The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss a hard-fought Lakers win in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, the Lakers' role players stepping up, Jimmy Butler’s ascension to a “top-10 guy,” superb defensive play by Anthony Davis, LeBron’s command of the series and what a fourth NBA title will do for his legacy, Anthony Davis contract speculation, and more. Then Bill is joined by author Chuck Klosterman to remember the late Eddie Van Halen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas...
Oct 07, 2020•2 hr 9 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss Jimmy Butler willing the Heat to a win over the Lakers in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. They also recap NFL Week 4, including the Cowboys' 49-38 loss to the Browns, Panthers-Cardinals, Joe Burrow vs. “the spread,” Bills-Raiders, Giants-Rams, Tom Brady throwing five TDs in a win over the Chargers, Bears-Colts, and more before guessing the NFL lines for Week 5. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Oct 05, 2020•1 hr 33 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by ESPN’s Stugotz of 'The Dan Le Batard Show' to discuss the Miami Heat’s rough start to the NBA Finals, the Heat’s depleted roster, Finals MVP speculation, the city of Miami’s relationship with LeBron James, another sad NY Jets season, and more. Then Bill brings in Joe House to make some NFL Million Dollar Picks. Finally, Bill talks with The Ringer’s Mallory Rubin and Nora Princiotti about the NFL season, including the Ravens' struggles against the Chiefs las...
Oct 02, 2020•2 hr 12 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons shares his NBA Finals pick (2:20) before he's joined by renowned sports journalist Jackie MacMullan to discuss the Clippers and Doc Rivers parting ways, the Clippers' playoffs collapse, the Celtics' playoffs exit, enticing NBA Finals story lines, and more (6:00). Then Bill talks with World Series champion CC Sabathia about the MLB playoffs, the New York Yankees taking care of business against the Cleveland Indians, World Series predictions, the age-old question of restr...
Sep 30, 2020•1 hr 57 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss the Celtics getting bounced out of the playoffs, a Heat-Lakers NBA Finals, finals gambling odds, and more (2:03). Then they discuss Sunday's NFL slate, including the Saints' loss to the Packers, the Patriots pulling out a win over the Raiders, the 3-0 Chicago Bears, Bills-Rams, Cowboys-Seahawks, the disappointing Eagles-Bengals tie, Lions-Cardinals, and more (14:08). They then guess the NFL lines for Week 4 (57:05) and share another ed...
Sep 28, 2020•1 hr 38 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Lakers win over the Nuggets in game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, officiating LeBron James, the Celtics struggling vs the Heat's zone defense, a defining moment for Tyler Herro, James Harden trade rumors and more (2:29). Finally Bill bounces his Million Dollar NFL Picks off of Ryen (1:26:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Sep 25, 2020•1 hr 56 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons shares his thoughts on the Nuggets' comeback win in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals vs. the Lakers, as well as the player combination of LeBron James and Anthony Davis and where it ranks among the historic NBA duos (3:04). Then he is joined by Showtime’s Desus Nice and The Kid Mero to discuss NYC during the pandemic; New York sports; the NBA playoffs; MLB, adjusting to doing ‘Desus & Mero’ from home; interviewing late-night icon David Letterman; their new bo...
Sep 23, 2020•2 hr 5 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss a nail-biter between the Seahawks and the Patriots, a miracle comeback by the Cowboys against the Falcons, the Chief’s overtime win vs. the Chargers led by rookie QB Justin Herbert, an injury-plagued NFL Sunday, another Vikings collapse, Buccaneers-Panthers, the 2-0 Chicago Bears, cross-off teams, and more (2:30), before guessing the NFL lines for Week 3 (56:18). Then they briefly discuss the NBA conference finals (1:21:35), before clo...
Sep 21, 2020•1 hr 43 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by sports media legend Jackie MacMullan to discuss the Heat winning another close Eastern Conference finals game against the Celtics to bring the series to 2-0, the construction of the Miami Heat, the tenacious Denver Nuggets, the brilliance of Nikola Jokic, where the Clippers went wrong, how the 2020 NBA playoffs will be viewed historically, sports reporting in 2020, Jackie's advice to young journalists, and more (3:40). Then Bill gives out some Million Dolla...
Sep 18, 2020•1 hr 37 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Clippers collapse in game seven of of the Western Conference Semifinals vs. the Nuggets, where this game ranks among historic playoff collapses, how the Nuggets match up with the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, panic Clippers trades and more (2:55). Then Bill and Ryen talk about the Heat beating the Celtics in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals, what Rockets should do next, and more (1:20:40). Learn more about yo...
Sep 16, 2020•2 hr 1 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss the Cowboys' gut-wrenching loss to the Rams, no-fan football, trouble in Tompa Bay, gambling disasters, the Bears' comeback win, Cam Newton's Patriots debut, the savvy Cardinals, and more (1:55), before guessing the NFL lines for Week 2 (54:48). Finally, Bill and Sal close out with another edition of Parent Corner (1:24:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Sep 14, 2020•1 hr 38 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons shares his thoughts on Lakers-Rockets and the NFL season opener in which the Chiefs rolled the Texans, before kicking off Million Dollar Picks for NFL Week 1 (3:35). Then Bill is joined by Raja Bell to discuss the Celtics-Raptors series, Game 6, the Raptors' effective defense, the Heat awaiting their opponent for the Eastern Conference Finals, Brooklyn Nets new head coach Steve Nash, and more (34:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Sep 11, 2020•1 hr 52 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons shares his thoughts on Lakers-Rockets and Celtics-Raptors (2:53) before he is joined by Cousin Sal to discuss Bill’s favorite storylines heading into the NFL season (17:22). Then they kick off their FOURTEENTH season of Guess the Lines and guess the NFL lines for Week 1. Finally, Parent Corner returns (1:05:55). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 09, 2020•1 hr 57 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Bucks’ playoff turmoil, whether Giannis will re-sign with the Bucks, the Heat’s rising playoffs expectations, Clippers-Nuggets, Raptors-Celtics, Steve Nash as the Nets head coach, Bill’s son Ben’s first-ever fantasy football draft, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 07, 2020•1 hr 56 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons reacts to the Raptors' last-second victory over the Boston Celtics to bring the series to 2-1, as well as the Rockets' Game 7 against the Thunder (1:13). Then Bill is joined by 3x NBA champion and Miami Heat member Andre Iguodala to discuss joining the Heat in February of 2020; playing with teammates like Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and Jimmy Butler; the toughest NBA players he ever had to guard; pausing the playoffs and the large player meeting that foll...
Sep 04, 2020•2 hr 21 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons talks with Joe House about the Utah Jazz exiting the NBA playoffs in a Game 7 loss to the Denver Nuggets, James Harden's "disappearance" during Rockets-Thunder Game 6, and the monumental stakes for Houston in the upcoming Game 7. Plus: Celtics-Raptors, the Heat giving the Bucks trouble, and more (1:25). Then Bill is joined by ESPN's fantasy football guru, Matthew Berry, to gear up for the start of the NFL season. They talk top skill-position players, strategies for snak...
Sep 02, 2020•2 hr 12 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the stunning Jamal Murray performance that has forced a Nuggets-Jazz Game 7, NBA players’ strides in working toward social justice, the Mavericks’ playoff exit on a hopeful note for next season, Lakers Round 2 speculation, broadcast gripes, the Celtics beating the Raptors in Game 1 of the semifinals, Rockets-Thunder, how the Heat match up with the Bucks, a Parent Corner preview, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podc...
Aug 31, 2020•2 hr 15 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons sat down with actor Chadwick Boseman to talk about sports movies, making biopics, '42,' 'Draft Day,' 'Black Panther,' '21 Bridges,' NFL, NBA, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 29, 2020•54 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by civil rights activist and podcaster DeRay Mckesson to discuss the great strides made by Campaign Zero in police reform, the NBA players’ decision to pause the playoffs in wake of the shooting of Jacob Blake, how NBA teams could make the greatest impact in their own cities, and more (5:50). Then Bill talks with Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated and DAZN about journalism and media rules in the NBA bubble, Wednesday's meeting with NBA players and coaches, and...
Aug 28, 2020•1 hr 50 min
The Ringer’s Raja Bell and Logan Murdock react to the Clippers’ merciless win over the Mavericks, some heated exchanges on the court, Paul George’s postgame comments about being “checked out” in the bubble, the Nuggets pulling out a win vs. the Jazz, and more (2:18). Then Bill Simmons talks with The Ringer’s Jonathan Tjarks about the Thunder-Rockets Round 1 playoff series, what the 76ers should be looking to do next, the Nuggets-Jazz series, 2021 NBA draft prospects, and more (38:35). Finally, B...
Aug 26, 2020•2 hr 16 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss Luka Doncic and the Mavericks' win over the Clippers, tying the series at 2-2; the 76ers getting swept by the Celtics in another disappointing playoff exit; the Jazz working toward upsetting the Nuggets with another win; Round 2 speculations; teams that should be looking to trade in the offseason; Quarantine Corner; and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Aug 24, 2020•2 hr 20 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Raja Bell, Ryen Russillo, and Kevin O’Connor discuss Tuesday first few days of NBA playoff basketball, and some of the top draft prospects, before reacting to the 2021 NBA Draft Lottery (4:35). Then talks with The Ringer’s Nora Princiotti about the approaching 2021 NFL season, how empty NFL stadiums could affect on field play, the “battle” for the Patriots starting QB position, the live music void in the pandemic, music documentaries and more (1:34:15). Lea...
Aug 21, 2020•2 hr 12 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House fresh off of the Lakers' Round 1 loss to the Trail Blazers. They also discuss Bucks-Magic, Celtics-76ers, Heat-Pacers, Rockets-Thunder, Game 2 gambling odds, and more (1:55). Then Bill is joined by WWE legend turned executive, "The King of Kings" Triple H to discuss how the WWE adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic so quickly, the impact fans have on pro wrestling, unveiling 'WWE ThunderDome,' working closely with Vince McMahon, searching for the next ...
Aug 19, 2020•1 hr 39 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the NBA’s delightful play-in game format for the bottom NBA playoff seeds (2:30). Then Bill shares his list of the 25 most intriguing people in the 2020 NBA playoffs (21:03). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 17, 2020•2 hr
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Raja Bell to discuss the ferocity of Damian Lillard’s game, stories from playing with Allen Iverson and Steve Nash, what a Lakers–Trail Blazers Round 1 playoff series would look like, searching for consistency from Joel Embiid, and much more (3:43). Then Bill talks with his buddy JackO about the MLB, Giancarlo Stanton’s recent hamstring injury, Jose Altuve’s hitting slump, the St. Louis Cardinals’ troubles with positive COVID-19 tests, and more. They also d...
Aug 14, 2020•1 hr 44 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Kevin Clark to discuss an unprecedented NFL season, the NFL draft, college coaches potentially signing on as consultants, the possibility of regular-season games during the week, a fundamental change to “home-field advantage,” and more (3:05). Then Bill is joined by actor and cannabis farmer Jim Belushi to discuss his new show on Discovery Channel, ‘Growing Belushi,’ as well as Last Prisoner Project, a nonprofit that works to secure the release of nonviolen...
Aug 12, 2020•1 hr 43 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the increasingly grim outlook for college football in 2020 (2:20) and Collin Morikawa winning the PGA championship (18:10). They also discuss the excellent play of Luka Doncic, the red-hot Phoenix Suns, the unlucky 76ers, the Pelicans' breakdown, the Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard’s comments toward Paul George and Patrick Beverley, and more (35:32). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Aug 10, 2020•1 hr 57 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to discuss the surging Trail Blazers, who beat the Nuggets and Rockets in their last two games. They also discuss “wild-card guys,” including Michael Porter Jr., Fred VanVleet, Zach Collins, and Deandre Ayton; the disappointing Mavericks; the PGA Championship in San Francisco; and more (2:15). Finally Bill talks with comedian and actor Hannibal Buress about his new comedy special ‘Miami Nights,’ his decision to release it on YouTube, Bill's and Ha...
Aug 07, 2020•1 hr 45 min
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons talks with Warriors head coach Steve Kerr about the NBA restart, the evolution of basketball, the Warriors' (much needed) break from the NBA playoffs, scouting for the NBA draft during the pandemic, the NBA’s focus on social justice, reminiscing on his time with the Chicago Bulls after watching ‘The Last Dance,’ and more (5:00). Then Bill is joined by Nathan Hubbard to discuss the PGA Tour and the upcoming PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco, as well a...
Aug 05, 2020•1 hr 40 min
The Ringer's Bill Simmons reunites with Ryen Russillo to talk NBA bubble basketball! They share some of the notable differences between traditional NBA games and bubble games; discuss Rockets-Bucks, Celtics–Trail Blazers, Pacers-76ers, and Lakers-Raptors; and answer the question "Who is the third-best team in the West?" Plus: the wild-card 76ers, the most fun playoffs matchups, sleeper teams, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Aug 03, 2020•1 hr 58 min