The Bill Simmons Podcast A Rockets Gut Punch, Expectations for the Celtics and Pacers, and a Vegas Tourism Slump With Zach Lowe, Sean Fennessey, and Chris Ryan
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Sep 23, 2025 
Zach Lowe, a veteran NBA reporter, dives into the impact of Fred VanVleet's injury on the Rockets' title chances. He discusses potential trade options and Houston's draft assets. Sean Fennessey and Chris Ryan bring their expertise to explore the current slump in Las Vegas tourism, analyzing shifts in gambling habits and rising costs. The conversation delves into how these changes might transform the famed city's landscape, as well as conversing about the Celtics' and Pacers' prospects for the upcoming season.
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VanVleet Injury Kills Rockets' Title Odds
- Fred VanVleet's ACL injury turned Houston from a genuine title contender into a team with a serious playoff question mark.
- Zach Lowe argues VanVleet's low-mistake, calming guard play was uniquely vital and his loss creates matchup vulnerabilities in the West.
Act Quickly To Replace VanVleet
- If you're the Rockets, consider pursuing a proven guard before the playoffs rather than waiting for Reed Shepard to fully develop.
- Use VanVleet's salary as trade filler and leverage Houston's future-first assets to fetch an immediate stopgap playmaker.
Rocket Picks Are Trade Currency
- Houston's asset web (swaps and picks including Phoenix's unprotected pick) gives them high trade flexibility despite losing immediate guard play.
- Zach and Bill see those picks as high-value chips that justify aggressive roster moves this season.
