematch, “Playoff Jimmy,” and the Greatest Showman—Steph Curry

    Austin and Pausha are back to discuss their playoff predictions, starting with the Rockets-Warriors (4:32). They break down Houston’s deep bench vs. Golden State’s postseason experience with Steph and “Playoff Jimmy.” Then, they jump to the rematch between Luka and Anthony Edwards in...

  50. Regular Season Recap, Playoff Preview, and Our Case for Dyson Daniels as DPOY

    Austin and Pausha kick the week off recapping the unpredictable 2024-25 season. They discuss KAT’s impressive year with the Knicks (2:17), how the Detroit Pistons have become a serious team in the East (10:04), and of course, the Luka trade and Malone Firing (30:18). Then, they offer their early...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

NBA veteran, Austin Rivers, is joined by one of his oldest friends, Pausha Haghighi, to give you that true insider’s perspective from someone who’s actively playing in the league on anything and everything happening inside the NBA. They hit on the biggest headlines and stories and of course sprinkle in some of the best stories and memories from Austin’s extensive career.

HOSTED BY

Austin Rivers

Produced by NBC Sports

CATEGORIES

sports basketball

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Off Guard with Austin Rivers have?

Off Guard with Austin Rivers currently has 200 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Off Guard with Austin Rivers about?

NBA veteran, Austin Rivers, is joined by one of his oldest friends, Pausha Haghighi, to give you that true insider’s perspective from someone who’s actively playing in the league on anything and everything happening inside the NBA. They hit on the biggest headlines and stories and of course...

How often does Off Guard with Austin Rivers release new episodes?

Off Guard with Austin Rivers publishes regularly with 200 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Off Guard with Austin Rivers?

You can listen to Off Guard with Austin Rivers on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Off Guard with Austin Rivers?

Off Guard with Austin Rivers is created and hosted by Austin Rivers.
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