The Bill Simmons Podcast Most Surprising NBA Player Leaps With Tim Legler, Plus NFL Holiday Picks With Joe House
92 snips
Dec 23, 2025 
Tim Legler, a former NBA player and savvy analyst, shares insights on surprising team performances, spotlighting the Celtics' similarities to last year's Pacers. He evaluates standout players and discusses the pressures of the trade deadline. Joe House, a sports writer and betting expert, joins to offer his Ringer 107 NFL holiday picks, emphasizing matchups like Panthers vs. Seahawks. The duo dives into festive betting strategies and speculates on players’ impacts in the ongoing seasons.
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Seven Legitimate Contenders
- Multiple teams (OKC, Denver, Houston, Detroit, Minnesota, New York, San Antonio) currently present legitimate title cases, making the league wide-open.
- Tim Legler argues the core question is which team can realistically be the last West and East standing against Oklahoma City.
Draymond's Value Is Tipping
- Draymond Green's recurring emotional outbursts now clash with declining offense and increased turnovers.
- Legler suggests Golden State must weigh if Draymond's non-basketball costs now offset his still-useful playmaking and defense.
Use Warm Road Trips To Reset
- Prioritize rest and manage travel during winter road trips to avoid midseason performance drops.
- Legler points out warm-city road trips (Miami, Orlando) can recharge players and improve on-court feel.