The Zach Lowe Show
The Zach Lowe Show

How Will the Nuggets Survive Without Nikola Jokic?

January 1, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

🎙️ The Voices & The Context

  • The Format: This episode features a lively host-led interview format blending deep NBA analysis with casual banter on mid-season chaos, tying into the league's injury-plagued, standings-shifting landscape around New Year's 2026. Analytical yet optimistic, blending insider scoops with passionate debates.
  • The Format: An interview-style podcast with rotating guests dissecting NBA hot topics.
  • The Key Players:
    • Zach Lowe: Emmy-winning ESPN analyst and host, renowned for sharp breakdowns and trade hypotheticals.
    • Adam Morris: Nuggets insider from DNVR Sports and All City Podcast, delivering gritty Denver intel.
    • Mo DeKiel: NBA analyst (Double Dribble Podcast, NBA TV), offering scheme-focused insights from Hawaii.

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What you'll learn

  • 1 **(00:00) 🎙️ Introduction: Adam Morris**
  • 2 **(23:40) All-Star Voting Drama**
  • 3 **(28:41) Tanking & Jazz Dilemma**
  • 4 **(39:38) 🎙️ Introduction: Mo De Keel**
  • 5 **Eastern Conference Breakdown (57:16)**
  • 6 **Trade Rumors & Wrappers (89:03)**
  • 7 **(100:13) Episode Close**

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

Zach is joined by Adam Mares to break down how the Nuggets will fare without Nikola Jokic, discuss the 65-game minimum required for postseason awards, and dive into the Utah Jazz. Then, Mo Dakhil comes on to talk about the Spurs young core and the biggest stories in the East.

(0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show!

(1:22) Adam Mares joins the show!

(7:38) How many wins do you expect the Nuggets to win while Jokic is out?

(14:10) The 65-game rule could take Jokic out of postseason awards contention

(21:15) Miscellaneous Nuggets thoughts

(22:40) LeBron is at risk of missing the All-Star Game

(27:48) Tanking and the Utah Jazz

(38:38) Zach welcomes Mo Dakhil to the show!

(40:51) How is Wemby developing offensively?

(50:59) Should the Spurs go all in this season?

(56:16) Teams in the east are not afraid of the Knicks

(1:03:50) Cavs continue to improve

(1:09:01) Bucks fall to the Wizards again

(1:14:58) Thoughts on Paolo Banchero’s situation

(1:26:36) Looking around the trade landscape

(1:31:30) The Lakers offense is underperforming

Host: Zach Lowe

Guests: Adam Mares and Mo Dakhil

Producers: Mike Wargon, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil

Social: Keith Fujimoto

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