Episode 21 of ‘The Up and Down Under Podcast’ is here and it’s full of all things Conference Finals! Joey, James and Curtis begin by each drafting a starting lineup made up of the remaining players in the playoffs, before delving into the first few games of the Eastern and Western Conference Finals series. They cover some of the key players and storylines for each of the four teams, before making their picks for who will make the NBA Finals!

Episode 21 of ‘The Up and Down Under Podcast’ is here and it’s full of all things Conference Finals! Joey, James and Curtis begin by each drafting a starting lineup made up of the remaining players in the playoffs, before delving into the first few games of the Eastern and Western Conference Finals series. They cover some of the key players and storylines for each of the four teams, before making their picks for who will make the NBA Finals!

21. Conference Finals Bonanza!

Following another unplanned and extended break, the boys return with some slightly late and very inaccurate first round predictions for the 2022 NBA Playoffs. Joey hosts a deceptively difficult Trevor Ariza Game, followed by a discussion around which players or teams have the most pressure on their shoulders heading into the post-season. The trio then dive into their predictions for the first round of the playoffs (some of which have already aged poorly), before choosing who they think will make the Conference Finals for the East and West. 

Following another unplanned and extended break, the boys return with some slightly late and very inaccurate first round predictions for the 2022 NBA Playoffs. Joey hosts a deceptively difficult Trevor Ariza Game, followed by a discussion around which players or teams have the most pressure on their shoulders heading into the post-season. The trio then dive into their predictions for the first round of the playoffs (some of which have already aged poorly), before choosing who they think will make the Conference Finals for the East and West.

20. First Round Predictions From The Past

After a short (yet extended) break, Joey and James jump back on the mic to get as many shots up as they can in Volume Shooter, followed by an in-depth discussion of the Boston Celtics and their title contention odds. After that, the duo give their predictions for the 2022 All-Star Weekend events. They then check in on Klay Thompson's continued progress before drafting the best defensive lineups they can. As a bonus, Joey and James discuss their experience at the 2022 Prahran Summer Jam, and describe how they almost got Shaq on the pod.

After a short (yet extended) break, Joey and James jump back on the mic to get as many shots up as they can in Volume Shooter, followed by an in-depth discussion of the Boston Celtics and their title contention odds. After that, the duo give their predictions for the 2022 All-Star Weekend events. They then check in on Klay Thompson's continued progress before drafting the best defensive lineups they can. As a bonus, Joey and James discuss their experience at the 2022 Prahran Summer Jam, and describe how they almost got Shaq on the pod.

19. We Almost Got Shaq On The Podcast

In this week’s action packed episode, the boys break down who they think should make the Eastern and Western Conference All-Star teams, before bringing back the “Down Under Draft” with a bit of an All-Star spin! Check our Instagram (@theupanddownunder_pod) for James, Joey and Curtis’ All-Star teams and vote for who you think would win!

In this week’s action packed episode, the boys break down who they think should make the Eastern and Western Conference All-Star teams, before bringing back the “Down Under Draft” with a bit of an All-Star spin! Check our Instagram (@theupanddownunder_pod) for James, Joey and Curtis’ All-Star teams and vote for who you think would win!

18. All Things All Star

The boys are back from their Christmas and New Years hiatus and kick off the first episode of 2022 with some personal NBA New Years Resolutions, before diving into the returns of Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson. Following that, they cover a few notable rookies, such as Josh Giddey, Evan Mobley and Cade Cunningham, before breaking down a few fringe MVP candidates, including DeMar DeRozan, Ja Morant and LeBron James. To finish off the episode, the boys play a round of “Volume Shooter”, but this time, focus on bringing in player comparisons for some of their favourite current NBA players.

The boys are back from their Christmas and New Years hiatus and kick off the first episode of 2022 with some personal NBA New Years Resolutions, before diving into the returns of Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson. Following that, they cover a few notable rookies, such as Josh Giddey, Evan Mobley and Cade Cunningham, before breaking down a few fringe MVP candidates, including DeMar DeRozan, Ja Morant and LeBron James. To finish off the episode, the boys play a round of “Volume Shooter”, but this time, focus on bringing in player comparisons for some of their favourite current NBA players.

17. NBA New Years Resolutions

On this week’s episode, Curtis is back to join Joey and James as they continue the hotstreak by starting the episode with another round of instinctual decision making in ‘Volume Shooter’. They then discuss the future of the Denver Nuggets after the Michael Porter Jr. injury news and the current state of the Blazers and what they should do with Dame. In more trade talks, they debate whether the Warriors should go all in for this season and what the Pacers should do in their current debacle.

On this week’s episode, Curtis is back to join Joey and James as they continue the hotstreak by starting the episode with another round of instinctual decision making in ‘Volume Shooter’. They then discuss the future of the Denver Nuggets after the Michael Porter Jr. injury news and the current state of the Blazers and what they should do with Dame. In more trade talks, they debate whether the Warriors should go all in for this season and what the Pacers should do in their current debacle.

16. Nuggets woes, Pacers chaos, dealing Dame and the Warriors' future

This week, James and Joey take the reins and kick off the episode debuting the new segment ‘Volume Shooter’, where the boys have to answer rapid fire questions as quickly and instinctually as possible. Following on from that, they discuss the strength of the Eastern and Western conferences, the ejection of two courtside fans at the Lakers v Pacers game and the Phoenix Suns' winning streak.

This week, James and Joey take the reins and kick off the episode debuting the new segment ‘Volume Shooter’, where the boys have to answer rapid fire questions as quickly and instinctually as possible. Following on from that, they discuss the strength of the Eastern and Western conferences, the ejection of two courtside fans at the Lakers v Pacers game and the Phoenix Suns' winning streak.

15. Rapid Fire Q's, ejected Indy fans and the scorching Suns

Mike Reid

Following the traditional ‘Trevor Ariza’ game (00:45), this time hosted by James, the boys debate who would come out victorious in a bunch of different scenarios between the Morris twins and the Jokic brothers (07:06). After that, they discuss Alex Caruso, the new revelations surrounding his free agency and whether or not the Lakers should have tried harder to hold onto him (15:10). Finally, Joey and Curtis are joined by guest Mike Reid to talk all things Celtics (24:09).

Following the traditional ‘Trevor Ariza’ game (00:45), this time hosted by James, the boys debate who would come out victorious in a bunch of different scenarios between the Morris twins and the Jokic brothers (07:06). After that, they discuss Alex Caruso, the new revelations surrounding his free agency and whether or not the Lakers should have tried harder to hold onto him (15:10). Finally, Joey and Curtis are joined by guest Mike Reid to talk all things Celtics (24:09).

14. The Morris vs. Jokic WWE debate, Caruso’s contract and Celtics talk ft. Mike Reid

To start the episode, Joey hosts this week’s edition of the ‘Trevor Ariza’ game (00:40). With the NBA season now underway, the trio discuss the struggles of a few star players, including James Harden, Trae Young and Damian Lillard (08:35), before delving into the hot and cold starts by the Hornets (16:55), Grizzlies (20:58), Wolves (28:30), Lakers (33:50) and Bulls (38:25). To finish off, Joey and Curtis debate whether the Bulls would be perceived as a bottom-feeder franchise without Michael Jordan and their six championships (41:55).

To start the episode, Joey hosts this week’s edition of the ‘Trevor Ariza’ game (00:40). With the NBA season now underway, the trio discuss the struggles of a few star players, including James Harden, Trae Young and Damian Lillard (08:35), before delving into the hot and cold starts by the Hornets (16:55), Grizzlies (20:58), Wolves (28:30), Lakers (33:50) and Bulls (38:25). To finish off, Joey and Curtis debate whether the Bulls would be perceived as a bottom-feeder franchise without Michael Jordan and their six championships (41:55).

13. Hot starts, struggling stars and Lakers slander

The NBA season is here! The boys kick off the episode with another edition of the ‘Trevor Ariza’ game (00:50), featuring guest contestant, Cameron, before diving into some MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, 6th Man and Most Improved Player award predictions (11:38). Following on from that, they discuss the Phoenix Suns extensions handed out to Mikal Bridges, Landry Shamet and the lack of extension for Deandre Ayton (49:00). Finally, they finish up with a new segment, ‘The Down Under Debate’, where Curtis and James debate the importance of James Harden’s beard to his legacy (57:30).

The NBA season is here! The boys kick off the episode with another edition of the ‘Trevor Ariza’ game (00:50), featuring guest contestant, Cameron, before diving into some MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, 6th Man and Most Improved Player award predictions (11:38). Following on from that, they discuss the Phoenix Suns extensions handed out to Mikal Bridges, Landry Shamet and the lack of extension for Deandre Ayton (49:00). Finally, they finish up with a new segment, ‘The Down Under Debate’, where Curtis and James debate the importance of James Harden’s beard to his legacy (57:30).

12. 2021/22 Award Predictions ft. Harden's Beardless Legacy

An NBA podcast coming to you from three Australians who like pretending their opinions are so important that they needed to put them on record. Hosted by Curtis, James and Joey, they bring you the buzz around the league with some peri-peri spicy hot takes, games and (hopefully) laughs along the way. If you have a topic or question you'd like us to discuss, please email in at theupanddownunderpod@gmail.com! Music credit: Intro/Outro: "Tribe by SENSHO" // Transition music: "Fly Away by Mountaineer" and "Moonshine by Prigida" // Old Intro: "Pharoah by Tatami"

In the last of our division previews, the trio take a look at the Atlantic Division’s teams: Philadelphia 76ers (00:40), Toronto Raptors (16:20), Boston Celtics (30:15), New York Knicks (44:30), Brooklyn Nets (53:40). They give an outlook for each team’s season, discuss important players and where they think each team will ultimately end up.

In the last of our division previews, the trio take a look at the Atlantic Division’s teams: Philadelphia 76ers (00:40), Toronto Raptors (16:20), Boston Celtics (30:15), New York Knicks (44:30), Brooklyn Nets (53:40). They give an outlook for each team’s season, discuss important players and where they think each team will ultimately end up.

11. Atlantic Division Preview

In our milestone tenth episode, James hosts the ‘Trevor Ariza’ game, before the boys discuss their outlook for the five teams in the Northwest Division: Portland Trailblazers (09:40), Oklahoma City Thunder (24:30), Utah Jazz (41:10), Minnesota Timberwolves (55:35) and Denver Nuggets (01:05:50). Thank you to our audience for tuning into our podcast so far - we hope you’ve enjoyed what you’ve heard and we can’t wait to keep making more episodes for you all.

In our milestone tenth episode, James hosts the ‘Trevor Ariza’ game, before the boys discuss their outlook for the five teams in the Northwest Division: Portland Trailblazers (09:40), Oklahoma City Thunder (24:30), Utah Jazz (41:10), Minnesota Timberwolves (55:35) and Denver Nuggets (01:05:50). Thank you to our audience for tuning into our podcast so far - we hope you’ve enjoyed what you’ve heard and we can’t wait to keep making more episodes for you all.

10. Northwest Division Preview

In Episode 9, James, Joey and Curtis break down the Central Division teams: Chicago Bulls (00:30), Cleveland Cavaliers (18:50), Indiana Pacers (30:00), Detroit Pistons (40:50) and the NBA Champion Milwaukee Bucks (45:45). The trio discuss each team’s biggest storylines going into the season, hypothetical (sometimes realistic, sometimes absurd) players to add and finally, predict every team’s ceiling and basement for the year.

In Episode 9, James, Joey and Curtis break down the Central Division teams: Chicago Bulls (00:30), Cleveland Cavaliers (18:50), Indiana Pacers (30:00), Detroit Pistons (40:50) and the NBA Champion Milwaukee Bucks (45:45). The trio discuss each team’s biggest storylines going into the season, hypothetical (sometimes realistic, sometimes absurd) players to add and finally, predict every team’s ceiling and basement for the year.

09. Central Division Preview

In Part 2 of the Pacific Division Preview, the trio break down the biggest storylines for the Golden State Warriors (00:30), Sacramento Kings (18:52) and Los Angeles Lakers (31:10). In the first half of this episode, they discuss the return of Klay Thompson, the Warrior’s title aspirations and some exciting young players on the Kings, before delving into all things Lakers to finish it off.

In Part 2 of the Pacific Division Preview, the trio break down the biggest storylines for the Golden State Warriors (00:30), Sacramento Kings (18:52) and Los Angeles Lakers (31:10). In the first half of this episode, they discuss the return of Klay Thompson, the Warrior’s title aspirations and some exciting young players on the Kings, before delving into all things Lakers to finish it off.

08. Pacific Division Preview Part 2

This week, the trio head over to the West Coast and tackle the Pacific Division. In part 1, Joey hosts the ‘Trevor Ariza’ game (00:40), before they tackle the big issues surrounding the Phoenix Suns (10:45) and Los Angeles Clippers (25:28), as well as discussing some (unrealistic) players to add to each team, and their respective ceilings and basements.

This week, the trio head over to the West Coast and tackle the Pacific Division. In part 1, Joey hosts the ‘Trevor Ariza’ game (00:40), before they tackle the big issues surrounding the Phoenix Suns (10:45) and Los Angeles Clippers (25:28), as well as discussing some (unrealistic) players to add to each team, and their respective ceilings and basements.

07. Pacific Division Preview Part 1

Kyle Lowry

The trio kick it off with another ‘Trevor Ariza’ game (01:00), before getting stuck into the second of six division previews, this time looking at the Southeast Division. The boys discuss their predicted season outlook for the Miami Heat (11:45), Washington Wizards (25:25), Orlando Magic (34:32), Charlotte Hornets (45:20) and Atlanta Hawks (57:10), before getting into each team’s ceiling and basement.

The trio kick it off with another ‘Trevor Ariza’ game (01:00), before getting stuck into the second of six division previews, this time looking at the Southeast Division. The boys discuss their predicted season outlook for the Miami Heat (11:45), Washington Wizards (25:25), Orlando Magic (34:32), Charlotte Hornets (45:20) and Atlanta Hawks (57:10), before getting into each team’s ceiling and basement.

06. Southeast Division Preview ft. Kyle Lowry's body fat %

The boys kick off the episode with the trickiest ‘Trevor Ariza’ game yet (00:32), before bringing you the first of six division previews, with this week’s iteration focusing on the Southwest teams: Memphis (10:05), San Antonio (19:37), New Orleans (24:40), Houston (36:14) and Dallas (45:25). They discuss notable additions and losses to the rosters, any exciting storylines and their predicted basements/ceilings for each squad.

The boys kick off the episode with the trickiest ‘Trevor Ariza’ game yet (00:32), before bringing you the first of six division previews, with this week’s iteration focusing on the Southwest teams: Memphis (10:05), San Antonio (19:37), New Orleans (24:40), Houston (36:14) and Dallas (45:25). They discuss notable additions and losses to the rosters, any exciting storylines and their predicted basements/ceilings for each squad.

05. Southwest Division Preview a.k.a. Luka is Slovenian Jesus

Stephen A. Smith

Curtis and Joey welcome our international correspondent Joe Arthur with the second iteration of the ‘Trevor Ariza’ game (1:05) before discussing some recent slanderous quotes by Paul Pierce and Rasheed Wallace about ESPN and LeBron’s ability to play in a ‘tougher’ era (8:15), as well as the lack of genuine animosity in today’s NBA (21:15). Then the group discuss how Stephen Curry has influenced the modern generation and in particular, how today’s youth learn the game of basketball (26:00). Next, Joe asks Joey and Curtis why they think Kobe was so special (33:10), before Joe gives his “MJ is the GOAT” argument and the trio debate whether they think LeBron has a killer mentality (43:35). Finally, they close off with a Down Under Draft on ‘NBA media personalities’ (58:50).

04. Generational Beef and Stephen A. Smith slander

This week the trio debut a new segment, The ‘Trevor Ariza’ Game, where James and Joey try to guess five mystery players that Curtis has chosen based on hints about their respective careers. After that, they discuss Ben Simmons’ true market value, as well as some potential trade destinations, including Portland, Chicago and Sacramento. Then they get into some BIG Tacko Fall news and talk about DeAndre Jordan’s likely signing by the Lakers following a buyout and trade from the Nets. Finally, they draft their favourite cereals in this week’s edition of the ‘Down Under Draft’. Time Stamps: The ‘Trevor Ariza’ Game (Guess the Mystery Player): (2:08) The Eric Bledsoe ‘I don’t want to be here’ trade news segment (Ben Simmons): (12:29) Some BIG Tacko Fall and DeAndre Jordan news: (50:40) Down Under Draft (Best Cereals): (56:12)

This week the trio debut a new segment, The ‘Trevor Ariza’ Game, where James and Joey try to guess five mystery players that Curtis has chosen based on hints about their respective careers. After that, they discuss Ben Simmons’ true market value, as well as some potential trade destinations, including Portland, Chicago and Sacramento. Then they get into some BIG Tacko Fall news and talk about DeAndre Jordan’s likely signing by the Lakers following a buyout and trade from the Nets. Finally, they draft their favourite cereals in this week’s edition of the ‘Down Under Draft’. Time Stamps: The ‘Trevor Ariza’ Game (Guess the Mystery Player): (2:08) The Eric Bledsoe ‘I don’t want to be here’ trade news segment (Ben Simmons): (12:29) Some BIG Tacko Fall and DeAndre Jordan news: (50:40) Down Under Draft (Best Cereals): (56:12)

03. Ben Simmons doesn't want to be here ft. The Ultimate Cereal Draft

This week the trio are joined by Michael Reid, a former teammate of Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Josh Giddey, for an in-depth discussion on the #6 NBA Draft pick. Mike shares what Josh was like at 15 years old, his mindset and how his skills will translate to the next level. After that, the foursome take part in the inaugural ‘Down Under Draft’, where they select their favourite McDonald’s menu items in a draft segment. Following on, they discuss Terry Rozier’s contract extension, the perils of betting on yourself (with Dennis Schroder being a prime example), Mike gives a Celtics offseason review and they summarise Lauri Markkanen’s sign and trade to the Cavaliers. To finish off, the trio recount an embarrassing/humiliating moment of the week in the brand new segment, ‘Maccas @ 1am’.  Time Stamps:  Josh Giddey interview with Mike Reid: 00:01:00 Down Under Draft: 00:49:07 Terry Rozier’s contract, the perils of betting on yourself (Dennis Schroder), the Celtics offseason review, Lauri Markannen to the Cavaliers: 00:58:11 Maccas @ 1am Moments: 01:22:16 

This week the trio are joined by Michael Reid, a former teammate of Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Josh Giddey, for an in-depth discussion on the #6 NBA Draft pick. Mike shares what Josh was like at 15 years old, his mindset and how his skills will translate to the next level. After that, the foursome take part in the inaugural ‘Down Under Draft’, where they select their favourite McDonald’s menu items in a draft segment. Following on, they discuss Terry Rozier’s contract extension, the perils of betting on yourself (with Dennis Schroder being a prime example), Mike gives a Celtics offseason review and they summarise Lauri Markkanen’s sign and trade to the Cavaliers. To finish off, the trio recount an embarrassing/humiliating moment of the week in the brand new segment, ‘Maccas @ 1am’. Time Stamps: <ul> <li>Josh Giddey interview with Mike Reid: 00:01:00</li> <li>Down Under Draft: 00:49:07</li> <li>Terry Rozier’s contract, the perils of betting on yourself (Dennis Schroder), the Celtics offseason review, Lauri Markannen to the Cavaliers: 00:58:11</li> <li>Maccas @ 1am Moments: 01:22:16</li> </ul>

02. An Interview with Josh Giddey's High School Teammate and NBA Offseason Talk

An NBA podcast coming to you from three Australians who like pretending their opinions are so important that they needed to put them on record. Hosted by Curtis, James and Joey, they bring you the buzz around the league with some peri-peri spicy hot takes, games and (hopefully) laughs along the way. If you have a topic or question you'd like us to discuss, please email in at theupanddownunderpod@gmail.com! Music credit: Intro/Outro: "Tribe by SENSHO" // Transition music: "Fly Away by Mountaineer" and "Moonshine by Prigida" // Old Intro: "Pharoah by Tatami"

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