In this episode, Stephen A. Smith, Monica McNutt, and Brian Windhorst react live to the breaking news on Julius Randle undergoing season-ending surgery on his right shoulder. The crew debates if they are higher on the Suns or Lakers heading into the NBA playoffs. Kimberley A. Martin and Damien Woody join the show to discuss the pressure is on Stefon Diggs after being traded to the Texans. Austin Rivers joins the show to discuss which player has the biggest influence on the NBA today. Lastly, the crew talks about who the most disappointing playoff contender is this season.
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Hour 2: Best Western

First Take is always a heated discussion as Stephen A. Smith and guests debate about the day's top stories.

Sports

Stephen A. Smith, Tim Legler, and Brian Windhorst debate who needs to step up more for the Timberwolves; Anthony Edwards or Karl-Anthony Towns? Ryan Clark and Damien Woody also join the show to get into the upcoming NFL schedule. RC gives us his favorite NFL team schedule video. They discuss how confident Cowboys’ fans should be in their team this season, with them being tied with the Jets for the most primetime games. Lastly, everyone roasts Stephen A. for saying he can score a basket on anyone in the world, including LeBron James and Michael Jordan.
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Hour 2: Trouble in Twin Cities?

Stephen A. Smith, Tim Legler, and Brian Windhorst debate which opponent will be next for the Celtics: Pacers or Knicks? They also debate who would they rather have between Luka Doncic or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in their Game 6 playoff matchup. The crew discuss if Rudy Gobert should be blamed for Nikola Jokic's big Game 5 playoff performance. Lastly, things get heated between Ryan Clark and Damien Woody with the Jets having six prime-time games in the first 11 weeks.
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Hour 1: Joker's Wild

Stephen A. Smith, Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, Kendrick Perkins, and Andraya Carter discuss which series will go to seven games; Timberwolves-Nuggets or Pacers-Knicks? Mad Dog answers fans' questions live using #AskFirstTake. The crew reacts live to Bronny James' comments regarding his goal to play in the NBA, not with his father LeBron. Lastly, it's Wednesday so you know Mad Dog has been waiting to tell us what he's mad about this week.
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Hour 2: King and I

Stephen A. Smith, Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, and Kendrick Perkins have a heated debate about the Knicks possibly clinching the series against the Pacers. They also debate if the Nuggets are taking over the series or the Timberwolves blew the series. Chiney Ogwumike and Andraya Carter join the show to discuss Caitlin Clark's WNBA debut against the Connecticut Sun. Lastly, the crew has Speed Debates on the Celtics' title chances, the Las Vegas Aces potentially becoming three-peat WNBA champions, and concerns regarding Luka Doncic.
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Hour 1: Orange and Blue Skies!

Shannon Sharpe, Tim Legler, and Brian Windhorst speculate if LeBron sitting courtside during the Cavaliers-Celtics game means a potential return to his hometown. The crew discusses if the winner of the Timberwolves-Nuggets series will be the title favorites. They also debate if the Big 3 era in the NBA is officially over. Lastly, they discuss the potential candidates for the Los Angeles Lakers' head coaching vacancy.
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Hour 2: Best Western

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