THE HERD - Hour 2 - NBA Playoff Predictions, NBA Attendance at an all-time high, can KAT carry Knicks?

The Herd with Colin Cowherd41mApril 16, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Jason McIntyre takes the reins for Hour 2, diving into NBA playoff predictions, attendance records, and the question of whether Kevin Durant can carry the Houston Rockets. McIntyre lays out his bold bracket picks, favoring the Spurs to win the Finals despite their lack of playoff experience, and defends the Rockets' young core after losing key veterans. Former NBA player Ryan Hollins joins to provide insider insight, praising Kevin Durant's leadership and performance while dismissing criticisms of 'tanking' and arguing that the NBA's recent changes—like exempting injured players from the 65-game eligibility rule—are long overdue. The discussion shifts to the broader state of the NBA, with both hosts agreeing that attendance and TV ratings are surging, debunking the myth of a 'tanking crisis.' Rachel Nichols contributes breaking news about the Jets' pre-draft decision on edge rusher David Bailey, raising questions about off-field conduct. The episode closes with a spirited debate on LeBron James' legacy and the importance of context when evaluating star performances in high-pressure playoff scenarios.

Key Takeaways
1

Kevin Durant has had a historic season with the Rockets, leading the NBA in 'gravity' and showing exceptional leadership despite team struggles.

2

The NBA's play-in tournament has been a massive success, with high ratings and attendance, disproving claims of a 'tanking crisis'.

3

The Spurs' young core, led by Wemby, could be a dark horse in the playoffs despite lacking experience.

4

Injuries and rest are not the same as tanking—players like Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham should be exempt from the 65-game rule.

5

The Jets' decision to cancel David Bailey's pre-draft visit may signal internal concerns about his off-field behavior, despite strong on-field production.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
5 min

Sponsor & Intro: The Herd Live on Fox Sports Radio

The episode opens with promotional content for multiple iHeartRadio podcasts, including The Girlfriends, Playing Along, Thanks Dad, and Love Trapped, followed by a reminder to tune in live on Fox Sports Radio weekdays at noon Eastern.

4:40
8 min

NBA Playoff Bracket Picks: Jason's Bold Predictions

Give me the Spurs winning the NBA Finals. Those are my playoff picks. You can mock me in, what, two months when the playoffs are over?

Highlight
12:10
12 min

Ryan Hollins on the Rockets: Leadership, Growth, and KD's Legacy

He's had literally a historic season. He passed Michael. He passed Dirk. Like, like his efficiency, the numbers in which way he does it.

Highlight
24:10
9 min

The Real Issue: Tanking, Rest, and the 65-Game Rule

Tanking is the symptom. It is the symptom of the problem that teams don't have enough good ways to get better anymore.

Highlight
33:20
9 min

Spurs vs. Thunder: Can Wemby Break Through?

Rachel Nichols and Jason discuss the Spurs' potential to upset the Thunder, emphasizing Wembenyama's dominance and the team's depth. They debate whether the Spurs can handle the physicality and playoff pressure.

High-Impact Quotes
He's had literally a historic season. He passed Michael. He passed Dirk. Like, like his efficiency, the numbers in which way he does it.
Ryan Hollins10:29
Viral: 90.0
Tanking is the symptom. It is the symptom of the problem that teams don't have enough good ways to get better anymore.
Ryan Hollins20:51
Viral: 88.0
Give me the Spurs winning the NBA Finals. Those are my playoff picks. You can mock me in, what, two months when the playoffs are over?
Jason McIntyre7:24
Viral: 85.0
Speakers

Host

Jason McIntyre

Guests

Ryan HollinsRachel Nichols
Topics Discussed
NBA Playoff Predictions95%Kevin Durant's Leadership90%NBA Attendance and Ratings88%Play-In Tournament Success87%Tanking in the NBA85%Wembenyama's Playoff Potential80%LeBron James Legacy78%David Bailey Draft Controversy75%
People & Brands

Kevin Durant

person

25xNeutral

Houston Rockets

other

20xPositive

Ryan Hollins

person

18xPositive

LeBron James

person

17xNeutral

San Antonio Spurs

other

16xPositive

Jason McIntyre

person

15xNeutral

Oklahoma City Thunder

other

14xNeutral

New York Knicks

other

13xPositive

Wembenyama

person

12xPositive

Rachel Nichols

person

12xPositive

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