The Ja and Harden Situations, UFC 294, WWE vs. AEW, Guilty Pleasure TV Shows, and Million-Dollar Picks With Howard Beck, Ariel Helwani, and Amanda Dobbins
Oct 20, 2023
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Howard Beck, a veteran NBA writer, shares insights on the Ja Morant and James Harden trade debacle, dissecting its implications for their teams. Ariel Helwani dives into the latest from UFC 294, comparing the dynamics of boxing and MMA, while also addressing the rivalry between WWE and AEW. Amanda Dobbins hilariously critiques 'The Morning Show', highlighting its absurdities and the guilty pleasure of watching it. Expect entertaining commentary on sports, pop culture, and strategic betting picks throughout the discussion.
Ja Morant and James Harden's campaign to leave the 76ers is a major NBA news story.
There are stealth NBA storylines to watch, such as the urgency creeping up on the Cavaliers and Ben Simmons in Brooklyn.
Bill Simmons gives out his Million-Dollar Picks for NFL Week 7.
Ariel Helwani discusses the future of boxing, UFC 294, and AEW.
'The Morning Show' on Apple TV+ is a show that is loved to be hated for its unrealistic portrayal of the news industry.
'The Morning Show' has confusing plotlines, inconsistent writing, and unclear character motivations.
Deep dives
Washington vs. Giants
Stay away. Giants have QB issues and Washington's offensive line is struggling.
Buccaneers vs. Falcons
Stay away. Both teams have questionable quarterbacks.
Raiders vs. Bears
Stay away. Uncertainty at quarterback for both teams.
Chiefs vs. Chargers
Stay away. Chiefs are not performing at their usual level.
Intriguing Matchup: Alex Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev
With the original main event scrapped, Alex Volkanovski steps up on 11 days' notice to take on Islam Makhachev. This is a high-stakes fight for Volkanovski, who is the featherweight champion moving up a weight class. A win here could earn him a title shot in the lightweight division. Makhachev, on the other hand, aims to avenge his controversial loss to Volkanovski from earlier this year. This matchup promises to be a thrilling clash between two talented fighters.
Unexpected Twist: Hanzaat Chamaev vs. Kamaru Usman
Originally set to face Paulo Costa, Hanzaat Chamaev now finds himself taking on Kamaru Usman on short notice. This is a huge opportunity for Chamaev, who is considered one of the rising stars in the sport. With a win over Usman, he could solidify his status as a top contender. However, Usman is a formidable opponent and will not be an easy challenge for Chamaev. This fight has the potential to be a game-changer in the welterweight division.
Exciting Matchup: Johnny Walker vs. Magomed Ankalya
In the light heavyweight division, Johnny Walker faces Magomed Ankalya in a highly anticipated bout. Walker has been on a winning streak and a victory here could earn him a shot at the title. However, Ankalya is known for his strength and durability, making him a tough opponent. This matchup is sure to deliver fireworks and could have significant implications for the light heavyweight division.
Young Prospect to Watch: Mohamed Mahayav vs. Tim Elliott
Mohamed Mahayav, one of the youngest fighters in the UFC, faces veteran Tim Elliott in a fight that could propel him further towards his goal of becoming the youngest champion in UFC history. Mahayav is considered a rising star, and a win over Elliott would further solidify his status. This fight promises to be an exciting clash between two talented fighters.
The Morning Show
The summary explores the ridiculousness of the TV show 'The Morning Show', highlighting its unrealistic portrayal of the news industry and its tendency to tackle real-life events with questionable accuracy and relevance. The summary discusses the confusing plotlines, over-the-top production values, and the standout performance of Billy Crudup. It also mentions the guilty pleasure aspect of watching the show and the anticipation of future absurd storylines.
The Writing Inconsistencies
The summary points out the inconsistent and confusing writing in the show, highlighting how plotlines are dropped or abruptly changed with no logical progression. It mentions the lack of character development and the unclear motivations of certain characters like Stella. The summary questions the show's obsession with real-life events and wonders if it is successful in its attempts to explore complex themes like ambition and the challenges faced by women in the industry.
Predictions and Guilty Pleasure
The summary speculates on future plot developments, suggesting that the show might revisit the hack storyline and introduce a Hunter Biden-like character. It also ponders the fate of the Bradley Jackson character and the possibility of Billy Crudup's character leaving the show. The summary concludes by emphasizing the guilty pleasure aspect of watching the show, acknowledging the enjoyment derived from its ridiculousness and absurdity.
The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Howard Beck to discuss some NBA news stories, including the ESPN article about Ja Morant and James Harden's campaign to leave the 76ers (3:27), before talking about some stealth NBA story lines—like the sense of urgency creeping up on the Cavaliers, Ben Simmons in Brooklyn, and more (33:00). Then Bill runs through his stay-aways and gives out his Million-Dollar Picks for NFL Week 7 (50:00). Next Bill is joined by Ariel Helwani to do a quick check-in on the Bills and Knicks, and discuss Misfits Boxing, the future of the sport of boxing, UFC 294, AEW, and more (1:04:04). Finally Bill and Amanda Dobbins discuss the show they love to hate: 'The Morning Show' on Apple TV+ (1:55:00).
Host: Bill Simmons
Guests: Howard Beck, Ariel Helwani, and Amanda Dobbins
Producer: Kyle Crichton
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